Switch to SMARTe & Save 50%+ on ZoomInfo Spends    Learn More
1

A follow-up email can turn silence into opportunity. If your first email didn’t land, don’t give up. This guide shows you how to write a follow-up email that gets noticed and drives action. You’ll also get simple templates to help you get started.

How to Write a Follow-Up Email in 11 Proven Steps?

Crafting the perfect follow-up email can be challenging. You want to re-engage your prospects without coming across as pushy or salesy. By following this simple 11-step process, you can create emails that get responses and build meaningful connections.

1. Wait for the Right Time

Timing is key when sending a follow-up email. Wait at least 2 to 3 days after your initial email before following up. This break gives your prospect enough time to consider your message without feeling overwhelmed. Be patient and mindful—you don’t want to appear desperate.

2. Write a Value-Driven Subject Line

Your cold email subject line is the first thing your prospect sees. If they ignored your first email, create a follow-up subject line that offers more value and grabs their attention. Avoid generic phrases like:

  • “Any updates?”
  • “Just following up”
  • “Checking in”

Instead, focus on the prospect’s needs. Examples include:

  • “[First Name], here’s how we can solve [specific problem]”
  • “Quick question about [specific topic]”

3. Personalize the Greeting

Start your email with a friendly, personalized greeting. Use the recipient’s name to establish a connection. For example:

  • “Hi [First Name],”
  • “Dear [First Name],”

Adding their name shows you’re writing to them specifically, not just sending a mass email.

4. Reference Your Previous Email

Remind the recipient of your earlier interaction. Mention the date or subject of your last email, or highlight key points from a previous conversation. For example:

  • “I wanted to follow up on the email I sent last Tuesday about [topic].”
  • “I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic] and wanted to reconnect.”

This context helps jog their memory and makes your follow-up feel relevant.

5. Add New Value or Insights

Each follow-up email should offer something new. Highlight updates, share insights, or provide solutions they might find helpful. For instance:

  • “We recently helped [similar company] achieve [specific result], and I believe we can do the same for you.”
  • “Here’s an article/resource I thought you’d find useful about [topic].”

Providing value builds trust and increases the chances of a response.

6. Clarify Your Purpose

Get to the point quickly. State why you’re reaching out and what you hope to achieve. Be specific and concise. Examples:

  • “I wanted to check if you had a chance to review the proposal I sent.”
  • “I’d love to schedule a quick call to discuss your goals and how we can help.”

Clear communication makes it easier for the recipient to take action.

7. Use a Soft Call-to-Action (CTA)

Avoid pushing for big commitments. Instead, suggest small, manageable next steps. Examples include:

  • “Can we schedule a 10-minute call to discuss this further?”
  • “Would it be helpful if I sent over more details?”

A low-pressure CTA keeps the conversation moving without overwhelming your prospect.

8. Show Gratitude

Always thank your recipient for their time and consideration. A little appreciation goes a long way. End with:

  • “Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.”
  • “I appreciate your consideration and hope to connect soon.”

This leaves a positive impression, even if they don’t respond immediately.

9. Proofread Thoroughly

Before hitting send, review your email for typos and awkward phrasing. Read it out loud to catch errors you might miss when skimming. Double-check the recipient’s name, subject line, and email address for accuracy. A polished email reflects professionalism.

10. Optimize for Mobile

Many people check emails on their phones. Ensure your follow-up email is mobile-friendly. Use short paragraphs, clear formatting, and a readable font size. Tools like email preview features can help you see how your email looks on different devices.

11. Track and Adjust

Use email tracking tools to monitor opens and clicks. If a prospect opens your email but doesn’t respond, adjust your next follow-up. Experiment with subject lines, timing, and CTAs to find what works best for your audience.

When Should You Send a Follow-Up Email?

Timing is everything in email follow-ups. Most experts agree that you should wait 2 to 3 days before sending your first follow-up email. After that, space out subsequent emails by gradually increasing the intervals. A strategic timeline helps avoid overwhelming your recipient while keeping your message relevant.

Follow-Up Sequence Timeline for Six Emails:

  1. Day 1: Initial email.
  2. Day 3: First follow-up.
  3. Day 7: Second follow-up.
  4. Day 14: Third follow-up.
  5. Day 21: Fourth follow-up.
  6. Day 30: Final follow-up.

This timeline ensures consistent but non-intrusive communication. Adjust based on the context and your audience.

Follow-Up Email Templates for Sales, Marketing, and GTM Teams

Follow-up emails are vital in any business strategy, especially for sales, marketing, and go-to-market (GTM) teams. A well-crafted email keeps the conversation going, builds trust, and converts leads into customers. Below, you’ll find various templates targeting specific scenarios.

