Template 1
Touch 2: add new value (not just a bump)
Subjecton the {topic} question
{first_name},
Sent a note last week about {topic}. Since then we ran into a similar setup with {comparable_company}. The pattern that worked was {specific_insight}.
If it's relevant for {company}, even a one-liner gets us moving. If not, no follow-up.
{your_first_name}Why it worksNew information = new reason to reply. Pattern from another company is high-signal.
Template 2
Touch 3: change the medium
Subjectswitching to text
{first_name},
Email's clearly not working. If you're around tomorrow, happy to do this on a 15-min call instead. {calendar_link}.
If text is better, just one of these works as a reply:
- "yes, let's talk"
- "not now, ping me in {timeframe}"
- "wrong person, talk to {teammate}"
{your_first_name}Why it worksThe three-options close is the highest-reply-rate pattern at touch 3. Forced choice beats open-ended.
Template 3
Touch 4: the final close
Subjectclosing the loop
{first_name},
Going to stop following up after this. Sent three notes about {topic}. If outbound personalization isn't a priority this quarter, totally fine. If it is, even a one-liner gets us back to the top of the pile.
Thanks either way.
{your_first_name}Why it worksThe "I will stop" close generates 10-15% reply rates because it removes social cost.
Template 4
Touch 5: months later, a new angle
Subjectthree months later
{first_name},
Pinged a few times in {previous_month}. Quiet on this side since.
Reaching out now because {specific_change}. The teams we work with at this stage usually treat that as the right moment to revisit. Worth a 20-min check-in?
{your_first_name}Why it worksTime + a specific market change = legitimate reason to re-open the thread.
Template 5
Soft-close: pass me to the right person
Subjectwrong person?
{first_name},
I might've sent this to the wrong person. If outbound personalization isn't your area, who on the team should I be talking to? Even a name gets me out of your inbox.
{your_first_name}Why it worksAsking to be passed off feels like a favor. Buyers either pass you, reply themselves, or unsubscribe. All three are signal.