Branding Focus: A Five-Star Experience Any Time
This week’s branding focus in Page Turner Planning is about your welcome sequence.
Think of your autoresponder as the front desk of your author business. Readers just checked in. They’ve hit that little bell for your attention. They’ve paid the bill for their stay by trusting you with their email in exchange for your reader magnet.
Now what?
This is your chance to create a five-star experience any time of day—whether you’re asleep, on a retreat, or deep in revisions.
Step One: Draft Your Welcome Email
Your first email should do three things clearly and warmly:
Remind them what they received.
Connect personally to the story.
Set the tone for what comes next.
Here’s a sample you can adapt:
Subject Line: Your Free Book Is Here
Hi [First Name],
I’m so glad you’re here.
You just downloaded [Title of Magnet], and I hope you’re already settling in with a cup of something warm (or something strong—no judgment).
I wrote this story because [insert short personal reason—why this story matters to you]. For me, it’s about [core emotional theme—second chances, courage, found family, desire after forty, etc.]. I wanted to explore what happens when someone stands at the edge of change and has to decide whether they’re brave enough to step forward.
If you love [mention a key trope or emotional hook], you’re in the right place.
Over the next few days, I’ll send you a couple of emails—nothing overwhelming—just a chance for us to get to know each other better. I’ll share what to read next, a little about why I write the stories I do, and how you can stay connected if you’d like more.
For now, dive into the story. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
Notice this email does not selling aggressively. It’s orienting the reader. It reminds them why they signed up in the first place.
That’s the five-star part.
Step Two: Map Your Sequence
After the welcome email, you don’t want to wing it. You want to guide the experience.
List three to five emails that gently move the reader from curiosity to connection to purchase. Here’s a simple framework you can follow:
Email One: “Your Free Book”
Purpose: Deliver the magnet and establish tone.
Email Two: “Why I Write These Stories”
Purpose: Deepen emotional connection and brand identity.
Email Three: “What to Read Next”
Purpose: Introduce your next book or bundle clearly and confidently.
Email Four: “Behind the Scenes”
Purpose: Share something personal or craft-related that builds trust.
Email Five: “Let’s Stay Connected”
Purpose: Invite replies, social follows, or continued engagement.
You can keep it short. You can keep it simple. What matters is that each email has a purpose. A welcome sequence is about hospitality. You’re inviting readers into your world. Make it feel thoughtful.
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Super-helpful examples, thank you!