AviaryAI SendGrid Automation Plan — Tier 1 & Tier 2/3 Campaigns
Overview
AviaryAI's 500-account credit union target list is split into two automation tracks, both running through SendGrid. The core challenge: Aaron (sole AE) must personally work 90 high-touch ABM accounts while simultaneously maintaining pressure on the remaining 410. Email automation is the primary lever to make this volume feasible without additional headcount.
This plan was defined during the [1] weekly call on 2026-02-11 and is being implemented in coordination with the broader [2].
Tier 1 — High-Touch ABM Sequence (90 Accounts)
What It Is
A personalized, 30-day outreach sequence for each of the 90 Tier 1 credit union accounts. Each account has a bespoke strategy document with pre-written email copy, subject line variants, cadencing rules, and LinkedIn touchpoint instructions.
Email Structure
- Sequence length: 30 days
- Touch cadence: Emails on days 0, 4, 9, and additional intervals; LinkedIn touchpoints interspersed
- Copy: Pre-written per account, including A/B subject lines — Aaron copies and sends (or automation sends on his behalf)
- Cadencing rules: Never send two emails in the same week to the same contact; branch logic if primary or secondary contact engages
Automation Approach
- Emails will be automated via SendGrid, using the pre-written copy from each account's strategy document
- Prerequisite: Aaron must update the SendGrid sender account email to
asymmetric.com(currently misconfigured) - LinkedIn steps in the sequence cannot yet be automated — Aaron executes these manually and marks them done
- Contingency: If SendGrid automation is delayed, a manual operator ("minion") can be given Aaron's email login to execute Day 0 sends across all 90 accounts from a task list
Status
- [ ] Aaron to update SendGrid sender to
asymmetric.com - [ ] Mark to send automation options to Aaron/Justin, then implement
- [ ] Mark to upload all 90 strategy docs to HubSpot company records (docs contain the email copy)
Tier 2/3 — Cold Drip Campaign (410 Accounts)
What It Is
A scalable, lower-touch cold outreach sequence for the ~410 accounts not in the Tier 1 ABM pool. These accounts receive a standardized drip rather than personalized ABM treatment.
Email Structure
- Sequence length: 10 emails
- Cadence: Once per week
- Copy: Already written; needs to be loaded into SendGrid
Engagement Trigger Logic
| Event | Action |
|---|---|
| Account opens 3 emails (any order) | Aaron is notified to reach out personally |
| Account responds positively to personal outreach | Account is promoted to Tier 1 ABM sequence in HubSpot |
| No engagement after 10 emails | Sequence ends; account remains in pool for future review |
This trigger-based escalation path means the drip campaign functions as a qualification layer — surfacing warm accounts from the 410 for Aaron to convert into active ABM targets.
Status
- [ ] Sebastian to build the 10-email drip campaign in SendGrid
- [ ] Sebastian to configure the 3-open notification alert to Aaron
- [ ] Aaron to update SendGrid sender to
asymmetric.com(shared dependency with Tier 1)
LinkedIn Automation — Open Question
LinkedIn steps are embedded in the Tier 1 30-day sequences but cannot currently be automated due to platform restrictions. Both Mark and Aaron are independently researching solutions.
- Mark: Has two research projects underway on LinkedIn automation tools
- Aaron: Will consult his sales network for tools they're using
Until a solution is found, LinkedIn steps remain manual. See [3] if that article exists, or track via action items below.
Action items:
- [ ] Mark to research LinkedIn automation options and update the team
- [ ] Aaron to ask his sales network what tools they use for LinkedIn automation
Key Decisions
- SendGrid over HubSpot Sequences: HubSpot marketing automation tools would require an additional purchase; SendGrid handles both tracks without that cost
- Tier 1 emails are automated, LinkedIn is manual: Accepted tradeoff until a compliant LinkedIn automation tool is identified
- 3-open trigger for Tier 2/3 escalation: Chosen as a signal of genuine interest without requiring a reply; keeps Aaron's personal outreach focused on warm prospects
- All 90 Tier 1 accounts launch simultaneously: No staggering needed since target companies don't communicate with each other; Aaron prefers to move through all 500 accounts within ~6 months
Related
- [4]
- [5]
- [6]