What is a Welcome Series and Why You Need One

If you've ever thought, "I know I should stay in touch with people who sign up for my list, but I just don't have time," you're not alone. Most artists are juggling studio time, deadlines, shows, and daily life. The idea of emailing regularly can feel like just one more thing you can't keep up with.

But what if you could connect with every new subscriber without having to write something new every week? That's what a welcome series does for you.

Let's break down what a welcome series is, why it matters for artists, and a simple structure you can follow to set yours up. This allows for a way to stay visible and build trust while you focus on your work.

Welcome Series for Artists:  Breaking it Down

A welcome series is a short sequence of automated emails that your subscribers receive after joining your list. Once someone signs up, whether through your website, at a show, or using a QR code, they start receiving the emails you've already written.

You don't have to send them manually. You write the emails once, set up the automation, and they go out automatically to every new person.

This kind of sequence is your chance to:

• Introduce yourself and your work

• Share what you create and why

• Guide people to your portfolio, social media, or shop

• Build a relationship with potential collectors or followers
  

It's one of the most efficient and impactful things you can set up for your art business.

Why Every Artist Should Have an automated Welcome Series

1. It builds trust while you create

Most people sign up for your list because they saw something they liked. If they don't hear from you until months later, they'll forget why they signed up. A welcome series bridges that gap and helps them feel connected from the start.

2. It helps turn followers into collectors or fans

You don't need to sell in your emails to move someone closer to making a purchase. A simple story about your process, your studio, or the meaning behind a piece can create the connection that leads to a sale later.

3. It runs automatically and frees up your time

Once you set up the emails, you don't have to think about it. Whether you're prepping for a show or deep in a new series, your welcome emails keep working in the background.

4. It gives a purpose to all your visibility efforts

If you're sharing your signup link on social media, handing out cards, or displaying a QR code at a show, where is that attention going? A welcome series gives your new subscribers something meaningful to receive in return.

A Simple 3 to 5 Email Structure That Works

You don't need a complicated marketing funnel to get started. Just a few thoughtful emails can make a big difference.

Here's a simple structure you can follow:

Email 1: The Warm Welcome

Thank them for signing up. Let them know what kind of emails they'll receive. Optionally, link to your most recent work or offer a complimentary resource, such as a desktop wallpaper, behind-the-scenes PDF, or studio tour video.

Email 2: Your Artist Story

Share how you got started or what drives your creative work. Keep it brief and relatable. Include one to two images of your work. You can also link to your full portfolio or artist bio.

Email 3: Behind the Scenes

Show your process, workspace, or inspiration to build trust and make people feel like they're part of your world. You could share progress shots or a quick note about a recent piece.

Email 4: Highlight a Piece or Collection

Choose one artwork or series and tell the story behind it. Share what inspired it, how it was created, or what it means to you. Link to view or purchase if appropriate.

Optional Email 5: Invite Connection

Ask them to reply and introduce themselves, follow you on social media, or share your work. Reinforce how they can stay informed going forward.

Your Next Step

This process doesn't have to be complicated. You don't need fancy software or dozens of emails. You simply need a way to say hello and share what you're about.

This week, start by writing your welcome email:

Thank the subscriber for signing up. Let them know what to expect from your emails. Share a link to your latest work or a favorite piece.

Next week, I'll walk you through how to write the rest of your sequence and show you how to set it up so it runs on autopilot.