The Fortune is in the Follow-Up: A No-Spam Guide to Winning Reels Gigs
Irene Allen
The Fortune is in the Follow-Up: A No-Spam Guide to Winning Reels Gigs
Why Following Up is a Non-Negotiable Freelance Skill
Your Client is Busy, Not Uninterested
Demonstrating Professionalism and Persistence
The Follow-Up Cadence: A Simple Timeline for Staying Top-of-Mind
Follow-Up #1 (3-5 Business Days Later): The Gentle Nudge
Follow-Up #2 (7-10 Business Days Later): The Value-Add
Follow-Up #3 (14+ Business Days Later): The Professional 'Break-Up'
What to Say: Follow-Up Scripts That Get Responses
The 'Confirm Receipt' Template
The 'Helpful Resource' Template
The 'Final Check-In' Template
Tools and Systems for Tracking Your Follow-Ups
Using a Simple CRM or Spreadsheet
Automating Reminders with Your Calendar or Email Client
Conclusion
References
The Fortune is in the Follow-Up: A No-Spam Guide to Winning Reels Gigs
You've crafted a pitch-perfect proposal and sent it off to a promising client. And then... silence. This is the moment where many freelancers lose momentum. A strategic, professional follow-up is often the single thing that separates a ghosted proposal from a booked job. It shows you're proactive, professional, and genuinely interested. Knowing how to write that proposal is the first step, but the follow-up is what closes the deal. We can also help you find the best reels videographers for your projects.
Here's the thing: most freelancers give up after sending one proposal. They assume silence means rejection. But that's rarely the case. Your potential client might be drowning in emails, juggling multiple projects, or simply forgot to respond. A well-timed follow-up can be the gentle reminder that moves your proposal to the top of their priority list.
Why Following Up is a Non-Negotiable Freelance Skill
Let's get one thing straight right away. Following up isn't pushy or annoying when done right. It's actually one of the most professional things you can do. Think about it from your client's perspective. They're looking for someone reliable, someone who takes initiative. Your follow-up proves you're both.
I've seen talented videographers lose out on amazing opportunities simply because they were too shy to send a second email. Meanwhile, less skilled competitors land the gig because they stayed visible. The difference? They understood that persistence pays off.
Your Client is Busy, Not Uninterested
Picture this: your client receives dozens of emails every day. They're managing multiple projects, attending meetings, and putting out fires left and right. Your beautifully crafted proposal? It might be buried under 47 other emails by lunchtime.
When clients don't respond immediately, it's rarely personal. They're not sitting there thinking, "This videographer isn't good enough." More likely, they opened your email, thought "This looks interesting, I'll review it later," and then got pulled into another urgent task. Your follow-up serves as a helpful reminder, not an annoyance.
I once pitched a major brand for a Reels campaign. Radio silence for a week. My follow-up email got an immediate response: "So sorry! Your proposal got buried. Can we chat tomorrow?" That single follow-up led to a $5,000 project.
Demonstrating Professionalism and Persistence
Every follow-up email you send communicates something important about you as a professional. It shows you're organized enough to track your communications. It proves you're genuinely interested in the project. Most importantly, it demonstrates the kind of reliability clients crave.
Think about the freelancers you admire. The ones booking consistent work. They're not just talented—they're persistent. They understand that business development doesn't stop when you hit "send" on a proposal. That's actually when the real work begins.
Clients want to work with professionals who won't disappear mid-project. Your follow-up game directly reflects how you'll handle their project. If you can't follow up on a proposal, why would they trust you to deliver their Reels on time?
The Follow-Up Cadence: A Simple Timeline for Staying Top-of-Mind
Timing your follow-ups is like seasoning a dish. Too little, and you're forgettable. Too much, and you've ruined everything. The sweet spot? A strategic cadence that keeps you visible without crossing into pest territory.
I've tested countless follow-up schedules over the years. What works best is a three-touch system spread over two weeks. This gives clients enough space to breathe while keeping your proposal fresh in their minds. Let me break down exactly when and how to reach out.
Follow-Up #1 (3-5 Business Days Later): The Gentle Nudge
Your first follow-up should land in their inbox 3-5 business days after your initial proposal. Why this timing? It's long enough that you don't seem desperate, but soon enough that your proposal is still relatively fresh in their memory.
Keep this email short and sweet. Three sentences max. You're simply checking that they received your proposal and offering to answer any questions. No pressure, no hard sell. Just a friendly professional making sure nothing got lost in the digital shuffle.
Here's what makes this follow-up effective: you're being helpful, not pushy. You're acknowledging their busy schedule while gently bringing your proposal back to their attention. Most clients appreciate this kind of proactive communication.
Follow-Up #2 (7-10 Business Days Later): The Value-Add
This is where you separate yourself from every other freelancer in their inbox. Instead of just asking "Did you see my proposal?" you're going to add value to their day. This follow-up happens about a week after your first one.
Maybe you share a trending Reels technique that could work for their brand. Perhaps you link to a case study showing how a similar company crushed it with video content. Or you might offer a quick insight about their competitors' social strategy. The key is making this email worth their time to open.
This approach works because you're demonstrating ongoing interest in their success, not just your paycheck. You're positioning yourself as a strategic partner who's already thinking about their goals. Clients remember freelancers who go the extra mile before they're even hired.
Follow-Up #3 (14+ Business Days Later): The Professional 'Break-Up'
If you haven't heard back after two follow-ups, it's time for what I call the "professional break-up" email. This happens about two weeks after your second follow-up. Don't worry—you're not actually breaking up. You're creating urgency while leaving the door open.
This email acknowledges that the timing might not be right. You're professionally stepping back while making it clear you're still interested in future opportunities. Something like: "I understand priorities shift. I'll assume this isn't the right time, but I'd love to connect when you're ready to explore Reels content."
