First impressions last a lifetime. In email marketing, a welcome series is your chance to make a good one! This automated series is an important tool for building relationships with your audience and turning subscribers into loyal customers or supporters. Here are 5 tips for creating an effective welcome series:
1. Make a Great First Impression
Your welcome series is the first impression that your subscribers will have of your brand, so it’s important to make it a good one. Use a clear and engaging subject line to entice your subscribers to open the email. Then, use a well-designed template that’s easy to read and clearly reflects your brand. Don’t forget to include a clear call-to-action (CTA) that encourages subscribers to engage.
2. Let the Data Guide You
When creating your welcome series, let the data guide you. Use information about your subscribers to create personalized content that speaks to their needs and interests. If you’ve sent emails before, use previous campaign analytics to inform your decisions about what to include in your welcome journey. Pure Firefly’s email marketing experts can help you analyze your data to create targeted content that resonates with your audience.
3. Get the Timing Right
Timing is everything when it comes to your welcome series. It’s essential to send frequently enough to stay top-of-mind without overwhelming your subscribers. Optimal timing may vary depending on your industry and audience, but many marketers find success with a 1-2-3 strategy.
In this strategy, the first welcome email is sent immediately, the second email is sent one day later, the following two days later, and all the remaining emails are sent three days apart. Contact Pure Firefly to learn how this strategy might work for your own welcome series.
4. Save Sales for the End
Welcome series can be incredibly helpful in generating sales. One study by Experian found that welcome emails generate 3 times higher revenue and transactions than regular promotional emails. However, don’t make the mistake of trying to sell too soon in your welcome series. Your subscribers are just getting to know your brand, so focus on building a relationship before making a sales pitch.
If you offer a free giveaway or discount in your signup form, provide that immediately, and then turn your attention to more educational content about your organization. Help subscribers trust and appreciate your brand before nudging them towards a sale.
5. Tell Your Story
Your welcome series is an opportunity to tell your brand’s story and share your values with your subscribers. Incorporating storytelling in a welcome automation can help tie all the emails together. Stories to focus on may include:
- How & why your business was founded
- Someone your organization has helped
- Your founder’s bio
- A story about the city/town/locality where you’re based
- A major event you’ve hosted
Adding a personal touch to your welcome series can set you apart from your competitors and build trust with new subscribers. If you’re not sure how to incorporate storytelling into your welcome journey, consider working with an email marketing agency like Pure Firefly.
When in Doubt, Work with Pure Firefly
Storytelling, strategic timing, and data-backed design can all improve your welcome series. However, many brands don’t have the time or expertise to invest in an exceptional welcome series. If you need some support creating a welcome automation that works, reach out to Pure Firefly. We’re Mailchimp experts with years of experience in IT & design. Welcome automations are one of our most popular services. Contact us for a free quote or consultation!
