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).

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Zayd’s Picks

My favorite finds of the week.

• How I'd build an audience from zero in 2025: (link)

• Founders be prepared to be 'Head of Sales' (link)

• 5 important learnings from the founder of Default (link)

• 2 must-dos to revive your open rate (link)

• 10 learnings for startups selling to enterprise (link)

• Market segmentation insights for b2b startups (link)

Why Traditional Follow-ups Are Dead

The data tells a clear story:

• Generic follow-ups see <0.1% response rates

• 76% of prospects auto-filter "checking in" emails

• Average 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 visits

• Content engagement

• Social media activity

• Competitive 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:

1. Initial outreach: Core value proposition

2. First follow-up: Specific use case + social proof

3. Second follow-up: ROI calculation + implementation timeline

4. Third follow-up: Risk mitigation + competitive edge

5. Break-up: Summary of value + open door

Engagement Patterns

Track and respond to prospect behavior:

• Quick initial reply but gone quiet → Share new feature announcement

• Opened multiple times, no reply → Offer executive briefing

• Clicked links, no engagement → Send industry-specific insights

• No 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 window

• Low 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. Get started today and watch your calendar fill up with qualified leads.