Automations Overview
DonorDock provides two tools for creating automated donor engagement workflows: Automations and Journeys.
Automations allow you to build custom workflows that begin when a specific Trigger occurs.
Journeys provide pre-configured engagement paths designed around common donor segments and stages of the donor relationship.
How Automations Work
Automations consist of a Trigger followed by one or more Steps. The Trigger determines when the Automation begins, while the Steps determine what DonorDock should do after that Trigger occurs.
Each Automation can include up to 20 steps.
When a contact enters an Automation, the configured steps are created at the same time. Individual steps can occur immediately or have a due date or send date scheduled for up to 365 days after the Trigger.
For example:
Trigger: New Gift Created
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Step 1: Send a Thank You Text
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Step 2: Add the Contact to a Marketing List
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Step 3: Schedule a Follow-Up Phone Call for 7 Days Later
This lets you create a series of follow-up actions around a specific event while controlling when each action takes place.
Running and Draft Automations
The number of Automations that can be running at one time depends on your DonorDock subscription level.
There is no limit to the number of Automations you can create and keep in Draft status.
Access Your Automations
Log in to your DonorDock account.
From the main navigation menu, open Automations.
Select Automations.
Use the available tabs to view your organization's Running and Draft Automations.
From here, you can create and manage the custom Automations used by your organization.
Donor Journeys
Donor Journeys are intentional, step-by-step engagement paths designed to help guide donors through meaningful interactions with your organization.
Journeys combine automation with common donor engagement strategies, giving you a starting point for communicating with and following up with different types of supporters.
DonorDock provides pre-configured Journey templates that you can customize with your own email content, timing, tasks, and engagement strategy.
The Six Strategic Donor Segments
DonorDock includes Journey templates for six common donor segments:
First-Time Donors: Individuals who have made their first contribution.
Recurring Donors: Supporters who give on a regular basis.
Prospective Donors: Individuals who have shown interest in your organization but have not yet donated.
Mid-Level Donors: Donors who contribute at a moderate giving level.
Major Donors: High-contributing supporters who may benefit from more personalized cultivation and stewardship.
Lapsed Donors: Previous donors who have not given recently.
These templates provide a starting framework that you can adjust to match your organization's communication style and donor engagement process.
Access and Start a Journey
Log in to your DonorDock account.
From the main navigation menu, open Automations.
Select Journeys.
Select the Journey you want to review, such as First-Time Donor, Lapsed Donor, or Recurring Donor.
Review and customize the Journey's email content, timing, tasks, and other steps to fit your organization's engagement strategy.
When you are ready to activate the Journey, click Start.
Once started, the Journey can help your organization consistently follow up with donors based on where they are in their relationship with your organization.