[FAQ]

Hey everyone,

I’m currently setting up the automated welcome email for when people subscribe to my new email list, and I really want to make a great first impression.

What are the essential elements I should include in that very first email a new subscriber receives in 2025? Is its main purpose just to deliver the freebie or lead magnet, or should it be doing more than that? I want to make sure I’m starting the relationship off on the right foot.

Any advice on what makes a great first welcome email would be really helpful. Thanks!

[Jeff Bullas]

The very first welcome email is arguably the most important email you will send to a new subscriber. It typically receives the highest open rates of any email in your sequence, so it needs to be clear, valuable, and set the correct tone for the relationship moving forward.

There are several essential components to include. First, it must have a clear and welcoming subject line. Something direct and simple such as “Welcome! Here is your free guide” or “You’re in! Welcome to the [Your Brand] Newsletter” works very well.

Second, the email must immediately confirm the subscription and deliver what you promised. If a subscriber signed up to receive a lead magnet, like a checklist or an e-book, you must provide a clear and prominent link or button to download it right at the beginning of the email. Fulfilling your promise instantly is fundamental to building trust.

Third, you should include a brief and genuine welcome message. Thank them for subscribing and concisely remind them what your brand or newsletter is about. This reassures them that they have made a good decision.

Fourth, you need to set clear expectations. Let your new subscriber know what kind of content you will be sending them in the future and how often they can expect to hear from you. For example, you might say, “You can expect an email from me every Tuesday morning with my latest tips.”

Fifth, it is good practice to ask them to “whitelist” or add your email address to their contacts. A simple instruction like, “To ensure you receive our future emails, please add this address to your contacts list,” can help improve your long-term deliverability to their inbox.

Sixth, while the primary focus is on welcoming and delivering value, you can include a subtle secondary call to action. This should not be a hard sales pitch. Instead, you could invite them to follow you on your primary social media platform or direct them to one of your most popular or foundational pieces of content, like a key blog post or video.

You should avoid overwhelming the subscriber in this first email. Do not include too many different links, do not push a product for sale, and avoid a long, rambling story. Keep it focused and valuable. The main goals are to deliver on your promise, confirm their action, and set clear expectations for your new relationship.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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