10 Emails Every Community Should Automate

Most communities send two of these by hand and forget the rest. Set them to fire automatically once, and your members stay engaged all year without you touching a thing. Here is the full list, with a sample subject line for each.

1. 1

   The welcome (on join)

   • The first 48 hours decide whether a new member sticks. Greet them and point them to the app.
   • Sample subject: "Welcome to [Community], here is how to get the most out of it"
2. 2

   Event confirmation (on RSVP or ticket)

   • Instant confirmation with the details and a calendar link removes the "did it go through?" question.
   • Sample subject: "You are in! [Event] on [date], details inside"
3. 3

   Event reminder (24 hours before)

   • The single biggest lever on attendance. A reminder the day before lifts turnout.
   • Sample subject: "See you tomorrow, [Event] at [time]"
4. 4

   Thank-you and next step (after the event)

   • Momentum fades fast. Thank them, share the photos, and give them the next thing to do.
   • Sample subject: "Thanks for coming, here is what is next"
5. 5

   Renewal reminder (before the renewal date)

   • Most lapsed memberships are forgotten, not rejected. A heads-up recovers real revenue.
   • Sample subject: "Your [Community] membership renews soon"
6. 6

   Receipt and dues confirmation (on payment)

   • Every payment should auto-send a clean receipt. It builds trust and cuts your admin email.
   • Sample subject: "Payment received, your receipt from [Community]"
7. 7

   The re-engagement nudge (inactive 60 to 90 days)

   • Win members back before they are gone. A simple "we miss you" with one reason to return works.
   • Sample subject: "We have missed you at [Community]"
8. 8

   The community roundup (monthly)

   • One reliable monthly touch keeps you top of mind: what happened, what is coming, one thing to do.
   • Sample subject: "This month at [Community]"
9. 9

   Birthday or anniversary (member milestone)

   • A personal touch at the right moment turns a member into an advocate, and it never gets missed.
   • Sample subject: "Happy [milestone], [First name]"
10. 10

    The announcement broadcast (on new post or resource)

    • When something matters, it should reach everyone who opted in, not the fraction an algorithm allows.
    • Sample subject: "New for members: [resource or announcement]"