(The #1 DM I get from people).

An Article With Celina Eklund

You know following up with prospective clients is essential, yet it’s easy to put it off. You might catch yourself thinking, “I’ve already called them three times,” or “They never respond to my emails anyway.” Maybe you worry about hearing “no,” feel like you’re being pushy, or aren’t sure what else to say. It’s completely normal to hesitate when reaching out to prospects who didn’t return your last call, haven’t replied to emails, might not be ready to buy, or could say they’re not interested.

But here’s the good news: following up doesn’t have to mean just calling or emailing and asking for their business!

Sure, you can call or email to check if they’re ready to work with you, but there are so many other ways to follow up. You could send a handwritten note or letter, ship them a thoughtful package, send a quick text, connect with them on social media, or tag them in a relevant post. These are just different channels you can use — but the real key is varying your message. Following up doesn’t always have to be about asking for their business directly.

Instead, think about ways to build a connection, keep yourself top of mind, and position yourself as a trusted resource. Below are 40 creative ways to follow up with your prospects — approaches that can also work for referral sources or networking contacts. With these ideas, you’ll not only nurture relationships but also showcase your expertise and value in a fresh and engaging way.

Personal and Thoughtful

• Send a handwritten thank-you note.

• Mail a small, personalized gift (e.g., a book related to their interests).

• Share an article or podcast you think they’d enjoy.

• Write a LinkedIn recommendation for them.

• Record a short personalized video message.

Social Media Engagement

• Comment thoughtfully on their latest LinkedIn post.

• Share their post with your audience, tagging them.

• DM them a relevant piece of content you came across.

• Endorse their skills on LinkedIn.

• Follow up with a fun meme or GIF related to your previous conversation.

In-Person or Interactive

• Invite them for coffee or lunch.

• Send an invitation to a networking event.

• Include them in a group conversation relevant to their industry.

• Share an upcoming webinar or event they might like.

• Offer to host a Zoom catch-up session.

Email Personalization

• Send a custom infographic summarizing your conversation.

• Write a follow-up email summarizing key takeaways from your meeting.

• Email them a unique resource, like a checklist or template.

• Send an email with subject line: “I was thinking about our conversation…”

• Offer to introduce them to someone in your network.

Creative Touchpoints

• Send a postcard from a place you recently visited.

• Mail a quirky item (e.g., a puzzle) with a note that says, “Let’s connect and solve this together.”

• Ship a care package (snacks, tea, or self-care items).

• Create and send a digital vision board inspired by your conversation.

• Share a fun quiz or survey with questions that relate to their industry.

Tech-Friendly

• Record a quick Loom video to recap ideas or thoughts.

• Create a personalized Spotify playlist based on their interests.

• Share a curated Pinterest board relevant to their hobbies or business.

• Send them a voice message instead of text or email.

• Create a Canva thank-you card and email it.

Thought Leadership

• Mention them in your next blog post or newsletter (with context).

• Write a short article inspired by your conversation and share it with them.

• Invite them to be a guest on your podcast or live stream.

• Offer to co-create content with them (e.g., an article or IG Reel).

• Share a case study or testimonial they’d find valuable.

Unique Physical Items

• Send a branded calendar with important dates marked for them.

• Deliver a small potted plant with a note about “growth.”

• Mail a custom illustration or caricature of them.

• Send a puzzle that spells out a message.

• Deliver a mini gratitude jar with reasons why you value them.

About me:

I’m a senior leader at The Elliott Group with over 12 years of client service experience and have held a substantial leadership roles in the automotive industry. I’m also an accredited coach, a writer, speaker, and a triathlon finisher. To contact me for engagements you can reach me at [email protected].