Looking Forward to Hearing From You: Meaning and Alternatives
Are you someone who always ends their email with “Looking forward to hearing from you”? If so, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a common phrase we often use to express our eagerness for a response, but have you ever stopped to think about what it truly means?
Could there be a better way to phrase this? Yes, there are phrases similar to the old corporate “looking forward to hearing from you”. Let’s share a couple of those.
Contents
Understanding the Power of ‘Looking Forward to Hearing From You’
The Context and Correct Usage of the Phrase
Looking forward to hearing from you” has become a staple in professional settings, particularly in sales and cold email outreach. It is a simple, friendly, and positive phrase that adds a sense of eagerness and expectation to your message.
However, is it always correct or wrong to say, “Looking forward to hearing from you”? The answer is: it depends on the context.
This phrase is most effective when you have established a business communication or have just made a request that necessitates a response like when you are cold emailing your professor for research.
It serves as a polite nudge for a quick response or to request a timely response, subtly communicating urgency without appearing overly aggressive. If the recipient is the right person to answer your queries or move the project forward, this phrase can indeed be a great option to close your email.
However, in instances where you haven’t asked a specific question or there’s no clear call to action for the recipient, using “Looking forward to hearing from you” could seem out of place and possibly passive aggressive.
For example, if you’re just providing relevant updates on a project timeline without needing feedback, this phrase might not be the best sign off.
Incorporating the Phrase into Your Email Sign Off
The correct positioning of the phrase “Looking forward to hearing from you” is crucial for its effectiveness. Typically, it should be placed right before your final email sign off and name. Here’s an example:
“Looking forward to hearing from you, John Doe”
The recipient immediately understands that you are waiting for their response, giving them a sense of urgency to provide you with the feedback you seek.
But remember, while this direct approach often elicits a prompt response, it may not always be the best fit depending on your relationship with the recipient and the context of the email.
Alternatives to ‘Looking Forward to Hearing from You’
Variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for your email sign offs. Using “Looking forward to hearing from you” repetitively can make your emails sound monotonous.
Luckily, there are several alternatives to this phrase that can help you keep your emails fresh, engaging, and effective.
Consider phrases like:
- “Eager to receive your feedback”
- “Waiting for your valued response”
- “Awaiting your earliest convenience”
- “Can’t wait to hear your thoughts”
- “Anxiously looking for your input”
Each alternative provides a nuanced tone and conveys slightly different levels of formality, urgency, and anticipation. Choose the one that best suits your recipient, the relationship you have with them, and the context of your email.
The Power of A Call to Action
An effective email not only communicates the message but also guides the recipient towards a specific action. That’s where a call to action (CTA) comes in. “Looking forward to hearing from you” or its alternatives function as a powerful CTA, subtly nudging the recipient to respond.
However, a word of caution. Ensure your CTA aligns with the content of your email. If you’re asking for a meeting date confirmation, a more appropriate CTA might be “Please confirm your availability at your earliest convenience”. If you’re asking for project feedback, a phrase like “Eagerly awaiting your feedback” may be more apt.
In the realm of cold email outreach, every word counts. A powerful and relevant sign off could mean the difference between a quick response and being left in the cold.
With this understanding of the phrase “Looking forward to hearing from you” and its alternatives, you’re avoiding crafting bad cold emails and are now equipped to craft more effective emails.
But before moving forward, why not explore Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, designed to streamline your outreach sales process, and improve response rates? It’s time to make your email communication smarter and more effective.
The Strategy behind Email Sign Offs and Increasing Response Rates
Email Sign Off: More Than Just a Closing Line
“Looking forward to hearing from you” is more than just a phrase; it’s a representation of your professional persona, your anticipation for a response, and a sign off that leaves a lasting impression.
A sign off is not merely a polite end to an email; it can significantly impact the recipient’s perception of you and their eagerness to respond.
For example, a friendly tone can foster a friendly relationship, while a direct, professional tone might be more appropriate in time sensitive scenarios or when communicating with a higher-level executive.
And of course, always ensure your sign off is grammatically correct and complements the overall tone of your message.
Immediate Response: The Power of a Time-Sensitive Sign Off
When seeking an immediate response, use a sign off that communicates the urgency but maintains a positive and respectful tone. Remember, you’re communicating with human beings who have their own schedules and workloads to deal with, so staying cool while communicating urgency is key.
