You’re building your email list — hooray! You’ve taken time to create an amazing lead magnet (“freebie” that entices people to sign up for your newsletter) and you’re looking actively at ways to grow that list to support your business. But if you haven’t set up your Welcome Email series yet, now’s the time. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through what that series of emails is, how to set it up, and most importantly, what to include in the emails.
Welcome Email Series
When someone sees that you have a handy checklist that you offer for free (because you’re smart and you posted on Instagram about it), they race to give you their email address and wait for their download. Now they’re on your email list and they will start to receive your monthly newsletter. That’s it, right?
No way! Make sure you welcome the newcomer to your list by creating a welcome series of emails that automatically goes out when people sign up. Whether you’re using Mailchimp, ConvertKit, MailerLite or some other email marketing platform, you’ll need to look around and click on the tab or link that says “Automations” or the like. Then you’ll have the ability to tell your platform, “When someone signs up to be on my email list, I want them to get an immediate email that says “Thank you/here’s your freebie”, then I want them to receive an email two days later, then four days later, then 1 week later. After that, send them my monthly newsletter, please!”
While the process may be slightly different depending upon which platform you’re using, this is the Welcome Email series we suggest:
- The Thank You email: This is the email they will receive immediately upon signing up for your freebie and to be on your list. Thank them for following you and being interested in your work, include the link where they can download the freebie, and let them know how to get a hold of you or what they can expect from being on your list.
“Hello, Susan! We’re so excited to have you in our homesteading community, and hope you find the 10 Tools Every Homesteader Needs to Succeed checklist helpful! You can download your checklist here {insert hyperlink}. You can look forward to a few introductory emails from us this week, and then you’ll begin receiving our twice-monthly newsletter about all things homesteading! Thanks again!”
- The Introduction email: Automate this email to go out about two days after a person signs up. It should dive into who you are a little more and give them some background information about you and your business. People like to know the face behind the business. Tell them why you love what you do and how you got into this business. Make is short and interesting, just enough to whet their appetite.
- The Let Me Get to Know You email: Automate this email to go out 2-3 days after the second (Introduction) email. In this email, ask them about themselves. Where do they live? What’s their biggest problem/pain point in gardening, growing dahlias, homesteading, etc. (whatever your business focus is)? What would they love to learn about from you? This is added service and value to your audience — let them know to reply with their answers so you can better plan future content for them.
- The Hey Here’s Another Freebie For Ya email: And since we’re talking about added value, create a 4th email that goes out about a week after they sign up that gives them something more. You can include a list of online links that you find indispensable in your work, a discount code to an upcoming class or product, a link to a short ebook you created, a recipe they would love. Then invite them to follow you on Instagram/Facebook/Pinterest/TikTok so you can connect with them there and get to know them better.
The Welcome Series of Emails is a great way to make your new follower feel at home, that they can trust you with their email address, and that knowing you will add value to their lives. Plus, it looks super profesh, organized, and hospitable, doesn’t it?
P.S. Need help with this task? We can help you create your Welcome Email series and automate it according to the schedule you choose. The link below will take you to a page where you can schedule a free 15-minute call with Katie to tell her what you have in mind.
