Follow-Up Email Generator
Write follow-ups that get responses. Bumps, sequences, breakups, and re-engagement—all covered.
The Prompt
Write a follow-up email to [PERSON] at [COMPANY].
Context:
- Previous touchpoint: [COLD EMAIL / CALL / MEETING / NO RESPONSE x3]
- Days since last contact: [NUMBER]
- What happened: [THEY SAID X / WENT DARK / ASKED FOR INFO]
- My goal: [BOOK MEETING / GET RESPONSE / RE-ENGAGE]
Follow-up type: [CHOOSE ONE]
- Bump: Short, friendly nudge (under 30 words)
- Value-add: Share something useful (article, insight, case study)
- Breakup: Final attempt, give them an out
- Re-engage: They went cold, trying to restart conversation
- Post-meeting: Following up on action items
Rules:
- Don't guilt them ("just following up", "checking in")
- Give them a reason to respond NOW
- Keep it under 50 words for bumps, under 100 for others
- One clear ask
- No "I hope this finds you well"Example Outputs
**BUMP EMAIL (After no response to cold email)** Subject: re: [original subject] Sarah — Figured you're buried. Totally get it. Quick thought: if pipeline isn't the fire right now, no worries. But if it is, happy to show you how [Similar Company] added 40 qualified leads/month in 3 weeks. Either way, no hard feelings. — Alex --- **VALUE-ADD EMAIL (After initial interest)** Subject: Thought of you Sarah — Just published a breakdown of how [Industry] companies are structuring their outbound in 2024. Some patterns surprised me. Thought you'd find it useful given our last conversation: [link] Still interested in that 15-minute chat when timing works? — Alex --- **BREAKUP EMAIL (After 3+ no responses)** Subject: Should I close your file? Sarah — I've reached out a few times and haven't heard back—totally fine, I know you're busy. I'll assume the timing isn't right and won't keep bugging you. If things change, just reply to this thread and I'll pick it back up. Good luck with Q4. — Alex
Follow-Up Types
The Bump
Ultra-short. Under 30 words. Just moves the thread to the top of their inbox. No new info needed.
The Value-Add
Share something useful—article, case study, insight. Gives them a reason to engage beyond your pitch.
The Breakup
Final attempt. Give them permission to say no. Often gets a response because it removes pressure.
The Re-engage
They went cold after showing interest. Reference a new trigger event or change to restart the conversation.
Follow-Up Timing
Pro Tips
- →
Reply to your original thread: Don't start a new email. Reply-chains have higher open rates.
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Change the subject on breakups: "Should I close your file?" or "Not a fit?" work well.
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Don't apologize: "Sorry to bother you" makes you seem unimportant. Just be helpful.
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Use trigger events: New funding, hiring, product launch—any change is a reason to reach out.