🤫 First, why do clients go quiet?
It’s not always personal. Sometimes they:
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Got busy
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Lost budget
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Changed priorities
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Just forgot to reply 🙃
So let’s give them the benefit of the doubt — but not forever.
⏱️ When to follow up:
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2–4 business days after your last message
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1 week later if still no reply
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Once more when the project deadline is approaching or the ad closes
That’s it. Three messages max. If they don’t respond after that — move on with grace.
📬 What to say (Templates you can copy)
#1 – Light follow-up after a proposal
Hi [Name], just checking in on my proposal for [Project Name].
Let me know if you have any questions or need anything else from me.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
#2 – Still no reply? Try this:
Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up in case my last message got buried.
If the project is still open, I’d be happy to support it.
If things have changed — totally understand! Either way, I appreciate the opportunity. 😊
#3 – Project is likely closed:
Hi [Name], I saw the project may have wrapped up — hope it went well!
I’d love to stay in touch for future opportunities if the timing’s better then.
✅ Final tips:
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Be short. Be warm. Be easy to reply to.
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Don’t chase endlessly — three nudges are enough.
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And most importantly: don’t take silence personally. Their lack of reply says more about their process than your work.
You’re a professional — not a spammer.
Polite persistence shows that you care.
Desperation? That’s when you email seven times in one day (please don’t 🙃).
Still not hearing back? Focus your energy on better clients — the ones who do respect your time and reply. They’re out there.
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