Following up on a sales lead is a crucial step in the sales process. It helps to maintain communication, build relationships, and ultimately close deals. A well-crafted follow-up email can remind potential clients of your offerings and encourage them to take the next step. In this guide, we’ll provide examples of effective sales follow-up emails, along with tips on how to write your own.
B2C Sales Follow-up Emails After No Reply – Timing and Number of Follow Ups
Timing & Cadence: Data shows the first follow-up should be sent a few days after the initial email. Most experts recommend waiting about 3 days (while accounting for weekends) before following up. Following up too soon (within 1 day) can hurt reply rates, and waiting longer than ~5 days causes responses to drop (~24% lower). Aim for 2–3 touchpoints total. Studies find the first follow-up adds most of the lift (roughly a +49% bump in replies), while each additional message has diminishing returns (second adds ~9%, third actually cuts response by ~20%). After ~3–4 tries, it’s usually best to pause (some teams mark the lead “cold” after ~11 days of no response).
- When to send: Mid-week mornings work best. HubSpot data shows Tuesdays/Thursdays, 9am–12pm yield higher open/reply rates. One analysis even found peak opens in evenings (8pm gave a 59% open rate), and mid-afternoon (2pm) also strong. It’s wise to A/B test your audience, but as a rule of thumb use mid-week, mid-morning slots.
- Number of follow-ups: Keep it to 2–3 emails. Follow-ups drastically boost engagement – one study reports a well-crafted follow-up can increase response rates by ~65% – but most of that comes from the first one. The first follow-up usually drives ~49% more replies (or even 220% more in top campaigns), whereas each additional email adds far less. By the third email you’re likely seeing negative returns, so focus resources on your best leads or other channels after 3 touches.
Crafting Subject Lines
- Personalize: Use the recipient’s name or specific context. Email analysis shows personalization doubles open rates – e.g. subject lines with a name saw ~43% opens vs ~17% for generic lines. Mentioning something relevant (company, product they viewed, etc.) acts as a hook.
- Keep it short and clear: Research finds the “sweet spot” is about 6–10 words. Shorter lines (ideally under 50 characters) grab attention before they get truncated on mobile. Put the most important words up front. For example, a concise follow-up subject might simply say “Still interested?”.
- Be direct or intriguing: Follow-up emails often use straightforward or curiosity-driven phrasing. For instance, HubSpot suggests lines like “Still any interest in our service?” or “Let’s cut to the chase”. You can also reuse the original subject by prefixing “Re:” to signal continuity (e.g. “Re: [Your Proposal/Product]”), which studies show can improve open rates for replies. A friendly example from e-commerce: “Your Cart Misses You!”, alerting the customer their cart is waiting. Always avoid spam triggers (excessive punctuation, all caps, etc.) by following standard best practices.
- Examples: Some data-backed subject lines include “Hello again from [Your Company]” or “Great meeting you, [Name]!” for a warm tone. Others reuse the last email’s theme (e.g. “Any updates?” or “Quick question”). Tailor your line to the offer – for example, an auto dealer’s follow-up used “Let’s get you behind the wheel again!” offering an incentive to re-engage.
Email Content & Structure
- Subject Line:
Use a clear and engaging subject line that reflects the purpose of your email. For example, “Following Up on Our Recent Conversation” or “Quick Check-In on Your Interest in [Product/Service].” - Personalized Greeting:
Address the recipient by their name to create a personal touch. For example, “Hi [Name],”. - Reference Previous Interaction:
Start your email by referencing your last interaction, such as a meeting, phone call, or email. This helps jog their memory and shows that you are attentive. - Reiterate Value:
Briefly remind them of the benefits of your product or service. Highlight how it can solve their specific problems or meet their needs. - Call to Action:
Include a clear call to action, such as scheduling a follow-up call, a meeting, or providing additional information. Make it easy for them to take the next step. - Closing:
End with a friendly closing statement, expressing your willingness to assist further. - Signature:
Include your name, title, and contact information.
Best Practices
- Personal and concise: Open with the prospect’s name and a reminder of your last touchpoint. For example: “Hi [Name], I’m following up on my previous email about [Product/Benefit]…”. Keep the message short – a paragraph or two – and write in a conversational tone. Research notes that brevity and authenticity boost response. For instance, one successful template simply said “I haven’t heard back… Are you still interested?” and got replies.
