How to Write a Welcome Email That Turns Subscribers into Superfans
Your welcome email is your first impression—make it count. Here’s how to write a Substack welcome email that boosts engagement and loyalty.
Your welcome email.
You know that automatic email your readers get after signing up?
That’s your golden opportunity to:
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Set expectations
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Build trust
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Share your mission
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Invite engagement
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And keep people subscribed for the long haul
If you don’t take that moment seriously, you might lose a potential fan before they even open your first post.
But with just a little strategy, you can craft a welcome message that builds real connection and long-term engagement.
Here’s how.
1. Set the Tone With a Friendly, Personal Greeting
Skip the robotic “Thanks for subscribing.”
Instead, write like you're sending a message to a neighbor or new friend:
“Hey there—thanks so much for joining! I’m Reginaldo, and I’m so glad you’re here.”
This instantly makes the reader feel welcome, not marketed to.
2. Tell Them What to Expect (and When)
Set clear expectations so there are no surprises.
Example:
“Here’s what you can expect:
– A newsletter every Wednesday morning
– Local stories that matter, curated events, and community spotlights
– The occasional bonus post if something urgent or awesome pops up!”
Letting readers know when and what they’ll get increases your open rates and trust.
3. Share Your “Why” to Build Connection
This is your chance to explain why you started this project—and why it matters.
Example:
“I created this newsletter because I wanted a better way to keep our community informed, connected, and empowered. So much of what happens in [City Name] doesn’t get covered—and I’m here to change that.”
People support people. When you share your mission, readers connect on a human level.
4. Link to Your Best Work or Most Popular Posts
Don’t wait for readers to find your value—show them.
Include 1–3 curated links:
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Your most-read article
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A popular community roundup
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A piece that defines your voice
Make it easy for new subscribers to immediately see your best stuff.
5. Invite Them to Say Hello or Share Feedback
Turn passive readers into active participants.
Try:
“Got a story idea, question, or just want to say hi? Hit reply—I’d love to hear from you.”
Even one response builds connection—and signals that you’re approachable and real.
6. Encourage Sharing (Softly)
Don’t be pushy, but give people a way to spread the word:
“If you know a friend, neighbor, or coworker who’d love this kind of local news, forward this email or share this link: [Your Signup URL]”
Early engagement + word of mouth = newsletter magic.
7. Make the Next Step Crystal Clear
End with a strong but friendly call to action:
“Keep an eye out for your first newsletter this [Day]! In the meantime, explore the archive here: [link]”
You want your new subscribers to feel like they know what’s coming—and they’re excited for it.
Bonus: Tools and Tips
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Substack lets you edit your default welcome message. Do it!
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Add emojis (if that fits your tone) to make it feel more human
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Include a photo of yourself or your town to personalize it
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Consider tagging new subscribers and sending a follow-up 7 days later:
“Just checking in—how’s your experience so far?”
Want to Turn More Readers into Long-Term Supporters?
Your welcome email is just the beginning.
If you’re ready to build a high-trust, high-impact local newsletter that grows steadily and sustains itself over time, grab my full guide:
👉 Local Journalism on Substack: How to Create a Low-Cost, Monetizable News Site and Newsletter Network
Inside, you’ll find:
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Welcome email templates that convert
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Subscriber onboarding flows
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Content strategy checklists
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Monetization options that feel natural
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A full 30-day roadmap to grow your local media platform
You only get one first impression. Let’s make it count—and build a newsletter your readers look forward to, week after week.