Writing the unashamed follow-up

Most follow-ups fail before they are sent: too long, too flat, too sorry to exist. “Just checking in on my previous email…” The reader has already closed it.

The three-line format

1. Context in one line: what this is about, no history lesson.
2. One closed question: a single one, answerable in ten seconds.
3. An exit door: make “no” easy. A no beats silence. It frees your list.

Three templates to copy

Unanswered quote (day 7):

Hello Ms X, following up on the quote for [project], sent on [date]. Is it still current on your side? If the timing changed or it is a no, just say so: I will adjust.

Overdue invoice (2 days past due):

Hello, unless we missed something, invoice [number] for [amount] was due on [date]. Could you confirm the payment, or tell me what is blocking it? Thank you!

Factual, no blame: nine times out of ten it is an oversight. An indignant tone costs clients, a factual tone collects.

Silent file (day 90):

Hello Mr Y, we have not spoken since [project/date]. On our side, [one useful piece of news in one line]. Where do things stand on [their subject]? If the timing is wrong, one word is enough.

The golden rule

One follow-up = one question. Two questions means zero answers. And sign as a human: people reply to a person, not to a department.

This week: take the ten follow-ups from lesson 1 and rewrite them in the three-line format. Compare the reply rate: it will speak for itself.