How to Follow Up (Without Being Annoying): The Art of “Polite Persistence”
What's more awkward than sending an email and not getting a response? Figuring out how to send a follow-up email without sounding pushy or impatient.
In today’s world, inboxes are flooded and it's easy for your message to get lost. A missing response from a cold message doesn’t always mean a lack of interest, but rather their attention is elsewhere. The key to getting a response isn’t bombarding them, but creating a strong follow-up email that adds value.
Why 99% of Follow-Up Emails Fail
Are guilt-trippy or too frequent
Offers no new value or reason to respond
Doesn't clearly remind the reader what your original email was about
Sounds overly eager: "Just checking in if you saw my last email…."
The Friendly Follow-Up Template
Subject Line: Quick Follow-Up
Hi [Name],
Just wanted to send a quick follow-up and also share [new insight or question relevant to your original message]
If now isn’t a good time, I'd be happy to reconnect at whichever time works best for you.
Thanks so much,
[Your Name]
What This Email Communicates
Acknowledges their time and busy schedule
Offers value by providing new information
Keeps it short, respectful, and appreciative
Shows flexibility regarding the next step
Encourages a response without pressure
Tips for an Effective Follow-Up
Wait 2–4 days before sending your first follow-up email
Pace your follow-ups. Instead of stopping after 1-2 emails, Lengthen the time between messages until you get a clear response
Use multiple channels (sparingly): If emailing doesn’t work, a quick LinkedIn message can be an effective alternative
Pick the right day and time. Emails sent during mid-morning or early in the week tend to have better visibility. But sending it at all is always better than not sending it
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Updated October 9, 2025
