# How to set up your first automation

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In this section, you will find insights on how to set up your first automation in ActiveCampaign. 
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### **How to Create An Automation from Scratch**

1\. Add a start trigger\
2\. Add a tag for future segmentation\
3\. Add the "Send an email" action to your automation to deliver a welcome or lead magnet\
4\. Customize your email\
5\. Add a “Wait” condition\
6\. Add “If/Else” conditions for segmentation and personalization

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* **Campaigns**: One-off emails (e.g. [newsletters](https://docs.wildmail.io/activecampaign-academy/getting-started/build-your-campaigns/how-to-create-newsletters), product updates, flash sales)
* **Automations**: Evergreen marketing efforts that send out based on specific conditions or actions by contacts (e.g. nurture sequence, post-purchase sequence, webinar registration). You need to[ build automations](https://docs.wildmail.io/activecampaign-academy/exploring-further/build-your-automations) and turn them on to start your evergreen actions
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Let's get to it! Below is the step-by-step tutorial on how to set up an automation with ActiveCampaign. :point\_down:

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If you have any questions, don't hesitate to [email us](mailto:support@wildmail.io) for free assistance, we are happy to help you.