Marketing automation readiness checklist

Who this is for

Small businesses that have lead forms, email lists, or repeat follow-up sequences.

The buying problem

Automation is useful when there is a repeatable journey. Without clean segments, consent, and a clear offer, automated email can become expensive noise.

Decision criteria

1. The business has a clear lead source and permission to contact those leads.
2. There are at least two repeatable follow-up steps.
3. Contacts can be segmented by source, interest, or lifecycle stage.
4. The team can measure replies, booked calls, sales, or another real outcome.
5. Unsubscribe and compliance handling are built in.

Cautions

• Do not upload scraped contacts into marketing software.
• Avoid automating messages before clarifying the offer and audience.
• Check sending limits and consent requirements.

Sources used

• HubSpot affiliate program
• FTC endorsement guides