When you say “let’s keep in touch,” it means that you want to stay in communication and continue a relationship with someone after a conversation or separation, helping express your desire to remain connected, whether friendly, social, or professional. From my experience, the meaning and usage of this phrase can make a big difference in how someone feels, and emails often provide the perfect setting, where finding the right words can help open doors for future opportunities, not just about being polite, but keeping relationships active and meaningful.
In professional emails, this article gives 16 different phrases to use instead, each fitting a range of situations from formal to informal. These alternatives communicate effectively and maintain relationships. The phrase is versatile, tailored to fit types of correspondence with colleagues, networking contacts, or potential business partners. Concluding an email to a coworker I recently collaborated on a project, or following up with someone new I met at an event, saying “let’s keep in touch” provides a friendly, yet professional end to your message, making it the most suitable way to address your contacts, while adjusting level, formality, and tone according to whom you are addressing.
What Does “lets keep in touch” Mean?
Lets keep in touch means that you want to stay connected, continue communication, and maintain relationships after a conversation, meeting, or professional interaction. It’s a phrase that shows care, interest, and intention to remain in contact, whether for social, friendly, or professional reasons.
When to Use “lets keep in touch”
Use “lets keep in touch” when you want to end a conversation or email positively, after networking events, meetings, or casual/friendly interactions, without forcing future communication.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “lets keep in touch”
Yes, it is generally polite and professional, depending on context. It works well in emails, messages, or spoken interactions with colleagues, clients, or new contacts. Avoid overuse or informal variants in highly formal documentation.
Pros or Cons
Pros: Conveys warmth, openness, and willingness to maintain contact. Creates personal connection.
Cons: May seem vague if used without follow-up plans. Can feel empty if not sincere.
Stay in Contact
Meaning/Definition: Encourages continuing communication after a conversation or event.
Example: “It was great meeting you at the seminar. Stay in contact for future opportunities.”
Best Use: Professional and friendly follow-ups.
Worst Use: Casual settings where tone might feel stiff.
Tone: Friendly-professional
Reach Out Anytime
Meaning/Definition: Invites the other person to contact you freely in the future.
Example: “Thanks for your help today. Reach out anytime if you need guidance.”
Best Use: Mentorship, advisory relationships.
Worst Use: Situations where follow-up is unlikely.
Tone: Supportive, approachable
Keep Me Posted
Meaning/Definition: Requests updates while maintaining ongoing communication.
Example: “Please keep me posted on your project progress.”
Best Use: Work projects, collaborative tasks.
Worst Use: Non-involved acquaintances.
Tone: Professional, proactive
Drop Me a Line
Meaning/Definition: Casual, friendly way to encourage correspondence.
Example: “It was great catching up. Drop me a line when you’re in town.”
Best Use: Informal social interactions.
Worst Use: Formal corporate communications.
Tone: Casual, friendly
Let’s Stay Connected
Meaning/Definition: Shows interest in continuing the relationship.
Example: “I enjoyed our chat today. Let’s stay connected.”
Best Use: Networking events, professional gatherings.
Worst Use: When contact isn’t realistic.
Tone: Polite, warm
Don’t Be a Stranger
Meaning/Definition: Playful, friendly encouragement to continue interaction.
Example: “Had a blast today! Don’t be a stranger.”
Best Use: Social settings.
Worst Use: Formal professional context.
Tone: Informal, friendly
Keep in the Loop
Meaning/Definition: Requests to be informed about future developments.
Example: “Make sure to keep me in the loop about the event updates.”
Best Use: Professional projects, collaborative work.
Worst Use: Casual acquaintance chats.
Tone: Professional, collaborative
Stay Tuned
Meaning/Definition: Invites the other person to follow upcoming updates or news.
Example: “Exciting news coming soon. Stay tuned!”
Best Use: Marketing, announcements.
Worst Use: Serious formal messages.
Tone: Energetic, engaging
Check in Soon
Meaning/Definition: Encourages future communication to catch up or discuss progress.
