How to Follow Up and Get a Response

Feb 14, 2025

Shalini Ramanayake

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    In sales, “no” usually means “not right now.” But what about no response at all? It could mean anything—from a full inbox to a lack of urgency. That’s why follow-ups matter.

    A well-crafted follow-up email can revive a conversation, increase response rates, and create new opportunities. In fact, salespeople who send at least one follow-up email see a 27% higher reply rate than those who don’t.

    So how do you write a follow-up email that actually gets a response? Here’s what you need to know:

    How to Write a Follow-Up Email After No Response
    ✅ Don’t follow up too soon – Give at least 48–72 hours before sending a follow-up.
    ✅ Include a clear CTA – Ask for a specific action, like scheduling a call or providing feedback.
    ✅ Avoid copy-pasting your first email – Each follow-up should be fresh, not a repeat.
    ✅ Use an engaging subject line – Try “Bumping this in your inbox” or “Quick follow-up on [topic].”
    ✅ Keep it short – A follow-up shouldn’t overwhelm. Be clear and direct.

    When to Send a Second Follow-Up
    If there’s still no response, wait three more days and adjust your CTA. Instead of asking for a call, try requesting a referral or offering valuable insights.

    What NOT to do:
    🚫 Don’t send a “breakup email.” Saying, “I guess you’re not interested” only shuts the door permanently.
    🚫 Don’t be pushy. Persistence is key, but bad timing can make you look desperate.

    Follow-Up Email Templates That Work
    Need a place to start? Here are a few templates for different scenarios:

    📩 First follow-up:
    “Hi [Name], just checking in to see if you had a chance to review [offer/proposal]. Let me know if you have any questions—I’d love to connect. Are you available this week?”

    📩 Second follow-up:
    “Hey [Name], I know things get busy, so I wanted to follow up. If this isn’t the right time, would you be open to connecting next month? Let me know what works best for you.”

    📩 Referral request:
    “Hi [Name], if now isn’t the right time, is there someone else on your team who might be the best point of contact? I’d love to ensure we’re reaching the right person.”

    Fortune favours the follow-up. Craft yours carefully, and you’ll turn “no response” into meaningful conversations.

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