Welcome to the world of email marketing! Nothing feels better than getting that notification—you’ve got a new subscriber- somone signed up for your FREEBIE!
But if you don’t make a great first impression with your welcome email sequence, that new face might ghost you faster than a kid at their first middle school dance. So, what do you say to someone sliding into your inbox for the first time? Let’s talk about it!
Before we roll up our sleeves and get strategic, check out the video below where I spill all my secrets on how to make your welcome sequence sing.
| Heads-up! Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a few bucks (or maybe just a few cents—but hey, it adds up!). I only share things I actually use and love, and this helps me keep doing what I do. Total win-win, right? |
Let’s break down exactly how to turn that awkward “now what?” moment into a confident, automatic handshake that gets your people excited about what’s to come.
Why Your Welcome Email Sequence Matters
That very first email sets the tone for your relationship. If it falls flat, chances are high that your new subscriber will just disappear. But a great welcome email sequence is like a party invitation that makes people want to stick around!
Did you know? Welcome emails have 4x higher open rates than regular emails. That’s huge. It means if you only focus on getting one email right, make it this one.
Here’s why your welcome sequence is a must-have:
- Builds immediate trust and connection
- Sets clear expectations about what’s coming
- Introduces your brand’s vibe
- Keeps new subscribers from ghosting after the freebie download
- Shows people you’re real, friendly, and actually listening
Seriously, most people don’t even open the next email if the first one is a flop. So let’s make sure yours hits the mark and starts building a real relationship from day one.
Recap: Why Your Welcome Email Sequence Rocks
- First impressions matter
- Welcome emails get way more opens—don’t waste the moment
- You build trust and set up a friendly tone
- It’s your chance to make people feel welcome, not lost
- You set expectations so no one is confused
A solid welcome sequence isn’t just about delivering a freebie. It’s your chance to roll out the virtual welcome mat, pop the confetti, and say, “Hey, let’s do this!” I love receiving emails from Sadie Smiley from Passive Income Pathways because she packs her emails full of VALUE!!!
The Essential 5-Part Welcome Email Sequence Framework
Want to be besties with your new subscribers without signing each email by hand? That’s what automation is for! Your welcome email sequence keeps working while you’re off doing, well, anything else.
Here’s the magic recipe I use with every new email list:
- Welcome + Freebie
- Your Story
- What to Expect
- Soft Pitch
- Quick Win (optional, but highly recommended!)
You only need the first four, but adding the fifth can be the cherry on top. Each email plays a special role in your new friendship:
- Welcome + Freebie: Greet your reader and deliver what you promised.
- Your Story: Let them know who you are and why you show up.
- What to Expect: Tell them how often you’ll email and what kind of content you’ll send.
- Soft Pitch: Share one of your offers in a low-pressure, friendly way.
- Quick Win: Give a fast tip or resource to spread value (and joy!).
Think of this as a friendly intro—not a sales speech. Start soft, show you care, and keep things real. Now, let’s break it down step by step.
Breaking Down Each Email in Your Sequence
Email 1: Welcome + Deliver Freebie
This first email is essentially a digital hug. Be upbeat, be real, and make sure your new subscriber immediately gets what they signed up for.
What should be included in your first email?
- Greet and thank them. A little warmth makes a big difference.
- Deliver what you promised (that’s the freebie). Don’t make them hunt it down.
- Invite them to your online community. A Facebook group is perfect for this! Keep the invitation simple and make sure they know it’s just an option, not a requirement.
Tips for Email #1:
- Bold the freebie link or button so it can’t be missed.
- Bold the community link so joining feels easy.
- Keep everything else super simple—no menu of links, just one clear thing to do.
Skip the overwhelm. You’re making a great first impression, not sending homework!
Email 2: Share Your Story
Now that you’ve delivered the goods, it’s time to tell them who’s behind the curtain. People want to know what makes you tick.
What’s your story?
- Who are you, and why do you do what you do? No need to write a novel—just keep it honest and personal.
- How long have you been in your field? Add a little about your background if it fits.
- Why does your work matter to you, and how does that help them?
- Let them know exactly how you’re going to make their life easier, more fun, or more inspired.
Sharing your story isn’t just about you. It shows your subscribers you’re a real person, not a robot. Be open and conversational. This is where people begin to trust you. I found this one a bit challenging because I'm not comfortable talking about myself, but hey, this has to happen, so suck it up!
Email 3: What to Expect From Your Emails
Nobody likes guessing games, least of all your subscribers. This email sets the rules and keeps things drama-free.
What should you cover?
- How often will you email them? Weekly? Every two weeks?
- What kind of content will you send? Think: practical tips, inspiring stories, exclusive offers.
- Reassure them that they can unsubscribe any time, no hard feelings.
Make it crystal clear:
- “You’ll hear from me once a week with simple tips and the occasional special offer.”
- “You can unsubscribe whenever you like. No hard feelings—promise!”
- “If you just want the freebie, that’s cool with me.”
Clarity list:
- How often you’ll email
- What type of content they’ll get
- They can unsubscribe whenever—it’s all good
Being upfront builds trust. Nobody wants email surprises!
Email 4: The Soft Pitch
By now, your new contact should know you, like you, and trust you enough not to run away screaming at the mention of an offer.
What’s a soft pitch?
- Gently introduce your product, membership, or another freebie.
- Talk about the value, not just the features—share why people love it!
- Add a clear, friendly call to action. For example, “See what’s inside the Template Treehouse membership!”