- Focus on value: Remind them why you’re reaching out. Briefly restate the benefit or offer. If possible, personalize the value (e.g. “This feature can save you up to 20% on [pain point]”). You might address common concerns directly. One home-services follow-up explicitly listed obstacles (“Affordability, Not enough info, Product fit”) and invited the prospect to identify their issue. This transparency often sparks replies.
- Clear CTA: End with a simple call-to-action. Common CTAs: “Can we schedule a quick call?” or “Let me know if you need more info.” Even asking a yes/no question works (e.g. “Are you still interested?”). The WordStream template had a clever binary option: reply with “0” if still interested or “1” if not. This makes it easy for the reader to respond. Always close with a polite sign-off and your contact info.
- Offer an “Out”: Give them an option to opt out or push back. For example: “If now isn’t a good time, please let me know and I won’t bother you further”. A proven “break-up” line is: “If you aren’t interested, may I close your file? If you are, what’s the next step?”. This can prompt a definitive answer and prevents endless chasing.
Example Follow-Up Templates
- Simple Reminder:
Subject: “Still interested?”
Body: “Hi [Name], I haven’t heard back about [offer or inquiry] and wanted to check in. I know things can get busy, so no rush – just let me know if you’re still interested or if the timing has changed. Thanks! [Your Name]”. - Value-Focused Check-In:
Subject: “Quick question, [Name]”
Body: “Hi [Name], I’m circling back on my last email about [product/solution]. We’ve helped others [achieve a specific result] and I think it could help you too. Is there any additional info I can provide, or a good time to chat?”. - Overcoming Objections:
Subject: “What’s holding you back?”
Body: “Hi [Name], I noticed we haven’t moved forward yet. Often prospects hesitate because of (1) cost, (2) product details, or (3) timing. Which of these is a concern for you? I’m happy to address it so we can get started.”. - Re-engagement/Offer:
Subject: “Exclusive offer – limited time”
Body: “Hi [Name], we noticed you were interested in [Product/Model]. To make it easier, we’re now offering [special incentive] (valid until [date]). Don’t miss out – click here to [take action].” This kind of email (adapted to your product) can rekindle interest by adding urgency and value. - Final Check (“Break-Up”):
Subject: “Can I close your file?”
Body: “Hi [Name], since I haven’t heard back, I’ll assume now isn’t the right time. If I can’t help you today, no worries – I’ll close your file for now. If you are still interested, just let me know what the next step should be. Thanks for your time!”
Each of these templates should be personalized with actual details about the person or product. The cited examples above come from real B2C/B2B outreach and illustrate the tone and structure that data shows works best.
Data & Results
- Open/Reply Benchmarks: Average email open rates vary by industry (often 20–40%), but targeted follow-ups usually outperform cold blasts. One analysis found the very best follow-ups can double reply rates. In top-performing campaigns the first follow-up drove a 220% increase in responses.
- Engagement Patterns: Email platform data (Omnisend) shows peak opens occur at unexpected hours: sending at 8pm yielded ~59% open rate, with other strong windows at 2pm and 11pm. Click rates were highest around 5–6am and 5–6pm. This suggests testing non-traditional times (early morning or late evening) may pay off, though many still see solid results mid-morning.
- Follow-Up Impact: Not following up can leave money on the table. Surveys indicate ~80% of sales require multiple touches. According to analysis, reply odds jump to ~25% (from near zero) once a second email is sent. In short, persistence pays: only ~2% of sales happen on the first contact, so well-timed follow-ups are essential.
How to Write a Sales Follow-Up Email
Sales Follow up Email Examples
Example 1: General Follow-Up
Subject: Following Up on Our Recent Conversation
Hi [Name],
I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to follow up on our recent conversation about [Product/Service]. I truly believe it can help [specific benefit related to their needs].
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, I’d be happy to set up a time for a quick call.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 2: After a Meeting
Subject: Great Meeting You!
Hi [Name],
It was great meeting you at [Event/Meeting] on [Date]. I enjoyed our discussion about [specific topic]. I wanted to follow up and see if you had any further thoughts on how [Product/Service] could benefit your team.
