Never Say The Words "Following Up"

The best thing to do when following up, it to never say 'I'm just following up". 

It's overused and sounds very salesy. You will lose all interest and the response rate drops. If you are looking to build credibility, ditch these words.

Also "checking in".

Not in email, on the phone, voicemail or SMS.

Instead try something like...

Hi,

It's James Hetfield,

I actually just had time to get back to you.

We talked a few weeks ago about you looking to improve the...

And then just take the conversation from there.