Follow-Up Email After Sending a Quotation

Subject Line: Revisiting Your Quotation Request

Hi [Client Name],

It was great connecting with you recently. I wanted to circle back regarding the quotation I sent on [date]. If you have any questions or need adjustments, I’d be happy to assist. Let me know how I can support your decision-making process.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Follow-Up Email After No Response

Subject Line: Just Following Up

Hi [Name],

I wanted to check in as I haven’t heard back regarding [specific topic]. If now isn’t the best time, let me know a better time to connect. I’m here to help and answer any questions you might have.

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Best,

[Your Name]

Sales Follow-Up Email After a Proposal

Subject Line: Let’s Discuss Your Proposal

Hi [Name],

I wanted to see if you’ve had a chance to review the proposal I shared on [date]. If there’s anything you’d like clarified or adjusted, please let me know.

Would you like to set up a quick call to go over the details? I’m excited to explore the next steps with you.

Best,

[Your Name]

Real Estate Follow-Up Email Template

Subject Line: Update on Your Property Search

Hi [Client Name],

I wanted to check in on your search for the perfect property. If your preferences have changed or you’d like recommendations, let me know. I can also schedule viewings at your convenience.

Feel free to reach out with any questions—I’m here to help.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Meeting Recap Follow-Up Email

Subject Line: Summary of Our Meeting on [Date]

Hi [Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. Here’s a quick recap of our discussion:

  • [Key Point 1]
  • [Key Point 2]
  • [Action Items]

If I missed anything or if there’s more to add, please let me know. I’m looking forward to moving forward.

Best,

[Your Name]

Survey Reminder Email Template

Subject Line: Share Your Feedback with Us

Hi [Name],

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to complete our short survey. Your input will help us improve and better serve you.

[Insert Survey Link]

Thank you in advance for sharing your feedback—it truly means a lot.

Best regards,

[Your Company]

Cold Email Follow-Up Template

Subject Line: Following Up on [Topic]

Hi [Name],

I wanted to follow up on my last email regarding [specific topic]. If there’s a better time to connect or someone else I should speak with, please let me know.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and finding a way to collaborate.

Best,

[Your Name]

Trade Show Follow-Up Email

Subject Line: Great Connecting at [Trade Show Name]

Hi [Name],

It was a pleasure meeting you at [trade show]. I enjoyed learning about your goals and challenges. I’d love to discuss how [your product/service] can help address your needs.

Let me know a good time to connect or if you’d like additional information.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Customer Check-In Email Template

Subject Line: How’s Everything Going with [Product/Service]?

Hi [Name],

I wanted to touch base and see how things are going with [product/service]. If you need help or want to explore additional features, I’m just an email away.

We’re committed to making sure you have a great experience.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Polite Follow-Up Email Sample After No Response

Subject Line: Following Up on My Previous Email

Hi [Name],

I wanted to follow up in case my last email got buried. If you need further details or have any concerns, I’d be happy to assist.

Let me know how I can help. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best,

[Your Name]

Follow-Up Email After Webinar Attendance

Subject Line: Thanks for Joining Our Webinar!

Hi [Name],

Thank you for attending our webinar on [topic]. We hope you found it insightful. Here are the key takeaways:

  • [Takeaway 1]
  • [Takeaway 2]
  • [Takeaway 3]

If you have any questions or want more resources, reply to this email. I’d also love to schedule a quick chat to discuss how we can help you achieve your goals.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

These templates are designed to be versatile and easily adaptable to your specific needs. Copy, paste, and tweak them to match your tone and situation. Remember, a timely and personalized follow-up can make all the difference.

Best Practices for Writing Follow-Up Emails

Follow-up emails can be your secret weapon for driving engagement and securing responses. Yet, many emails fail to make the impact they should. How do you ensure your follow-up stands out?

Let’s take a closer look at best practices that will help you get more replies, improve your email strategy, and ensure your efforts aren’t wasted.

1. Personalize Your Email Content

Personalization is key. Avoid generic, one-size-fits-all emails. Instead, tailor each message to the recipient. Use their name, mention their company, or reference a recent project. A personalized touch shows you’ve taken the time to understand their needs. It builds rapport and increases the chance of a response.

2. Verify Your Email List Before Sending

A successful follow-up email starts with a clean list. If your emails bounce, your sender reputation suffers. Use an email verification tool to ensure your list is accurate. This reduces the risk of sending to invalid addresses and helps maintain your email performance.

3. Preview Your Email

Before hitting send, preview your email on multiple devices. This ensures your content looks good on both desktops and mobile devices. Check that the subject line appears fully and the layout is responsive. A quick preview can prevent errors that might turn off potential readers.

4. A/B Test Your Follow-Ups

A/B testing helps you discover what works. Test variations of subject lines, CTAs, and email content to see what resonates with your audience. Small tweaks can significantly improve response rates, but be careful not to overcomplicate things. Keep it simple and purposeful.

5. Make Your "From" Section Clear

Your “From” section plays a big role in whether your email gets opened. Include your name and company to show that you're a real person with something valuable to offer. This simple step builds trust and increases the likelihood of your email being read.

