The Follow-Up Sequence That Works (44% of Replies Come After Email 1) 🔥

Duy Bui

🔥

Apr 11 • Business & Strategy 🧠

44% of my clients said yes on the second or third email.

If I had stopped after one email, I would have lost almost half my revenue.

THE DATA:

44% of positive replies come on email 2 or 3

Following up 3+ times increases response by 90%

Yet 44% of salespeople give up after one email

THE 5-EMAIL SEQUENCE:

EMAIL 1 (Day 0): Initial outreach

The 5-sentence template from yesterday.

EMAIL 2 (Day 3): New angle

"Following up on my note about [topic]. Thought you might find this relevant - just published a case study about [similar company] that cut [process] by 80%. Link if interested: [link]"

EMAIL 3 (Day 7): Social proof

"Hey [Name], one more thought - just wrapped a similar project for [industry]. They went from [before] to [after] in 2 weeks. Happy to share specifics if helpful."

EMAIL 4 (Day 14): Direct question

"Hi [Name], wanted to check - is [problem] still a priority for [Company], or has timing shifted? Either way, no worries."

EMAIL 5 (Day 21): Breakup

"Hey [Name], looks like timing is not right for [Company]. Totally understand. If things change down the road, feel free to reach out. Wishing you the best with [their business]."

THE BREAKUP EMAIL SECRET:

The breakup email still gets 6% reply rate. Something about "I am going away" makes people respond.

THE RULES:

- Each email shorter than the last

- Each email brings new value (case study, insight, question)

- Never send "just checking in" (adds no value)

- Space them out (do not overwhelm)

THE PSYCHOLOGY:

People are busy. Your first email arrived when they were swamped. The second arrived when they had 5 minutes. Timing matters as much as message.

How many follow-ups do you typically send before giving up?

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