How to Follow Up on an Email With No Response (with 10 Examples)
Introduction: Why No One Responds
We’ve all been there: You’ve drafted the perfect email, hit “send,” and waited … and waited. No response. It can feel disheartening and even frustrating.
But here’s the truth: No response doesn’t necessarily mean no interest. People are busy, emails get buried, and sometimes your message just isn’t a top priority at that moment.
That’s where follow-up emails come in. Mastering the art of the “follow-up email no response” scenario can significantly improve your outcomes. In fact, polite persistence often pays off, whether you’re following up on a job application, a cold outreach, or a sales pitch.
In this article, we’ll explore why follow-ups are essential, share best practices for writing a “cold email follow-up,” and provide 10 examples you can copy and paste for different scenarios.
Why Follow-Ups Are Essential
Before jumping into examples, let’s talk about why a well-timed follow-up is a game-changer:
- Most deals and replies happen after multiple emails.
Studies suggest that 50% or more of sales happen after the 5th contact. While you might not always send five emails, knowing that multiple touchpoints are common can encourage you to send that second or third follow-up. - Emails get lost.
People receive dozens or even hundreds of emails daily. Busy professionals may read your message, intend to reply later, then forget—until your friendly reminder shows up.
- It shows genuine interest.
A considerate follow-up can signal real commitment, which builds trust. Just be sure your tone is helpful, not pushy.
- Your timing might be off.
Maybe they were swamped when your first email arrived. A follow-up at the right time could land when they’re finally ready to respond.
Best Practices for Writing a Follow-Up Email
Implementing the right strategy can dramatically increase your success rate. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Wait the Right Amount of Time
Don’t follow up too soon.
A common rule of thumb: 2-3 days after the first email, then a week or more for later follow-ups.
- Keep It Brief
Remind them of your main point quickly.
Avoid repeating your entire original email. - Use a Polite, Direct Tone
Be respectful of their time.
Don’t sound desperate or impatient; a simple “Just checking in” can suffice.
- Offer Context
Mention your first email’s topic or subject line so they recall the context.
Example: “I emailed you on Tuesday about [project/opportunity].”
- Add a Clear Call to Action
Make it easy to say “yes” or “no.”
Example: “Could we schedule a quick call next week?”
- Optimize Your Subject Line
Try something like “Quick follow-up” or “Bumping this in case you missed it.”
Avoid spammy or overly promotional language.
- Personalize If Possible
Even adding their name or referencing a specific detail can increase response rates.For a bigger impact, mention mutual connections or relevant company news.
10 Follow-Up Email Examples
Below are ten templates you can adapt for your own situation. Each example addresses a common scenario.
1. Cold Outreach Follow-Up
Subject: Quick follow-up
Hello [Name],
I wanted to follow up on the email I sent a few days ago about [your offering]. I realize you might be busy, so I thought a friendly reminder could help.
If you have questions or want more details, just let me know. I’d be happy to chat whenever you’re free.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title & Company]
2. No Response After a Proposal
Subject: Checking in on the proposal
Hi [Name],
Hope you’re doing well! I sent over a proposal for [project/solution] last week and wanted to see if you had any questions.
If you’d like to schedule a quick call to discuss next steps, feel free to reply or book a time here: [Calendar Link].
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
[Your Title & Company]
3. Job Application Follow-Up
Subject: Following up on my application
Hello [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope you’re having a great week. I’m reaching out to follow up on my application for the [Position Title] at [Company Name]. I remain very interested in the opportunity and would love to know if there are any updates on the hiring process.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact Info]
4. Event Invitation Follow-Up
Subject: Quick check-in on the event
Hey [Name],
I hope everything’s going well! I wanted to follow up on the invitation I sent for our upcoming [event/webinar]. Spaces are filling up fast, and I’d hate for you to miss out.
Let me know if you have any questions or need help registering.
