How to set up a welcome email sequence (5-email template)

Welcome emails get 4× the open rate of regular sends. The 5-email sequence to send every new subscriber — with the subject lines that work.

7 min read beginnerUpdated Jun 10, 2026
BI
Reviewed by the editorial team · Jun 10, 2026
Before you start
  • An email tool with automation (Mailchimp, ConvertKit/Kit, Beehiiv, Klaviyo)

Step by step

  1. 01

    Email 1 — Immediate welcome (within 1 minute)

    Subject: 'Welcome — here's what to expect'. Confirm the signup, set expectations (how often you'll email, what about), deliver the lead magnet. Keep it under 100 words.

  2. 02

    Email 2 — Day 2: Your best content

    Subject: 'The one thing I wish I'd known sooner'. Send your single highest-performing piece of content. Earn the next open.

  3. 03

    Email 3 — Day 4: Story / founder note

    Subject: 'Why I started [thing]'. A personal story about why this work matters. Builds the parasocial trust that drives conversions later.

  4. 04

    Email 4 — Day 7: Educational deep-dive

    Subject: '[Specific outcome] in 3 steps'. Tactical, useful, link out to a long-form resource. Position yourself as the expert.

  5. 05

    Email 5 — Day 10: Soft offer

    Subject: 'Want me to help with this directly?' Present your paid offer (course, service, product) as the obvious next step for people who've gotten value. Always have a clear ask.

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