Automated Email Replies

I built an automation that replies to emails when I’m not at my desk… and it still feels personal.

Here’s how it works ?

When someone on my list replies to an email with the word "template" (I specifically ask them to do this if they want my VA template), a Gmail search looks for replies to one of two subject lines, makes sure the message isn’t from me, and includes the word "template".

Then it automatically sends a reply:

“Hey, thanks so much for being on my mailing list. This is an automated email. But here is your template. If you reply to this email, I promise you'll get me.”

That last line is key. It lets them know this is automation, but I’m still part of the loop.

This does 3 things: ? Gets them the template immediately, not hours (or days) later ? Keeps everything within Gmail ? Leaves the door open for an actual conversation

Could I also tag them and drop them into a sequence? Sure.

But for this use case, a quick, one-tool response with a personal note is the best experience I can offer.

Hey, I'm Joe Casabona.

? I talk a lot about automations and systems.

I help solopreneurs use tech to build better human interactions (not replace them).

?? I also have a newsletter where I teach and build automations. Join using the blue link under my name.

Similar Posts

  • 7 Things I Don’t Leave the House Without

    I never leave the house without these 7 things: AirPods Pro (3rd gen) – I use them regularly and the noise canceling is great. Hollyland Lapel mics – Small enough to fit in my sling bag for quick voice memos or podcast recordings. Anker Qi charger – Always afraid of running out of power, this…

  • How Claude Makes Notion Easy for Solopreneurs

    I stopped fighting Notion and let Claude build it for me — databases, migrations, a full content hub. Here's the whole thing on camera, with Claude. If you've bounced off Notion because it felt like too much, this is the workaround: let Claude do the building. I connect Notion to Claude, create a clean database…

  • Remarkable Paper Pro Move’s Top 3 Features

    I recently picked up the reMarkable Paper Pro Move and love it. Here are my 3 favorite features. Get the reMarkable Paper Pro Move: https://amzn.to/4t29fRU (affiliate link) Read @paperandsmoke: https://paperandsmoke.com

  • Society progresses when we generously share

    You don't just pick up a hammer and know how to use it. A good carpenter learns from a master. They apprentice first. That’s how I view podcasting—and really any craft. When I launched my show, I didn’t want it to be just another interview podcast. I wanted it to be behind-the-scenes. I wanted to…

  • Overwhelmed by Your To-Do List? Try This

    How a 3 per day task management system helped me understand when I work best — and stop working Fridays. App + Notion template in the description. Daily Three is a task journaling system built around one rule: pick exactly 3 tasks each morning, check in at midday, and review at the end of the…

  • |

    How I Light my Live Streams: Automated Lighting Setups

    One of my biggest pieces of advice for people getting into video (or even doing virtual talks) is, “Have good lighting.” This will make you look better, and your webcam won’t have to work as hard, meaning a better picture. There are some simple solutions, but I wanted something a little more automated. Here’s what…