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How to Re-Engage Past Clients with a Simple Yearly Check-In Email

S

Shimon Magal

4 min read
Email MarketingClient RelationsBusiness Growth

Your past clients are your warmest leads. They already know your work, your process, and your value. But as time passes, even the happiest clients can forget to come back — unless you give them a reason.

That's where a yearly check-in email comes in.

This one, simple email is a powerful way to reconnect, remind, and rebook. It's low-pressure, personal, and often leads to repeat business, referrals, or both.

Why a Yearly Check-In Works

  • It reminds them you exist in a friendly, thoughtful way
  • It's well-timed — people love fresh starts (new year, new season, new photos)
  • It makes rebooking easy by showing you're still available and ready to help
  • It builds loyalty by showing that you care beyond the transaction

Whether you're a photographer, designer, marketer, or coach — this strategy works.

What to Include in a Great Yearly Check-In Email

  1. A friendly greeting and mention of your past work together
  2. A warm message like: "Can you believe it's been a year?"
  3. A simple call-to-action ("Let me know if you want to book again!")
  4. Optional: updates on your services or seasonal availability
  5. A sign-off that feels personal, not salesy

Example:

Hi Taylor, It's been almost a year since our shoot — can you believe it? Just wanted to check in, say hi, and let you know I'm booking spring sessions now. If you're thinking about updating your photos, I'd love to reconnect!

Best Practices

  • Send the email 11–13 months after your last project
  • Keep the tone casual and warm, not pushy
  • Personalize it with their name and past project details
  • Include an easy way to respond or book again
  • Use it as a way to spark either a repeat session or a referral

Want a Ready-to-Use Yearly Check-In Email Template?

We've created a done-for-you version you can copy, paste, and customize in seconds.

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Final Thought: The clients who've worked with you before are the easiest to re-engage — you just need to reach out. A simple, genuine check-in might be all it takes to land your next great project.