What is “reply bumping” and when is it effective?

Reply bumping means sending a very short follow-up message designed to move the thread back to the top of the recipient's inbox.

Typical bump messages:

Any thoughts on this?

Wanted to bump this up in your inbox

Just following up

Did you get a chance to review?

When bumping can work:

Prospect showed previous engagement (opened, clicked)

After a single well-crafted message that may have been missed

When used sparingly (one bump, not multiple)

For high-value prospects where persistence is expected

When bumping backfires:

Multiple bumps in succession (feels desperate)

After several already-ignored messages

To prospects who never engaged at all

As a substitute for valuable follow-up content

Better alternative: Instead of pure bumps, add something minimal but useful. Reference news, share a quick insight, or offer a different angle. Even brief messages should provide a reason to respond.

Bumping is a tool for occasional use, not a strategy. Knocking twice is polite. Pounding on the door is not.