30 ‘Just checking in’ email alternatives that get responses

How many of the follow up emails you’ve received have you responded to? 

Whether you reply to some, none, or all, the obvious fact here is those who chase interest usually win more business than those who don’t. Only 2% of sales close during first contact—yes, really! So following up is absolutely essential if you don’t want to miss out on up to 98% of your potential sales.

That said, you need a better approach than a generic check in email like “Hi there, just checking in to see blah blah blah…” You need an email that immediately grabs attention; a checking in email that bypasses your recipient’s “generic garbage” filter and stops them from clicking the dreaded delete button.

Sound challenging? We’re here to help. We’ve compiled this list of 30 “just checking in” alternatives to inspire you and help you win back disengaged customers.

Many of the alternate sales follow up emails below use email best practices and the core principles of sales psychology to trigger powerful, often unnoticed cues that subconsciously influence the reader to respond with almost no thought involved.

Use whichever options you vibe with best and feel are most suitable for each prospect.

Discounts are a powerful motivator. So if you have a discount you can offer, it’s a great way to follow up and get a response. If you can, make it exclusive, too.

Example: “We’re giving just 5 businesses an exclusive 20% off, and we don’t want you to miss out.”

Here’s a beautiful example of a discount email built with Flodesk:

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Gifts often increase response rates. This is why a freebie is such an effective and prevalent part of any sales process.

Example: “We’re giving you a free sample of X. If you’re not completely satisfied then, you’re free to cancel–we won’t charge you a cent.”

With this approach, you’re providing massive value and encouraging reciprocity in kind. This involves slightly more effort than other options though.

Example: “Your website’s home page has X errors that are damaging your Y. I’ve attached a quick fix that will help save you Z. Feel free to use it, no strings attached. I just want to help!”

If you offered them a free trial and it didn’t go well, you could offer to extend their trial if it’ll help them in any way. And what a great way to stay connected with a potential decision maker!

Example: “You’ve tried our service but it probably didn’t work out or it’s not enough to convince you to upgrade! Claim your 3-month free trial here (with no obligation to renew).

Here’s a real-life example of this type of email from Buzzsumo:

This works best when you use a video of someone similar to your prospect. You want a story that gets recipients excited and allows them to imagine themselves in the story.

Example: “Hi [recipient’s name], meet [customer name]. She achieved X by using our Y, and we wanted to share her incredible story with you.”

If you’re now offering that one deal-closing feature your recipient wanted, sing it loud and proud. Consider throwing in a thank you gift too—maybe a free sample or product trial.

Example: “Your feedback made this happen. So we had to let you know first—we’re now offering X! As a thank you, we’d like to give you Y.”

Popularity creates more popularity. If people are extolling your virtues, now’s the time to share that! Sending relevant press coverage to your recipient should encourage their attention.

Example: “Hey [first name], you like X right? Did you happen to catch [popular media source] listing us as one of the best/most popular X companies for Y?”

This is a variant of the last follow-up email alternative for anyone without high levels of media coverage. To get the same impact, highlight anything that shows your brand’s increasing popularity.

Example: “Breaking news! Our orders have TRIPLED in the last month! New customer [insert name] had this to say…”

Find a person or company (even a friend of a friend) you have in common, preferably someone you’ve worked with, then mention them! 92% of people trust product recommendations from those they know and like.

Example: “Hey [recipient first name], I helped [mutual contact] with X last week, and he/she suggested this could be of huge benefit to you, too.”

Highlight something their competition is doing well, and then show them how you will help them do even better.

Example: “We know X’s secret. They’ve been using Y strategy to increase their Z. It’s why they’re having such a profitable quarter. But here’s how we can help you do even better…”

Often, calling out that a subscriber must have given up on a particular goal encourages a swift response. Play this carefully though—the goal isn’t to antagonize.

Example: “Hey [name], have you given up on X goal for this quarter? If it’s still on the cards, give me 5 minutes and I’ll give you an easy win.”

Read next: Re-Engagement Email Examples to Win Back Customers

Provide your recipient with a short, easy-to-use piece of advice—and make sure it’ll bring them as much value as possible. Helpful emails are always welcome.

Example: “Are you still trying to achieve X? 9 out of 10 customers we work with have knocked that goal out of the park by Y action. Here’s how [insert similar name] did it…”

This is an upgrade from the actionable advice email. A longer how-to guide (or video, if you have one) can provide a lot of value.

Example: “Are you still trying to achieve X? I’ve attached a quick guide on how Y can help you get there. If you’d like to discuss it or need further help, just let me know!”

Longer copy isn’t useless—you just need to use it the right way. If you have a story that your prospect will find valuable or motivating, share it.

Example: “Hey [name], you won’t believe what happened last week. I was working with [insert similar name] and…”

An invitation to your exclusive event or upcoming webinar can make a subscriber feel special, especially if it’s a personal invite from someone important. Be sure to highlight what’s in it for them!

Here’s a great example of a webinar invitation email built with Flodesk:

Example: “Hey [name], our founder [name] would like to personally invite you to X. You’ll come away with Y that will help you achieve Z.”

If there’s an educational (or even networking) event nearby (or even a webinar) that you think would benefit your recipient, tell them about it. It shows you’re interested in and thinking about them.

