Gmail follow-up nudge templates
With Nudges turned on (Settings, General), Gmail moves emails you sent without a reply back to the top of your inbox with a note like "Sent 5 days ago. Follow up?". The follow-up should be a reply in the same thread, so the original is right below it, and it should be short: one line that restates the single thing you need and one that makes it easy to answer. Anything longer repeats an email they already didn't read.
;gm-nudge;gm-nudge in any app.Variations
The same message for a different channel or tone. Copy the one that fits.
When a "no" or "not now" is a perfectly good answer and you just need to know.
The last follow-up, when you're going to proceed or close the loop either way.
When to use it
- Gmail has surfaced a sent email with "Follow up?" and you still need the answer.
- You asked a colleague, client or vendor for one specific thing and it's gone quiet.
- You want to close a loop without sounding annoyed.
What to avoid
- Don't start a new email. Reply in the original thread so the context is right there.
- Don't nudge more than twice before using the final version. After that, pick up the phone or message them.
- Avoid "just checking in" with no ask. Every nudge should name the thing you need.
The fields in this template
Retext fills these in when the snippet expands. In plain text they become [brackets] to replace by hand.
- Name
{fill:Name} - The recipient's first name.
- The ask
{fill:The ask} - The single thing you need, restated plainly: "a yes or no on the new dates".
- Deadline
{fill:Deadline} - The date or timing you originally gave.
- Date in 3 days
{date+3} - Inserts the date 3 days from today, worked out when the snippet expands. Useful for deadlines and return dates.
- What you'll do by default
{fill:What you'll do by default} - What happens if they don't reply: "book the Thursday slot", "close this request".
Tips
- •Turn on Nudges in Gmail under Settings, See all settings, General, Nudges, and tick the option for emails you sent and didn't get a reply to.
- •Schedule send pairs well with this: write the final nudge now and schedule it for the morning, when people clear their inbox.
- •The final variant's default action, such as "go ahead with option B", is what gets replies. People answer when something will happen without them.
Works in Gmail, Outlook, Slack and every other app
Retext types the snippet wherever your cursor is. To use a different version in one app, give it the same trigger and limit it to that app with per-app snippets. They go by app, not website, so every tab in your browser counts as one app.
Questions
What are nudges in Gmail?
Nudges are Gmail reminders that bring old emails back to the top of your inbox: ones you received and haven't answered, and ones you sent that got no reply. Turn them on under Settings, General, Nudges.
How long should I wait before following up?
For most work emails, three to five business days. Sooner if you gave a deadline that's about to pass.
How do I follow up without sounding pushy?
Keep it short, restate the single thing you need, and make it easy to answer, including with a "not now". The easy-out variant does exactly that.
Related templates
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Hi everyone, A quick reminder that [Task] is due [Due date]. You can do it here: [clipboard] If you've already done it,…
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;sl-nudgeSales
Hi [First name], Checking in on [Next step]. Is it still on the cards for this month, or has something else jumped the q…
Type ;gm-nudge, get the whole reply
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