The Secret to Follow-Up Emails Is Out: Insights From Proposal Analytics
Let’s cut to the chase: if you're not using proposal analytics, you're guessing. And if you're guessing, you're losing. Simple as that.
With proposal analytics, you get real-time insights. You get to see when your proposal is opened, which parts the client's most interested in, and - this is where it gets even better - when they start to hesitate.
It’s like having a cheat code for their decision-making process. Thanks to this data, you know exactly what they care about. And with that kind of insight, your follow-ups go from a shot in the dark to a strategic, data-driven move.
What we'll cover
1. Time your follow-ups perfectly
Forget about following up right after sending the proposal or sticking to the recommended 2-5 days. You now know how long it took for them to open it from the time you've sent it.
Did they open it right away? It means they're eager to get started, so you can safely follow up as soon as a day later.
Subject: Ready to Discuss Next Steps?
Hi [First Name],
I wanted to check in to see if you had any questions or needed further clarification on any points in our proposal. I’d be happy to chat about the next steps and make sure everything aligns with your expectations.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
On the other hand, if it took them a few days to open it, it's safe to assume they're juggling other priorities. In this case, giving them a little more time before following up (think three to four days), feels more considerate.
Subject: Any Questions about our Proposal?
Hi [First Name],
I just wanted to follow up on the proposal I sent a few days ago. I understand things can get busy, so I wanted to check if you had any questions or would like to go over any details.
Let me know if you'd like to discuss it further. I'm here to help!
Best,
[Your Name]
2. Offer reassurance
Thanks to activity tracking, another thing you now know is exactly how long your client is spending on which section of the proposal. In addition to that, you can see in which order those sections were looked at.
If they're spending a lot of time on a particular section or keep jumping back to it, that's a pretty good sign they're weighing their options. This is your chance to step in and help clarify anything they might be unsure about.
Subject: Let's Make Sure Everything Looks Good
Hi [First Name],
I wanted to follow up and see if you had any questions or needed more details on [specific section, like pricing, timeline, etc.].
If there’s anything you'd like to revisit or adjust, just let me know and I'll be happy to help.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
[Your Name]
3. Nudge them in the right direction
Sometimes, it’s all about being patient and giving the client space. Other times, you’ve got to gently nudge them to keep things moving forward.
If they’ve been engaging with your proposal, but haven’t made a decision yet, it's time for a little push to get things over the finish line. You can create some urgency without being pushy by suggesting a quick call or reminding them about deadlines.
Subject: Reminder: Project Deadlines Approaching
Hi [First Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I just wanted to send a quick reminder about our project deadlines approaching. If the proposal is still under consideration, I’d be happy to answer any remaining questions or discuss any details to help move things forward.
Please note that we may need to adjust the timeline to accommodate the change in schedule if we don't kick off soon.
Let me know how you’d like to proceed!
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Stop guessing, start closing
Leaving your follow-ups up to guesswork is leaving money on the table. Proposal analytics is the edge you’ve been missing. It tells you exactly when to act, what to focus on, and how to turn indecision into action.
Take control of your proposals with data that drives results. Sign up for Better Proposals today and turn your follow-ups into your secret weapon.
