The One Email Every Business Should Send (and How to Do It Right)

Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools a business can use to engage customers, drive sales, and build long-term relationships. But with so many types of emails—newsletters, promotions, updates—it’s easy to overlook the one email that has the biggest impact.

If you only send one email, make it a well-crafted welcome email. This single message sets the tone for your relationship with a new subscriber or customer, making a lasting first impression that can lead to higher engagement and better conversion rates.

The One Email Every Business Should Send: The Welcome Email

A welcome email is the first message someone receives after signing up for your list, making a purchase, or expressing interest in your business.

Why It’s Crucial

A well-executed welcome email can:

✅ Set expectations for what’s to come.

✅ Build immediate trust and engagement.

✅ Increase conversions and long-term customer retention.

In fact, welcome emails have an average open rate of 50%-60%, which is 4x higher than standard marketing emails (source: Campaign Monitor).

How to Write a High-Performing Welcome Email

1. Nail the Subject Line

Your subject line is the first thing your recipient sees—make it count. Keep it warm, clear, and compelling.

Examples:📩 “Welcome! Here’s What to Expect”📩 “You’re In! Let’s Get Started”📩 “Excited to Have You—Here’s a Special Gift”

According to OptinMonster, 47% of recipients decide to open an email based on the subject line alone.

2. Make It Personal

Personalization increases engagement. Using the recipient’s name and showing personality in your copy can make the email feel like it’s coming from a real person, not a faceless company.

Example:"Hey [First Name], we’re thrilled to have you! Here’s how to make the most of your experience with us."

3. Provide Immediate Value

Give your new subscriber or customer a quick win. This could be:

🎁 A discount code for first-time buyers.

📚 A free resource, such as a PDF guide or checklist.

📩 A helpful tip related to their interests.

Example:"As a thank you for joining, here’s 10% off your first purchase! Use code WELCOME10 at checkout."

4. Set Clear Expectations

People appreciate knowing what they’re signing up for. Use this email to tell them:

• What kind of emails they’ll receive.

• How often they can expect to hear from you.

• Any important next steps.

  
  

Example:"We’ll be sending you one email per week with valuable [tips, insights, exclusive offers]. If that ever feels like too much, you can update your preferences anytime."

5. Include a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

A strong welcome email should drive action. Encourage your recipient to take the next step, such as:

📲 Following you on social media.

📖 Reading a blog post.

📅 Booking a consultation.

📧 Replying to introduce themselves.

Example:"Click below to explore our top resources and start seeing results today!" (Include a CTA button like “Explore Now” or “Get Started.”)

Pro Tips to Maximize Impact

✅ Send it immediately – Welcome emails sent in real-time generate 320% more revenue than those sent later (source: Invesp).

✅ Keep it mobile-friendly – Over 60% of emails are opened on mobile devices (source: Litmus).

✅ Test different versions – A/B testing different subject lines, layouts, or CTAs can improve performance over time.

Final Thoughts: Make This Email Work for You

The welcome email isn’t just another marketing message—it’s your opportunity to make a lasting first impression and build a connection with your audience.

If you don’t already have a welcome email in place, now is the time to create one. And if you do, take a fresh look to ensure it’s engaging, valuable, and optimized for success.

🚀 Need help crafting high-performing emails for your business? Let’s chat!