Follow up across email and LinkedIn: a simple multi-channel plan
A good multi-channel follow-up uses each channel for what it does best: email for a clear message they can forward, LinkedIn for a lighter touch that puts a face to your name, and a phone call only when you have a real reason. Space touches a few days apart, add something new each time and pause after about six touches over two weeks without a reply.
Why use more than one channel
- People live in different inboxes. Some never check LinkedIn, others ignore email from strangers.
- One message is easy to miss. A second channel gives a busy person another chance to see you.
- Familiarity helps. Seeing your name and face in two places makes the next message feel less cold.
The catch: never send the same message twice. Each touch should add something.
A 14-day follow‑up plan
| Day | Channel | What to send |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Your first message: one reason, one problem, one question. See how to personalize cold emails. | |
| 2 | A connection request with a short, friendly note. No pitch. | |
| 4 | A reply in the same thread with one new thing: an example, a resource or an answer. | |
| 7 | If you’re connected, a short message. Or a thoughtful comment on something they posted. | |
| 10 | Phone (optional) | Only with a work number and a real reason. Leave a short voicemail that points to your email. |
| 14 | Close the loop politely and leave the door open. |
No reply after that? Pause. Come back only when something new happens, like a new hire or a post about the problem you solve. See buying signals.
What to say at each step
Day 2, LinkedIn connection note:
Hi Priya, I sent you a note about renewal playbooks for agencies. Happy to connect either way. I share what we learn about account management here.
Day 4, email reply in the same thread:
Hi Priya, one more thing that might help while you hire: here’s the one-page renewal checklist we start every agency with. No need to reply if it’s not useful.
Day 7, LinkedIn message:
Thanks for connecting, Priya. Your post on onboarding new AMs was spot on about shadowing. Did the checklist I emailed land?
Day 10, voicemail:
Hi Priya, it’s Sam from Northwind. I emailed about renewals with your two new account managers. No need to call back. The email has everything. Thanks.
Day 14, closing the loop:
Hi Priya, I’ll stop here so I’m not cluttering your inbox. If renewals become a priority after the new hires settle in, just reply to this and I’ll pick it up.
More wording for later stages: 7 LinkedIn follow-up message examples to copy and adapt.
Rules that keep it human
- Add one new thing per touch. “Just bumping this” isn’t new.
- Mention the other channel naturally. “I emailed you about…” helps them connect the dots.
- A reply on any channel stops the sequence. Move into the conversation where they answered.
- A “no” or an opt-out stops every channel at once. Record it so nobody contacts them by mistake.
- Keep one record per person, not one per channel. See how to track leads and follow-ups.
When someone replies
- On LinkedIn instead of email: carry on there. That’s their channel.
- “Not now”: ask when to come back, and use the date they give.
- “Talk to my colleague”: thank them and write to the colleague, mentioning who sent you.
- An out-of-office: pause until their return date, then pick up where you left off.
Track it in one place
Each lead needs one line: the last touch, the channel, what you sent and the next step with a date. The free follow-up planner keeps that in one plan you can download or print. To get the work email and phone number in the first place, see how to find a work email and phone number.
How Brava runs multi-channel follow‑ups
Brava finds the work email and phone number for each lead and drafts personal messages for you to approve. On LinkedIn, your approved connection requests and messages go out at a natural pace, within daily limits you set. Replies land in your inbox with the next reply drafted, and your pipeline board shows the next step and follow-up date for every lead.
See outreach, the inbox and pricing.
Questions about multi-channel follow‑ups
How many follow‑ups should I send?
Five or six touches across channels over about two weeks, each adding something new. Then pause until there’s a fresh reason to write.
How long should I wait between follow‑ups?
Two to four days early on, a little longer later. The plan above uses days 1, 2, 4, 7, 10 and 14.
Should I connect on LinkedIn before or after emailing?
After the first email works well: your connection note can mention the email, so the two touches feel connected.
When should I call a lead?
When you have a work number and a real reason, such as a question they asked or something you promised. Keep the voicemail short and point to your email.