Why does this work? It takes the pressure off the client while subtly creating FOMO. Nobody likes to feel like they're losing an opportunity. Plus, it shows you respect their time and decision-making process. I've had clients respond months later to these emails when they're finally ready to move forward.
What to Say: Follow-Up Scripts That Get Responses
Staring at a blank email wondering what to write? I've been there. The good news is that effective follow-ups follow predictable patterns. You don't need to reinvent the wheel—just adapt these proven templates to your voice and situation.
The best follow-up emails share three qualities: they're brief, they're valuable, and they make responding easy. No client wants to read a novel or decode what you're asking for. Clear, concise communication wins every time.
The 'Confirm Receipt' Template
Subject: Quick check on Reels proposal for [Company Name]
Hi [Client Name],
Just wanted to make sure my proposal for your Reels project landed safely in your inbox last week. I know how emails can sometimes slip through the cracks!
If you have any questions about the creative approach or pricing, I'm happy to hop on a quick call. Otherwise, I'll check back in next week.
Best, [Your Name]
See how simple that is? You're not demanding an answer. You're not guilt-tripping. You're just being helpful and professional. The beauty of this template is its flexibility—it works whether you're following up on a $500 project or a $5,000 campaign.
The 'Helpful Resource' Template
Subject: Thought this might help with your Reels strategy
Hi [Client Name],
Hope your week is going well! I came across this article about how [similar brand] increased engagement by 300% with Reels, and it reminded me of our conversation.
[Link to relevant article or resource]
The strategy they used would work perfectly for what we discussed. Happy to share more thoughts if you'd like!
Still excited about the possibility of creating amazing Reels content for [Company Name]. Let me know if you'd like to move forward or if you need any other information.
Cheers, [Your Name]
This template works because you're leading with value, not with your needs. You're showing that you're thinking about their success even before they've hired you. That's the kind of proactive thinking clients love.
The 'Final Check-In' Template
Subject: Closing the loop on our Reels conversation
Hi [Client Name],
I wanted to reach out one last time about the Reels proposal I sent over. I completely understand that priorities and timelines can shift, so I'll assume now isn't the right time to move forward.
I'm going to close out this proposal in my system, but please don't hesitate to reach out if things change. I'd love to work with [Company Name] whenever you're ready to level up your Reels game.
Wishing you all the best with your content strategy!
Warmly, [Your Name]
This email accomplishes multiple things. It shows you're organized (closing out proposals), respectful (acknowledging their priorities), and professional (leaving things on a positive note). Plus, it often triggers a response from clients who've been meaning to reply but kept putting it off.
Tools and Systems for Tracking Your Follow-Ups
Let's be real for a second. If you're juggling multiple proposals, remembering who to follow up with and when becomes impossible without a system. Your brain isn't meant to be a filing cabinet. That's what tools are for.
The good news? You don't need expensive software to stay organized. A simple system that you'll actually use beats a complex one that you won't. Let me show you two approaches that have transformed how I manage client communications.
Using a Simple CRM or Spreadsheet
You don't need fancy CRM software to track your follow-ups effectively. A basic spreadsheet or a free tool like Notion can work wonders. Here's what you need to track: client name, project details, proposal sent date, follow-up dates, and current status.
I started with a Google Sheet that had these columns: Client, Project Type, Proposal Sent, Follow-Up 1, Follow-Up 2, Follow-Up 3, Status, and Notes. Simple, right? But it kept me from dropping the ball on potential projects. Every Monday, I'd review my sheet and see who needed a follow-up that week.
If spreadsheets aren't your thing, try Notion or Airtable. They're more visual and can send you reminders. The key is choosing something you'll actually update. The fanciest system in the world is useless if you don't maintain it.
For Reels videographers specifically, I recommend adding a column for "Content Ideas" where you jot down concepts as they come to you. When it's time for that value-add follow-up, you'll have ready-made insights to share.
Automating Reminders with Your Calendar or Email Client
Here's a game-changer: let technology do the remembering for you. Most email clients have features that can automate your follow-up process. Gmail's "snooze" function is perfect for this. Send your proposal, then immediately snooze a copy to reappear in 4 days. Boom—automatic reminder to follow up.
Your calendar is another powerful ally. When you send a proposal, immediately create three calendar events: Follow-up 1 (4 days out), Follow-up 2 (11 days out), and Follow-up 3 (25 days out). Set them to remind you at a time when you typically handle emails.
Some freelancers use tools like Boomerang or Mixmax that can schedule follow-ups right when you send the original email. These tools can even track if your email was opened, giving you valuable intel on client engagement.
The beauty of automation is that it removes the mental load. You're not constantly thinking, "Should I follow up with Sarah today?" Your system tells you when it's time. This frees up mental space for what you do best—creating amazing Reels content.
Conclusion
Following up isn't just about landing more gigs—it's about building a sustainable freelance business. Every follow-up email you send is an investment in your professional reputation. It shows clients you're serious, organized, and committed to their success.
Remember, the fortune really is in the follow-up. That dream client who ghosted you? They might just be waiting for your next email to say yes. That project you thought was dead? One value-packed follow-up could bring it back to life.
Start implementing these strategies today. Pick one current proposal and craft a follow-up using the templates I've shared. Set up a simple tracking system, even if it's just a notebook by your desk. Most importantly, shift your mindset: following up isn't pestering—it's professional persistence.
Your next big Reels project might be just one follow-up away. Don't let fear or disorganization keep you from claiming it. The clients are out there, the work is waiting, and now you have the tools to go get it. Time to put that follow-up game to work!
References
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Posted Jun 30, 2025
Don't let your perfect proposal get lost in a crowded inbox. Learn the art of the professional follow-up to turn radio silence into a signed contract.
