How to Set Up a Simple Welcome Funnel That Sells Without Being Pushy
If you’ve ever joined an email list and immediately been hit with a dozen sales emails, you know what pushy marketing feels like — and you probably don’t want to be that person.
But here’s the good news:
👉 You can build an email funnel that feels helpful, natural, and even enjoyable for your subscribers — while still leading them to buy your products.
👉 You don’t need complicated tech setups, expensive software, or a 30-email sequence to make it happen.
In this post, I’ll show you how to set up a simple welcome funnel that sells without feeling salesy — perfect for part-time entrepreneurs, hobby-based businesses, and anyone starting small.
Let’s dive in.
What Is a Welcome Funnel (and Why You Need One)
A welcome funnel is a short series of emails that automatically goes out after someone joins your list.
Its main goals:
Introduce them to who you are and what you offer
Build trust and connection
Help them take the next step (usually buying a low-cost product or joining your program)
Think of it like welcoming someone into your home:
You don't shove a product in their face the second they walk in.
You greet them warmly.
You show them around.
You offer them something helpful and relevant.
Done right, a welcome funnel feels like a natural extension of the relationship — not a hard sell.
Why Simple Funnels Work Better for Part-Time Entrepreneurs
If you're running your side business in 5–10 hours a week, you don't have time to babysit complicated marketing systems.
Here’s why a simple welcome funnel is better:
✅ It’s faster to set up and easier to maintain.
✅ It matches your audience’s real buying behavior (they want to feel known, not pressured).
✅ It lets you start selling while you sleep — even with a small list.
You don’t need a 27-email nurture series to succeed.
You just need a handful of thoughtful, well-timed emails.
The Simple 5-Email Welcome Funnel Formula
You only need five emails to create a funnel that feels good and sells well.
Here’s the basic structure:
Email 1: Immediate Welcome + Delivery
Thank them warmly for joining.
Deliver the freebie or lead magnet you promised.
Set expectations: How often will you email them? What kinds of content can they expect?
End with a simple question (optional) to encourage replies and engagement.
Example Subject Line:
"Welcome! Here’s Your [Freebie Name] 🎉"
Email 2: Your Story + Connection
Share a quick personal story that relates to your topic.
Focus on something they can relate to (a struggle, an early mistake, a breakthrough).
Position yourself as a guide, not a guru.
Example Subject Line:
"I wasn’t always good at [topic] either… (my story)"
Email 3: Small Win + Soft Pitch
Teach them something small they can implement immediately.
At the end, lightly introduce your paid product as the next step if they want to go deeper.
Example Subject Line:
"Try this quick tip today — it made a huge difference for me!"
Email 4: Customer Success or Social Proof
Share a short customer story, testimonial, or positive outcome from someone who used your product or method.
If you don’t have testimonials yet, share a “case study” from your own journey.
Example Subject Line:
"Here’s how [Name] achieved [Result] (and you can too!)"
Email 5: Invitation to Take the Next Step
Recap the value you've shared so far.
Invite them clearly but kindly to check out your paid offer.
Emphasize that there’s no pressure — you’re here to help when they’re ready.
Example Subject Line:
"Ready to [achieve X]? Here's how I can help you."
Where to Send People in Your Funnel
When you pitch, keep the action step simple:
✅ Link directly to your sales page for your starter product
✅ If you have a coupon or limited-time bonus, mention it in the final email
✅ Always make buying feel like a helpful, natural next step — not an obligation
Common Welcome Funnel Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Being too salesy too fast:
Focus on connection before conversion.
❌ Sending generic emails:
Make your welcome sequence feel personal and specific to your audience.
❌ Waiting too long to offer something:
It’s okay to introduce your paid offer by email 3 — just do it softly and helpfully.
❌ Overcomplicating it:
Stick to the 5-email structure. You can always expand later if needed.
Tools You Can Use to Build Your Funnel
You don’t need fancy funnel builders!
Here are a few beginner-friendly tools you can use:
ConvertKit — (great for creators, free for small lists)
MailerLite — (easy visual automation builder)
Flodesk — (beautiful emails, super simple workflows)
All you need is:
An opt-in form
A 5-email automation
A link to your product
Simple = done = selling.
Conclusion: Your Welcome Funnel Is the Bridge Between "New Subscriber" and "Happy Customer"
Think of your welcome funnel as the first impression people get of your brand.
If you focus on:
Welcoming warmly
Sharing value first
Making clear, helpful offers
You’ll start turning strangers into loyal customers — without feeling pushy, spammy, or salesy.
Want help building your simple welcome funnel step-by-step?
Join us inside the HobbyScool Part-Time Passion Club this September!
You'll learn exactly how to create your first funnel — with templates, swipe files, and easy-to-follow guides to save you time.
🎯 Join the Part-Time Passion Club and build your simple funnel today!
