In the professional world, familiar phrases can be helpful. One such phrase that has been a staple in emails is "I look forward to hearing from you." Although it is polite and friendly and expresses anticipation, it can feel overused and clichéd.

Whether you're looking to improve the response rate for your sales emails or just want to end your email better, you might want to have a repository of engaging alternatives.

Therefore, in this article, we have compiled 10 better alternatives to communicate your enthusiasm and set yourself up for receiving a response.

What’s wrong with saying “I look forward to hearing from you”?

There is nothing wrong with it. People often use the phrase "I look forward to hearing from you" because it's friendly and upbeat. However, it is so overused and non-actionable that recipients easily overlook it, requiring you to send another follow up email.

If you want someone to reply to your email, you need to give them directions on how and when you want them to respond. For example – Could you share your feedback by Friday?

"I Look Forward to Hearing From You” vs. “Looking Forward to Hearing From You"

In the realm of professional communication, the phrases "I look forward to hearing from you" versus "I’m looking forward to hearing from you" carry subtle differences that can impact the tone and perception of your message. When deciding which expression to use, it's essential to consider the context and your relationship with the recipient.

The phrase “I look forward to hearing from you” is often deemed more formal and is typically used in business emails or when you have not established a familiar rapport with the person. On the other hand, “I’m looking forward to hearing from you” carries a slightly more casual and personal tone, implying an eagerness or anticipation for the response.

While the choice between these phrases might seem undefined or unclear at first, understanding the nuance of each can enhance your communication, ensuring it aligns with the intended level of professionalism and warmth. Selecting the appropriate closing statement not only reflects your attention to detail but also reinforces the desired connection with your correspondent, be it in a professional setting or a more informal context.

The need for alternatives

The phrase "I look forward to hearing from you" is one way to communicate that you expect a reply from the person you're emailing. 

You can make your message stand out by choosing a different way to express anticipation for a reply. It shows creativity and that you've put thought into your communication, personalizing it to the recipient and the context of your discussion.

Furthermore, finding the right tone that matches the formality or informality of your relationship with the recipient can significantly impact how your message is received. 

For instance, a more casual or direct alternative might be more appropriate when communicating with someone you know well than with a formal contact. Tailoring your email sign-off thus becomes an essential skill in effective communication.

On that note, you might want to check out what we learned on how to end an email from 25K+ of our customer email campaigns in Q12024. 👇

For instance, if you're reaching out to someone for the first time, a phrase like "Eagerly awaiting your feedback" might capture your enthusiasm without feeling too familiar. 

On the other hand, if you're concluding an ongoing conversation, something like "Excited to continue this dialogue!" could signal your commitment to the discussion and your anticipation for its continuation.

Variations keep your communication fresh and convey a level of sophistication and attention to detail.

10 alternatives to “I look forward to hearing from you”

Whether you're drafting an email to a potential mentor, a current client, or a friend in the industry, the right closing can turn a routine exchange into an opportunity for genuine connection. Here are 10 alternatives to "I look forward to hearing from you" and when you can use them.

1. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

While it means precisely the same as "looking forward to hearing from you," it sounds more human. Humans value the opinions of other humans, and the phrase "I can't wait to hear your thoughts" helps you use it to your advantage.

This phrase is handy in the early stages of your sales cycle, especially when identifying your champions and decision-makers at your prospect's organization.

It is also a useful phrase when you are looking to get feedback on an idea or validation of your hypothesis about the prospect's pain points.

2. Talk to you soon!

"Talk to you soon" is a friendly sign-off that promises warmth and anticipation in future communication. It's a casual yet heartfelt way of concluding conversations, leaving both parties looking forward to their next interaction. This phrase seamlessly bridges the gap between goodbye and the next hello, imbuing a sense of continuity in our relationships.

It's a great option if you plan to meet up or schedule a call with them to resume your conversation. You should be more precise if you already have a meeting or call. ("Talk to you on Tuesday!)

3. Let me know if you have any questions—I’m happy to help

In principle, it aligns perfectly with the anticipation of feedback, encapsulated in phrases like "look forward to hearing from you," signaling a proactive stance in fostering communication and feedback. However, the phrasing "Let me know if you have any questions" displays your willingness to address any inquiries, instantly making the conversation approachable and personable. 

It encourages open communication, making it easier for individuals to seek clarification, support, or guidance. This fosters an environment of trust and mutual respect, setting the stage for more effective and enriching interactions.

