3 High-Impact Emails Every Small Business Should Send (With Copy-and-Paste Examples)
Whether you run an Etsy shop, manage a Shopify store, own a local business, are a consultant, or handle marketing for a small company, you’re not just in the business of selling—you’re in the business of building relationships.
If you’re not using email yet (or only send it sporadically), you’re likely missing out on easy sales, loyal fans, and repeat customers.
The good news? You don’t need to be tech-savvy or overly “salesy” to make email marketing work for you.
The Welcome Email
Why it matters: First impressions count. When someone signs up for your list, such as your eNewsletter, via a freebie, social media, or a purchase, your welcome email sets the tone for what kind of experience they can expect.
What to include:
A warm, genuine “thank you”
A quick (i.e. brief) introduction to you and your products or services
A preview of what kind of emails they’ll get (and how often)
A “soft” offer (coupon, bestseller link, or “start here” guide)
Welcome Email Examples: High-Open Subject Lines
So glad you're here 💌
You’re in! Excited to welcome you
·Welcome to [Business Name] – Let’s Get Started!
Welcome! Here’s your first dose of [Topic/Value]
Welcome to [Newsletter Name] – your [Benefit] starts here
Let’s make this worth your while…
You’re in! Here’s what happens next…
·So glad you’re here 💌
Your VIP perks start now
Welcome! A little gift is waiting inside
You made it to the list! 🙌
Let’s make this official…
Welcome Email Example 1 (copy and paste)
Hi [First Name],
Welcome to [Newsletter Name]! I’m so glad you decided to join our community of [type of audience, e.g., small business owners, handmade product lovers, coffee enthusiasts].
Here’s what you can expect from me:
Fresh tips, ideas, and resources every [day/week/month]
Helpful tools you can put into action right away
Exclusive updates, sneak peeks, and special offers just for subscribers
**To kick things off**, I’ve put together something just for you:
👉 [Link to a helpful resource, starter guide, or “most popular” post]
Your first official newsletter will arrive [day/time], but until then, feel free to explore our most-read posts:
[article link]
[article link]
[article link]
Thanks for joining—I’m excited to help you [benefit they want, e.g., grow your shop, save time, get inspired].
Talk soon,
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
[Optional: Social media links]
Welcome Email Example 2 (copy and paste)
Hey [First Name],
I’m thrilled you found [Business Name]! I’m [Your Name], and I [what you make or do in one brief sentence].
You can expect a few emails each month with [these will include: new product announcements, behind-the-scenes updates, exclusive offers, etc.].
Want to see what’s most popular? Here are my current bestsellers: [link]
Thanks for joining my community!
[Your Name]
[Your contact email or phone number]
[Optional: Social media links]
More “Welcome Email” Examples from Brands I Follow (which I actually opened)
Company: PaperForm
Subject Line: Welcome to the Paperform family!
Note: When you clicked on the video image in the email, it took me to a video hosted in YouTube.
Company: Box Genie
Subject Line: Welcome to Box Genie
The Post-Purchase Thank You Email
Why it matters: A thoughtful “thank you” after a purchase often turns a one-time customer into a repeat buyer. It helps you stand out from “just another online store” and shows you value their support.
What to include:
A heartfelt “thank you”
Order details, tracking info, and/or next steps
A gentle upsell or referral request
Post-Purchase Email Examples: High-Open Subject Lines
[First Name], your order made my day 💛
Thanks for shopping with us – here’s your order info
You’re the best! Here’s what happens next
Your [Product Name] is on the way
Order confirmed ✔ Plus a little thank-you gift
Thanks for supporting [Business Name] – enjoy this bonus
We’re wrapping up your order right now 🎁
[First Name], you just made my day
You’re the best! Here’s your order info
Post-Purchase Email Example (copy and paste)
Thank you for your order, [First Name]!
Your [product/service] is already being prepared. You’ll receive tracking info very soon.
As a thank-you, here’s an extra 10% off your next purchase. Use code THANKS10 within 30 days.
If you love your order, I’d be so grateful if you tagged me on Instagram @yourhandle or left a review.
Thanks again for supporting my small business!
[Your Name]
[Your contact email or phone number]
[Optional: Social media links]
More “Post-Purchase Email” Examples with High Open Rates
Company: HTL
Subject Line: Hi [First Name], I’m Your Personal Training Concierge
Company: Bulk Apothecary
Subject Line: Quick note about your order.
The Re-Engagement Email
Why it matters: Subscribers sometimes go quiet, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone forever. A well-timed re-engagement email can bring them back.
What to include:
A subject line that stands out
Acknowledge the time since last contact
A compelling reason to return (discount, new launch, or a personal note)
Re-Engagement Email Examples: High-Open Subject Lines
We miss you – here’s 15% off to come back
Was it something we said?
[First Name], can we make it up to you?
Your favorites are back in stock!
Long time no see… here’s a little gift for you
Let’s catch up – new things just for you
Re-engagement Email Example (copy and paste)
Hi [First Name],
I noticed it’s been a while since we last connected.
If you’ve moved on, I completely understand, but if life just got busy, I’ve got something new you might love.
Check out my latest [products/services] and enjoy 15% off your next order with code MISSEDYOU.
Take a peek here: [link]
Hope to see you back,
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
[Your contact email or phone number]
More “Re-engagement Emails” Examples from Brands I Follow (which I actually opened)
Company: Storelli Sports
Subject Line: We Miss You. Score 20% Off Your Comeback.
Final Tips for Email Marketing Success
Start simple—just these three emails can make a huge difference in sales and loyalty.
If you aren’t using a tool to help you design the more creative templates, I recommend BeeFree. They are affordable and very user-friendly.
If you prefer not to invest in a design tool, you can also write these emails out like you would any email. Sometimes, the simpler the better.
Use plain, friendly language—write like you’re talking to one person, not a crowd.
Keep your email list clean by removing inactive subscribers after a few re-engagement attempts.
Track open rates and clicks to see what your audience responds to most.
TEST! Do A/B tests to see which mail subject lines or messages perform the best for your business.
You don’t have to email daily—or even weekly—to see results. With a welcome email, thank-you email, and re-engagement email, you’ll be building trust and encouraging sales on autopilot.
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