Follow Up Email Templates When You Get No Response

There’s a reason why there are more than thirteen million sales-related occupations found in the United States. Many businesses rely on these professionals to bring in new clients and keep operations running smoothly.

However, despite the prevalence of these positions, there are still a lot of things that new sales employees often do wrong.

One cardinal sin is not providing a follow up email to a lead after receiving no response from your initial email. That’s why we made this article. In it, we’ll go over:

• Why follow up emails are important
• What sales skills are necessary for them
• How to write engaging content
• The role of multichannel sequences in follow ups
• 5 powerful follow up emails after no response

No one likes feeling like they’re bothering people with sales content. But, as long as you follow the advice in this article, then you’ll provide value for your leads. 

Why Are Follow Ups Worth It? 

If you’re like most sales pros we know, then you put a lot of effort into acquiring your leads. When these leads initially don’t respond does that mean it’s time to give up and move on to the next?

We don’t think so. That’d be like giving up on a fish after it’s on the line because it’s pushing back against the reel. With just a little more effort you could be enjoying a fish dinner at the end of the day.

We know what you’re thinking: ‘if my prospect left me on read, then they likely don’t want to be bothered’.

No one likes feeling pushy. But, the reality is that there are many reasons why your lead might have initially left you on read. Some common reasons for not responding include:

• They missed your message
• They forgot to respond
• They’re too busy to respond
• They’re confused by the contents of your message
• They’re not the decision-maker you need to be dealing with
• They’re not interested

Typically, people jump to the last reason. We love to make up worst-case situations in our heads. But, the reality is that a follow up email is low risk, high reward.

Worst case scenario, you get ignored again or receive a disgruntled message asking you to stop. In the best-case scenario, you close on a client that would otherwise have not received your message.

We think that’s worth a second or third email. However, remember that your email marketing will only be as effective as your leads. So, what should you do if you’re not happy with your lead generation?

A service like LinkedProspect can help you consistently generate new leads. When you combine this with the many tools we offer it’s easy to see how our clients increase their sales so easily. Best of all, we have different price points for different budgets/needs. 

Brush Up On Social Selling Before Getting Started

Did you know that almost three-quarters of sales professionals use technology to give them a competitive edge? These days, if you aren’t utilizing tech to expand both the quantity and quality of your leads, then you’re falling behind.

The reality is that your competition is likely using this technology through the practice of social selling. What’s social selling? Social selling is a type of digital marketing strategy that heavily utilizes both data and technology.

It uses these two important areas to expand your reach to new clients and generate new leads. Hopefully, as a salesperson, you’ve heard of this concept before.

But, if you need a quick refresher, then you can catch up on the four elements of social selling here. In a nutshell, this strategy uses popular sites and communication channels like LinkedIn, Facebook, and email to build relationships and develop prospects.

You’re getting to know the clients before putting them through your sales funnel. By building a relationship with them, and getting a deeper understanding of their problems, you can provide customized solutions.

And these solutions aren’t coming from a desperate salesperson. They’re coming from a friend. That’s where the social part of social selling comes into play.

Not convinced that building relationships are worth the time and effort? The research suggests otherwise. CSO Insights found that 31% of B2B professionals said that social selling helped them build deeper relationships with their clients.

So, you’re not only getting new clients, but you’re also getting retention.

Your clients aren’t likely to leave you on a whim if they view you as a personal friend. But, can that be said if you don’t take the time to put work into the relationship? We don’t think so. 

How to Write a Follow Up Email After No Response

Now that we know more about the importance of social selling and follow up emails we can dive into how to write them. To make things simple we’ve broken down the fundamentals of a good follow up email into five key parts.

They include catchy subject lines, context, purpose, value, and a CTA. In this section, we’ll go into more detail so you can start crafting your successful emails. 

1. Catchy Subject Lines

Around 2015 you might have heard headlines that humans only have an eight-second attention span, less than a goldfish. While this isn’t quite true, it’s worth paying attention to.

The study discovered that humans will only spend eight seconds on a web page before looking elsewhere. This information is useful to salespeople.

If someone is only going to spend eight seconds deciding if a webpage is worth it, then think of how long they’ll spend on a marketing email. Because of this disadvantage, you need to hit them hard from the get-go.

