OK! Now that you have your email list set up and are actually getting people joining your list, let me help you turn your email list subscribers into true fans with some practical tips. When someone first joins your list to get that free book (or whatever fantabulous reader magnet you are offering), don’t just send them the download link and disappear. Think of it like making a new friend – start by introducing yourself! Share a bit about why you write and what makes you tick.
Why Would You Do This?
A good onboarding sequence:
- Introduces Your Brand: Helps readers understand who you are, what you write, and what they can expect from your emails.
- Builds Trust: Reinforces that signing up for your list was a great decision by offering immediate value.
- Encourages Engagement: Guides readers to take specific actions, like downloading a free eBook, following you on social media, or leaving a review.
- Drives Sales: Provides opportunities to promote your books or services in a way that feels natural and not overly pushy.
What works really well is a series of welcome emails that gradually build that connection. After they get their free book, maybe tell them about what inspired your stories or share some of your favorite reads. Once they’re getting comfortable, invite them to join your social media circles or reader groups. And don’t forget to ask for their thoughts on the free book – reviews help everyone!
Here’s a five-email onboarding sequence you can use as a template. Feel free to rewrite the subject lines to reflect your personality and / or to be more specific to your niche.
Email 1: Welcome & Free Gift
- Subject Line: “Welcome! Here’s Your Free Gift”
- Content:
- Thank the reader for signing up.
- Provide the download link for your free eBook or resource.
- Briefly introduce yourself (e.g., “I’m [Your Name], and I write [Genre].”).
- End with a friendly invitation to reply (e.g., “I’d love to hear what you think of the book!”).
Email 2: Let’s Get to Know Each Other (Sent 1-2 Days Later)
- Subject Line: “A Little About Me”
- Content:
- Share your journey as an author.
- Explain what inspired you to write your book(s).
- Ask an engaging question (e.g., “What’s a book that has stayed with you long after reading it?”).
Email 3: Recommended Reads & Resources (Sent 2-3 Days Later)
- Subject Line: “Books You’ll Love”
- Content:
- Share a curated list of your books or similar reads they might enjoy.
- Include links to purchase or download your other titles.
- Add a personal touch by explaining why you recommend these books.
Email 4: Add Value (Sent 2-3 Days Later)
- Subject Line: “Tips for [Your Genre/Topic] Fans”
- Content:
- Provide practical tips or insights related to your genre (e.g., “How to Enjoy More Thrilling Mysteries” or “5 Ways to Find Time for Reading”).
- Mention any communities or resources you’ve created, such as a Facebook group or exclusive content.
Email 5: Special Offer (Sent 2-3 Days Later)
- Subject Line: “A Special Thank-You for Joining”
- Content:
- Offer an exclusive discount or bonus for one of your books or related products.
- Thank them again for being part of your community.
- Politely ask for a review
OK, let’s stop and take a deep breath, because I sense you’re feeling overwhelmed. Let me reassure you that email marketing services like MailerLite and Email Octopus make this kind of thing very easy to set up, and that you’re only going to have to do this once and you’ll get the benefit of this sequence emailing new people FIVE TIMES once they sign up. That’s five emails you don’t have to send! That’s a good thing!
Here’s a little pep talk about mindset to help you psych yourself up to actually put all this in place. I see you, introvert! I know you’d rather be doing almost anything else.
Once They Are Yours……
I don’t know how to tell you this, but some of your new subscribers just came for the free book. They are not going to make it through the onboarding sequence, and that is fine! You only want people on your list who actually want to hear from you, believe me. Once you’ve found your “tried and true” readers, start emailing them on a regular basis by creating and distributing a regular newsletter.
Your regular newsletters are where the real relationship grows. Whether you’re popping into their inbox weekly or monthly, share things that matter to them – maybe a peek at your latest chapter, a short story they won’t find anywhere else, or the real story behind your characters. Make it feel like you’re chatting with a friend, not selling to a customer.
Sure, you’ll want to mention your other books, but keep it casual. “Hey, if you enjoyed [free book], you might get a kick out of [paid book]!” Sometimes throw in a special deal just for your subscribers – they love feeling special.
Get your readers involved in your world. Let them vote on character names, share their fan art, or join your book discussions. The more they feel part of your writing journey, the more invested they become.
Remember that different readers want different things. Some might love getting early access to new books, while others might need a gentle nudge with another freebie to stay engaged. The trick is to notice these differences and adjust accordingly.
When you’ve got a new book coming out, your email list is your secret weapon. Share your writing ups and downs, offer some advance copies, maybe even plan a virtual launch party just for them.
And hey, it’s not all about books – signed copies, cool bookmarks, or exclusive content memberships can add extra value. The key is staying genuine and consistent. Your readers signed up because they like your writing, but they’ll stick around because they connect with you as a person.
Keep this relationship genuine, add real value, and your subscribers will naturally become your biggest supporters and book buyers. Hang in there! This stuff gets easier the more you do it, I promise!
Resources/ references: as always, I will encourage you to read these two amazing books by Tammi Labreque:
Tammi possesses the unique ability to make these concepts seem accessible and even doable! These are on my “must have” list for authors!
