When to follow up after a trial lesson
Send three messages at most: one the same day, one after 48 hours if there's no reply, and one after 7 days. Each one has a different goal.
If the student books after the first message, you're done: skip the rest. The table shows what each message is for.
| When | Goal | What it says |
|---|---|---|
| Same day | Thank them and turn the trial into a plan | One thing they did well, your plan for the next weeks, two slots or your booking link |
| After 48 hours, no reply | Make it easy to answer | A friendly nudge and one simple question: shall I keep a slot for you? |
| After 7 days, no reply | Close the loop kindly | No pressure, the door stays open, and something useful to practice on their own |
What to say at the end of the trial lesson
Ask in the lesson, not later. Keep the last five minutes to sum up what you saw, explain your plan and offer the next lesson while the student is still with you.
- 1
Sum up what you saw
Two sentences: what they already do well and the first thing you'd work on. Be specific, not generic.
- 2
Share a short plan
Say what you'd do in the next four to six lessons and what they'll be able to do at the end.
- 3
Offer the next step
Say how many lessons a week you suggest and your price per lesson or per pack, then ask if it works for them.
- 4
Book it there and then
Offer two slots or share your booking link on screen so they can pick a time before you hang up.
Planning the trial itself? Here's how to run a first lesson with a new student, with timed plans by level.
Friendly follow-up messages (WhatsApp or text)
For adults who learn for fun, for travel or for a move abroad. Short, warm and personal, like you'd write to someone you just met.
Same day
Hi [name]! Thanks for today's lesson, it was a pleasure. You already [one thing they did well], so we can go straight to [first thing you'd work on]. My plan for the next [4] weeks: [goal 1], [goal 2] and [goal 3]. Shall I keep [day] at [time] for you? You can also pick another slot here: [booking link]
After 48 hours
Hi [name], just checking in after our trial lesson. Shall I keep [day] at [time] for you this week? A quick yes or no is fine.
After 7 days
Hi [name], I won't keep writing, promise. If you want to pick up your [language] at any point, here's my booking link: [booking link] In the meantime, here's something to practice on your own: [resource]. Good luck!
Formal follow-up messages (email)
For business students, exam candidates and parents. The same three steps, with a bit more structure and a summary they can forward. Writing to a parent? Mention their child by name.
Same day
Subject: Your trial lesson and next steps Hello [name], Thank you for today's trial lesson. Here's a short summary: - Current level: [level] - Strengths: [strengths] - First goal: [goal] I suggest [number] lessons a week of [duration] minutes. Price: [price] per lesson, or [pack price] for a pack of [number] lessons. You can book your first lesson here: [booking link] Best regards, [your name]
After 48 hours
Subject: Your [language] lessons Hello [name], I'm following up on our trial lesson on [date]. Would you like to start on [day] at [time]? If another time suits you better, you can choose it here: [booking link] Best regards, [your name]
After 7 days
Subject: Whenever you're ready Hello [name], As I haven't heard back, I understand now may not be the right time. That's completely fine. If you'd like to start later, my calendar is here: [booking link] Best regards, [your name]
What to include in every follow-up message
A good follow-up is short and personal. It shows you listened in the lesson and gives the student one easy next step.
- Their name and one detail from the lesson, so it doesn't read like a copy-paste.
- One thing they did well. People book again when they feel progress, not when they feel judged.
- A plan with an end point: what they'll be able to do in four to six weeks.
- Two concrete slots or your booking link, so answering takes one tap.
- One closed question at the end ("Shall I keep Tuesday for you?"), which is easier to answer than "What do you think?"
What if the student doesn't reply?
Send the 48-hour and 7-day messages, then stop. Silence usually means timing or budget, not your lesson, and another reminder rarely changes that.
Don't drop your price to win them back. Write down the trial date and what you saw in your lesson notes, so if they come back in a few months you can pick up right where you left off.
If price was the doubt, a small pack helps them commit without paying a lot upfront. Here's how to price lesson packs.
Let them book the next lesson on their own
Paste your SmartCookie booking link into each message and your student picks an open slot without the back-and-forth. Try it for 14 days, no card needed.