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When you’re following up or reaching out one-to-one, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is sending a long email.
Quite often, long emails get ignored and short emails get answered.
Let’s talk about…the One-Sentence Follow-Up.
It’s so simple, yet not used enough.
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The One-Sentence Follow-Up: More Replies with Less Effort
One of the most effective no-budget tactics is the One-Sentence Follow-Up.
It works like this:
This is going to sound ridiculously simply, but so many people don’t do it. So embrace this concept and set yourself apart:
✅ 1. Start with one clear action you want. (A call? A reply? A yes/no answer?)
✅ 2. Write one sentence that asks for it directly.
✅ 3. Hit send and move onto the next contact on your list.
Here’s what a One-Sentence Follow-Up might look like:
“Just checking in — would you like to schedule a quick demo this week?”
Or:
“Would it help if I sent you a quick overview of [blank’s] main benefits?”
Whatever you do, keep it to one sentence.
Why it’s so powerful for follow-ups and one-to-one outreach
It’s fast to read. Busy people don't have time for walls of text.
It feels personal. Short emails feel human, not corporate.
It lowers friction. You're making it incredibly easy for them to say yes, no, or ask for more info. It keeps the conversation alive and that’s what you want.
Your customers are on a journey and sometimes one short, simple email is all they need to take the next step.
Action Idea for You:
This week, take one of your old follow-up emails, especially one that went unanswered, and rewrite it as a one-sentence email.
Send it to a few contacts and watch how many more replies you get. Track what works and what doesn’t work so you can improve with this tactic over time.
If you have any feedback, just hit reply. I greatly appreciate hearing from readers about what they like and don’t like.
-Mike
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Find me online: bio.link/mikeholden