How to Follow Up After Pitching a Brand

You did it!

You poured your research, creativity, and confidence into a killer pitch and sent it to your dream brand.

And now… You wait.

The silence can be deafening, and the uncertainty is real.

Should you follow up? Will you seem desperate? What do you even say?

Let's be clear: a professional follow-up is not annoying; it's expected.

Brand managers are juggling hundreds of emails, and your message can easily get buried.

A strategic follow-up could be the single thing that separates a deal from a deleted email.

Here's how to follow up with confidence and professionalism.

The Golden Rule of Timing: Patience is a Strategy

The biggest mistake creators make is following up too soon or too often.

Eagerness is good; impatience is not.

• First Follow-Up: Wait at least 5-7 business days after your initial pitch. This gives the brand manager a full week to review your email.

• Second Follow-Up: If you still haven't heard back, wait another 5-7 business days after your first follow-up.

• After That? It's time to move on. Two follow-ups are professional; more can damage your reputation.

The First Follow-Up: The Gentle Nudge with Added Value

Your first follow-up should be brief, polite, and serve as a simple reminder. The pro move is to add a small piece of new, relevant value.

How to Do It:

1. Reply to your original email. This is crucial. It keeps the entire conversation in one thread and instantly gives the brand manager context without making them search for your first message.

2. Keep it short and sweet.

3. Add a new piece of information or value.

Template 1: The First Follow-Up

Subject: Re: [Your Original Subject Line]

Hi [Contact Name],

I hope you're having a productive week!

I just wanted to gently follow up on my email from last week regarding a potential collaboration. I know how busy inboxes can get!

Since I reached out, I just completed a project for [Similar, Non-Competing Brand or Personal Project] that I think really showcases the [mention a relevant skill, e.g., 'vibrant, high-energy video style'] I could bring to your team. You can see it here: [Direct link to your new work].

Still excited about the possibility of partnering with [Brand Name].

Best, [Your Name]

This approach is perfect because it reminds them of your initial pitch, which you may have created using our best email outreach tips for creators. It also shows you are still actively working and producing great content.

The Second (and Final) Follow-Up: The Professional Close-Out

If you still haven't received a reply after another week, your final follow-up is about professionally closing the loop and leaving a positive impression.

The goal is to keep the door open for the future.

How to Do It:

1. Again, reply to the same email thread.

2. Be gracious and understanding.

3. End with a forward-looking statement.

Template 2: The Final Follow-Up

Subject: Re: [Your Original Subject Line]

Hi [Contact Name],

Just checking in one last time on my proposal below.

I understand that timing or priorities may not be the right fit at the moment, and that's completely okay! I'll be sure to keep an eye out for any future opportunities.

I remain a huge fan of what you're building at [Brand Name].

All the best, [Your Name]

This email is powerful because it's confident and respectful. It shows you value your time and theirs, and it keeps the relationship positive.

Having facilitated thousands of these conversations, we can tell you what brand managers are looking for:

• Brevity: They are short on time. Get to the point quickly.

• Context: Replying in the same thread is a massive help.

• Professionalism: A polite, non-demanding tone is always the right move. They appreciate understanding and patience.

• Value, Not Pestering: The best follow-ups offer a small update or a new idea, rather than just asking, "Did you see my email?"

Remember, the goal of your initial pitch is to start a conversation that will eventually lead to you sending over your influencer rate card and, ultimately, signing a fair UGC creator contract. Every communication, including your follow-up, should reflect that professional goal.

Following up is not about chasing; it's about professionally managing your business development.

A strategic follow-up process shows that you are organized, confident, and serious about your work. It puts you in control of your outreach and dramatically increases your chances of getting a reply.

Use these templates, respect the timeline, and remember that every "no" or non-reply simply frees you up to pitch the next brand that is the perfect fit.

Your next brand deal is just a great pitch and a smart follow-up away.