How to Follow Up and Get a Response

Feb 14, 2025

Shalini Ramanayake

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
    In sales, “no” usually means “not right now.” But what about no response at all? It could mean anything—from a full inbox to a lack of urgency. That’s why follow-ups matter.

    A well-crafted follow-up email can revive a conversation, increase response rates, and create new opportunities. In fact, salespeople who send at least one follow-up email see a 27% higher reply rate than those who don’t.

    So how do you write a follow-up email that actually gets a response? Here’s what you need to know:

    How to Write a Follow-Up Email After No Response
    ✅ Don’t follow up too soon – Give at least 48–72 hours before sending a follow-up.
    ✅ Include a clear CTA – Ask for a specific action, like scheduling a call or providing feedback.
    ✅ Avoid copy-pasting your first email – Each follow-up should be fresh, not a repeat.
    ✅ Use an engaging subject line – Try “Bumping this in your inbox” or “Quick follow-up on [topic].”
    ✅ Keep it short – A follow-up shouldn’t overwhelm. Be clear and direct.

    When to Send a Second Follow-Up
    If there’s still no response, wait three more days and adjust your CTA. Instead of asking for a call, try requesting a referral or offering valuable insights.

    What NOT to do:
    🚫 Don’t send a “breakup email.” Saying, “I guess you’re not interested” only shuts the door permanently.
    🚫 Don’t be pushy. Persistence is key, but bad timing can make you look desperate.

    Follow-Up Email Templates That Work
    Need a place to start? Here are a few templates for different scenarios:

    📩 First follow-up:
    “Hi [Name], just checking in to see if you had a chance to review [offer/proposal]. Let me know if you have any questions—I’d love to connect. Are you available this week?”

    📩 Second follow-up:
    “Hey [Name], I know things get busy, so I wanted to follow up. If this isn’t the right time, would you be open to connecting next month? Let me know what works best for you.”

    📩 Referral request:
    “Hi [Name], if now isn’t the right time, is there someone else on your team who might be the best point of contact? I’d love to ensure we’re reaching the right person.”

    Fortune favours the follow-up. Craft yours carefully, and you’ll turn “no response” into meaningful conversations.

    READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR CAREER OR TEAM?

    Whether you’re a professional eyeing your next career move or an employer seeking the best talent, uncover unparalleled IT, sales, and marketing recruitment in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and extending to the broader Australia, Asia-Pacific, and the United States. Pulse Recruitment is your bridge to job opportunities or candidates that align perfectly with your aspirations and requirements. Embark on a journey of growth and success today by getting in touch!

    FROM OUR PULSE NEWS, EMPLOYER AND JOB SEEKER HUBS

    Featured Articles

    How to Sell Yourself in Sales Interviews

    In the competitive world of sales, landing the right role requires more than just submitting a polished resume. A sales interview is your chance to demonstrate your ability to sell yourself—a skill that hiring managers expect from any top candidate. Just like closing a deal, succeeding in a sales interview involves understanding your audience, presenting…
    How to Build a Diverse Sales Team

    In today’s global market, diversity in sales teams is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a strategic advantage. A diverse sales team brings together professionals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, helping companies better understand and serve a wide range of customers. Studies have shown that businesses with diverse teams perform better financially, make more informed…
    Why Hiring Top Sales Talent Is Crucial

    Sales professionals are the backbone of any revenue-driven organization. They are responsible for generating new business, nurturing client relationships, and closing deals that contribute to long-term success. However, not all salespeople are created equal. Hiring top sales talent can mean the difference between meeting revenue targets and struggling to keep up with competitors. In today’s…
    Do You Know The Hidden Sales Killer?

    Imagine walking into a store where an eager employee follows you through every aisle, offering non-stop assistance and bombarding you with product details. It’s not helpful—it’s overwhelming. The same principle applies to B2B sales. While good intentions matter, excessive hand-holding can frustrate prospects, stall deals, and even push buyers away. To truly empower prospects, sales…
    The Best Sales Hiring Strategies for 2025

    Hiring top sales talent is crucial for the growth and success of any organization, especially in a rapidly evolving business landscape. As we enter 2025, the sales recruitment landscape continues to change, with technological advancements, evolving buyer behavior, and shifting workplace dynamics influencing hiring practices. In this blog, we’ll discuss the best sales hiring strategies…
    How to Negotiate a Sales Salary

    Sales roles often come with significant earning potential, but only if you negotiate your salary effectively. Many sales professionals hesitate to negotiate, fearing they’ll seem greedy or risk losing the job offer. However, strong negotiation skills are essential—just as you negotiate with clients in sales, you should also advocate for yourself. Whether you’re applying for…
    Common Mistakes in Sales Applications

    The sales industry is competitive, and a well-crafted job application can mean the difference between landing an interview and getting overlooked. However, many sales candidates make avoidable mistakes that hurt their chances of getting hired. Recruiters and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications for a single sales role. If your resume, cover letter, or…
    What’s Next After a Sales Job Offer?

    Congratulations! Receiving a sales job offer is an exciting milestone, but before you accept and start your new role, there are important steps to take. From evaluating the offer and negotiating your compensation to completing pre-employment tasks and preparing for your first day, what you do next can impact your long-term success in the role….
    How to Straight Answers from Prospects

    At first glance, the name might seem counterintuitive, but the concept is simple: get your prospect to explain why they need your solution—or get to a quick “no” to avoid wasting time on unqualified leads. What is Negative Reverse Selling? Negative reverse selling leverages reverse psychology to move a prospect toward a clear decision. Instead of overcoming objections,…
    What Is a Commission-Only Sales Role?

    A commission-only sales role is a job where a salesperson’s income depends entirely on the sales they make—there’s no base salary. Instead, earnings are tied directly to performance, meaning the more deals closed, the higher the paycheck. Commission-only roles are common in industries like real estate, insurance, SaaS, and B2B sales, where high-ticket products and…

    Visit our blog page