Silence after a good conversation is normal. Clients get busy, priorities shift, and inboxes fill up. A well-timed follow-up is often what restarts things.
Day 2: a light check-in
Continue the topic you were discussing and ask one specific question about the next step. Do not repeat what you already said.
Day 5: add something useful
Share one observation or idea that comes from their project, and offer a short call. Give them a reason to reply that is not just "any update?".
Day 10: leave the door open
Send a short, polite last message with no pressure. Many replies arrive here because it is easy to answer.
What to avoid
•Guilt or urgency.
•Repeating your pitch.
•Long messages. Two to four sentences is plenty.
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