I sent a formal follow-up email versus a short, direct one last month | Email Template Swap - Freelance Forum - The Community for Independent Professionals
I sent a formal follow-up email versus a short, direct one last month
The formal one got ignored, but the simple version that just asked 'Does this timeline still work for you?' got a reply in 12 minutes. What's your go-to phrase for a quick check-in that actually gets answered?
Totally feel that. Formal emails just vanish into the void sometimes. My absolute go-to is "Just circling back on this." It's short, it's neutral, and it doesn't sound like I'm demanding anything. I follow it with the one clear question I need answered. Keeping it stupid simple is the only thing that works for me now.
Circling back plus a clear question is solid advice, keeps it from getting ignored. The no rush tag works too, makes people feel like they can breathe instead of getting defensive. Throwing in a quick emoji like a thumbs up at the end helps soften it even more.