Mailing List Welcome Message Etiquette
A welcome message often forms the first impression a mailing list subscriber has of the list. A mailing list's welcome message must stick to guidelines that make sure readers gather a favorable impression, thus keeping subscribers and ensuring that the list does not get disrupted by users not sticking to the list's guidelines.
Other People Are Reading
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Say Thanks!
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Thank your subscribers for signing up for the list. Simple courtesy like this goes a long way in creating a favorable impression right off the bat. You don't need to gush or be effusive, but let them know you appreciate their subscription to the list. Welcome them to the community formed by the mailing list.
Give Them the Rules
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Provide your subscribers with the rules of the list about such things as keeping discussions on topic and flaming. Spell out the consequences of breaking the rules. This helps you later if you need to enforce the rules, since users cannot claim the rules of conduct were not supplied or unclear. Provide a method that allows them to contact you if they have questions about the rules or need clarification.
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Tell Them Why
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Describe the benefits of the list so your subscribers remember why it's valuable to them. You don't need to exaggerate or oversell, but make it clear to them why they are subscribing and what the continued benefits of the list will be, such as extra information or a chance to discuss topics of interest.
Tell Them How to Unsubscribe
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Explain to the subscriber how they can cancel or change their mailing list subscription. While you may not want users to unsubscribe, providing instructions on how they can will help your welcome message seem professional and polite. If there are options for the format in which they receive your mailings, such as a choice between a daily digest or individual messages, let your user know, and explain the process clearly.
Make Sure They Get It
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Avoid having your messages get lost in spam filters by telling users how to "whitelist" your address so spam filters will accept the messages. In most cases this involves their addition of the address from which the messages are sent to their email address box.
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References
Resources
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