Many times in your career, you will find yourself awaiting a status update for a project. It can be a frustrating situation to find yourself in, and can be difficult to find a polite way to ask for an update without coming off as rude and demanding, to say the least.
Thats why were here. Lets take a look at how you can find polite wording to ask your client for an update on an initiative, project, or really anything. Read on for more.
Requesting a project or task update over email is a common workplace communication need. While these check-ins are necessary, it can feel awkward not knowing the right way to phrase your request. The key is crafting your email in a professional yet friendly manner.
This article provides 17 sample email templates for asking for updates across various work contexts. You’ll find examples for communicating with managers, colleagues, clients, and teams. Following some professional etiquette tips will ensure your update request emails are polite, clear and effective.
Why Asking for Updates Over Email is Important
Here are some key reasons you should make a habit of checking in and asking for updates:
- It shows you are engaged, interested and paying attention
- Allows you to plan your own workload and tasks accordingly
- Keeps workflows moving forward smoothly
- Surfaces any potential issues or roadblocks early
- Provides opportunities to offer help if needed
- Creates transparency and alignment within teams
As long as you maintain politeness and consider the recipient’s perspective, requesting an update is completely professional. Below are some tips for crafting effective update request emails.
Tips for Emailing to Ask for Updates
Follow these etiquette guidelines when emailing for a project or task update
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Use a clear subject line – Summarize the purpose directly, like “Checking In on Project Status”
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Be specific about what you need – Provide project details so they can quickly prepare info
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Offer flexibility on timeframe – Avoid demanding urgent attention unless truly needed
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Use a warm and friendly tone – Balance professionalism with approachability
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Thank them for their attention – Show gratitude for their time and consideration
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Follow-up if needed – Don’t assume no response means there are no updates
Update Request Email Examples
Refer to these sample emails for different professional ways you can ask for an update or status report:
Email Sample 1 – Manager Update
To: David Smith [email protected]
Subject: Checking in on Q3Numbers Project
Hi David,
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
John Lee
Email Sample 2 – Colleague Update
To: Sarah Johnson [email protected]
Subject: Circle Logo Design Project Update
Hi Sarah,
I just wanted to touch base regarding the circle logo design project. Do you have any progress updates or new drafts to share? I’m available this afternoon if you need to discuss anything.
Best,
Tim
Email Sample 3 – Quick Status from Client
To: Erik Thompson [email protected]
Subject: Checking In on Website Redesign Project
Hi Erik,
Looking forward to hearing from you when you have a free moment. Have a great rest of your week!
Regards,
Lisa Chen
Email Sample 4 – Following Up with Colleague
To: Mark Rodriguez [email protected]
Subject: Following Up About Design Concepts
Hi Mark,
Thanks,
Anne
Email Sample 5 – Friendly Reminder to Manager
To: Olivia Thomas [email protected]
Subject: Friendly Reminder – Monthly Report Update
Hi Olivia,
I hope you’re having a great start to your week! Just a friendly reminder to please provide an update on the monthly report whenever you have a chance. No big rush, just wanted to touch base.
Best,
Sam
Email Sample 6 – Following Up with Client
To: Amanda Bell [email protected]
Subject: Website Development Project Check-In
Dear Amanda,
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything additional from me in the meantime. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Regards,
Michael
Email Sample 7 – Request for Progress from Team Member
To: Lisa Chen [email protected]
Subject: Request for Social Media Strategy Update
Hi Lisa,
I hope you’re having a good week so far. Do you have any updates on the social media content strategy we discussed last month? I’d love to see how it’s progressing and any initial ideas you have.
Thanks,
Josh
Email Sample 8 – Soliciting Updates from Entire Team
To: Design Team [email protected]
Subject: Requesting Status Updates on Upcoming Projects
Hello Team,
As we approach the end of the quarter, I wanted to check in with everyone on upcoming projects. Please reply to this email with status updates on the following:
- Website redesign for ABC Company
- Brand guide refresh
- Q4 campaign brainstorm concepts
- If you have any blockers preventing progress
- Where you may need support
- Any other relevant details to share
Thanks,
Alison
Email Sample 9 – Friendly Check-In with Colleague
To: Emma White [email protected]
Subject: Check-In on Presentation Slides
Hi Emma!
