How to build a cross-sell flow in Klaviyo

A cross-sell flow recommends products that go well with what a customer already bought. In Klaviyo you trigger on placed order, split by the item or collection purchased, wait a sensible time, and send products that complement it, not duplicate it.

Have this ready.

• A clear map of which products pair with which
• Order and product data syncing into Klaviyo
• A catalog with working images and links
• A view of what other post-purchase messages already send

Steps.

1. 1. Map the pairings

   List the main products or collections and the items that genuinely suit them, such as a case with a phone or a conditioner with a shampoo.

2. 2. Trigger on placed order

   Build the flow on the placed order metric so each purchase starts a cross-sell path.

3. 3. Split by what was bought

   Use a conditional split on the ordered item or collection, sending each group to its own message and product picks.

4. 4. Wait until it feels natural

   Delay for several days so the customer has received the order and had a chance to try it before you suggest more.

5. 5. Build the product block

   Use a dynamic product block set to your chosen items, or a manual block for fixed pairings. Show two to four products, not a whole catalog.

6. 6. Explain the link in a line

   Say why the items go together. A one line reason does more than a grid of products with no context.

7. 7. Exit buyers of the suggested item

   Add a filter so anyone who already bought the pairing is removed, and stop the flow if they place another order.

Common pitfalls.

• Recommending the exact product they just bought.
• Showing too many items, which hides the best match.
• Using one generic message for every branch.
• Running at the same time as post-purchase and review flows.

Check it worked.

• Each branch shows items that pair with the purchase
• Already purchased items are excluded
• Timing is separated from other post-purchase emails
• Product images and links work
• Flow status is live

Klaviyo changes its interface from time to time, so treat the steps as the order of work and match the names to what you see on screen.

Rather have this done for you? See our email flows & automation service or book a free audit.