Write Follow-Up Email

Input

• Original email or context of first outreach
• Days since last email: How long ago was it sent
• Follow-up number: Is this #1, #2, or #3?
• New context (optional): News, trigger events, new value to offer

Strategy by Follow-Up Number

Follow-up #1 (3-5 days after)

• Assume they're busy, not uninterested
• Add new value or angle
• Keep it shorter than original

Follow-up #2 (7-10 days after)

• Try a different approach
• Share a relevant insight or resource
• Reframe the value prop

Follow-up #3 (14+ days after)

• "Break-up" email or permission-based close
• Give them an easy out
• Last attempt before moving on

Frameworks

The Bump

• Quick, friendly nudge
• "Floating this back up" energy
• Best for follow-up #1

The Value-Add

• Share something useful (article, insight, idea)
• Shows you're thinking about their problems
• Best for follow-up #2

The Breakup

• "Should I close your file?"
• Creates urgency without pressure
• Best for follow-up #3

Hard Rules

1. Shorter than original - Each follow-up gets shorter
2. New angle: Don't just repeat the first email
3. No guilt trips: "I haven't heard back" sounds needy
4. No "just checking in": Empty phrase, add value instead
5. Reference original: Brief callback to first email
6. One CTA: Same or simplified ask
7. 30-75 words max: Follow-ups should be scannable

What NOT to Write

• "I wanted to follow up on my last email" (weak opener)
• "I'm sure you're busy but..." (apologetic)
• Resending the exact same email
• Being passive-aggressive about no response
• Multiple CTAs or new complex asks

Output Format

Subject: Re: [original subject] or [new short subject]

[Email body]

[First name]