What to send when a good call goes quiet

The call went well. They said they'd get back to you. It's now been four days. These are the six messages we send, in order, over 14 days. Swap the highlighted bits for what they told you on the call.

Three rules before you send anything

• Never "just checking in".Every message gives them a reason to reply, or it doesn't get sent.
• Use their words, not yours.The problem they described on the call is the best follow-up material you've got.
• Make no easy to say.A clear no in week one beats a month of silence and a pipeline full of maybes.

The sequence

1. 1
   Same day as the call

   The recap

   Hi [name], good to speak earlier. Quick recap so it's all in one place.

   Where you're at: you want [goal] by [date], and right now [problem, in their words] is what's in the way.

   What you get: [deliverable 1], [deliverable 2] and [deliverable 3].

   Investment: [price], [payment terms].

   We're booked in for [day] at [time] to go through any questions and make a decision. Still good for you?

   Copy

   It puts the goal, the deal and the next step in writing. No surprises on price later, and a booked follow-up call means you're not chasing a vague "I'll get back to you".

2. 2
   If they miss the follow-up call

   The easy nudge

   Hi [name], did you get a chance to go over everything from [day]?

   Copy

   One line, answerable from a phone in five seconds. Often that's all it takes.

3. 3
   Day 4

   Something useful

   Hi [name], this made me think of what you said about [problem]: [link or one-line tip].

   Is [date] still the target for [goal]?

   Copy

   You're giving before you ask again, and the question checks whether their timeline has moved without making it awkward.

4. 4
   Day 7

   Their words back

   Hi [name], on our call you said "[exact thing they said]". Is that still the case, or has something changed since?

   Copy

   Silence usually means the pain has faded from memory. This brings it back in language they can't argue with, because it's theirs.

5. 5
   Day 10

   The no-oriented question

   Hi [name], have you decided [project] isn't a priority right now?

   Copy

   People find it far easier to say no than yes. Either answer gets you a reply, and "no, it's still a priority" usually comes with the real reason they went quiet.

6. 6
   Day 14

   Closing the file

   Hi [name], I'm going to close this off my side so I'm not chasing you. If [goal] comes back round, just reply "open" and I'll pick it straight back up.

   Copy

   Taking the offer away is often what gets a reply. And if it doesn't, you've freed up headspace for prospects who are actually moving.

If you've got their number, swap message 3 or 5 for a voice note or a quick call. Same words, different channel, and much harder to leave on read.