Take care,
[Your Name]
[Your Title & Company]
5. Sales Pitch Follow-Up
Subject: Next steps?
Hi [Name],
Just circling back on the [product/service] we discussed. I’d love to schedule a short call to dive deeper into how it can [save time, increase revenue, etc.] for your team.
Would you happen to have 15 minutes available this week or next?
All the best,
[Your Name]
[Your Title & Company]
6. Follow-Up After a Networking Event
Subject: Great meeting you at [Event Name]
Hello [Name],
It was awesome meeting you at [Event Name] last week. I enjoyed our conversation about [topic] and would love to stay in touch.
Let me know if you’d like to continue where we left off. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title & Company]
7. Follow-Up to a Potential Collaboration
Subject: Collaboration idea—following up
Hi [Name],
Hope your day is going well! I reached out about a possible collaboration between [Your Company] and [Their Company]. I’d still love to explore how we might work together to [benefit/goal].
Would you be open to a quick chat or email exchange to share ideas?
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Title & Company]
8. Customer Success Follow-Up
Subject: Checking in on how things are going
Hello [Name],
Hope you’re enjoying [product/service]! Just wanted to follow up and see if you have any questions or need additional support. We’re always here to help and would love your feedback.
Let me know if there’s anything we can do to make your experience even better.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
[Your Title & Company]
9. No Response After Product Demo
Subject: Thoughts on the demo?
Hi [Name],
Just following up on the demo you attended for [product/service]. I’m curious if you have any questions or feedback.
If this aligns with your goals, we could set up a quick call to discuss next steps. If not, no worries—just let me know!
Cheers,
[Your Name]
[Your Title & Company]
10. Follow-Up on a Missed Call
Subject: Sorry we missed each other
Hello [Name],
I tried reaching you earlier but didn’t get a chance to connect. Hope all is well! If there’s a better time for a quick call, let me know. Otherwise, here are a few slots I’m available: [availability].
Looking forward to chatting whenever you’re free.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title & Company]
Conclusion & Extra Tips
Following up on an email with no response can significantly boost your likelihood of securing a meeting, landing a sale, or getting a job offer. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Time Your Follow-Ups: Typically 2-3 days after the first email, then a week or more for subsequent nudges.
- Vary Your Medium: If email doesn’t work, consider a LinkedIn message or short phone call.
- Personalize: Even minimal personalization—like using their name or referencing a detail—can increase your odds of a reply.
- Stay Polite: No one likes an aggressive or demanding follow-up. Keep it friendly and brief.
Use these 10 follow-up email templates as a starting point. Adapt them to your specific scenario, add your own personal touch, and don’t be afraid to send that second (or third) reminder. You might be surprised how often a follow-up is just what someone needed to finally respond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How soon should I follow up after sending my first email?
It’s generally best to wait 2-3 days before the first follow-up, allowing the recipient time to process the initial email. If there’s still no response, you can wait another week or more before following up again.
2. How many times should I follow up before giving up?
Most professionals find 2-3 follow-ups sufficient. In sales contexts, some may go up to five or more. The key is to space them out appropriately, show genuine value, and avoid seeming pushy.
3. Should I change my subject line for follow-up emails?
It can help to slightly modify your subject line if your previous one didn’t prompt a response. Something like “Just circling back” or “Quick reminder” can stand out in a crowded inbox. However, keeping the same thread with “Re:” can also show continuity.
4. What if I don’t have any new info to share in my follow-up?
You can simply restate the main benefit or question from your initial email. Express understanding that they’re busy and reinforce how your message could help them solve a problem, meet a goal, or gain insight.
5. Is it okay to follow up via a different channel?
Absolutely! If email isn’t working, reaching out on LinkedIn or making a brief phone call can be effective. Just ensure you’re polite and reference your previous attempt so they know who you are and why you’re contacting them again.
By implementing these best practices and examples, you’ll turn those silent inbox moments into meaningful conversations—and possibly great opportunities.