Example: “It was wonderful chatting. Check in soon with updates.”
Best Use: Friendly follow-ups, professional updates.
Worst Use: Formal contexts.
Tone: Friendly, approachable
Keep in Touch
Meaning/Definition: Classic phrase signaling desire to continue communication.
Example: “Thanks for your help today. Keep in touch!”
Best Use: General friendly and professional communications.
Worst Use: Highly formal documents.
Tone: Polite, approachable
Stay Close
Meaning/Definition: Encourages maintaining a bond and regular communication.
Example: “We’ve shared so much this year. Stay close, and let’s catch up soon.”
Best Use: Friends, social networks, long-term colleagues.
Worst Use: Casual or one-time professional contacts.
Tone: Warm, friendly
Touch Base
Meaning/Definition: A professional-friendly way to reconnect and exchange updates.
Example: “Let’s touch base next week about the marketing plan.”
Best Use: Work-related projects, team check-ins.
Worst Use: Informal social settings where tone may feel stiff.
Tone: Professional, approachable
Ping Me Later
Meaning/Definition: Casual, tech-friendly way to suggest future contact.
Example: “I’ll be free this afternoon. Ping me later to discuss the details.”
Best Use: Informal professional or social interactions.
Worst Use: Formal business correspondence.
Tone: Casual, friendly
Reach Me Anytime
Meaning/Definition: Invites open and ongoing communication whenever needed.
Example: “If you have questions about the report, reach me anytime.”
Best Use: Mentoring, advisory, or supportive professional relationships.
Worst Use: One-time contacts where follow-up isn’t expected.
Tone: Supportive, approachable
Stay Available
Meaning/Definition: Suggests keeping oneself open to future communication.
Example: “I’m often around this office. Stay available if you need help.”
Best Use: Team members, project collaborators.
Worst Use: Formal emails with no ongoing relationship.
Tone: Professional, casual-friendly
Keep Me Updated
Meaning/Definition: Requests ongoing updates about events, projects, or progress.
Example: “We’d love to know how your project evolves. Keep me updated.”
Best Use: Collaborative projects, professional relationships.
Worst Use: Social interactions without specific follow-up.
Tone: Professional, proactive
Don’t Lose Touch
Meaning/Definition: Friendly way to emphasize the importance of continued communication.
Example: “It’s been wonderful working together. Don’t lose touch!”
Best Use: Long-term colleagues, friends.
Worst Use: Short or casual interactions where ongoing contact isn’t expected.
Tone: Friendly, warm
Stay Engaged
Meaning/Definition: Encourages active participation and continued interaction.
Example: “We value your input. Stay engaged with the team updates.”
Best Use: Professional teams, social groups, community involvement.
Worst Use: Casual acquaintances.
Tone: Professional, motivating
Drop Me a Message
Meaning/Definition: Informal invitation to reach out in the future.
Example: “Loved our chat today. Drop me a message anytime.”
Best Use: Casual friends, social networking.
Worst Use: Formal business contexts.
Tone: Casual, approachable
Stay in the Loop
Meaning/Definition: Requests to be included in future updates or communications.
Example: “Please stay in the loop for the next meeting agenda.”
Best Use: Work teams, ongoing projects.
Worst Use: Casual, non-professional settings.
Tone: Professional, collaborative
Keep Connected
Meaning/Definition: Suggests maintaining ongoing personal or professional connections.
Example: “It’s been great collaborating. Keep connected for new opportunities.”
Best Use: Networking events, professional contacts.
Worst Use: One-off casual meetings.
Tone: Polite, professional
Stay in Touch
Meaning/Definition: A classic phrase signaling the intent to maintain communication.
Example: “I enjoyed our discussion today. Stay in touch for future updates.”
Best Use: Professional and social contacts.
Worst Use: Highly formal documents.
Tone: Friendly, polite
Keep the Conversation Going
Meaning/Definition: Encourages continued dialogue and engagement.