Let me know if you’d like to discuss this further or if you need any additional information. I’m here to help!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 3: After Sending a Proposal
Subject: Checking In on Your Proposal
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to check in regarding the proposal I sent over on [Date]. Have you had a chance to review it? I’d love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you might have.
If you’re ready, we can schedule a call to discuss the next steps.
Thank you, and I look forward to your feedback!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 4: Reminder for a Demo
Subject: Reminder: Upcoming Demo
Hi [Name],
I wanted to remind you about our upcoming demo scheduled for [Date and Time]. I’m excited to show you how [Product/Service] can [specific benefit].
If you have any specific topics you’d like to cover during the demo, please let me know!
See you soon!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 5: After No Response
Subject: Just Checking In
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re well! I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding [Product/Service]. I understand you’re busy, but I’d love to know if you have any questions or if there’s a better time to connect.
Your feedback is important to me, and I’m here to assist you in any way I can.
Thank you!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Sales Follow up Email Examples
Following up with potential clients is a vital part of the sales process that can lead to successful conversions. By using these examples and tips, you can create effective follow-up emails that resonate with your audience and encourage them to engage with you further. Remember to personalize your messages and maintain a friendly yet professional tone.
FAQs | Sales Follow up Email Examples
1. How long should I wait before following up?
- It’s generally a good practice to wait about 3-7 days after your last interaction before sending a follow-up email, depending on the context.
2. What if I don’t get a response after my follow-up?
- If you don’t receive a response after your follow-up, consider sending one more email a week or two later. If there’s still no response, it may be best to move on.
3. Should I follow up after a rejection?
- Yes, it’s a good idea to follow up after a rejection to thank them for their time and express your willingness to assist in the future. This keeps the door open for potential opportunities later.
4. How can I make my follow-up emails stand out?
- Personalize your emails with specific details from your previous conversations and highlight unique benefits of your product or service that align with the recipient’s needs.
5. Is it appropriate to follow up via phone instead of email?
- Yes, following up via phone can be effective, especially if you have a good rapport with the prospect. Just ensure you respect their preferred communication method.
Resources
Follow-up Email Effectiveness & Timing
- Woodpecker – Follow-Up Statistics
- Campaigns with at least one follow-up email convert about 22% more prospects than those without any follow-ups.
- Read more(Woodpecker)
- InboxPlus – Importance of Follow-Up Emails
- Belkins – Sales Follow-Up Statistics
- Smartlead – Optimal Follow-Up Timing
- RevBoss – Anatomy of the Perfect Sales Follow-Up Email
Best Times to Send Emails
- OptinMonster – Best Time to Send Emails
- The best time to send an email is between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., with additional engagement peaks in the early afternoon and evening.
- Read more(OptinMonster)
- Americaneagle.com – Optimal Email Sending Times
- Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. are considered optimal for sending emails.
- Read more(Americaneagle.com)
- Sender – Best Time to Send Emails in 2025
Subject Line Personalization & Open Rates
- Klenty – Impact of Subject Line Personalization
- SalesLion – Personalized Subject Lines Increase Open Rates
- Personalizing email subject lines leads to a 22% increase in open rate compared to generic subject lines.
- Read more
- Campaign Monitor – Benefits of Personalized Subject Lines
- Readers are 26% more likely to open emails with personalized subject lines.
- Read more
- Paubox – Why Personalized Subject Lines Increase Open Rates
- Emails with personalized subject lines are 26% more likely to be opened.
- Read more
Email Structure & Templates
- Woodpecker – Crafting Effective Sales Follow-Up Emails
- Provides strategies, templates, and examples for writing successful sales follow-up emails.
- Read more
- SalesHandy – How to Write a Follow-Up Email
- Offers guidance on keeping follow-ups under the same thread and provides templates.
- Read more
- Zendesk – Sales Follow-Up Email Templates
- Provides 18 sales follow-up email templates to boost conversions.
- Read more
- Gong – Scientific Tips for Writing Follow-Up Sales Emails
- Offers seven strategic tips to enhance your email follow-up strategy.
- Read more
These sources offer comprehensive insights and practical templates to enhance your B2C sales follow-up email strategies. If you need further assistance in tailoring these practices to your specific industry or audience, feel free to ask!
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