What Are Cadences?
A cadence is an automated sequence of communication steps — emails, calls, and tasks — triggered over time or based on lead behavior.
It ensures every lead receives consistent engagement without manual tracking.
Example: You can build a “Pre-Qualification Cadence” with two emails, a call, and a final task to check form submission — all running automatically once the lead is enrolled.
Key Points Before You Begin
10 Active Limit: Only ten cadences can run simultaneously (you can save unlimited drafts).
No Midway Updates: Once a lead is enrolled, later edits won’t affect them.
Enrollment Options: You can enroll leads manually or automatically through a custom view with defined criteria.
Creating a Pre-Qualification Cadence
1. Access the Cadence Setup
Go to the Setup gear icon (bottom-left) → Automation → Cadences → Create New Cadence.
2. Add Basic Details
Name it Pre-Qualification Lead Cadence, choose the Leads module, and add a short description.
Decide whether leads will be manually added or auto-enrolled from a custom view.
For this example, select manual enrollment.
3. Define Unenrollment Rules
Set when a lead should exit the cadence.
Use: Lead Status = Pre-Qualified
Once the goal is achieved, the lead stops receiving further steps.
Building the Cadence Flow
Step 1: First Email – Introduction
Action: Email
Trigger: Immediately after enrollment
Template: Welcome or Introduction
Recipient: Lead Email
This first touch introduces your pre-qualification process.
Step 2: Follow-Up Call
Action: Call
Trigger: Two days after the first email is opened, replied, or clicked
Purpose: Prospecting
Agenda: Ask if you can send the pre-qualification form
Assigned To: Lead Owner
This keeps your outreach relevant and well-timed.
Step 3: Handle Bounces (Optional)
If the first email bounces or a lead unsubscribes, auto-create a task:
“Verify email address or mark lead as lost.”
This keeps your CRM data accurate.
Step 4: Second Email – Pre-Qualification Form
Action: Email
Trigger: After the call is completed
Template: Form Link Email
Recipient: Lead Email
This step sends the pre-qualification form link.
Step 5: Final Task – Check Form Submission
Action: Task
Trigger: When the form email is clicked
Task: Check on form submission
Due: 1 day
This ensures timely follow-up for engaged leads.
Publish and Enroll Leads
After reviewing your sequence and rules, click Publish.
Then, from the Leads module:
Select one or more leads.
Choose Actions → Cadences → Enroll.
Pick the Pre-Qual Lead Cadence and confirm.
Each enrolled lead now appears with a Cadence Status under the related list — showing where they are in the flow, what actions occurred, and what’s next.
Conclusion
Cadences in Zoho CRM bring structure and automation to your lead-nurturing process.
They save time, eliminate missed follow-ups, and ensure consistent communication from your entire team.
By combining emails, calls, and tasks in a logical sequence, you keep prospects engaged and your sales pipeline moving smoothly.
Set up your own cadence today — and experience how Zoho CRM helps you work smarter, not harder.
Cadences in Zoho CRM are automated sequences of emails, calls, and tasks that engage leads over time without manual follow-ups.
Cadences ensure consistent communication with leads, reduce missed follow-ups, and keep prospects engaged automatically.
Zoho CRM allows up to 10 active cadences at a time, while you can save unlimited cadence drafts.
No. Changes made to a cadence do not affect leads already enrolled in that cadence.
Leads can be enrolled manually or automatically using a custom view with predefined criteria.
