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How To Follow up With a Prospective Client

questionAs a a freelance writer you’ll be receiving replies to your applications along with getting queries about your work from prospective clients. Sounds cool huh? Getting work queries without having to apply. Trust me, it doesn’t happen that often.

When it does happen though, chances are they’re not gonna get back to you after you reply. Try not to take it to heart though. It’s not you, it’s them.

Actually, it’s the other freelancer. The one who got the job.

Now do you do?

Do you mourn and move on? Yes, you mourn. You caught the client’s eye but couldn’t keep them interested. But no, you don’t move on. Not yet.

Send a Follow up Email

Wait 5 working days, and then send them a follow up email. Simply remind them they contacted you about the position, and you’d like to know if they’ve come to a decision. Finish by asking them to let you know what their decision was.

Sample Copy Of Follow-Up Email

This is a very simple email template that I use for my follow up emails. I simply modify them according to each client and situation.

Dear _______,
We exchanged emails on [Date] about a [writing/blogging/whatever] position for [company/website name].
Since I haven’t heard back from you after our initial contact I was wondering if you’re still interested in hiring me as your [insert position] or if you’ve decided to hire someone else.
Please let me know in either case.
Regards,
[Name]

[Email Signature]

That’s it. Now you can move on. If they reply, you’ve accomplished your goal. If they don’t, you’ve already made your peace.

But wait! Why is it so important to follow up? Because they’re going to need another freelancer some day and you’re going to apply again.

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9 Comments

Cookie Monster
April 10, 2009
at 2:08 pm
corner

This is quite good advice actually! I have used this in the past when I have been approached, and although I denied their first approach, I communicated effectively with them throughout the process. They came back to me with a new offer a few months later too, and I think more than my skill set, it was the overall communication process which kept the channel alive.

Samar
April 11, 2009
at 9:57 am
corner

Right there with you. You never know when you may need their business even if you don't want it right now.

Besides, freelancing is all about networking. We can't last long if we burn our bridges.

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  • Marc - WelshScribe
    June 3, 2009
    at 10:49 am
    corner

    Fantastic advice but it also covers another possibility. The person just hasn't had the time to respond to you and your message will therefore act as a friendly reminder

    Sweet huh? :)

    <abbr>Marc – WelshScribe’s last blog post..How to Destroy Your Chance of Getting a Link to Your Website</abbr>

    Samar
    June 3, 2009
    at 9:17 pm
    corner

    @ Marc – Very sweet! Especially if you're pitching to an editor of a magazine or a popular blog. They simply get too many emails.

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  • Michel Blaze
    November 2, 2011
    at 7:19 am
    corner

    Great how-to article. Getting a live person on the phone is great, and leaving a short, sweet, positive message on a prospect’s voicemail plants a seed that can grow into a job. Think of voicemail messages as a free 10-second radio spot where you can sell yourself and your services.

    Adam Long
    December 14, 2011
    at 11:34 am
    corner

    Would you like to earn up to $112 a day taking part in 5 to 10 minute online surveys? Then what are you waiting for visit realsurveys4you.blogspot.com

    Adam Long
    December 14, 2011
    at 11:51 am
    corner

    I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now, and have to say that this is by far my favourite post of yours so far. I write about this topic quite often on my own blog.

    (Da Blog Kingl aka realsurveys4you.blogspot.com)

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