Example: “We should keep the conversation going on your ideas.”
Best Use: Team projects, brainstorming, professional discussion.
Worst Use: Casual acquaintances or one-time meetings.
Tone: Professional, motivating
Follow Up Soon
Meaning/Definition: Suggests reconnecting promptly after an initial interaction.
Example: “Great insights today! Let’s follow up soon to finalize plans.”
Best Use: Professional collaborations, networking follow-ups.
Worst Use: Casual, informal chats.
Tone: Professional, proactive
Let’s Catch Up
Meaning/Definition: Friendly way to suggest future meetings or calls to maintain connection.
Example: “It’s been a while! Let’s catch up over coffee next week.”
Best Use: Friends, colleagues, casual networking.
Worst Use: Formal, strictly professional correspondence.
Tone: Friendly, approachable
Final Thoughts
Expressing the intention to stay connected is more than just a polite gesture-it reflects care, thoughtfulness, and a desire to maintain meaningful relationships. Phrases like “lets keep in touch” or its alternatives allow you to communicate warmth and professionalism while tailoring your tone to the situation. Whether you are writing a friendly message, networking email, or professional follow-up, choosing the right words shows consideration for the recipient and reinforces trust.
The way you phrase your intention to continue communication can make a big difference in how others perceive your message. Simple, genuine alternatives such as “stay in contact,” “reach out anytime,” or “keep me posted” convey approachability, while maintaining clarity and context. Using the right tone, friendly, professional, or casual-ensures your message resonates without feeling forced.
Best practices include understanding the relationship context, adjusting your language for the audience, and being sincere in your desire to remain connected. Overusing vague phrases or using overly formal words in casual contexts can reduce effectiveness. By exploring the 25 alternatives provided, you can choose the most suitable option for emails, social interactions, networking, or team projects.
Ultimately, these thoughtful choices enhance personal and professional relationships, strengthen connections, and open future opportunities. Whether in social, professional, or casual settings, expressing that you value communication and want to keep in touch creates lasting impressions and demonstrates emotional intelligence, attentiveness, and genuine care.
FAQs
What does “lets keep in touch” mean?
It means you want to continue communication and maintain a relationship with someone after a meeting, conversation, or event. It signals care, interest, and intent to remain connected in social or professional contexts.
When should I use “lets keep in touch”?
Use it after meetings, networking events, emails, or conversations where you want to encourage future communication without being pushy or formal.
Is “lets keep in touch” professional?
Yes, it’s polite and professional when used in emails, LinkedIn messages, or post-meeting follow-ups. Avoid overuse in formal legal documents.
Can it be used with friends?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for casual, social, or friendly interactions to maintain personal connections.
Are there alternatives to “lets keep in touch”?
Yes, alternatives include “stay in contact,” “reach out anytime,” “touch base,” “keep me posted,” “don’t lose touch,” and more.
What tone should I use?
Choose a tone that matches your relationship: friendly, casual, professional, or approachable depending on context.
Can it be used in emails?
Yes, it’s highly suitable for both professional and casual emails to end conversations politely.
Is it informal?
It can be both informal and professional. Adjust phrasing and tone to match the situation.
Does it work in networking?
Yes, it’s ideal for networking follow-ups to show interest in ongoing communication.
Can overusing it seem insincere?
Yes, using it too often without follow-up may reduce its impact and sincerity.
Can it be used after online meetings?
Definitely. It works well after virtual conferences, webinars, or video calls.
How can I make it more personal?
Pair it with a specific detail, like a project update or shared interest, to show genuine care.
Is it suitable for mentors and mentees?
Yes, it encourages ongoing guidance, support, and collaboration.
Can it open opportunities?
Yes, expressing willingness to stay connected can lead to collaborations, projects, or social opportunities.
How do I choose the right alternative?
Consider relationship type, context, tone, and desired level of formality to select the most fitting phrase.
