Overview
Unsigned contracts sitting in a client's inbox are one of the most frustrating parts of closing business. DocuSign's built-in reminder feature handles follow-up automatically — you set it once per template and every future envelope gets the same reminder schedule. Combined with expiration dates, you get a systematic nudge sequence that dramatically reduces the 'I forgot to sign' problem without awkward manual follow-up calls.
Before you start
- DocuSign Personal plan or higher (reminders included on all paid plans)
- Contract template set up in DocuSign
Step-by-step guide (4 steps)
Configure reminders in your DocuSign template
In DocuSign, open your contract template → Advanced Options → Reminders & Expirations. Enable 'Send automatic reminders'. Set: First reminder after 2 days, then every 1 day thereafter. This means the recipient gets a reminder on day 2 and again every day until they sign.
Set an expiration date on the envelope
In the same Advanced Options section, enable 'Expire after'. Set expiration to 14 days (or your preferred window). After expiration, the signing link becomes invalid and you'll need to void and resend. Expiration prevents contracts from sitting perpetually unsigned.
A 14-day expiration with daily reminders after day 2 creates urgency without being aggressive. Adjust based on your typical sales cycle — service businesses might want 7 days, real estate might want 30.
Customize the reminder email subject line
In DocuSign template settings, customize the reminder email subject: 'Reminder: Your [Company Name] contract is awaiting your signature'. A branded, specific subject line gets higher open rates than DocuSign's default reminder.
Set up a Zapier alert for envelopes about to expire
Create a Zapier Zap: DocuSign trigger 'Envelope Status Changed' → filter for status = 'Voided' or expiration approaching → send a Slack or email alert to the sales owner: '[Client Name]'s contract expired unsigned. Follow up or resend.
What you'll get
Automated reminders reduce average contract turnaround from 5 days to 2 days
No manual tracking of unsigned envelopes — DocuSign handles follow-up
Expiration dates create urgency and keep the pipeline moving
Sales owner is alerted when a contract expires so they can follow up personally
Common mistakes to avoid
Not setting an expiration date — contracts sit unsigned forever and create a false picture of close probability
Setting reminders too aggressively (every day from day 1) — clients find it annoying
Using DocuSign's default reminder subject line which doesn't include your company name
Not alerting the sales owner when an envelope expires — missed follow-up opportunity
Frequently asked questions
Do I need coding experience to set up this DocuSign automation?
No coding is required. This guide walks you through everything using DocuSign's built-in features and Zapier's visual interface. If you can follow a recipe, you can follow this guide.
How long does this automation take to set up?
Most users complete this setup in 30–60 minutes on their first try. Once set up, it runs completely automatically with zero ongoing effort.
What happens if the automation fails?
Zapier and Make both have error notifications and task history, so you'll know immediately if something goes wrong. We cover troubleshooting steps in the guide above.
Can I customize this automation for my specific business?
Absolutely. The guide includes notes on common customizations. Most automations have multiple variation points — timing, conditions, notification recipients, and more.