In simple English
This tool helps you send automated email sequences to your users. Think of it like a mailing list builder that runs inside your Ruby on Rails application. It sends emails step by step over a set number of days. You do not need an external email marketing tool to run simple onboarding flows. It costs nothing to run, but you need your own database and background worker set up.
What it is
Heya is a campaign mailer gem for Ruby on Rails. It tracks user progress through multi-step email sequences and sends them in the background.
What it is good for
Solo builders who use Ruby on Rails and want to send automated welcome sequences, trial reminders, or drip campaigns without paying for a separate service.
- Integrates directly with your existing Ruby on Rails models and database.
- Handles campaign pausing, restarting, and step skipping automatically.
- Supports custom actions like sending text messages alongside emails.
- Requires Ruby on Rails and PostgreSQL to work properly.
- Needs a background job processor like Sidekiq configured on your server.
- Uses a custom licence that you should review before commercial use.
External email marketing software and manual cron jobs
Sidekiq for running background jobs
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bundle add heya rails generate heya:install rails db:migrate