9 Better “Touch Base" Email Alternatives to Upgrade Your Email Communication

Businesses rely on networks, and networking relies on effective communication methods. Having to figure out the right thing to communicate and the right medium to communicate is often the hardest part of networking.

If you are someone who is looking to get in touch with your colleagues, counterparts, previous clients, or prospective customers - you might be thinking of sending them a ‘touch base’ email from time to time to check in.

But touch base emails are not the only way to keep in touch with someone or open a communication stream. Since emails are the standard form of professional networking, sometimes a few too many emails can get overly exhausting and tiresome for the receiver.

Here is a chance for you to switch it up with 9 new alternatives to sending the same old touching base email.

What is a “touch base” email?

A "touch base" email is a brief message sent to someone in order to provide a quick update, check-in, or maintain regular contact.

It is often used to keep the lines of communication open, share progress or information, or stay connected. These emails are typically casual in nature and serve as a way to touch base with someone without requiring a lengthy or formal conversation.

Disadvantages of sending a “touch base” email

If you think sending a touch base email is the best way to check in with your clients or for you to get some fresh information from your counterparts, well think again!

A touch base email, harmless it may seem, can often be misconstrued and ignored.

Here are some disadvantages of the touch base email in today’s world:

• It can easily get lost under a pile of other useless emails.
• It could be sent to spam or accidentally be archived.
• It could be vague and the receiver may not know how to respond to it.
• It could take days for the receiver actually to get to it and then get back to you.
• The essence of the email or the purpose of ‘connection’ might be lost in translation (aka misinterpret, unclear, non-objective).

To top all these off, if the receiver has too much on their plate, then the receiver can often ignore a touch base email. If you are looking for information, a receiver may find it exhausting and might cause unnecessary friction (or the feeling of lack of space/intrusiveness).

9 Better alternatives to the generic “touch base” email

Now that you understand the irrelevance of the touch base email in today’s world, here are some alternatives that you can use to switch things up and make it more useful, informative and productive for both you and the recipient.

1. Personalized follow-up email

A personalized follow up email is always better than a pretend ‘touch base’ email. On the one hand, where the touch base email is vague and ambiguous, a personalized follow-up email written with specifics of what you want to know about and what you want to highlight is a sure shot way of getting someone’s attention.

Here is a quick example that you can use:

2. Share valuable resources

Another effective way to communicate information or to get in touch is to share something that is relevant to their work and could be a useful resource.

This could be as simple as a news article, a blog, a whitepaper or even a link to a video on youtube where an interesting and relevant topic of discussion takes place. If it is something that can be useful and resourceful to them, they will 100% get back to you, and this could be your ticket to an open channel.

For example: If you have a long-lost client in Automotives and you wish to reconnect with them for your upcoming automotive software launch, you could send them an email stating:

3. Offer specific assistance or support

If you have a counterpart that you may need to connect with and check up on or if you find yourself wanting an excuse to connect to get some information, sending them an email offering support or assistance in their project or their work area can be a huge ice breaker.

Help is always appreciated, and this could lead to an open, healthy, and trusting communication channel.

For example:

4. Request feedback or input

Another great way to break the ice and get back in touch with a counterpart or a client is by asking for feedback or their valuable input on something.

Not only is it a great way to make them feel important, it helps in paving the conversation, brings you closer to them, and creates a great opportunity to get in touch. People love to give advice, and mostly no one turns down a request for help when explicitly asked for it.

For example:

5. Provide a personalized update

Sometimes, you may need an opening to get back to a customer or a client you have lost touch with. You may find yourself trying to connect with someone for an update on a project they have been working on without being pushy.

What do you do? Offer an update on your end! When someone offers an update on their end, it is only natural for the other person to provide information of what they have been upto! It is a great way to get people sharing and talking once again!

For example:

6. Share a relevant case study

Sharing a case study or something of interest to the recipient can be an excellent way to open a channel of communication.

Case studies are an excellent way to provide a resource that can be both informational and valuable addition to their knowledge. It could also be something they may face currently in their job or industry. Lending help in a humble and thoughtful way is a great icebreaker and gets people communicating effectively.

For example:

7. Schedule a brief phone call or video meeting

One of the best things you could do is to skip the email altogether and pick up the phone to connect with the person intended. This is the fastest way to break the ice, schedule a meet or even get things flowing, information-wise.

You could send an email ahead to set up a video or phone call so that you both can discuss your availability. A phone or video call makes things more personal and you can achieve effective communication.

For example:

8. Share success stories or testimonials

Sharing success stories or testimonials from previous customers to prospective customers is a great way to connect with clients. It instills trust and worth in the brand and the person.

You could share a blog, vlog, or a post from the internet that discusses your company's product or service in a quick email. It can even be a great step towards initiating product interest from a prospective customer and possibly closing the deal in the future.

For example:

9. Plan a relevant event or networking opportunity

Another interesting way to connect with a client or colleague you want to touch base with is by inviting them to a mutual activity of interest in a professional sense. This can include an event, seminar, or tech fair.

You could also invite them to an event or conference you may be attending to connect with them.  This can open up a communication channel and help break ground for networking with industry experts.

For example:

Conclusion

These are some of the best, most modern, and most creative alternatives for sending the plain old touch-base email. Using these innovative approaches, you can hope to achieve more than just checking in with your old client or a prospective new one; but also open a channel of trusted and more relevant information between people.