A Cadence is built as a sequence of steps. Each step specifies a type of touch point (email, call, or task), the number of days after the previous step when it should occur, and the content or instructions for that step. When a lead is enrolled in a Cadence, the system generates tasks for the rep at each step interval and can automatically send pre-written emails on the rep’s behalf.
Cadences can have exit conditions – for example, a lead is automatically unenrolled if they reply to an email, book a meeting, or are converted. This prevents reps from continuing outreach to leads who are already engaged.
Each step in a Cadence can be a Cadence Step (a scheduled touch point) or a Cadence Boost (an additional outreach triggered by a signal, such as the lead opening an email). Boosts allow reps to strike while the iron is hot when a prospect shows intent signals.
A Workflow Rule with a Scheduled Action can send automated emails at intervals, but it does not create visible tasks for the rep or combine calls, emails, and manual follow-ups in a single sequence. Cadences are designed for rep-assisted outreach where both automated and manual steps are combined.
A Cadence in Zoho CRM is an automated multi-step outreach sequence that schedules a series of emails, calls, and tasks for a sales rep over a defined period. It ensures consistent follow-up with leads and contacts without the rep having to manually plan each touch point.
A Cadence is rep-assisted and includes both automated emails and manually prompted tasks (calls, personal follow-ups). A Drip Campaign (from Zoho Campaigns) is fully automated email-only outreach. Cadences are designed for one-to-one sales outreach; drip campaigns are for one-to-many marketing outreach.
Yes. You can configure exit conditions for a Cadence – for example, unenrol the lead automatically if they reply to an email, book a demo, or if their Lead Status changes to ‘Qualified’. This prevents continued outreach to prospects who have already responded.
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