Examples: “Have you heard of [relevant event name]? We saw it and instantly thought of you–hope to see you there!”

If you have a new or old blog post that’s relevant and beneficial for your prospect, send it over. Giving selfless value is tough to ignore.

Example: “We think this post on X has you written all over it. You’re already making a name for yourself in Y, and we’re certain this will help you go even further!”

If someone else has a post, article or white paper that you’re sure would benefit your prospect, don’t hesitate to share it! Just make sure it’s relevant to their interests.

Example: “I saw this and thought of you immediately. [Publisher]’s article on X has some insights I’m sure would help you achieve Y.”

Showing you’re genuinely interested in others goes a long way towards influencing their purchase decision. Send an email just to celebrate something awesome your recipient achieved.

Example: “Hey [name], congrats on X—what an incredible achievement! I was especially impressed by Y and Z…”

Reach out like a friend. Mention something important to your prospect, and show your interest and support. Don’t underestimate the power of building rapport—the goal here is conversation.

Example: “Hey [name], what a week! I saw your post about X, and it seemed to light a fuse on [social platform]–you should be proud! It made me think about Y, has that ever crossed your mind?”

Show that you care about what’s going on with them, and are genuinely interested in keeping up with their life.

Example: “Hey [name], how did X go? Did you do Y? I know you were looking forward to that!”

Like and share their posts. Comment in a way that shows you’re genuinely interested. Then follow up via email with some of your related resources—the kind you know they’ll find valuable.

Example: “Hey [name], I loved your post about X on Y. It reminded me of Z that we recently published–I’m sure you’ll find it useful!”

Actively follow your prospects on social media and look for any common interests to spark up an initial conversation. People are more likely to trust and buy from people similar to them.

Example: “You like X?! I knew there was a reason I liked you! What do you think about Y?”

Share details about difficulties your customers have faced, and ask if your recipient is facing them as well. Bonus points if you hint at the solution.

Example: “Hey [name], is X giving you sleepless nights? A lot of people we talk to every day find it difficult, too. That’s why we developed Z.”

Ask them to feature as an expert authority on your blog, podcast, newsletter or YouTube channel. If a full interview is too much, ask for a quote instead.

Example: “I’ve been following your posts on X and honestly could not be more impressed. You’ve taught me a LOT already. And that’s why I’d like to invite you to be an expert for my Y.”

Let your prospect know that you’re sending them some SEO juice because you value their expertise. Be sure to highlight the benefits in organic traffic you expect this to bring them.

Example: “Hey [name]. You might start seeing a BIG jump in your website traffic soon. We’ve created a post on X and, since you’re THE name in X, we’ve linked to you a bunch of times. Thanks for helping our post be the best it can—enjoy the extra site visitors!”

Read next: 10 Product Update Email Template Examples & Best Practices

See if your prospect is satisfied with your competitor’s service. Do your research first to see how the competitor’s onboarding usually goes and get an idea of the optimal timing.

Example: “Hi [name], how’s everything going for you with [competitor]? We know some of their customers are hitting roadblocks around this time—hopefully that isn’t you! But if it is, we’re still here to help if you need it.”

Relationships can easily sour if they’re not nurtured. Don’t let your prospects automatically renew just because it’s easy—give them your best offer before they renew their contract.

Example: “Is [competitor] treating you right? I hope so! But I know that’s not always the case. Since you must be nearing your renewal date, have you considered a better investment? If so, I have just the offer for you.”

Use this approach to bump your previous emails to the top of a prospect’s inbox. It’s risky though—you’re effectively just repeating a message they already (potentially) ignored. Don’t forget to include your previous email’s content (and make sure it’s relevant content)!

Example: “You don’t want to miss this, but I feel like you did. It’s tough keeping on top of a busy inbox, isn’t it! In case this email got buried, here it is for you again.”

This should be your absolute last hurrah. When your subscriber has given you the cold shoulder so much it’s turned to ice, now is time to close the loop.

Example: “C’est la vie—it was not meant to be! Since I haven’t heard back from you, I’m guessing you want me to stop emailing you. So that’s exactly what I’ll do. But if you change your mind, I’m always just an email away.”

Your follow up emails should always:

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this. Each prospect is unique, so pay attention to what they’ve got going on. 

As a guideline, however, any of these situations can be ideal times to send a contact a follow up email:

The only firm rule is you should send a follow-up email any time you have a good reason to—especially if your reason brings the recipient value.

Checking in with your prospects is good, but you have to approach it the right way or you’ll be sent straight to the trash folder.

Flodesk lets you effortlessly customize your emails to suit every purpose, manage your lists and create emails that people love to receive. Email marketing has never been so enjoyable, and follow ups have never been so easy.

They can help you close up to 98% of your potential sales. They also help you build rapport and show your subscribers or prospects that you’re interested in them.

Put yourself in the recipient’s shoes. Instead of taking an angle of “why haven’t you responded?” or the ever-transparent “I just wanted to see if you’d looked at this yet,” try one of the alternatives in this blog post.

Your follow-ups need to stand out in a crowded inbox and bring the recipient value. Sending a forgettable “just checking in” email isn’t catching anyone’s attention or motivating anyone’s interest.