I added a request for new subscribers to introduce themselves in my welcome email months ago, and it's created such strong connections with my readers. Can't recommend it enough.
When I welcome free subscribers, I make a point to share how I nurture free content -- that it’s a priority and has a plan (aka they’re not getting leftovers). Message: “You matter!”
I also share about how paying to subscribe will give them access to 15 years of professional experience that others have paid for over the years. I offer a link to a meaty, action-oriented memoir writing outline that offers value and reflects what is being developed behind the paywall. Message: “There’s value in subscribing.”
And finally, I talk about how giving writers access to a developmental editor without the one-on-one premium is part of this experiment and that they can join in making that come to life. Message: “Join the adventure.”
***Update 2*** I replicated and enhanced a welcome page off Substack to try to get around these limitations, using Mailerlite. It's at www.subscribepage.io/jokes if anyone wants to know what's possible.
Does anyone know how to see stats for welcome emails? Are welcome emails not tracked the way posts are? I would like to see who opens the welcome emails.
Also, I don't think it's the case, but is it possible to automate a series of welcome emails, rather than just the one?
***Update*** I heard from Substack support that no stats are available on welcome emails.
If none of this is possible, I think I will reduce my welcome email to just a simple confirmation of subscription, and separately send an email post to new subscribers, ideally within a day of their subscription. Posts sent to a limited subset of subscribers are tracked the same way as regular posts are, as near as I can tell.
If anyone is interested in knowing how this experiment goes, let me know.
After the first of the year I updated my welcome email to include links to my favorite 2022 posts they missed as new subscribers, and I’m happy to see some of them reading and commenting on those older posts!
I wish it was possible to track stats for a single post over time.
I like the welcomes from The Earthworm, Cafe Anna, and Flakphoto. All asked (as I recall) for the subscriber to relay a story or say something about themselves. Good opportunity for engagement. They also included photos and personal touches.
Thanks for sharing! I especially liked the idea of including a CTA in my welcome email. I haven't written any newsletters yet (not until next month), but when I write a few good posts, I think I'll include backlinks to them in my welcome email.
One element I currently have in my welcome email, which I find useful, is a short step-by-step guide to help readers whitelist my emails so they don't end up in their spam folder. I included specific instructions for different devices (mobile and PC) and platforms (Gmail, Apple mail, and Outlook). Hopefully, this will help ensure my emails are always delivered in the right place.
I just updated my welcome emails and I already used some of the tips listed on this post! I didn't think to ask readers why they subcribed so I just updated my welcome emails to get to know my readers more. Thank you!
How to welcome your new readers
I added a request for new subscribers to introduce themselves in my welcome email months ago, and it's created such strong connections with my readers. Can't recommend it enough.
Honored to be featured here - for anyone starting out - Please steal my welcome email and about page structures!
When I welcome free subscribers, I make a point to share how I nurture free content -- that it’s a priority and has a plan (aka they’re not getting leftovers). Message: “You matter!”
I also share about how paying to subscribe will give them access to 15 years of professional experience that others have paid for over the years. I offer a link to a meaty, action-oriented memoir writing outline that offers value and reflects what is being developed behind the paywall. Message: “There’s value in subscribing.”
And finally, I talk about how giving writers access to a developmental editor without the one-on-one premium is part of this experiment and that they can join in making that come to life. Message: “Join the adventure.”
***Update 2*** I replicated and enhanced a welcome page off Substack to try to get around these limitations, using Mailerlite. It's at www.subscribepage.io/jokes if anyone wants to know what's possible.
Does anyone know how to see stats for welcome emails? Are welcome emails not tracked the way posts are? I would like to see who opens the welcome emails.
Also, I don't think it's the case, but is it possible to automate a series of welcome emails, rather than just the one?
***Update*** I heard from Substack support that no stats are available on welcome emails.
If none of this is possible, I think I will reduce my welcome email to just a simple confirmation of subscription, and separately send an email post to new subscribers, ideally within a day of their subscription. Posts sent to a limited subset of subscribers are tracked the same way as regular posts are, as near as I can tell.
If anyone is interested in knowing how this experiment goes, let me know.
After the first of the year I updated my welcome email to include links to my favorite 2022 posts they missed as new subscribers, and I’m happy to see some of them reading and commenting on those older posts!
I wish it was possible to track stats for a single post over time.
Thanks, this was super helpful! I plan to implement some of these suggestions!
This is wonderful, I just revised mine this weekend, but these offer some great tips. Thanks!
I like the welcomes from The Earthworm, Cafe Anna, and Flakphoto. All asked (as I recall) for the subscriber to relay a story or say something about themselves. Good opportunity for engagement. They also included photos and personal touches.
Thanks for sharing! I especially liked the idea of including a CTA in my welcome email. I haven't written any newsletters yet (not until next month), but when I write a few good posts, I think I'll include backlinks to them in my welcome email.
One element I currently have in my welcome email, which I find useful, is a short step-by-step guide to help readers whitelist my emails so they don't end up in their spam folder. I included specific instructions for different devices (mobile and PC) and platforms (Gmail, Apple mail, and Outlook). Hopefully, this will help ensure my emails are always delivered in the right place.
I just updated my welcome emails and I already used some of the tips listed on this post! I didn't think to ask readers why they subcribed so I just updated my welcome emails to get to know my readers more. Thank you!
Would anybody believe me if I said I was considering these topics this morning?
Fantastic suggestions, thank you! I personalized my welcome email but wanted to update it further. Love the idea of embedding the most recent article.
Thank you! Very helpful.
This was very helpful, thank you! I like to include an illustration in my welcome emails!
This was so informative and helpful! Thank you!!!
Hi, how do I link to my latest post like in an example you posted above? I want to do this but couldn't figure it out when I tried.