What to say instead of "Just following up"
It is the laziest follow-up opener: it adds no new value, simply nudges for the reader's sake, and the word 'just' minimizes your own message before the reader even gets to it. A bump that only says 'did you see this' gives the recipient no fresh reason to reply, so it is easy to ignore again. Every follow-up should earn its place with something new, not merely resurface the last one.
Better alternatives
- One more reason this might matter for Acme:direct
- Forgot to mention the part that usually lands:casual
- New data point since I last wrote:direct
- Should I close the loop on this?direct
- Bad timing, or not the right fit? Either helps me.warm
- Bumping this with a quick example for your team.casual
- Circling back with one specific idea, not just a nudge.warm
- Last note from me on this, then I'll leave it:direct
When to use it
Never open a follow-up with it. Lead each follow-up with a new angle, a fresh proof point, or a clean break-up line that makes replying easy. If you have nothing new to add, add an easy out ('bad timing?') rather than a hollow nudge.
In context
Adding one thing I left out: a similar team cut reporting time by 6 hours a week with this.
Words get the reply. Deliverability gets the read.
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