Respond to Design Inquiries with these 5 Email Templates
Here are a few of my handiest email templates for you, my focus is on dreading my inbox less and having templates instead of writing emails has been HUGE for me! Hope they help you too.
If it sounds great!
“Hey [name]! Thank you for inquiring to work together, this sounds like a fun one. Feel free to schedule a discovery call to share more about the project, learn about my process, and ensure we’re a great fit.
[Link to scheduler]
Looking forward to chatting soon!”
possible responses
They’ll schedule a discovery call and go from there!
If you need more info…
“Hi there [name]! Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out. I'm looking for a bit more information about your business before proceeding to book a discovery call — would you mind providing me with a bit of background on [blank]?
Thank you in advance for clarifying, I look forward to your email!”
Possible responses
They’re likely to respond with information requested, which will help you to decide if it’s a great fit or not. My goal is to not waste anyone’s time and focus on projects that make sense for me and for my client, so I won’t get on a call if I feel unsure about things.
If you know it’s not a great fit…
“Hi there [name]!
Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out. Based on [reason] and [reason], I don't think this project would be an ideal fit.
I wish you luck on your business journey! Take care.”
or
“Hi there [name]!
Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out. Based on the information provided, I don’t think we’d be a great fit for this project. I can recommend my colleagues [other designer] or [other designer] who might have some availability for a project like this.
Wishing your business well in 2022!”
My tip is to only recommend other designers for projects and clients that have no obvious red flags! Have other designers’ backs and respect their time.
Possible responses
In most cases they won’t respond, and this kind of email doesn’t require a response in my opinion. I have had a few people respond thanking me for my honesty!
If their budget is not sufficient…
“Hi there [name]! Thank you so much for reaching out. I noticed on your inquiry form you listed your budget as [budget], my prices for a project of this nature start at [price].
Please let me know if you have any further questions! Thank you for your interest.”
possible responses
Oftentimes, people searching for design work have no idea how much it actually costs! I haven’t had people outwardly balk at my prices, but I have had plenty of ghosts in my inbox. Either they’ll respond with the fact that they didn’t know and they’d still like to chat, or they’ll leave you hanging.
If you’re going through a rough time…
“Hi there! Thank you so much for reaching out. I may be slower to respond in order to look after my mental health.
Your interest and understanding is appreciated, I’ll follow up with information as soon as I’m able to. Take care!”
possible responses
I imagine this to be met with no response or a friendly quick few words of understanding.