Phrases like “Looking forward to your prompt and informed response” or “Eagerly waiting for your quick response” can add a sense of urgency. However, it is essential not to appear desperate or pushy, as it may affect your professional relationship with the recipient.
Identifying the Right Person
One key to improving response rates is identifying the right person to contact. If you assume you’re communicating with someone who is not able to answer your questions or move the project forward, your emails, regardless of the sign off, might not yield the desired response.
In such cases, you can use your sign off to ask if there’s a more appropriate person to connect with. For example, “If you’re not the best person to address answer questions about this, would you mind connecting me with the correct individual? Looking forward to hearing from you.”
Alternatives that Elicit Responses
While “Looking forward to hearing from you” is an effective sign off, it’s not the only phrase that can elicit responses. Experimenting with alternative phrases based on the person and context can lead to increased response rates.
Consider these alternative alternatives:
- “I would appreciate your immediate response.”
- “Could you respond by [specific date]?”
- “Can I expect your feedback by tomorrow?”
These alternatives not only expect a response but also set a timeframe, which may prompt the recipient to respond sooner.
The Art of Following Up
There might be instances where despite a compelling sign off, you don’t receive a response. This is the point where the art of follow-up comes in. A gentle reminder that you’re looking forward to hearing from them, along with a brief mention of the previous email, can nudge the recipient to respond.
However, be mindful of their time and use this strategy judiciously. If after a few follow-ups, the recipient is no longer interested or doesn’t respond, it may be time to reevaluate your approach or even consider moving forward to other prospects.
As you refine your sign off strategy, remember to consistently measure your response rates. This will not only give you insights on which sign offs and alternatives work best but also help you continually refine your email communication strategy for better results.
In the final part of this article, we’ll explore how our cold email outreach software, Mailarrow, can support you in crafting effective emails and improving your response rates.
How Mailarrow Can Elevate Your Cold Email Outreach Strategy
Looking Forward, More Effectively with Mailarrow
When crafting a perfect sign off in professional settings, it’s vital to ensure that every word communicates your intent in a positive way. The phrase “looking forward to hearing from you” isn’t just a direct approach; it’s a call to action – urging the recipient to respond and foster an ongoing dialogue.
Mailarrow, as a cold email outreach software, can help you craft emails with a strong and persuasive call to action. Whether you’re seeking a timely response or looking to look forward to hearing more updates on a project timeline, Mailarrow’s easy-to-use interface and intelligent prompts guide you to write more impactful emails.
Keeping the Conversation Going
What happens after the sign off date? The project doesn’t stop at a prompt response or even an immediate response. On the contrary, getting an answer is often the first step in a much longer sales process. It’s crucial to keep the conversation going, even when you’re just getting started immediately.
Mailarrow helps by not only enabling you to craft compelling emails but also tracking the responses, providing relevant updates, and helping you plan your next steps.
Beyond the Basic Sign Off
While it’s true that a well-crafted sign off is important, Mailarrow also offers more. It provides alternatives to the “looking forward to hearing from you” phrase, helping you to keep your messages fresh and engaging. It allows you to experiment with different tones and structures, always keeping your emails grammatically correct and in the best possible tone for the context.
Response Tracking and Follow-Ups
With Mailarrow, you can track the response rates of your emails, which can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of your contact sign offs and your overall email communication. This not only informs you who has opened and read your emails but also helps you determine when it’s the right time to follow up or try a different approach.
Remember, it’s all about building a friendly relationship with your recipient, and timely, respectful follow-ups are an integral part of that.
Wrapping It Up
In the fast-paced world of business communication, every detail matters. A well-crafted sign off like “looking forward to hearing from you,” when used correctly and in the appropriate context, can increase your chances of getting a timely response.
With Mailarrow, the process of creating persuasive emails with compelling sign offs and tracking their effectiveness becomes easier and more efficient. So, why wait? Sign up for Mailarrow today and start writing your success story.
FAQs
Is it correct to say looking forward to hearing from you?
Yes, it is grammatically correct and professionally acceptable to say “Looking forward to hearing from you”. This phrase indicates anticipation of the recipient’s response, creating a positive tone. However, it should be used appropriately based on the context of the email and the relationship with the recipient.
How do you end an email looking forward to hearing from you?
To end or write a cold email with “Looking forward to hearing from you”, simply place it at the end of your email just before your name. For example:
“Thank you for considering my request. Looking forward to hearing from you,
[Your Name]”
Follow it with a comma, write your name or your usual email signature, and always make sure that you are using a professional email address.
