How To Set Up Your Community's Email Onboarding Campaign

A well-crafted onboarding email campaign plays a critical role in welcoming your new members to your community. It not only establishes a personal connection with them, but it also sets the tone for their entire experience with your community.

You want to use this campaign to provide your new members with information about the resources available to them and the benefits of being a part of your community. These onboarding emails should focus on highlighting the opportunities available to new members while also emphasizing the significance of being part of something larger than themselves. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that your new members feel valued and invested in the community's success.

Encourage Action

The primary goal of the onboarding email campaign should be to encourage new members to make a meaningful contribution to the community immediately. In Build Your Community, Richard Millington writes:

"Once members have registered, it's critical they make their first contribution as quickly as possible. The odds on someone participating decline sharply with every passing hour between registering and making a contribution. Most newcomers either participate immediately or never at all.”

Use your onboarding email campaign to set the tone for the kind of interactions that the community values and expects. Make it clear that the community is a place where people can not only receive value but also contribute to something worthwhile.

Calls to Action

Each email should introduce your new members to an aspect of your community and encourage them to participate. Include a clear call to action, whether it's to join a discussion, complete their profile, or attend an event. By doing so, you will create a sense of urgency and excitement that motivates people to become active members.

Here are examples of calls to action that can be integrated into the onboarding email series for new community members:

1. Ask a Question: "Got a burning question or seeking advice? Our forum is the perfect place to ask. No question is too big or too small. Tap into the collective wisdom of our community and start a new thread with your question. We're all here to help!"
2. Start a Discussion: "Is there a topic you're particularly passionate about? Whether it's related to the latest industry trends, a recent challenge you've overcome, or a piece of advice you wish you knew earlier, your insights are valuable to us! Start a discussion today and lead the conversation."
3. Reply to the Welcome Discussion: "Feeling a bit shy about starting your own thread? A great way to dip your toes in the water is by replying to someone else's post in the welcome discussion. Share your thoughts, offer support, or simply say hello. Every contribution makes our community stronger."

Incorporating these calls to action not only guides new members toward becoming active participants but also fosters a sense of belonging and engagement from the outset.

Onboarding Email Ideas

Here are examples of individual emails that you can including in your onboarding series for new members:

1. Getting Started: Your First Steps: This email can guide new members through initial actions they should take, like setting up their profile, introducing themselves in a designated forum, or exploring key community features.
2. Navigating Our Space: A Quick Tour: Offer a virtual tour highlighting the main sections of the online community, such as discussion forums, resource libraries, or event calendars, making it easier for members to find what they need.
3. Connect & Engage: How to Make the Most of Your Membership: Tips on how to actively participate, such as joining discussions, attending virtual meetups, or contributing content, to foster a sense of belonging and engagement.
4. Upcoming Events You Won't Want to Miss: Information on upcoming webinars, Q&A sessions, or virtual meetups that new members can attend to learn more and connect with others.
5. Meet the Community Leaders: Introduce the community managers, moderators, or key members, possibly with short bios or welcome videos, to humanize the community and encourage new members to reach out.
6. Your Voice Matters: How to Contribute and Share Feedback: Encourage new members to share their ideas, content, or feedback on how the community can serve them better, emphasizing the value of member contributions.
7. Exclusive Resources Just for You: Highlight special resources, such as e-books, toolkits, or courses, available exclusively to community members, adding value to their membership.
8. Success Stories: See What's Possible: Share testimonials or case studies of members who have benefited significantly from the community, offering inspiration and illustrating the community's potential impact.
9. Stay Connected: Follow Us on Social Media: Invite new members to follow the community's social media profiles for additional content, updates, and networking opportunities.
10. We're Here for You: Support and Contact Information: Provide contact information for technical support or community assistance, reassuring members that help is available whenever they need it.

Welcome Aboard

Crafting a thoughtful and engaging email onboarding campaign is not just about informing your new members, it's also about inspiring, connecting, and reassuring these individuals that they've made the right choice. By carefully laying out each step of the introduction, you can ensure that every new member feels valued, heard, and excited to be a part of our community. This initial impression can significantly influence their long-term participation and satisfaction.