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Campaign Types

Usage Alert Email

Automated emails notifying customers when they approach or exceed usage limits on their plan.

Definition

Usage alert emails notify customers when their consumption approaches or exceeds plan limits. This includes storage quotas, API call limits, user seats, or any metered usage. These emails serve a dual purpose: keeping customers informed about their usage and creating natural opportunities for upgrade conversations.

Why It Matters

Usage alerts prevent surprise overages that frustrate customers. They also create timely, contextually relevant moments for upgrade discussions. A customer who just hit 80% of their API limit is far more receptive to an upgrade pitch than one receiving a random promotional email. These moments are gold for expansion revenue.

How It Works

Track customer usage against plan limits in real-time. Set threshold triggers (typically 50%, 80%, 90%, and 100%) that fire emails when crossed. Early warnings help customers manage usage. Later warnings introduce upgrade options. Overage notifications explain what happens next and how to resolve it.

Best Practices

  • 1Send the first alert early (50-75%) so customers can adjust
  • 2Clearly state current usage and limit in the email
  • 3Explain what happens if they exceed the limit
  • 4Offer specific solutions: optimize usage or upgrade
  • 5Include a direct link to upgrade for customers ready to expand
  • 6Do not make usage alerts feel like sales pitches
  • 7Track which alerts lead to upgrades versus usage changes

Real-Time Usage Tracking

Sequenzy can trigger emails based on usage thresholds from your product events. Automatically alert customers as they approach limits.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical sequence includes alerts at 50%, 80%, 95%, and 100%. The 50% alert is purely informational. The 80% alert introduces upgrade options. The 95% and 100% alerts are urgent. Adjust thresholds based on how quickly customers typically consume their quota.

No. The primary purpose is to inform and help customers manage their usage. Upgrade options should be presented as one solution, not the main point. Customers trust usage alerts more when they feel genuinely helpful rather than revenue-focused.

Some customers genuinely cannot afford to upgrade. Others do not realize the value of higher tiers. For chronic limit-hitters, try offering a temporary trial of the higher tier so they can experience the benefit. If they still do not convert, accept they are not expansion candidates.