6. Time Your Follow-Up Right

Timing is crucial. Don’t follow up too soon, but don’t wait too long either. Aim to send your first follow-up 2-3 days after your initial email. If you don’t get a response, consider waiting a week before following up again. This balance ensures you stay top of mind without being overwhelming.

7. Reference Previous Conversations

Always refer to your initial email in your follow-up. A quick reminder of what you previously discussed helps jog the recipient’s memory. This context will make your follow-up seem more relevant and increase the chances of a response.

8. Fine-Tune Your Call to Action (CTA)

Your CTA should be simple and easy to act on. Rather than repeating the same ask over and over, try to refine and offer more value with each follow-up. If you’re offering a product demo, consider providing a limited-time discount or a helpful resource to nudge them toward action.

9. Ask Targeted Questions

Effective follow-up emails often ask a question that addresses the recipient’s needs. Do your research, identify their pain points, and offer a solution. The right question can make your email stand out and spark meaningful conversation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Follow-Up Emails

To maximize your follow-up strategy, avoid these common mistakes that can derail your efforts.

1. Sending Too Many Follow-Ups

Persistence is important, but too much can come across as desperate. Space your follow-ups out over several days, and aim to send no more than two to three follow-ups per week. Respect the recipient’s time and avoid bombarding their inbox.

2. Failing to Add Value in Each Follow-Up

Don’t simply resend the same message over and over. Each follow-up should add new value. Whether it’s a helpful article, a new product feature, or a testimonial, make sure your email gives the recipient something worth reading. This keeps your outreach fresh and compelling.

3. Using an Unprofessional Tone

Your tone matters. Avoid sounding overly salesy or needy. Instead, maintain a professional and polite tone throughout. The goal is to build a relationship, not rush into a sale. Also, keep your subject line and email content consistent in tone.

4. Ignoring Small Technical Errors

Don’t overlook minor mistakes. Even small errors like a missing "From" name, broken links, or large file attachments can harm your credibility. Always double-check your email for technical issues before sending.

5. Confusing Cold Email With Email Marketing

Cold emails should not feel like generic marketing messages. Focus on offering value rather than selling. Cold emails are about initiating a relationship, not pushing a product. Keep them personalized, relevant, and non-salesy.

How to Automate Follow-Up Emails

Sending follow-up emails manually can be time-consuming. Automation tools can help streamline your outreach and boost efficiency.

Saleshandy is a top cold email software that automates follow-ups. It allows you to schedule follow-up emails, personalize your messages, and track performance. Here are some key features:

  • Merge Tags: Personalize emails automatically by adding the recipient’s name, company, etc.
  • Spintax: Create variations in email content to keep your messages fresh.
  • Email Ramp-Up: Gradually increase email volume to avoid hitting spam filters.
  • Auto Follow-Up: Set up automatic follow-ups based on your schedule.
  • Sender Rotation: Rotate senders to improve email deliverability.

By automating your follow-ups, you save time and ensure consistent, personalized outreach.

Conclusion

Mastering follow-up emails is key to boosting response rates. Personalize your messages. Avoid common mistakes. Use automation tools to save time. With the right timing, professionalism, and value, your follow-ups will stand out and build strong connections.

Nitesh Sharma

Nitesh is SMARTe’s Head of Growth Marketing. He writes on topics within B2B marketing and sales, providing readers with real life, actionable tactics.

Prospect on any site or LinkedIn using SMARTe

chrome extensionBook a demosmarte icon

All your questions, answered.

What is the best way to follow up on an email that hasn't received a reply?

When following up on an unanswered email, be polite, clear, and direct. Start by reminding the recipient of your previous message and why you're following up. It’s important to add value in the follow-up email, perhaps by offering more information or a special incentive. You can also vary your subject line and message to re-engage the recipient. A strong call-to-action (CTA) encourages the recipient to respond. Timing matters too—waiting a few days before following up can increase the chances of a reply​

How do you write a follow-up email that gets a response?

To write a follow-up email that gets noticed, begin with a clear and concise subject line that grabs attention. Make sure your opening line provides context, reminding the recipient of your prior email. Then, in the body, focus on the value you're offering and include a specific CTA, such as scheduling a call or confirming a meeting. Be professional but personable. Always aim to keep your email brief, polite, and easy to understand. A well-placed offer or a sense of urgency can motivate quicker responses​

How often should you send a follow-up email after no response?

The timing of your follow-up email plays a crucial role in securing a response. Typically, you should wait 3-5 business days before sending a follow-up email after no reply. This allows the recipient time to review your message without feeling overwhelmed. If you don't hear back after the first follow-up, consider sending another one within a week or two, keeping your tone polite and professional. It’s important to strike a balance—being persistent without becoming overbearing. Adjust the frequency based on the urgency of your message and the relationship you have with the recipient​.

FAQ image

Related Blogs