The proposal is out. The meeting went well. And now—nothing. Most freelancers send one follow-up, hear silence, and assume the deal is dead. It usually isn’t. Here are real sales follow-up email examples that get responses.
Example 1: Follow-up after sending a proposal
Send this 3–5 days after delivering your proposal if you haven’t heard back.
Subject: Re: [Project name] proposal—any questions?
Hi [Name],
I wanted to check in on the proposal I sent over on [date]. Happy to walk through any of the line items or adjust the scope if something doesn’t fit.
Is there a time this week for a 15-minute call, or would you prefer I answer questions over email?
[Your name]
Why it works: It’s short, removes friction (call or email, their choice), and ends with a direct question that’s easy to answer.
Example 2: Follow-up after no response (7 days)
Hi [Name],
Still thinking about [project]? No rush—just want to make sure my last email didn’t get buried.
One thing worth mentioning: [one specific piece of value—a case study result, a tight calendar window, or a relevant insight]. Happy to share more if helpful.
[Your name]
Why it works: It acknowledges the silence without being passive-aggressive, and adds one new reason to engage.
The highest-converting follow-up emails are sent when the prospect is actively looking at your work. Waco notifies you the moment a client opens your proposal—so you can reach out while they’re already engaged.
Example 3: The soft break-up email (day 18–22)
Hi [Name],
I haven’t heard back, so I’m assuming the timing isn’t right. I’ll close out this inquiry on my end—but if things change, feel free to reach out.
Either way, good luck with [their project or goal].
[Your name]
Why it works: Counterintuitively, this email gets high reply rates. It removes pressure, signals professionalism, and often prompts a “wait, don’t close it yet” response.
Timing your follow-up sequence
Here’s a simple sequence that works for most freelance sales cycles:
- Day 0: Send proposal
- Day 3–5: Follow-up 1 (questions + walk-through offer)
- Day 7–8: Follow-up 2 (add social proof or case study)
- Day 12–14: Follow-up 3 (introduce urgency—calendar availability, price hold date)
- Day 18–22: Follow-up 4 (break-up email)
Adjust the spacing based on project size. A large retainer may need more patience; a quick project may warrant faster follow-ups.
Subject lines that actually get opened
Generic subject lines kill open rates. Use these instead:
- “Re: [Project name]—quick question”
- “[Their first name], still interested in [specific outcome]?”
- “Proposal for [company]—still on your radar?”
- “Closing out [project]—let me know either way”
Each subject line is specific, references something real, and gives the reader a reason to open.
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