The welcome text is the first message a voter gets after they opt in, and it does more work than any other message you'll send them. It confirms the opt-in, sets expectations, and starts the relationship, and it's also a compliance touchpoint. A good welcome text turns a fresh subscriber into an engaged one; a bad one earns an immediate opt-out.
What should a welcome text say?
Four things, briefly:
- Confirm and identify. Thank them, name the campaign, and confirm they're subscribed. The voter should instantly know who they just heard from.
- Set expectations. A quick note on what they'll get and roughly how often, which reduces opt-outs down the line.
- Give a first value or ask. A small next step, a link, a survey question, so the relationship starts with engagement.
- Include STOP/HELP info. Standard opt-out language, which is both good practice and a compliance expectation.
Why does the welcome text matter for compliance?
Because it documents the opt-in and delivers the required STOP/HELP information at the moment of subscription. It's the natural place to confirm consent and set the opt-out terms, which strengthens your consent record. A clean welcome text is both a conversion tool and a compliance artifact, it makes the relationship's start unambiguous for the voter and for you.
How do you make a welcome text convert?
Give them something to do. A welcome that just says "you're subscribed" leaves the momentum on the table; a welcome that asks one small thing, "reply with the issue you care most about" or "here's how to get involved", turns a passive opt-in into an active contact and often kicks off voter ID on the spot. Keep it warm, keep it short, and give the new subscriber a reason to reply.
Frequently asked questions
What should a welcome text include?
A thank-you and campaign identification, what to expect and how often, a small first ask or value, and STOP/HELP opt-out info. It confirms the opt-in and starts the relationship.
Why is the first text so important?
It sets the tone and expectations for every message after it, and it's where opt-outs are cheapest to prevent. A good welcome text reduces churn and starts engagement.
Should a welcome text include an ask?
Yes, a small one. A first question or next step turns a passive opt-in into an active contact and can begin voter ID immediately.
Keep reading: what is an opt-in? and voter ID by text. For carrier registration, see The Campaign Registry.