5 Essential Emails Every Course Creator Needs in Their Funnel
Let’s get real for a moment—email marketing can feel a bit overwhelming, right? But as a course creator, it’s hands down one of the most powerful ways you can connect with your audience and share the journey with them.
Think of it as having a cozy, ongoing conversation with the people who are just as excited (and maybe a little nervous) about your course as you are."
With the right emails in place, you can turn those one-time visitors into loyal, engaged students who are genuinely ready to learn from you. So today, I’m sharing five must-have emails for your funnel, each designed to feel personal, supportive, and effective. Imagine these emails as little conversations that help you build trust, answer questions, and ultimately welcome new students into your course. Ready to dive in?
1. The Welcome Email: Setting the Tone
Your welcome email is like inviting someone into your living room. It’s your first impression, your digital handshake, and the beginning of a beautiful friendship (or at least a really helpful subscriber journey).
What to include:
A warm introduction: Share who you are and why you’re passionate about what you do. Don’t overthink it—just write the way you speak. Make it personal.
Set expectations: Let them know what kind of content you’ll be sending, how often, and what they can look forward to.
Invite engagement: Encourage them to reply with their biggest question or struggle. Or, link to a free resource that helps them take a small step right now.
Example subject line: "Welcome to [Your Course Name]! Here’s what to expect"
This email isn’t about selling—it’s about connection. Show them that behind this screen is a real human (you!) who genuinely cares.
2. The Nurture Sequence: Building Trust Over Time
This is where you show up consistently and give value without asking for anything in return. These emails help your audience get to know you, understand your expertise, and feel like they’re learning something before they ever buy.
Let’s say your course is about creating a signature program. You could send 3-5 emails over a week or two that share bite-sized lessons, your own journey, and some common pitfalls to avoid.
What to include:
Quick tips or lessons: Offer valuable info they can use right away.
Stories that resonate: Share your transformation story or student wins to show them what’s possible.
Soft calls to action: Gently guide them toward your blog, freebie, or a quiz to learn more about their next step.
Example subject line: "Feeling stuck on your course idea? Here’s how I found mine."
The magic of nurture emails is in showing up with consistency. You’re not just another newsletter in their inbox—you’re the one who’s been where they are and knows how to help.
3. The Course Launch Announcement: It’s Go Time!
Okay, it’s officially launch time. Cue the confetti!
This email should be filled with excitement and clarity. Let your subscribers know that the doors are open, and invite them to enroll. Share the transformation they can expect, not just the features of your course.
What to include:
A bold, clear headline: Let them know this is THE email they’ve been waiting for.
The results they can expect: Instead of listing lessons, focus on the before and after.
Enrollment link: Make it easy to sign up with a strong, clear call to action.
Optional bonuses: If you’re offering early bird pricing, bonuses, or limited-time access, include that too.
Example subject line: "Ready to finally launch your course? Here’s your chance!"
Energy matters here. You’re inviting them into something special—so make it feel that way.
4. The Objection-Handling Email: Gently Addressing Doubts
We all get a little nervous before we invest in something new. That’s normal. And that’s why this email matters.
Your job here is to anticipate those hesitations your audience might be having and meet them with empathy and clarity.
What to include:
Address the big concerns: Think about questions you’ve heard before: Is this course for me? What if I don’t have time? What if I fail?
Ease the fear: Offer reassurance. Talk about support, your refund policy, community access—whatever helps them feel more confident.
Real-life examples: Share a short story from someone who had the same hesitation and ended up loving the course.
Example subject line: "Still on the fence? Let’s talk it out."
This email should feel like a heart-to-heart, not a sales pitch. Let them know it’s okay to ask questions. You’re here to help them make the best decision for themselves.
5. The Last-Chance Reminder: Creating a Gentle Nudge
The cart is closing, the doors are about to shut, and you don’t want your subscribers to miss out.
This final email is a gentle, clear reminder. And yes, it should include urgency, but keep it grounded. No panic. Just clarity.
What to include:
Final deadline: Make it bold and easy to see.
Quick recap: Share the transformation, the course highlights, and what’s waiting for them inside.
One strong CTA: Don’t overcomplicate it. Make the next step super obvious.
Example subject line: "Final call! Enrollment for [Course Name] closes tonight."
This email isn’t about pressure—it’s about offering clarity. If they’re ready, this is their moment. And if not, that’s okay too. Either way, you showed up fully and kindly.
Bonus Tips to Strengthen Your Funnel
If you want to make these emails even more impactful, here are a few things you can sprinkle throughout your funnel:
Personalization: Use their first name, reference where they came from (like a freebie or quiz), and write like you're talking to one person.
Visuals: Add clean, on-brand graphics or photos to break up your text and keep things visually appealing.
Timing matters: Space your emails intentionally. You don’t need to bombard their inbox, but you do want to stay top of mind.
Segment your list: If you have different audiences or course types, tailor your messaging accordingly.
Final Sip
Email Marketing as Connection, Not Just Conversion
Email marketing isn’t just about selling. It’s about showing up.
It’s about being the steady, helpful voice in your subscriber’s inbox that says, "Hey, I see you. I’ve been there. And here’s how I can help."
These five emails are more than just content—they’re tiny bridges. Bridges that help your potential students move from curious to confident, from “just looking” to "I’m in!"
So the next time you sit down to write your funnel, remember: you’re not writing for everyone. You’re writing for that one person who needs exactly what you have to offer. Keep it human. Keep it clear. And above all, keep showing up.
You’ve got this. And if you need a little help mapping it all out in a timesaving automation, I’m only a click away!
Hi, I’m Christina—designer, strategist, and your website’s new best friend.
I help solopreneurs build beautiful, intentional websites that actually work for their business (without the tech overwhelm). When I’m not designing in Squarespace, you’ll find me homeschooling my kids with a coffee in hand and cozy slippers on my feet.
