10 Simple Steps to the Ideal Introduction

First impressions matter. And if you want to make the most of your newsletter's introduction, here are ten elements you can add:

1. Subscriber count

You can start with, "Hello to my [X] subscribers, so glad to have you here!"

It will help acknowledge your audience and acts as social proof. For a new subscriber, the size of your audience may even indicate credibility.

2. Number of new subscribers

If you want to acknowledge your new subscribers, you can always write, "Welcome to the [Y] subscribers that have joined us since last week."

Adds to both your general credibility and onboarding experience.

3. In-line social share button

By adding in-line social share buttons at the start of the newsletter, you're immediately giving readers the chance to share your amazing content with just a couple of clicks!

Pro tip: You could also add a couple of in-line social share buttons throughout your newsletter, so readers can share your content as they see the value.

Want to add this element in right now? Here's your guide.

4. Subscribe button

Every time your newsletter gets forwarded and you haven't included the subscribe button in your introduction, you're leaving something on the table!

Using beehiiv's text editor, you can quickly add a subscribe button and link to your newsletter's website to capture all new emails.

5. Personal touch

When introducing your content, don't forget to talk a little bit about yourself too. It reminds the audience of the person behind the work, strengthening your connection.

Whether it's what you did last weekend or a milestone you recently achieved, writing about it is a great way to get your readers to connect with you.

6. Links to previous articles

More often than not, your subscribers have not read every one of your emails.

So, don't be afraid to link your previous articles in your newsletter introduction. If they enjoy your content, they will want to check it out and appreciate you for the nudge.

7. A branded banner

With a simple visual like this, at the top of every newsletter edition, you can quickly establish a sense of professionalism with your readers.

Probably the simplest way to establish your brand with the readers.

8. Briefing on today's piece

It will help prepare the reader for today's piece and (hopefully) get them excited to get reading! On the flip side, if it's not something of interest to your readers, they can skip the content and save time too.

9. Author byline

First, with the author's byline, you can directly link it to your Twitter or LinkedIn handle. Therefore, allowing your newsletter readers to funnel back to and support you on social media.

10. Estimated reading time

Secondly, you can help set your readers' expectations by mentioning the estimated reading time.

And for those of you with short-form newsletters, this one may be an interesting value proposition - shorter time frames would make the readers less hesitant to get started.