- No pressure, just an open invitation to take a look if they’re curious.
This isn’t about closing the deal on the spot. It’s about letting them know how you can help when they’re ready.
Email 5: Quick Win (Optional, But Awesome)
This one’s for those who want to go the extra mile. Share something small that offers quick value:
- A super useful tip.
- A how-to video.
- A link to a helpful blog post packed with tips and tools.
- Anything that leaves your reader thinking, “Wow, I’m glad I joined this list!”
This email builds extra trust, proves your generosity, and encourages engagement. Even if it’s optional, it’s worth the little extra effort!
Setting Up Your Email Automation
Sending each welcome email manually? No thanks. Let’s get your sequence humming along on autopilot.
Here’s how to set it all up:
Pick an Email Tool
- I use Subtrio. It connects with all my sales pages, lets me track emails, and even follows my $$.
- Other solid options: ConvertKit, MailerLite, Flodesk. I’ve tried both MailerLite and Flodesk—they’re good, but Subtrio has a few more bells and whistles that I love.
Set Automation Triggers
- When someone joins your list, they automatically get the freebie.
- Then, your preloaded emails send themselves in order, one by one.
- You only have to write them once.
The Setup Checklist
- Write your 4-5 emails.
- Load them into your email marketing platform.
- Set up the trigger (subscriber joins list → sequence starts).
- Test your links. Click every one!
- Preview the format—does it look good on both desktop and mobile?
- Send a test to yourself or a business buddy. Check for typos, dead links, and confusing stuff.
- Go live.
Ongoing Maintenance Tips
- Review your welcome sequence every 3-4 months. Things change—links get old, offers get updated.
- Check that everything still lines up with your current brand or offers. Update as needed.
- Make sure your emails feel like you, not canned copy.
The goal is to set it and (mostly) forget it, so this crucial step in your business keeps working no matter how busy you get. If you need to get your business organized I highly recommend Lindsay from Organize your online Biz.
Tips for Writing an Engaging Welcome Email Sequence
Nobody wants boring emails. You want your subscribers to actually read your words, not just skim and delete.
Here’s how to write emails people love:
- Write like you talk. If you’re normally bubbly, be bubbly. If you’re straight to the point, do that.
- Use bold to highlight what matters and draw the scanner’s eye.
- Capitalize a word or two to grab extra attention—just don’t yell at everyone.
- Don’t explain things to death. Be clear, but trust your reader.
- Stick to one clear call to action per email.
- Invite replies. Seriously! Ask readers to reply with their thoughts or questions. It builds trust and starts real conversations.
- Be generous. Share tips, testimonials, or something you’ve learned.
- If someone replies with thanks or a question, make their day with a quick, helpful response.
Quick Writing Tips Recap:
- Keep it real—let your personality shine
- Use bold to spotlight the good stuff
- Don’t overexplain
- Only one main CTA per email
- Encourage replies
- Share value, wins, and reader stories
- Connect with your community and share resources with context
Your best bet? Treat your email like you’re talking to a new friend. Be helpful, approachable, and, above all, yourself.
Getting Started: If You Don’t Have a Welcome Sequence Yet
If you’re feeling behind or overwhelmed, don’t worry. Everyone starts with just one email!
- Begin with a single welcome email that thanks the subscriber and delivers the freebie. Make it warm and genuine.
- Add “your story” next time you have an hour.
- Layer in the rest of the sequence bit by bit. It doesn’t have to be perfect right away.
- What matters is starting. Every new email builds connection and momentum.
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present, consistent, and real. The more you show up, the more your people will connect with you.
If you need more help, consider joining a community for creators or exploring resources like The Template Treehouse membership, which offers email templates, calls, tips, and much more.
Remember: You’ve got this! Start with what you can, and build as you go.
So, are you going to set up your Welcome Email Sequence
A killer welcome email sequence is your shortcut to loyal fans, not just list fillers. Say hi, deliver what you promised, share your story, set clear expectations, offer value, and let your unique self shine through every word.
Don’t let your new subscribers stand awkwardly in your digital corner. Welcome them, wow them, and invite them back for more. Your list isn’t just numbers—it’s your growing community.
You’re not alone! There’s a world of help out there, and plenty of people rooting for you to win at email. Now get started, and let those “Hey, I love your emails!” replies start rolling in.
Go set up a welcome email sequence for your freebies! Make sure to grab my FREEBIE- Stop Ghosting Your Email List!
Here are some Facebook Groups to join to help with your Business Growth
- Passive Income Sadie Smiley– learn how blogging can turn into $$ by adding products, courses, and membership
- Teachers Pay Teachers with Beth Ann– Want to Create Educational Printables and SELL THEM!
- Digital Planners with Samantha Stringer Interested in creating Digital Planners?
- WP Basics Guide | WordPress for Beginners Diane will walk you through WP/Kadence.
- Build Digital Product with Amanda Learn how to sell on ETSY
TOOLS I USE!
- My Platform (the heart of my business) SUBTRIO (Try for 30 days for FREE)
- Email- I use Subtrio but also recommend Mailerlite or Flodesk
- Helps me write my BLOG POSTS- Right Blogger
- The Best Hosting service I ever had- BigScoots
- Where I get my domains NameCheap
- I learned how to CREATE an online business- The Passive Income Pathways aka Sadie Smiley (PIPs) is where to start- if you are serious about making money online then sign up for Blog to Membership-LITE MEMBERSHIP