The best way to do this is with a punchy email subject line. Your subject line should convey a sense of humor, value, or urgency. Some good examples would include things like:

• Don’t Open This Unless You Hate Free Money
• Ready For More Customers? Let’s Collaborate
• Only One Week Left Until Your Free Trial Expires

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box with your subject lines either. Being weird in your subject line might seem risky. But, sometimes it’s enough to break the monotony of their email inboxes.

If your subject line is unique enough, then a prospect might open it just for curiosity’s sake. Also, if it fits your brand image, then try throwing some emojis into the subject headers.

These visual symbols can quickly catch people’s attention and add some humor/lightness to the email.

However, if you’re a professional company dealing with older clients, then emojis might not be the vibe. Think about what attracts your target audience and put it in the subject line. 

2. Give Them Context

One of the first things you should do in your email provides some context. This is a good time to remind the person how you met. Maybe you chatted at an event, talked on the phone, or emailed each other previously. Give them something to job their memory.

Next, you should state your name or your company’s name. It might seem silly, but many follow up emails forget to include this important information. Without them, the recipient doesn’t know who they’re addressing.

Finally, tell them your purpose. You’re reaching out to them again because they didn’t respond to your first email. You want to remind them about this without making it seem like it’s their fault.

Remember that blame is a recipe for disaster in the sales game. So, briefly give them some context for why you’re emailing.

But, don’t dwell on this section. While it’s fine to start with this you should quickly shift the article to the main show of the email: the purpose. 

3. State Your Purpose

If your follow up emails just consist of asking ‘Did you read my last email’, then you’ve failed. The email needs to have a purpose other than a reminder. Instead, focus on a pain point.

This is something that the company has been struggling with. If you’ve been doing your social selling right, then you’ve likely had some good conversations with the prospect.

Address it briefly. You don’t want to waste someone’s time with long paragraphs. If you don’t have a pain point that you can talk about, then consider a different purpose.

For example, you can look for some content that the business published and compliment it. From there, you can transition into the next phase: providing value for the business. 

4. Provide Value

There’s a reason why this is the number one piece of advice in this Harvard Business Review article about sales calls. If someone discovers that you’re selling some service or product, they’ll likely ignore you.

People don’t want a product or service. What they want is tangible value to their business. Value can come in a lot of different forms. For example, it might take the shape of some free advice that could help them.

Or, it might be a free trial/sample of your product or service. It can also be something as simple as a blog post related to whatever industry they’re in.

By giving the prospect a taste of the value you can add to their life you’re encouraging them to develop a business relationship. 

5. End With a CTA

CTA stands for call-to-action and it’s always a good idea to end follow up emails with them. Some examples of a CTA include phrases like:

• Could you put me in touch with the manager in charge?
• How does Tuesday at noon sound?
• Feel free to give me a call whenever you’re free

Why is it important to end with these calls to action? Because you want to create an environment where it’s as easy as possible for your prospect to respond.

If they need to do the organizing or questions asking, then they’re not likely to waste the time. A good CTA ensures that they won’t need to stress about that at all. 

Consider Multichannel Sequences

Let’s face it, follow up emails can quickly get messy. Sure, it’s easy to keep track of where you’re at with follow-ups when you only have two or three you’re dealing with.

But, if you’re like most sales professionals we know, then you’ll be juggling dozens or even hundreds of prospects at the same time. This is a problem for many people because the key to a successful follow-up is a winning sequence.

What’s a sequence? It’s the frequency in which you’ll reach out to clients. Here’s what a normal sequence might look like for a sales professional:

• Initial email or phone call
• A second follow up email after two days have past
• A third follow up email after five days have past
• Final follow up email after a week

Sadly, there are two problems with this type of sequence. First, there’s the lack of automation components. If you aren’t automating your sequences, then you’re both wasting valuable time and potentially making mistakes.

As we mentioned, at times you’re likely juggling a lot of prospects at once. An automated sequence campaign ensures that you never miss a follow up. It also helps you avoid embarrassing mistakes like sending the same email twice or sending the email too soon.

The second problem that people make is only one channel in their sequences. What do we mean by this? In the above example, the person only reached out for follow ups using email.

An email is a great tool for follow ups. But, it’s far from the only thing you should be using. Try switching it up by varying the channels through which you reach out.

For example, you might first send out an email. Then, for your second sequence, you can send a quick message on LinkedIn. For your third sequence, you might try calling their office or personal phone.

