Common workflow actions
Workflow actions are the steps JourneyCARE performs after an automation is triggered. The six most common actions are Send Email, Add Contact Tag, Send Internal Notification, Wait Step, Update Contact Field, and Add Task.
What are workflow actions
Each action tells JourneyCARE exactly what to do next once something starts the workflow, and steps run in sequence so every action builds on the one before it. By combining multiple actions, you can automate repetitive tasks, improve member communication, and reduce manual work. You can add as many actions as you need to create the experience you want.
For the full catalog of actions available in the picker, see Workflow actions.
How to add an action
Add an action from the workflow builder: open Automations > Workflows, open the workflow, and click the + button in a workflow line. Search or browse the categorized action picker to find the action you need.
A workflow runs only after you Publish it — while it is a Draft, it never triggers.
Send Email
Send Email is one of the most common actions because every contact receives a consistent experience automatically. The Email Template Builder is integrated into the action, so you can view and edit templates inside the workflow.
Use it for messages like:
Welcome emails
Registration confirmations
Renewal reminders
Thank-you messages
Follow-up sequences
Add Contact Tag
Add Contact Tag applies a tag to the contact when the workflow runs, keeping your contact list organized. Tags can later be used for filtering, reporting, Smart Lists, and additional automations.
Common examples:
New Member
Volunteer
Conference Attendee
Donor
Interested in Sponsorship
Send Internal Notification
Send Internal Notification alerts your team when something important happens, rather than sending a message to the contact. Use it when staff need to act or respond.
Examples include:
A new membership application is submitted
A sponsorship request is received
A volunteer application needs review
A high-value donation is made
These notifications help staff respond quickly without constantly monitoring the system.
Wait Step
Wait Step pauses the automation for a set period or until a condition is met, so communication can spread over time instead of everything happening immediately.
For example:
Wait one hour
Wait three days
Wait until the renewal date
Wait until a specific condition is met
Update Contact Field
Update Contact Field sets or clears values on a contact record when the workflow reaches the action. Keeping fields updated automatically improves reporting and reduces manual data entry.
Examples include:
Change Membership Status
Record Orientation Completed
Update Renewal Date
Store Application Status
Add Task
Add Task creates a task for staff follow-up so important work doesn't get overlooked. The task attaches to the contact's record, or is created contact-less when the workflow runs without a contact.
Examples include:
Review a membership application
Approve a scholarship request
Call a prospective sponsor
Verify continuing education documentation
Building a workflow
Most automations combine several actions, and each action builds on the previous one to create a complete process. A typical example:
Form Submitted
Apply Tag
Send Welcome Email
Wait 3 Days
Create Follow-up Task
Best practices
Well-built workflows stay focused and are tested before they go live.
Keep actions focused on one goal.
Build one step at a time.
Test after adding new actions.
Use descriptive names for tasks and emails.
Review your workflow before publishing.