Adding a phrase like "No need to reply if you're busy, just wanted you to know we care" can actually make people more likely to respond because it removes the "chore" feel of a text.

If you know they just had a surgery, a graduation, or a new job, swap the generic "how are you" for a specific question. It shows you're paying attention.

Tuesday through Thursday afternoons are the sweet spot for high response rates — people are past the Monday rush but haven't checked out for the weekend yet.