By varying the channels that you reach out you have the best possible odds of connecting to them. 

5 Powerful Follow Up Emails After No Response

We’ve gone over the formula for writing a successful follow up email. However, if you’re like us, then you’re likely itching for an example of this formula in action.

That’s why we made five email templates you can use when you don’t get a response back. We’ve also included some examples of them being used in a real-world context.

That way, you can model your emails after them if you want. Remember that email is different than messaging on say, LinkedIn. Make sure to check out our separate guide for that. 

1. Email Template: Being Upfront

Let’s face it, no one likes sales professionals. It’s a sad fact that comes with the job. People are going to be automatically distrustful of you from the get-go. So, use that fact to your advantage.

This tongue-in-cheek strategy can immediately disarm your leads which gets them on your side. 

Subject line: Just Another Sales Email

Hey [Person’s Name],

Before you read another line you should be aware that this is, in fact, just another sales email. We reached out to [Their Company] earlier which can only mean one of two things: either you missed our message, or you’re ignoring us. 

And hey, I get it! Sales can feel a bit invasive and overly selly sometimes. I mean, who wants to improve their conversion rate by [Metric Value]? Why would anyone want our [Product Name] that can provide [Tangible Benefit]?

If you can’t sense the sarcasm in the message, then here’s your sign. 

So, yes, sales emails can be annoying. But, you know what’s even more annoying? Missing out on the value that [Their Company] can gain from [Your Company]. So, let’s make things as painless as possible.

If you’re interested, feel free to reach out to me at [Phone Number] or through this email. If not, we wish you the best on your company’s journey.

Best,

[Your Name]

Real-World Example

Hey Ashley,

Before you read another line you should be aware that this is, in fact, just another sales email. We reached out to Nuuvela LLC earlier which can only mean one of two things: either you missed our message, or you’re ignoring us. 

And hey, I get it! Sales can feel a bit invasive and overly selly sometimes. I mean, who wants to improve their conversion rate by up to 20%? Why would anyone want our SEO analyzer that can provide identify weaknesses in your current SEO strategy?

If you can’t sense the sarcasm in the message, then here’s your sign. 

So, yes, sales emails can be annoying. But, you know what’s even more annoying? Missing out on the value that Nuuvela LLC can gain from Second Chance SEO.

So, let’s make things as painless as possible. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out to me at 757-555-8741 or through this email. If not, we wish you the best on your company’s journey.

Best,

Dave Salesman

2. Email Template: Here’s a Gift

It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, getting a gift rocks. There’s a special sense of satisfaction in feeling like you got something for free. So, bring that sense of satisfaction to your follow up emails with a gift.

If it’s enticing enough you could real in someone that would otherwise ignore your message. 

Subject line: Free Money Alert

Dear [Person’s Name],

It’s [Your Name] from [Your Company].

Everyone likes free stuff right? When we talked earlier about [Problem] it made me realize that [Your Product] is the perfect solution. It can provide [Tangible Benefit].

Usually, it costs [Price]. But, I’m giving you [the gift] because I know you need it. 

Let me know if you like what you see. I would love to hear back from you

Have a great day,

[Your Name]

Real-World Example

It’s Sarah from Aviid Cybersecurity.

Everyone likes free stuff right? When we talked earlier about your website leak it made me realize that our firewall software is the perfect solution. It can protect all your data so you never need to worry about hackers again.

Usually, it costs $100 per month. But, I’m giving you the first month for free because I know you need it. 

Let me know if you like what you see. I would love to hear back from you

Have a great day,

Sarah Techstuff

3. Email Template: Providing Value

This strategy is similar to the gift method in the last email. The difference is that you’re giving them a small piece of advice instead of a demo or sample.

This method is effective because you’re demonstrating your knowledge with actual solutions and not false promises. It gives them a taste of the type of value you could bring them if they stick with your company. 

Subject line: Getting You Back On Track

Hi [Person’s Name],

It was great talking to you on [Whenever You Reached Out]. I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing this [Problem]. Feeling this way can take a toll on both your business and your mental health.

That’s why my company [Blank] prides itself on providing actual value to clients in the [Whatever Industry They’re In]. For example, you mentioned on our last call [Problem You Can Fix]. Here’s what I’d do to fix that: [Solution]. 

