5 Client Follow-Up Emails That Boost Response Rates
Tired of being ignored? Use these proven email templates to re-engage clients who ghosted you.
Nothing is more frustrating than when a client who seemed excited about your proposal suddenly goes silent. You’ve invested time preparing a personalized proposal, perhaps even conducted an initial discovery call, and received a positive response.
Then – nothing.
In B2B sales, client ghosting is common, but it doesn’t mean the deal is dead. It often means your prospect is busy, priorities have shifted, or your previous email didn’t highlight enough urgency or value to justify an immediate reply.
Why follow-ups matter
- 80% of deals require 5+ follow-ups to close (source: Marketing Donut).
- Prospects often intend to respond but forget due to other priorities.
- Thoughtful, structured follow-ups demonstrate professionalism and persistence without appearing desperate.
Yet many sales professionals default to:
- Sending generic “Just following up…” emails that add no value.
- Writing long, unclear messages that overwhelm busy prospects.
- Failing to follow up systematically, letting warm opportunities go cold.
To overcome this, your follow-up emails should:
- Be short and easy to read.
- Reference the client’s challenges or goals.
- Offer a clear reason to respond now.
- Feel human and warm, not robotic.
- Include a low-friction CTA (easy for them to say yes/no).
Here are 5 practical, proven follow-up email templates you can use immediately to re-engage clients across SaaS, healthcare, IT services, and any B2B industry:
1. The Gentle Nudge
Subject: Quick check-in
Hi [Name],
Hope you’re having a great week.
Just checking in to see if you had a chance to review my last email regarding [proposal/project/discussion topic].
If now isn’t the right time, no worries, just let me know, and I’ll circle back later.
Thanks so much!
[Your Name]
Why it works:
- Polite, respectful, and non-intrusive, this email:
- Gives the client an “easy out” if they are no longer interested or need more time, reducing pressure.
- Reminds them of your pending discussion in a low-stakes manner, jogging their memory without guilt-tripping.
- Keeps you top of mind without sounding desperate or aggressive.
- Shows professionalism and courtesy, maintaining the relationship even if the deal doesn’t progress immediately.
- It often prompts a quick reply like “Thanks for checking in, let’s reconnect next week” or “Sorry, got busy, let’s continue.”
2. The Value Reminder
Subject: Still interested in [solving X]?
Hi [Name],
I know things get busy, so I’m following up to see if [challenge discussed] is still a priority for your team.
In case it’s helpful, here’s a quick [case study/resource/insight] on how we helped [similar company] achieve [result].
If you’d like to chat about how we can help, let me know a time that works for you.
Best,
[Your Name]
Why it works:
Refocuses the Conversation on Their Pain Point
- Clients often stop responding because they get busy, lose urgency, or get distracted by other priorities.
- By reminding them of the specific challenge they discussed with you, you bring their focus back to the problem they need to solve.
- Example:
Instead of “following up,” you say:
“Is improving your team’s workflow still a priority for your Q3 goals?” - This immediately reconnects the conversation to their goals, not your sales process.
Adds Immediate Value with a Relevant Resource
- Instead of demanding a response, you give them something valuable (case study, insight, or article).
- This positions you as a helpful partner, not a pushy salesperson.
- It also demonstrates your expertise and how you solve problems for others like them.
- Example:
“Here’s a case study on how we helped [similar company] reduce their project turnaround time by 30%.”
This can trigger replies like:
“Thanks for sharing this, really helpful. Let’s schedule a call next week.”
Non-Intrusive Yet Purposeful
- Acknowledges “I know things get busy,” showing empathy for their situation.
- Keeps the tone warm while creating a light sense of urgency.
- Does not guilt-trip but keeps you top of mind.
Provides a Clear Next Step
- Ends with:
“If you’d like to chat about how we can help, let me know a time that works for you.”
Makes it easy for the client to re-engage, moving them toward a call without friction.
3. The Breakup Email
Subject: Should I close this loop?
Hi [Name],
Haven’t heard back, so I’m guessing now isn’t the right time.
No worries at all, just let me know if priorities change, and I’d be glad to pick this back up when it makes sense for you.
Thanks again for considering us.
Best,
[Your Name]
Why it works:
Reclaims Your Time
- In sales, chasing non-responsive leads drains your time and energy.
- Continuing to follow up endlessly without clarity can clutter your pipeline and distract you from high-potential leads.
- A breakup email gives the prospect a clear opportunity to disengage, allowing you to confidently close or pause the file in your CRM if there’s no response.
- This keeps your pipeline clean and your forecast realistic.
Triggers Replies from “On-the-Fence” Prospects
- Many prospects intend to respond but get busy or forget, leading to ghosting despite initial interest.
- A breakup email gently signals:
“I’m stepping back unless you let me know otherwise.” - This creates a subtle sense of urgency and fear of missing out (FOMO) if they are interested but haven’t prioritized replying.
