Never send “just checking in”
again.
Four words have killed more deals than any high price. Here's what to send instead.
Deals don't die on the call. They die in the silence after it.
A good conversation is an open door, not a closed deal. Follow-up has no deadline, so it's the first thing that slips when you're busy, and the deal pays the price.
The 3 principles
- Send something useful. An idea, an example or an article tied to a problem they mentioned.
- Add a new thought. “Been thinking about what you said…” makes you a peer, not a chaser.
- Make yes effortless. Replace “let me know” with one tiny next step they can agree to in five seconds.
Most replies come on the second or third touch. Polite persistence is professional.
Get the complete Follow-Up Kit
- 10 follow-up templates for every situation
- The words to delete, and what to send instead
- The follow-up rhythm, touch by touch
- Save it as a PDF
The Follow-Up Kit
Part 1 · The words to delete
- “Just checking in”
- “Any update?”
- “Following up on my last message”
- “Let me know your thoughts”
- “Did you get a chance to look?”
- One idea tied to their problem
- A short example from a similar business
- A new thought since you last spoke
- A specific time option
- An honest, easy way to say no
Part 2 · 10 follow-up templates
Swap the [brackets] and rewrite in your own voice. If it could be sent to 500 people, it isn't finished.
After a good first call
Hi [Name], thanks for the time today. The part about [their specific problem] stayed with me. As promised, here's [the thing you said you'd send]. Does [Tuesday or Thursday] work for 15 minutes to walk through the next step?
Send within 24 hours, while the call is still fresh.Hi [Name], I was thinking about what you said about [problem]. One thing that worked for a [similar business] we spoke to: [one short idea]. Might be useful even if we never work together.
When they go quiet
Hi [Name], came across this and thought of our chat about [topic]: [link or one-line insight]. No reply needed, just felt relevant.
Give before you ask. No question at all is fine here.Hi [Name], been thinking more about [their goal]. If [their situation] is still the priority, I have one idea that could save you [time/effort]. Worth a quick 10 minutes this week?
Hi [Name], I know [month/quarter] gets busy. Would [day] at [time] work for a 15-minute call, or is a different week better?
Two clear options beat “let me know when you're free.”Hi [Name], I don't want to keep filling your inbox. Should I check back in [month], or is this not a priority right now? Either answer is completely fine.
This often gets the most replies, because it's easy to answer honestly.When they said “send me details”
Hi [Name], here are the details: [one-page summary]. The part most relevant to you is probably [specific section], because you mentioned [their problem]. Happy to walk you through it in 15 minutes on [day]?
Hi [Name], did the summary answer your question about [their concern]? If one thing was unclear, tell me which and I'll explain it in two lines.
Re-opening an old conversation
Hi [Name], we spoke in [month] about [topic]. A lot has changed on our side since: [one real update]. Curious whether [their problem] is still on your plate?
Hi [Name], thanks again for the conversation in [month]. I've kept you in mind: [introduction, article or idea]. If timing changes on [their goal], my door's open.
Part 3 · The rhythm
Change channel when one goes quiet. A conversation that started on LinkedIn can continue on email or WhatsApp, and sometimes the best follow-up is a phone call.
Rather we did this for you?
Everything in this guide is what our team does for clients every day. If you'd rather spend your time in the meetings, let's talk.