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Try Valley
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Stan Rymkiewicz
new year, new you
This is the only "new year, new you" message I'll actually stand behind
What's up, it's Zayd.
It’s a new year and that means that we can finally leave the tired script in the past. Time for old dogs to actually learn new tricks because, I hate to break it to you, but everyone sees through all of the subject line and pretending to know you hacks now and I don’t know how many more times I can say that —"Just checking in," "Wanted to bump this up," "Following up," "Circle back," and "One last try"—literally never get a response.
In 2020, this spray-and-pray approach might have worked. But in today's landscape, where execs get 200+ cold emails per day and email providers are cracking down on send limits, following up this way isn't just ineffective—it's actively harmful to your brand.
This week, I'm diving into why traditional follow-ups are dead and sharing the frameworks that were actually working in 2024 (and will continue to work in 2025).
Why Traditional Follow-ups Are Dead
The data tells a clear story:
Generic follow-ups see <0.1% response rates76% of prospects auto-filter "checking in" emailsAverage email fatigue sets in after 2.3 generic touches"Bump" emails damage sender reputation scores
But here's what's really killing your follow-ups:
1. Context Blindness
You're ignoring all the digital breadcrumbs prospects leave like:
Website visitsContent engagementSocial media activityCompetitive research
2. Timing Deaf
Following up on an arbitrary schedule (3 days, 7 days, 14 days) instead of responding to actual buying signals.
3. Value Vacuum
Each touch should add new insight or value. "Just checking in" adds nothing but inbox clutter.
The New Framework for Follow-ups
Instead of time-based sequences, build signal-based workflows:
Trigger-Based Touches
Prospect views pricing page → Send ROI breakdown
Downloads whitepaper → Share related case study
Visits competitor comparison → Offer feature deep-dive
Engages on LinkedIn → Share relevant insight
Value-Stack Progression
Every follow-up should build on the last:
Initial outreach: Core value proposition
First follow-up: Specific use case + social proof
Second follow-up: ROI calculation + implementation timeline
Third follow-up: Risk mitigation + competitive edgeBreak-up: Summary of value + open door
Engagement Patterns
Track and respond to prospect behavior:
Quick initial reply but gone quiet → Share new feature announcementOpened multiple times, no reply → Offer executive briefingClicked links, no engagement → Send industry-specific insightsNo opens → Try new angle or channel
Modern Follow-up Rules
1. The 3R Framework
Relevant: Tied to prospect's current situation
Resourceful: Provides actual value
Rhythmic: Matches prospect's engagement pattern
2. Cross-Channel Orchestration
Don't just email. Mix in:
LinkedIn voice notes
Personalized video messages
Direct mail at inflection points
Social engagement
3. Intent-Based Timing
Let prospect behavior dictate timing:
High intent (multiple site visits) → Follow up within hours
Medium intent (content engagement) → 2-3 day windowLow intent (no signals) → Wait for trigger event
4. Value Multipliers
Each touch should introduce new:
Insights about their industry
Perspectives on their challenges
Proof points of your value
Ways to engage
Implementation Checklist
✓ Audit current sequence performance
✓ Map digital touch points
✓ Build trigger-based workflows
✓ Create value-add content library
✓ Set up tracking and analytics
✓ Define success metrics
The Future of Follow-ups
The next evolution isn't about more touches—it's about smarter engagement:
AI-powered timing optimization
Predictive intent scoring
Dynamic content personalization
Multi-channel orchestration
Automated signal detection
How I Can Help?
Let me book sales calls for you while you’re being cool with your follow ups. Seriously.
I built Valley to be your automated SDR and empower AEs.
Book a demo and watch your calendar fill up with qualified leads.
VALLEY MAGIC
