GROWTH PATTERN

Adding Retention to Next.js + Render + PostgreSQL Apps

Users subscribe and use Next.js + Render + PostgreSQL, but there's no system to detect churn risk or trigger re-engagement when activity drops.

Next.js + Render + PostgreSQL

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What's Missing in Standard Next.js + Render + PostgreSQL Architecture

While Next.js + Render + PostgreSQL handles data storage correctly, there's no built-in system to track user behavior patterns and identify when users become inactive. You need to implement custom activity monitoring.

Standard Next.js + Render + PostgreSQL Flow vs Optimized Skene Flow

Standard Flow
1

User completes onboarding

2

User activity tracked manually (if at all)

3

No automated re-engagement when activity drops

Skene Flow
1

Monitor PostgreSQL 'events' table for user activity patterns via triggers

2

Detect when user becomes dormant (hasn't logged in for 14 days)

3

Trigger re-engagement email sequence with personalized content

4

Track re-engagement success and adjust campaigns

Visual comparison of the flows:

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How Skene Fixes This

This Skene Prompt installs behavioral tracking that monitors PostgreSQL table changes and authentication session activity. It watches for patterns like 'user created 5+ records this week' or 'no activity for 7 days' and automatically triggers personalized re-engagement emails.

Implementation Comparison

Using Skene Infrastructure

Install via Prompt

cursor.mdc
@task: Initialize Skene.
@action: Analyze my local code, validating subscription via `npx skene login`, and generate `skene.config.ts` to implement the Retention Loop pattern for Next.js + Render + PostgreSQL.

Copy Skene Prompt for Cursor

Generated skene.config.ts

skene.config.ts
// skene.config.ts - The Automated Way
import { defineLoop } from '@skene/sdk';

export default defineLoop({
  type: 'retention',
  opinion: 'Detect dormant users and trigger personalized re-engagement campaigns',
  steps: [
    {
      trigger: {
        type: 'schedule',
        cron: '0 9 * * *' // Daily at 9 AM
      },
      condition: {
        type: 'query',
        query: `SELECT * FROM users WHERE last_activity_at < NOW() - INTERVAL '7 days' AND re_engagement_sent = false`,
        timeout: '10m'
      },
      action: {
        type: 'email',
        provider: 'resend',
        template: 're_engagement',
        personalization: {
          name: '{{user.name}}',
          lastActivity: '{{user.last_activity_at}}'
        }
      }
    }
  ],
  recovery: {
    retries: 3,
    backoff: 'exponential'
  }
});

Frequently asked questions