Getting ghosted by prospects is normal. But the worst thing you can do is stay stuck in silence. The real goal of follow-up is not to win a debate — it’s to get a quick yes, no, or new date so you can move forward.
Here are seven sales email templates and follow-up tactics that consistently work. Use them as your go-to sales email examples to spark responses, re-open conversations, and turn silence into clarity.
1. The 9-Word Nudge
When to use: After you’ve sent a deck or had a call, and it’s been 5–10 days without a reply.
Sales email sample:
Subject: quick check
“Still interested in solving the [problem] we discussed?”
Why it works: It’s short, direct, and takes only seconds for the prospect to answer. This is one of the simplest but most effective prospecting follow-up emails you can send.
2. The Agenda Reset
When to use: A meeting slipped, and momentum died.
Sales email template:
Subject: 12-min hold?
“Can we lock 12 minutes next week?
Agenda:
• 2 mins recap
• 7 mins demo of [X]
• 3 mins fit/no-fit
If not relevant, happy to close this out.”
Why it works: A small, precise ask with a clear agenda makes it easy for prospects to say yes.
3. The Useful Drop
When to use: You owe the prospect value before moving forward.
Good sales email template idea:
Send one actionable resource without a pitch. For example:
- A one-page benchmark for their sector
- A teardown of their website or process
- A redlined RFP section
Subject: Quick Win for [Company]
“Noticed [specific gap]. Here’s a one-pager with two fixes and an example.
If it helps, great. If not, no harm done.”
Why it works: You prove relevance and goodwill while expecting nothing in return.
4. Change the Channel
When to use: When your emails sit unread.
How to follow up with prospects differently:
- Send a LinkedIn note or 20-second voice message
- Record a 60-second personal video
- Leave a short voicemail
Voicemail script:
“Hi [Name], it’s [You]. One quick question about [problem]. I’ll resend the note with the subject ‘recap + one idea.’ If not useful, no need to reply.”
Why it works: A different channel helps you stand out while staying human.
5. The Trigger Hook
When to use: When something changes at the prospect’s company.
Sales email example:
Subject: saw the [trigger] at [Company]
“Congrats on the [trigger]. Teams in your space usually hit [new problem] next.
Want a 10-minute run-through of how [peer company] handled it?”
Why it works: You tie your outreach to a relevant, timely event.
6. Ask for the “No”
When to use: It’s been weeks with no answer, and you’re clogging your pipeline.
Sales email sample:
Subject: Happy to close this
“If this isn’t a priority, I’ll close the file so I don’t chase you.
If it is, reply with a number 1–3:
- Not a fit
- Fit, but later
- Fit now — let’s book time.”
Why it works: Removing pressure makes it easier for prospects to reply. Many will choose option 2 or 3.
7. Multithread (Politely)
When to use: Your main contact goes quiet, but the need still exists.
Sales email example to a peer:
Subject: right person for [problem]?
“I’ve been speaking with [Original Contact] about [problem]. Sharing this one-pager in case you’re the right person. If not you, who would you suggest I speak to?”
Why it works: Decisions are made by groups. Expanding your reach raises your chances of traction.
Guardrails for Writing the Best Sales Emails
- Keep every sales email template under 90 words.
- Make one clear ask per message.
- Add context — a fact, a result, a name, or a recent change.
- Never guilt-trip.
- Stop after four attempts unless something new happens.
A Simple 10-Day Prospecting Follow-Up Cadence
- Day 0 — 9-Word Nudge
- Day 2 — Agenda Reset (12-minute slot)
- Day 5 — Useful Drop
- Day 7 — Change the Channel
- Day 10 — Ask for the No
- Anytime — Trigger Hook
- If silent after Day 10 — Multithread politely or close the file
Final Thought
Getting ghosted is feedback. Sometimes timing is off, the problem isn’t sharp, or your ask is too heavy. With these good sales email templates, you’ll get faster answers, clean up your pipeline, and move on with focus.