Say hello to the trusted “welcome” email.  This simple email is one of the most important emails that you can send.  A report by Experian shows that welcome emails have the highest open rates of any marketing email. The welcome email sets the tone for every subsequent email that you send to your subscriber, so make it good! A welcome email is one of the best ways to start on the right foot with a new prospect. Here are a couple of tips to help make sure your welcome email is memorable and effective.

1.  Send it ASAP

When someone signs up for your email list, they are seeking more information about your company. Don’t leave them hanging. After a person has made the effort to sign up, it is a good idea to send a welcome email as soon as possible to acknowledge their interest. In today’s world, we love instant gratification. Email subscribers expect immediate confirmation when they sign up for something, and if they don’t get it, they think something is wrong. It is ideal to send the welcome email within the first 48 hours of signing up.

2.  Make it Personal

You can establish a better relationship with the subscriber by addressing them by their name. During the sign up process, the subscriber has probably been asked for their name or username. Since you have this information on file, why not use it to your advantage? Using their name can make the welcome email more personal.

3.  Be Conversational

Write in a conversational tone. When you write your welcome email copy, write it as though you are reaching out to a friend. It’s cool to be more personal or humorous with your welcome email, especially if your website content sounds very formal. Think of your subscribers as your friends. They took the initiative to learn more about your business by signing up, so welcome them as a friend.  A conversational tone will likely put your new subscriber at ease, letting them know it’s not all business, and that you are welcoming them with open arms.

4.  Be Brief

Just like in real life, it can be off-putting when a business talks on and on about themselves in their first email. It’s just plain annoying. So, as much as being friendly and conversational is a great way to go about writing your welcome email, remember to stay focused on your new subscriber, not yourself. Keep your email short and to the point.

5.  Offer Value

Your welcome email is the first opportunity to convert a new subscriber into a first-time buyer. Make sure you are offering an incentive for making their first purchase. You can offer a coupon with your welcome email to entice your new subscriber to become a customer. An offer is a good way to get subscribers familiar with your products and services as well.

6.  Set Expectations

Setting your subscriber’s expectations is really about making sure they know how often they will hear from you and what you will send them. This is a good way to avoid having your emails marked as spam, since your readers will know exactly what to expect. You don’t have to give them detailed explanations of your emails; it can be as simple as telling them they will be receiving daily deals, weekly updates, or monthly newsletters.  Setting expectations also gives new subscribers a chance to anticipate what’s to come and adjust email frequency if desired. Make sure you include an unsubscribe link in case someone ended up on your email list by mistake!

7.  Don’t Forget to Say Thank You

Thank your subscribers for signing up for your company’s email list in your welcome email. They could have chosen any other business to sign up with, but they chose you! Thanking them can make a huge impact on how your customers view your company.