How to Write a Follow-Up Email on Reddit

Here's the catch: Most people never get the response they want because they don’t know how to follow up effectively. They either come off as pushy or, worse, desperate. But there's a middle ground—a way to be persistent without being annoying, and I’ll show you how.

Why Follow-Up Emails Fail

Follow-up emails often fail because they lack value. When someone receives an email that just says, "Did you get my last message?" they’re less inclined to respond. Why? Because you’re not giving them any reason to. You're asking for their attention without offering something in return.

Let’s dissect this a bit further: Imagine being the recipient of hundreds of emails a day—many from people you don’t know or don’t owe anything to. Would you take the time to respond to someone who’s only repeating what they said before? No, you wouldn’t.

This is exactly why your follow-up needs to stand out. You have to make the recipient want to respond. Think of it as a mini-pitch. You’re not just following up to remind them; you’re providing them with a reason to engage.

Rule #1: Time Your Follow-Up Perfectly

Timing is everything. Follow up too soon, and you’ll seem impatient. Follow up too late, and your email might be forgotten. So, when is the right time?

Here’s a rough guide:

• First follow-up: 3-5 days after your initial email.
• Second follow-up: A week after the first follow-up.
• Third follow-up: 7-10 days after the second.

Notice the increasing gaps between each follow-up. This ensures you don’t bombard the recipient but still keep the conversation alive.

If you're wondering about the best time of day to send your email, aim for Tuesday or Wednesday mornings. This is when most people are settled into their week and are more likely to be receptive.

Rule #2: Add Value in Every Follow-Up

Here’s where most people go wrong: They don't offer any new information in their follow-up. Your second email should build on your first, not just be a duplicate. Add something new—perhaps a relevant article, a piece of news, or a statistic that could pique their interest.

For example:

• First email: "I sent you a proposal about how we could collaborate on X."
• First follow-up: "I wanted to follow up and share this new case study that demonstrates the success of our strategy in similar markets."

By providing additional value, you show that you’re not just chasing them for a reply but that you’re still thinking about how this can benefit them.

Rule #3: Be Short, but Powerful

People are busy. They don’t have time to read a 10-paragraph email. In fact, the longer your email, the less likely it will get read.

So, how do you make it short yet impactful?

• Subject line: Keep it clear and concise. Something like “Quick follow-up on [Your Topic]” works well.
• Body: Stick to 3-5 sentences. State your purpose, offer value, and close with a clear call-to-action.

Here’s an example of a concise but effective follow-up: “Hi [Recipient’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my previous message about [Your Offer]. I’ve attached a case study that shows how this approach led to a 20% increase in [specific result]. I believe we could achieve similar results together.
Would love to hear your thoughts!
Best, [Your Name]”

Notice how this email is direct, informative, and respectful of the recipient’s time? It highlights a clear benefit (a 20% increase) and offers something of value (a case study), without being pushy.

Rule #4: Use a Personal Touch

Personalization goes a long way. Instead of using a generic template, try to tailor your follow-up based on the recipient’s interests or previous interactions. Mention something specific that caught your attention, such as a recent post they made on Reddit or an article they published.

For example:
“Hi [Recipient’s Name],
I read your recent post about [Topic] and found your insights fascinating. In particular, your point about [specific detail] got me thinking about how we could collaborate. I'd love to discuss this further with you.”

This shows that you’ve taken the time to engage with their content, which makes them more likely to respond.

Rule #5: Include a Clear Call to Action

A follow-up without a clear call to action is like a movie with no ending. You need to tell the recipient exactly what you want them to do. Whether it’s scheduling a call, reviewing a document, or providing feedback, make it crystal clear.

For example:
“Would you be available for a 15-minute call next Tuesday or Wednesday to discuss this further?”

By offering specific dates, you’re making it easier for them to say yes.

Rule #6: Keep Following Up (But Know When to Stop)

Persistence is key, but there's a fine line between persistence and annoyance. If you’ve followed up three times without a response, it may be time to move on.

However, you can use a “break-up” email as a final attempt. This can often spur a response because people don’t like the idea of closing the door completely.

Example of a break-up email: “Hi [Recipient’s Name],
I haven’t heard back from you regarding [Your Offer], so I assume the timing isn’t right. I’ll go ahead and close the loop on this, but feel free to reach out if anything changes.”

Surprisingly, many people will respond to this type of email because it creates a sense of urgency without being aggressive.

Rule #7: Reddit-Specific Strategies

When using Reddit as a platform for follow-up, it’s important to respect the community guidelines. Unlike traditional email, Reddit users are more informal and tend to favor authenticity over polished pitches.

• Keep it casual: Reddit is a platform where informal, candid communication thrives. Your follow-up should reflect that.
• Engage in their threads: Before following up, engage with the user’s content on Reddit. Reply to their comments, offer value, and build rapport. Then, when you follow up, they’ll recognize you as a genuine participant, not just someone looking for a favor.

A Final Word

In the end, the art of following up is about balance. You need to be persistent without being annoying, add value without overloading them, and be direct without being pushy. If you can master this balance, your follow-up emails will stand out—and more importantly, they’ll get results.