If you want to hear about some of the other solutions I’d implement, then I would love to chat again. Feel free to message back whenever you have some free time.

Talk to you soon,

[Your Name]

Real-World Example

Hi Michael,

It was great talking to you on Monday at the event. I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing these budgeting problems with your start-up. Feeling this way can take a toll on both your business and your mental health.

That’s why my company New Leaf Budgeting Solutions prides itself on providing actual value to clients in the restaurant industry. For example, you mentioned in our last talk that you’re underestimating your budget every month. 

Here’s what I’d do to fix that: I’d make sure you’re keeping close track of your expenses from month to month. That way, you’re getting as accurate an average of your usual budget as possible. 

If you want to hear about some of the other solutions I’d implement (and how our software can help), then I would love to chat again. Feel free to message back whenever you have some free time.

Talk to you soon,

Sally Budgeter

4. Email Template: Checked Out Your Content

We’ve covered that people like gifts and free advice, but compliments come in a close third. The business you’re interested in likely has some content out there. Maybe it’s a blog post, video, or webinar.

Or, if they’re an individual, then they might share content on their Facebook or LinkedIn. Use your email to compliment either their work or their taste. Then, use that as a segue into your sales pitch. 

Subject line: Just Read Your Amazing Article

Howdy [Person’s Name],

We met a few days ago on [Location]. I just read the amazing [Content They Made or Shared]. I couldn’t get enough of it! My favorite part was [Details About the Content].

It made me think about [Similarity Between the Content and Your Business]. I was wondering if you had given any more thought to us teaming up in the future?  

I would love to hear your opinion on it. Please reach out through this email, or give me a call at [Phone Number].

Can’t wait to hear from you,

[Your Name]

Real-World Example

Howdy Tiffany,

We met a few days ago on LinkedIn. I just read the amazing article you wrote about HR culture. I couldn’t get enough of it! My favorite part was HR departments should be investing in their employee’s futures, not just new hires.

It made me think about our HR software that allows you to schedule employing training and mentorship programs. I was wondering if you had given any more thought to us teaming up in the future?  

I would love to hear your opinion on it. Please reach out through this email, or give me a call at 956-555-2456.

Can’t wait to hear from you,

Toby Flenderson

5. Email Template: Goodbye For Now

It’s hard to accept, but sometimes a lead just isn’t going to be interested in your service. When it’s looking like they won’t respond, usually after two to four emails, it’s time to sign off.

It’s important to do this in a way that leaves things open for the future. After all, many businesses might just be gearing up for a recession.

So, you want to make sure that they remain potential prospects when things are looking better financially. 

Subject line: Gone But Not Forgotten

Hey [Person’s Name],

I’m sorry if I overstepped any boundaries in my reaching out over the past few days. Initially, I thought [Your Product or Service] would be an excellent solution to [Problem].

I understand that the economy is rough right now. So, fixing your [Problem] isn’t your number one concern right now. 

That being said, I would love to work together in the future during a better time. Unless I hear back from you I’ll reach out in a few months to check-in.

In the meantime, I would highly recommend checking out this blog on [Their Problem].

Until we meet again,

[Your Name]

Real-World Example

Hey Abdel,

I’m sorry if I overstepped any boundaries in my reaching out over the past few days. Initially, I thought Brookmore’s high-quality fridges would be an excellent solution for the refrigeration problem at your restaurant.

That being said, I understand that the economy is rough right now. So, fixing your refrigeration isn’t your number one concern right now. 

That being said, I would love to work together in the future during a better time. Unless I hear back from you I’ll reach out in a few months to check-in.

In the meantime, I would highly recommend checking out this blog on ‘Ten Ways to Fix Sealant Problems On Fridges’.

Until we meet again,

Diego Cool

Need Help Growing Sales? Contact LinkedProspect

We hope this article helped you learn 5 powerful follow up emails after no response. At the end of the day, a good follow up will only get you so far with your leads.

The real secret to growing your leads is finding the right prospects and targeting them with automated (but personalized) content. So, how do you do this? Easy: by requesting a demo of LinkedProspect.

Whether it’s our invite campaigns, auto-reply sequences, or mass messaging features, there is no shortage of things that can help your business improve its sales. But, don’t take our word for it. Request a demo today to find out everything that LinkedProspect can do.