Follow-Up Strategies That Close More Deals

In the print business, following up is where the magic happens. You've had a great discovery, sent the perfect quote, and then... crickets. Sound familiar? The truth is, most sales aren’t lost because of poor service or pricing—they’re lost due to poor follow-up.

The good news? A smart, timely, and personalized follow-up strategy can dramatically increase your close rate and build lasting relationships with your clients. Let’s dive into powerful follow-up strategies that actually get responses—and more importantly, close deals.

Have next steps set and in the calendar

Most salespeople follow the ol’ “Quote and Hope.” They review the quote and hope that the order will come in. But studies show it often takes multiple touches to close a sale. If you stop too soon, you’re leaving money on the table.

• Put time in their calendar: Send an invite to check in, answer questions they might have and to get direction on the next steps. Don’t just leave it open ended. 

Persistence doesn’t mean pressure—it means professionalism.

Always Add Value

A follow-up isn’t just a reminder—it’s a chance to show your expertise. Instead of repeating the same “Just checking in” message, try adding something new each time:

• Suggest a design tweak or upsell that fits their brand.
  

• Share recent projects similar to theirs.
  

• Provide tips for choosing the best apparel style or print method.
  

• Create urgency by aligning to their in-hands date.

When your follow-ups offer value, clients see you as a trusted advisor—not a pushy salesperson.

Use Multiple Channels

People communicate differently. If you only follow up via email, you might miss someone who checks their inbox once a week. Mix up your follow-up methods:

• Email: Great for details and links.
  

• Phone Call: More personal and direct.
  

• Text: Perfect for quick reminders or casual check-ins.
  

• DMs: If the lead came from social media, follow up where the conversation started.
  

Using multiple channels increases your chances of getting a response—and shows that you care enough to follow through.

Personalize Every Message

Generic follow-ups get ignored. Personalized messages feel thoughtful and human. Refer to details from your previous conversation:

"Hey Sarah, I loved the idea you had for those senior class hoodies. Seeing if you are ready to move forward—we’d need to start next week to meet your timeline."

Mention their name, project, goals, and deadlines to keep your message relevant and engaging.

Ask Questions, Don’t Just “Check In”

One of the simplest ways to keep the conversation going is to ask a question. Instead of saying, "Just checking in," try:

• “Is there anything holding you back from moving forward?”
  

• “Would you like help choosing the right product mix?”
  

• “When are you hoping to have everything delivered?”
  

Questions invite replies and give you insight into where the customer stands.

Follow Up After the Sale, Too

Great follow-up doesn’t stop once the invoice is paid. Checking in after delivery shows you care—and it opens the door for future sales.

• Ask how the products turned out.
  

• Request a testimonial, review, or referral.
  

• Suggest a reorder or complementary product.
  

Happy customers are your best source of referrals. Make sure they know you’re still here to support them.

Conclusion

If you want to close more deals, your follow-up game needs to be strong. It’s not about being aggressive—it’s about being present, helpful, and professional.

When done right, follow-ups show clients you’re reliable, committed, and easy to work with. That’s what turns quotes into sales—and one-time buyers into loyal, long-term customers.