How to Use “Next Steps” in an Email (Examples)

Have you ever received an email that left you wondering what to do next?

It’s not uncommon, and it can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to move a project forward or close a deal.

That’s where the phrase “Next Steps” can come in handy.

In this article, we will show you how to use “Next Steps” effectively in your emails, provide you with ten examples to get you started, and even give you some alternative phrases to use.

How to Use “Next Steps” in an Email

When you want to move things forward, it’s essential to be clear about what you’re asking for. That’s where “Next Steps” come in.

The phrase signals that you’re ready to move on to the next phase of the project or deal. Here are some situations where using “Next Steps” might be appropriate:

• After a meeting with a client, you want to follow up and outline the next steps to be taken.
• You’ve received an email with questions about your proposal, and you’re ready to move forward with the next phase of the project.
• You’ve completed a project and need to outline the next steps for the client.

Now that you know when to use “Next Steps,” let’s take a look at how to use it effectively.

In your email, clearly state what you want the recipient to do next and when you expect it to be done.

It’s also a good idea to provide some context by summarizing what has happened so far.

“Next Steps” Email Examples

Example 1 – Subject: Follow-up Meeting

Dear [Client],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss your project in more detail. Based on our conversation, the next steps are as follows:

1. I will revise the proposal and send it to you by Friday.
2. We will schedule a follow-up meeting to review the revised proposal on Monday, April 29th, at 2 PM.

Please let me know if this works for you. If not, please suggest an alternative time.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 2 – Subject: Clarification on Proposal

Dear [Client],

Thank you for your email regarding my proposal. I’m glad to see that you found it of interest. To answer your questions and clarify the details, please see the below points:

1. First, we need to agree on the specific details of the project, including the timeline and the budget. To do so, I will send you a few more questions that will help us define these aspects more accurately.
2. After we finalize the project’s details, I will send you a contract that outlines the project’s scope, timeline, and budget. Once you approve the contract, we can get started.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 3 – Subject: Next Steps After Project Completion

Dear [Client],

I’m happy to inform you that we’ve completed your project. The final product meets your specifications and is ready for delivery. The next steps are as follows:

1. Please review the final product and confirm that it meets your expectations.
2. If you have any changes or suggestions, please let me know by Friday, April 26th.
3. Once I receive your feedback, I will make the necessary changes and send you the final version of the product.

Thank you for your business. It was a pleasure working with you.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 4 – Subject: Next Steps After Conference Call

Dear [Client],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. It was great to hear your thoughts and ideas regarding our collaboration. Based on our discussion, the next steps are as follows:

1. I will send you a summary of our conversation and the key takeaways by the end of the day today.
2. Please review the summary and let me know if I missed anything or if you have any further comments.
3. Once we have a clear understanding of the scope of our collaboration, I will send you a proposal outlining the details and cost estimate.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 5 – Subject: Next Steps After Application Submission

Dear [Applicant],

Thank you for submitting your application for the position of [Position Title] at [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest in our company and the time and effort you put into your application.

The next steps in the hiring process are as follows:

1. Our HR team will review all the applications we received and select the candidates whose skills and experience best match our requirements.
2. We will invite selected candidates for an initial phone screening interview within the next two weeks.
3. If you are selected for the phone screening, you will receive an email from us with more details and a proposed time for the interview.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we move forward with the hiring process.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 6 – Subject: Follow-up on Outstanding Invoices

Dear [Client],

I hope this email finds you well. As we have discussed previously, there are some outstanding invoices on your account that we would appreciate your attention to. The next steps to resolve this issue are as follows:

1. Please provide us with an update on when the outstanding invoices will be paid.
2. If there are any issues that we can help resolve to speed up the process, please let us know.
3. We are happy to discuss payment plan options with you if necessary.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 7 – Subject: Next Steps for Project Kickoff

Dear [Client],

I’m excited to let you know that we’re ready to kick off your project. The next steps are as follows:

1. I will send you a detailed project plan outlining the project’s scope, timeline, and milestones by the end of the day today.
2. Please review the plan and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
3. Once we agree on the project plan, we will schedule a kickoff meeting to discuss the project in more detail and answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for choosing our company for your project.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 8 – Subject: Follow-up on Meeting Notes

Dear [Client],

I hope this email finds you well. As a follow-up to our meeting on [Date], I wanted to send you a summary of our discussion and the key takeaways. The next steps are as follows:

1. Please review the meeting notes and let me know if I missed anything or if you have any further comments.
2. Once we have a clear understanding of your requirements and goals, I will send you a proposal outlining the details and cost estimate.

Thank you for your time and interest in our company.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 9 – Subject: Next Steps After Product Demo

Dear [Client],

Thank you for taking the time to attend our product demo. We hope you found it informative and useful. The next steps are as follows:

1. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the product or its features.
2. If you’re interested in moving forward with the product, we can schedule a follow-up call to discuss the details and answer any questions you may have.
3. If you’re not interested in the product at this time, please let us know so that we can remove you from our contact list.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 10 – Subject: Next Steps for Website Redesign Project

Dear [Client],

I’m excited to let you know that we’re ready to begin the redesign project for your website. The next steps are as follows:

1. Our design team will create a mockup of the new website design based on your requirements and feedback.
2. Once the mockup is complete, we will share it with you for review and feedback.
3. After we incorporate your feedback, we will begin the development phase of the project.

Thank you for choosing our company for your website redesign project. We look forward to working with you.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Alternative Ways to Say “Next Steps” in an Email

Sometimes, using the same phrase repeatedly in an email can make it seem monotonous and dull. Here are some alternative ways to say “next steps” in an email:

• Plan of action
• Course of action
• Action plan
• Steps moving forward
• Proposed next steps
• Future actions
• Next phase
• What’s next
• Follow-up actions
• To-do list

Using these alternative phrases can help keep your emails fresh and engaging, while still conveying the same meaning.

In conclusion, using “next steps” in your emails can help keep your communication clear and organized, especially when there are multiple actions to be taken.

Remember to use alternative phrases to keep your emails interesting, and be sure to provide clear instructions and expectations for the recipient.

With these tips and examples, you can effectively use “next steps” in your professional emails.