How do triggered emails differ from workflows?

Triggered emails and workflows (also called automation sequences or journeys) are related but distinct concepts.

Triggered email:

A single email sent in response to a specific trigger. One event, one email.

Example: Order confirmation email when purchase is made.

Workflow:

A sequence of emails (and often other actions) that unfold over time based on triggers, delays, and conditions.

Example: Welcome series = Day 0 welcome → Day 3 product intro → Day 7 social proof → Day 14 offer.

Key differences:

Complexity: Triggered emails are simple. Workflows can have branching logic, multiple emails, and conditional paths.

Duration: Triggered emails are instant. Workflows unfold over days, weeks, or months.

Logic: Triggered emails usually lack conditions. Workflows can include "if/then" branching, wait steps, and exits.

When to use triggered emails:

Single-response situations
Transactional confirmations
Simple notifications
Real-time alerts

When to use workflows:

Nurturing over time
Onboarding sequences
Complex buyer journeys
Multi-touch campaigns
Behavior-responsive series

Workflow features:

Time delays between steps
Conditional branching ("if clicked, send A; if not, send B")
Goal completion exits (stop if they purchase)
Multiple entry/exit points
Integration with other actions (CRM updates, notifications)

A triggered email is a response. A workflow is a conversation. One is reactive. The other is strategic and ongoing.