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Update: I stopped sending follow-up emails after 3 days and my reply rate went up
For a year, I sent follow-ups exactly 72 hours after my first pitch, like everyone says. My reply rate was maybe 15%. Last month, I waited a full week instead, and it jumped to almost 30% on my last 20 pitches. I think giving people more breathing room makes them less annoyed. Am I the only one who found that faster isn't always better here?
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rose_perry121mo ago
Wait, you saw a jump that big just from waiting longer? That's wild. I used to do the 3 day thing too and it felt so pushy. Now I set a calendar reminder for 10 days later, and only if I really still want the gig. It gives me time to cool off and them time to actually check their inbox. Maybe the first email just gets buried in the Monday rush. What made you try a full week instead?
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ray6131mo ago
Honestly, the three day rule always felt like a trap. It puts everyone on edge. My own inbox is a mess, and if someone followed up that fast on a cold pitch, I'd probably just delete it out of spite. Giving it a full week feels more respectful. It's like you're saying you know they have a real job to do, and your email isn't the only thing in their world. That alone probably makes them more willing to actually read it.
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