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Follow-up GuideMarch 13, 20266 min read
Best Ways to Follow Up Without Being Annoying
Tactic cards. Avoid list.
follow-uptacticsannoyingvalueTactics That Work
Add value each time
New angle, resource, or insight - not 'just checking in'
Shift channel
Email then call, or LinkedIn. Don't repeat the same channel back-to-back
Reference previous touch
Briefly acknowledge last email; keep it one line
Lower the ask
From 'meeting' to '2-min call' or 'one question'
Time it right
3-5 days between emails; not daily
Avoid These
- ×Same subject line every time
- ×Same body with 'Following up' at top
- ×More than 4-5 touches without response
- ×Passive-aggressive tone
When to stop: follow-up count. How often: how often to follow up.
FAQ
How many follow-ups is too many?
For no reply: 3-5 total touches over 2-3 weeks. After that, pause. If they opened but didn't reply, 2 follow-ups is enough. See how many follow-ups before giving up.
What's a good follow-up subject line?
Add something new: 'Quick thought', 'One more thing', 'Re: [original topic]'. Avoid 'Following up' or 'Checking in' - they scream template.
Should I follow up on a Friday?
Friday afternoon is often worse. Tuesday-Thursday morning tends to perform better. See best time of day to send cold emails.