Part 2: The Perfect Follow-Up Message (with Templates)

🎯 The 5-Part Series: Freelance Basics That Actually Work

We created this short guide to help freelancers succeed with real-world, practical advice — especially in a market where competition is high and good clients are picky.

You are here:

• Part 1: Win More Projects and Clients as a Freelancer (Especially in a Competitive Market)
👉 Part 2: The Perfect Follow-Up Message (with Templates)
• Part 3: Handle Client Rejections and Turn Them Into Opportunities
• Part 4: Position Yourself as the Solution, Not Just Another Freelancer
• Part 5: Finding the Right Clients vs. Chasing Every Project

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You’ve sent your application.
Now what?

Most freelancers stop there. But the best ones? They follow up — confidently, respectfully, and effectively.

A well-timed, well-written follow-up message can double your chances of getting a response. It shows you’re serious, reliable, and engaged — especially in a competitive market where clients are juggling dozens of applicants.

This guide shows you when, how, and what to follow up with — including real templates and tips that actually work.

🤔 Why Follow-Ups Matter (More Than You Think)

Clients are busy. Their inboxes are messy.
A strong candidate can be overlooked simply because they didn’t follow up.

Following up isn’t pushy — it’s professional.

When done right, a follow-up message:

• Reminds the client who you are

• Shows initiative and genuine interest

• Helps you stand out in a sea of “one-click” applications

• Opens the door for feedback or future work

⏱️ When to Follow Up:

Timing is key. Here’s a basic guide:

💬 Real Templates You Can Use:

Here are examples tailored to different moments:

✅ Right after you apply (1st follow-up)

Subject: Following up on [Job Title] application

Hi [Name],
I recently applied for the [Job Title] project via 9am.works and wanted to follow up briefly. I’m excited about the opportunity and confident I can contribute meaningfully.

Please let me know if there’s anything else you need from me.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

🧊 If you haven’t heard back (2nd follow-up)

Subject: Quick follow-up — [Job Title]

Hi [Name],
I just wanted to check in on my application for [Job Title]. If the role is still open, I’d love to continue the conversation.

And if you’ve already made a decision, I’d still be grateful for any feedback that might help me improve. Thanks again!

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

🏁 After the job ad closes

Subject: Reaching out — [Job Title]

Hi [Name],
I saw that the [Job Title] position has been closed. I hope the process went well!

If similar opportunities come up in the future, I’d love to stay in touch and be considered.

All the best,
[Your Name]

🤝 After a good call or proposal

Subject: Great chatting — next steps?

Hi [Name],
Thank you again for the call about [Project Name]. I really enjoyed our conversation and learning more about your goals.

Let me know if there’s anything else I can send your way — I’d love to support the next phase of the project.

Best,
[Your Name]

✅ Tips for All Follow-Ups:

• Keep it short and respectful

• Always include the job title and how you applied

• Make it easier for the client to respond

• Show that you’re proactive and thoughtful

• Leave a good impression — even if the answer is “no”

• Don’t guilt-trip — just show interest and professionalism

A good follow-up message is your second chance to make a first impression. Use it.

🧠 Bonus: Use ChatGPT to Write Your Follow-Up (Faster)

Need help writing a personalized message? Try this prompt:

I want to follow up on a freelance project I applied for.
Here’s the job ad:

[Paste job ad here]

Here’s what I said in my original application:

[Paste or describe]

Please write a short, clear, friendly follow-up message. Keep it professional, respectful, and concise (under 150 words).

⚠️ Use only the information I’ve given — don’t assume or invent anything.

❌ What NOT to Do in a Follow-Up

• Don’t write long essays — keep it under 5 lines

• Don’t sound frustrated or passive-aggressive

• Don’t send the same message over and over

• Don’t follow up 3 times in 2 days — give space

TL;DR

• Most freelancers never follow up — be the one who does

• Send polite, specific, short messages

• Follow up 1–3 times, then exit gracefully

• Use tools like ChatGPT to speed things up

• Keep showing up — clients notice

Want to go even further?

If you’re serious about turning freelance applications into consistent gigs, don’t stop here.

🎓 Check out our Freelancer Academy — your all-in-one course to launch and grow your freelance career.

With 40+ lessons, 100+ videos, templates, checklists, expert interviews, and a like-minded community, it’s everything you need to go from zero to clients — faster and smarter.

👉 Join the Freelancer Academy now