Talk soon,
James
Email Sample 10 – Following Up with Manager
To: Ryan Smith [email protected]
Subject: January Monthly Report Update
Hello Ryan,
Thank you for your time. I appreciate you providing an update when you have a moment. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can assist you in any way.
Regards,
Sophia
Email Sample 11 – Quick Request to Colleague
To: Kevin Jones [email protected]
Subject: Status of Project X Deliverables
Hi Kevin,
Hope you’re having a good one! Do you have a few minutes today to provide a quick status update on the Project X deliverables? I just need a high-level overview of where things stand.
Best,
Jade
Email Sample 12 – Non-Urgent Request to Supervisor
To: Paula Lee [email protected]
Subject: Status of Q2 Budget When You Have a Moment
Hello Paula,
Regards,
Nathan
Email Sample 13 – Brief Update from Client
*To: Daniel Thomas <daniel@
“Would it be possible to receive an update?”
If youre looking for a phrase to use in your requests for status updates thats a little more passive, using “would it be possible to receive an update” is a great way to go. While its a slightly longer sentence, it is nonetheless very useful to ask for an update while still being concise.
When you use this phrase specifically, it becomes less of a clear call to action and more of an indirect, passive way of asking for something. This generally yields a much higher possibility of your client responding to you sooner since they wont feel like you are being aggressive or demanding.
Heres how you can incorporate “would it be possible to receive an update” into your next status report request:
Hello! I hope all is well with you. Im writing this email because Ive been thinking about our project and wanted to follow up on it. Would it be possible to receive an update on the projects current status? Were looking forward to making some good progress.
I hope this message finds you well. Best regards,
Such an email works great if you want to make it clear that youre trying to follow up on the status of your project without making the other party feel like youre making a demand. A key aspect of this phrase is its passive tone, and its best paired with a more lighthearted, friendly message.
It would be most effective on a client you have worked with for a while or if youre on good terms with said client. If it is a highly professional relationship, consider using one of the more formal examples mentioned in this article.
“Would you kindly give me an update?”
This phrase is a fairly polite one to include in your follow-up emails. When you say “would you kindly give me an update” to your client, youll come across as equal parts polite and businesslike, which can be the best recipe for a successful call to action. It also works for a range of business relationships, whether youre on a first-name basis with your client or you have a strictly business relationship.
This phrase is the highly formal equivalent of adding “please” to your update requests. It means the exact same thing but incorporates excellent politeness in a very professional way. Heres an example of a follow-up email using “would you kindly give me an update”:
I hope this message finds you well. Were excited to hear about your progress with our project. Would you kindly give me an update from your side? We eagerly await the next step.
Thanks for your cooperation. Wishing you all the best.
How Do You Politely Ask For An Update?
How do I write an email asking for an update?
Here are some tips to consider when writing your email asking for an update: Try to follow up quickly to keep the conversation active. You can also keep the recipient’s focus when you send a prompt follow-up. Try to send your email within five days of the last message.
What is a sample email asking for updated information?
Here is a sample email asking for updated information that incorporates “can you please update me”: Dear Ms. Doe, I hope all is good on your side. I’d like to ask for an update on our current project, please. We’re excited to move forward! I hope this letter finds you well. All the best. F. Ainsley.
Should you ask for an update in an email?
Being polite when asking for an update not only reflects your professionalism but also encourages a positive and responsive communication environment. So, the next time you need an update in an email, remember these tips and examples, and write a polite, friendly, and effective email.
How do you respond to a request for an update?
Keep your email simple and to the point. Try to put your demand into the subject line of your email when asking for update requests. Address your key aspect in such a way that for example your client does not miss it, even when skimming the message. That’s even more important since they didn’t respond to your previous email. I hope you are well.
