Flows
This domain tests how Klaviyo automates sequences after a trigger, and how filters, splits, delays, and sending controls change who receives each message.
Core rules
- A flow has one trigger. Common triggers: joins a list, enters a segment, performs a metric (Placed Order), price drop, back in stock, or a date property.
- Flow filters apply after the trigger and before every message; if a profile stops matching, it exits the flow. Conditional splits branch profiles down different paths based on conditions.
- Time delays pause a profile; some delays can wait until a specific day/time. A delay does not automatically re-check filters; filters are evaluated at the point they are placed.
- Smart sending can skip a message if the profile recently received another email or SMS, reducing over-messaging.
- Re-enrollment controls whether a profile can enter the flow again after completing or exiting it. Without it, a profile typically does not re-enter.
- Flow status: draft, live, manual. A live flow acts on new triggers; manual mode lets you add profiles for testing.
Worked example
A welcome flow triggers on 'Joins list Welcome.' Add a flow filter 'Has not placed order since starting flow.' Add a one-day delay, then a conditional split: opened previous email? Yes -> send a product-education email; No -> send a reminder with the same offer. Reasoning: the filter removes buyers before the first send; the split changes the message, not eligibility. If you wanted only non-buyers to get the reminder, the filter already handles it.
Traps
Using a segment trigger and expecting it to fire for every profile already in the segment; confusing a flow filter with a conditional split; forgetting re-enrollment and wondering why profiles do not repeat; assuming smart sending sends to everyone.