When you first meet someone and you really hit it off – personally or professionally – sending a follow-up email is the perfect way to say, “Hey, great meeting you!”
You’ll build that relationship, invest time in it, and learn more about that person. That’s exactly what a great welcome email does for your company.
Give them a freebie.
A welcome email can make or break your relationship with customers. It’s their first impression of your company. They’ll decide “This is great!” or “I don’t think this will work” based on the very first email you send.
Many companies entice customers to sign up by presenting them with something they’ll value. Make sure you send that discount or freebie in their welcome email.
Not sure what to offer? Here are a few ideas:
- Service-based company – Receive a FREE 30-minute consultation for joining our email list.
- Online store: Sign up for free shipping on your first purchase!
- Business blog – Sign up to download your free ebook: Top 5 tips to run your business.
Make it personal.
If you ask customers for their first name, use it for a custom greeting! If you ask for other details (ie: men’s clothing, closest retail store location, etc.), include that information in the email.
This lifts engagement rates; personalizing email subject lines can increase open rates by 50% and lead to 58% higher click-to-open rates (MarketingDive.com).
We see this all too often – companies who ask for information BUT THEY DON’T USE IT. Don’t be that company. Welcome your new customer by his or her name. “Hi, Mary” is a warmer opening than a generic “Hi, new customer.”
Deliver what you promised – immediately.
That gift you promised? Deliver it to your customers immediately. Customers crave instant gratification. If you wait too long to send an offer, then your customers will be frustrated and move on to the next place, especially if they’re waiting on it before they buy something.
Set up an email automation to send the welcome email immediately after a customer signs up for your email list.
Brand your welcome email from top to bottom.
Introduce your product, your business services, or the best of your blog. Whatever it is you’re showcasing, place it in the welcome email header, the body, and the footer.
Customers visit your site searching for something: a service, a connection, something you can help them with. Your welcome email – your hi, nice to meet you – should explain that.
Present the information clearly. Customers need to understand your message quickly, otherwise they might lose interest and wonder why they’re receiving your email in the first place.
Add a call to action. What’s the next step?
You sent the freebie. Now what? Guide them in their next step.
Direct customers to your website to read your expert blog. Link to your social media accounts or contact information so customers can hire you for a service.
If you have frequently asked questions or a more complicated product, you can even set up a series of welcome emails to educate and encourage your customers over a few days or even a few weeks.
An email series also reminds customers why they signed up so they can get a good idea of who you are and what you can do to help them.
Set it and forget it!
Let the welcome email automation take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus more on what you do best: building your business and interacting with customers.
Want help setting up your welcome email? Let us know. We’re here to help.