Summary: This guide explains how to automatically create a follow-up task when someone attends an event for the first time. Whether it’s a Sunday service or a Small Group, this automation ensures no new guest goes unnoticed.
Before You Begin
Run Frequency: This automation runs daily at 9:00 AM.
Multiple Events Logic: When selecting events for this task, you can choose one single event or a group of events.
Grouping Events: If you select multiple events (e.g., "9am Service" AND "11am Service") in a single task, the automation treats them as one category. If a person attends the 9am regularly and then visits the 11am, no new follow-up is triggered because they have already attended one of the events in that group.
Separate Tasks: If you specifically want to know when a 9am attender switches to the 11am for the first time, you must set up two separate automation tasks—one specifically for the 9am and one specifically for the 11am.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Stage 1: Access Automations
Navigate to Account Settings (⚙️) in the top-right corner.
Select Automations from the dropdown menu.
Click the + Add Task button.
Select Follow Up with New Attenders from the list.
Stage 2: Configure Event Criteria
Select Event(s): Choose the specific event (or events) you want to monitor for new guests.
Select Follow Up: Choose which follow-up task should be created (e.g., "First Time Guest Text" or "Send Welcome Bag").
Stage 3: Configure Advanced Options
You will see an option to refine who counts as "New."
Include people who haven't attended in 18 months:
Checked: This allows you to re-engage lapsed attenders. If someone hasn't shown up in over a year and a half and suddenly returns, the system treats them as "New" and triggers the follow-up.
Unchecked: The automation triggers only for people who have absolutely zero attendance history for this event series.
Stage 4: Activate
Click Add Task to save.
Use Cases
Sunday Morning Welcome Create a task that alerts your Connections Director whenever a "First Time Visitor" checks into the Sunday Service. This ensures they receive a welcome packet or a personal phone call the following week.
Small Group Onboarding When someone joins a Bible Study or Class for the first time, use this automation to alert the leader. This "task" can serve as a reminder to send the new member the class schedule, roster, and study materials.
Re-Engagement Use the "18-month" setting to catch people "slipping back in" after a long absence. A simple "We're so glad to see you again!" note can make a huge difference in retaining returning members.