4. Can you share your feedback by [DAY]?

This alternative is more direct, leaving no room for ambiguity. By phrasing it as a question instead of asking for feedback by a specific date, you're being polite and giving your recipient the option.

It's best to use this when you are time-bound and need feedback on something by a specific date. Please add a version of "thank you" to show that you appreciate their response.

5. What are your thoughts?

It's in our nature as humans to want to answer questions. We often jump to answer questions. So, to get feedback, try a simple flip: ask for their thoughts directly. This works well for those who prefer straightforward communication. 

By asking, "What are your thoughts on this?" you invite their honest opinion and put the ball in their court to provide the feedback you seek.

If you're communicating with someone who appreciates directness, this question may just be the way to ensure they respond.

6. Let me know if all of this sounds good to you.

This phrasing is more direct than "looking forward to hearing from you." However, it is best used when you have already had at least a couple of email exchanges and have enough context.

In such situations, using the words "let me know" makes it clear that you expect a reply to confirm alignment. It's also used for approval seeking (you might want to add a deadline date in such situations) but not when expecting detailed feedback.

7. If you’re too busy to help with this, can you point me to someone who can help?

Sometimes, individuals may not reply to emails due to their hectic schedules. However, this lack of response doesn't diminish the significance or urgency of your request. In such cases, it's advisable to tackle the situation head-on and seek a direct solution.

Employ this strategy mainly when you know that the person you're attempting to communicate with is swamped with work or if you've noticed they tend to delay replying to emails—or worse, don't respond. 

Once you've identified the appropriate contact to approach, you should inform them that the person you initially tried to reach has directed you to them for assistance. This shows that you've made an effort to resolve the issue through the proper channels and subtly prompts a quicker response by highlighting the referral.

8. I’d love it if you could respond by [DATE] to get this moving.

Including a specific deadline is an effective method of injecting a sense of urgency into the request. The wording is not only clear and courteous but also eliminates any ambiguity regarding the necessary timing or the reasons behind the need for a prompt reply.

Opting for this phrasing when receiving feedback by a certain date is critical to keeping the project on its planned schedule. By adding "so we can get this moving," you underscore the urgency and clarify the significance of adhering to the specified deadline. This approach makes it evident that a timely response is crucial for the project's progression and momentum.

9. Let me know if anything changes.

This phrase strategically shifts the onus onto your prospect, subtly encouraging them to take an active role in the communication process. By simply asking them to inform you of any feedback or alterations to the current arrangement, you emphasize the importance of their input while setting clear expectations for the interaction. 

This approach allows you to proceed with your plans unimpeded, assuming no news is good until they decide to engage further. In essence, it's a method to keep the lines of communication open yet places the responsibility squarely on their shoulders to initiate future discussions or updates.

10. Should I not receive a response from you by the specified [DATE], I’ll assume we’re aligned.

This approach is explicit and maintains a professional tone, ensuring the reader understands they can provide input should they wish to. However, it also communicates that silence will be interpreted as consent, thus streamlining the process for both parties. 

This method is particularly effective when you're on a timeline to initiate a project or action and require explicit approval or constructive feedback. By setting a concrete deadline, you're effectively communicating the timeframe within which the recipient's input is valuable, instilling a gentle urgency. This tactful strategy ensures you can keep the project timeline on track while respecting the recipient's time and decision-making process.

Summing up…

Ultimately, moving beyond "I look forward to hearing from you" and incorporating more vibrant, thoughtful sign-offs into your professional communications can transform how your messages are perceived. 

By choosing alternatives that better fit the tone, context, and relationship with the recipient, you signal that you value the exchange and are genuinely interested in the recipient's reply. 

Remember, effective communication is about making connections, and sometimes, a simple change in your sign-off can be the key to unlocking more engaging and productive conversations.

"I look forward to hearing from you" FAQs

1. What's the message behind "I look forward to hearing from you"?

This phrase politely lets someone know you expect a reply and are interested in what they have to say. It also shows you value their time and any potential collaboration.

2. When's this a good thing to say?

This expression comes in handy in many situations! Use it after a job interview, while working with a client, or even when connecting with a recruiter online.

3. Got any other ways to say it?

Of course! Here are a few options depending on your needs:

• "Thanks for your prompt reply!" (Shows appreciation for a quick response)
• "Feel free to ask if anything's unclear." (Encourages questions)
• "Please reply by [date] if possible." (Sets a clear deadline for a response)