Writing a welcome message people actually read

The welcome message is the first thing most new members read from you, and often the last thing they read before deciding whether to come back. Most welcomes fail for the same reason: they try to explain everything at once.

Keep it to three things

• Who we are, in one sentence.
• One first step, like "introduce yourself in the Welcome Lounge" or "tell us what you're working on this month".
• Where to get help: one place, not five.

Links to guidelines, events and FAQs can come later. A newcomer who does one small thing on the first day is far more likely to stay than one who read a long list and did nothing.

Write like a person

"Welcome to our community! We're thrilled to have you!" reads like it came from a machine, because usually it did. Sign it with your name, mention something real ("this week we're arguing about the best way to run a book swap") and ask a question they can answer in one sentence.

Check it on a phone

Most new members will read your welcome on a phone, often straight from a notification. If the first screen is a logo and a paragraph of rules, they won't scroll. Put the first step near the top.

This week's task: rewrite your current welcome message so it fits on one phone screen, with one first step and your name at the bottom. Send it to a friend and ask what they would do next.