- Often, this simple nudge is what they need to:
1. Confirm interest
2. Share timeline constraints
3. Reignite the conversation
Shows Professionalism and Confidence
- Instead of appearing desperate, it communicates:
“I value your time and mine, and I’m comfortable letting go if this is not a priority.” - This positions you as a trusted advisor, not a needy vendor, preserving your professional image.
Removes Pressure While Leaving the Door Open
It respects their current priorities:
“No worries at all, just let me know if priorities change, and I’d be glad to pick this back up.”
This approach keeps the relationship positive while giving them the option to re-engage when ready.
4. The Direct Approach
Subject: Is this still a priority?
Hi [Name],
Checking in to see if [project or proposal] is still something you’re looking to move forward with this quarter.
If not, no problem at all, just let me know so I can update my notes on our end.
Appreciate your time either way.
Best,
[Your Name]
Why it works
It Is Direct and Clear
- Prospects often don’t reply simply because your emails are vague about what you want them to do next.
- This approach cuts through noise by stating exactly what you need: clarity on whether they want to proceed.
- Example:
“Checking in to see if [project/proposal] is still something you’re looking to move forward with this quarter.” - This phrasing gets rid of guesswork, making it easy for the client to respond quickly
It Is Respectful of Their Time
- Instead of nagging, it acknowledges:
“If not, no problem at all, just let me know so I can update my notes on our end.” - This shows you value their time and are flexible if their priorities have changed.
- Clients appreciate vendors who respect their bandwidth, which strengthens your professional relationship.
It Prompts a Quick Yes/No
- Many prospects appreciate a simple decision prompt:
“Yes, let’s move forward.”
“Not now, but let’s reconnect later.”
“No, we’ve chosen another direction.” - Any of these responses helps you move deals through your pipeline efficiently instead of lingering indefinitely.
It Moves Your Pipeline Forward
- Deals often get stuck in your pipeline because there’s no clear next action.
- The Direct Approach forces clarity, which helps:
- Forecast accurately for leadership
- Free up mental bandwidth for higher-potential leads
- Shorten sales cycles by surfacing where the client stands
5. The Friendly Check-In
Subject: Hope all is well!
Hi [Name],
Hope everything is going well on your side.
Just circling back on our last discussion about [project/topic] to see if there’s anything you need from me to move forward.
Happy to adjust timelines or answer any questions if needed.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Why it works
Warm and Human Tone
- Many B2B follow-ups feel robotic (“Just following up…”), which can turn off prospects.
- The Friendly Check-In uses warm, human language (“Hope all is well!” “Hope everything is going well on your side.”) to build genuine rapport.
- This helps you stand out in their inbox while maintaining a positive relationship, even if they are not ready to move forward immediately.
Relationship-Focused Rather Than Transactional
- Instead of jumping straight to “Are you ready to buy?” This email shows you care about the ongoing relationship.
- This is crucial in B2B sales, where deals are often built on trust, not pressure.
- Example:
“Just circling back on our last discussion about [project] to see if there’s anything you need from me to move forward.” - This shows you’re there to help, not just close.
Demonstrates Willingness to Support
- By adding:
“Happy to adjust timelines or answer any questions if needed,” - You show flexibility and your readiness to assist, making it easier for prospects to express any blockers without hesitation.
- Clients often don’t respond because they have questions or concerns they don’t have time to articulate. This email invites them to share those concerns.
Removes Pressure While Keeping You Top of Mind
- It doesn’t demand a decision but keeps you in their awareness:
“If you’re ready, I’m here to help.”
“If you’re not, no pressure.” - This approach preserves the relationship for future opportunities while gently moving the conversation forward if they are ready.
When Should You Send These Follow-Ups?
| 1–2 days later: If it’s time-sensitive or a requested follow-up. |
| 3–5 business days later: For standard sales conversations. |
| 1 week later: For proposals or “circle back” requests. |
| 1–2 weeks later: Final follow-up using the breakup email if no response. |
Pro Tips for Effective Follow-Ups:
- Keep it under 100 words if possible.
- Use clear CTAs like “Is this still a priority?” or “Would you like to discuss this week?”
- Add value in at least one follow-up (case study, insight, or resource).
- Space out follow-ups to avoid appearing pushy.
- Respect their inbox – if you get a clear “no,” update your CRM and move on.
The Data Behind Successful Follow-Ups
At Global Datasys Group, we help B2B businesses increase the effectiveness of follow-up campaigns by reaching the right decision-makers with high-quality, verified email lists.
- Fortune 500 Email Lists
- SaaS Buyers Lists
- Technology Decision-Makers Lists
- All industries Lists
All GDPR-compliant, opt-in, and ready to integrate into your CRM for structured, personalized outreach that gets replies.
Conclusion
Following up isn’t about pestering; it’s about helping clients move forward when they’re ready.
Using these structured, warm, and value-driven templates will ensure your outreach remains professional, your pipeline stays active, and your deal velocity increases without feeling pushy.
Follow Up Confidently (and Get Replies)
If your sales team is tired of sending emails that get ignored, it’s time to level up your follow-ups and target the right people with the right message.
Contact Us to get a custom-curated, ICP-aligned list so your follow-up emails go to people who are ready to buy.
