Following up after initial outreach is crucial for establishing relationships and driving conversations forward on LinkedIn.
This post will explore the key components of effective follow-up messages, including best practices for timing, personalization, and messaging.
You’ll see real examples of follow-up templates that keep prospects engaged and tips for leveraging follow-ups to grow your LinkedIn outreach success.
What is a Follow-Up LinkedIn Message Template?
A follow-up LinkedIn message template is used after making initial contact with a prospect on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and relationship building process.
Unlike cold outreach messages, follow-up messages build on existing rapport and aim to move the prospect further down the sales funnel.
The main components of an effective follow-up message template include:
- Referencing your previous conversation or first outreach message to remind the prospect who you are. This creates context and continuity.
- Expressing appreciation if they previously responded or acknowledged your initial message. This builds goodwill.
- Asking an open-ended question or making a request that pushes the conversation forward based on their interests/needs. This advances the dialogue.
- Sharing personalized insights, resources or value relevant to the prospect. This provides value-add.
- Using a casual but professional tone that balances friendliness with purpose.
Follow-up messages are commonly used in several scenarios, such as after sending an initial connection request, after a prospect views your profile or content, after an initial message exchange, or after leaving voicemails/emails if no response.
The goal is to nurture the relationship through ongoing, meaningful conversations over time.
Why is Follow-Up LinkedIn message Template Useful?
Follow-up messages are a pivotal component of LinkedIn outreach success. When utilized effectively, they can provide significant benefits.
- Keep conversations going and strengthen prospect relationships over time through consistent nurturing. This improves engagement.
- Allow you to provide ongoing value beyond initial conversations, improving perceptions.
- Give opportunities to answer questions, address concerns and overcome objections raised in initial exchanges.
- Enable you to segment and personalize messaging based on previous interactions and expressed needs/interests.
- Increase response rates compared to cold outreach due to existing rapport.
- Help move prospects down the sales funnel by pushing towards a call, demo or conversion.
- Stand out from those who only send initial messages without following up in a meaningful way.
When to Use Follow-Up LinkedIn Message Template?
Timing is crucial when deploying follow-up messages for maximum impact. The effectiveness of this template varies depending on when it is used within the outreach sequence.
When to Use:
- 2-3 Days After Initial Outreach: Follow up if no response to reconnect and re-engage the prospect.
- After Viewing Profile or Content: Follow up to discuss what resonated and continue conversation.
- After Initial Message Exchange: Follow up within 3-5 days to advance dialogue rather than letting it stall.
- After Resource Delivery: Follow up to get feedback, offer additional value.
- Post-Call or Meeting: Follow up within 24 hours to address open questions, share notes, next steps.
- After Voicemail/Email with No Response: Follow up through LinkedIn message to provide additional context.
- 2 Weeks After Last Outreach: Follow up if still no response to revive conversation.
The key is to remain top of mind through ongoing, value-driven exchanges while avoiding over-messaging.
Strategically alternating follow-up templates with other outreach keeps conversations fresh. Consistency and persistence pay off.
Examples of Follow-Up LinkedIn Message Template
Each template is crafted to address a specific purpose within the industry’s context and includes an analysis of its effectiveness.
Template 1: Post-Free Trial Follow-Up
Subject: Your Free Trial Experience with [Product Name]
Hi [Name],
I hope you found our [Product Name] trial valuable. I noticed your trial ended recently, and I’d love to hear about your experience. Was there a feature that stood out to you? Any feedback is greatly appreciated and helps us to improve.
If you’re interested in discussing how [Product Name] can continue to benefit your team, let’s set up a time to chat. How does your calendar look next week?
Looking forward to your thoughts,
[Your Name]
Purpose: To engage a lead post-free trial and convert them into a paying customer.
Effectiveness: This template is effective because it invites feedback, shows that you value the recipient’s opinion, and provides an opportunity for further engagement.
Template 2: Post-Demo Follow-Up
Subject: Next Steps Following Our [Product Name] Demo
Hi [Name],
Thank you for taking the time to explore [Product Name] with me. I hope the demo highlighted how we can help streamline [specific business process]. Do you have any questions or need further clarification on any features?
Let’s discuss how [Product Name] can be tailored to your business goals. Are you available for a follow-up call this week?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Purpose: To follow up after a product demo and address any remaining questions to close the sale.
Effectiveness: This template is effective as it recaps the demo’s value proposition and prompts immediate action, keeping the sales momentum going.
Template 3: Networking Event Follow-Up
Subject: Great Connecting at [Event Name]
Hi [Name],
It was a pleasure meeting you at [Event Name]. I enjoyed our conversation about [topic discussed] and the challenges you’re facing with [specific business issue].
I’m keen to share some insights on how [Product Name] has helped similar businesses overcome these challenges. Would you be open to a brief call next week to continue our discussion?
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Purpose: To reinforce a new connection made at an event and introduce your product as a solution.
Effectiveness: This template capitalizes on a recent interaction and positions your product as a potential solution, making it a timely and relevant follow-up.
Template 4: Post-Initial Outreach Follow-Up
Subject: Still Considering [Solution/Service]?
Hi [Name],
A few weeks ago, I reached out regarding [Product Name] and how it can assist with [business need]. I understand that finding the right [service/solution] is a significant decision and you might need some time to evaluate your options.
If you have any questions or would like to revisit our conversation, I’m here to help. Can we schedule a call to discuss this further?
Best,
[Your Name]
Purpose: To re-engage a lead after the initial outreach went without a response.
Effectiveness: This template is effective because it acknowledges the recipient’s decision-making process and offers assistance without being pushy, which can encourage a response.
Template 5: Post-Purchase Check-In
Subject: Ensuring Success with [Product Name]
Hi [Name],
Congratulations on implementing [Product Name]! I’m reaching out to ensure that everything is running smoothly and to see if there’s anything you need assistance with.
Your success is our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Do you have time for a quick check-in call this week?
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Purpose: To check in with a new customer post-purchase and offer support.
Effectiveness: This template is effective as it provides post-sale support, which can enhance customer satisfaction and encourage loyalty.
Each of these templates is designed to be relevant to the SaaS industry, with a focus on moving the recipient through the sales funnel, from trial to loyal customer, while providing value at each step.
Best Practices for Follow-Up LinkedIn Message Template
Crafting an effective follow-up message on LinkedIn requires a blend of professionalism, tact, and personalization.
Here are some best practices to ensure your follow-up messages are well-received, along with common pitfalls to avoid.
Best Practices:
- Personalize Your Message: Always use the recipient’s name and reference any past interactions. Personalization shows that you are genuinely interested in them and not just sending a mass message.
- Provide Context: Remind the recipient of who you are and the context of your previous interaction. This helps to jog their memory and makes your message more relevant.
- Be Concise: Keep your message brief and to the point. Busy professionals appreciate brevity and are more likely to respond to a message that respects their time.
- Add Value: Make sure your follow-up provides additional value. This could be in the form of a helpful article, a relevant piece of information, or an offer to assist.
- Include a Clear Call to Action: Be clear about what you want the recipient to do next. Whether it’s to schedule a call, answer a question, or provide feedback, your CTA should be straightforward.
- Be Timely: Follow up at an appropriate time. Don’t rush to send a message immediately after the first interaction, but don’t wait so long that the recipient has forgotten about you.
- Use a Professional Tone: Maintain a professional yet friendly tone. LinkedIn is a professional network, and your message should reflect that.
- Follow Up More Than Once: If you don’t receive a response, it’s acceptable to send one or two more follow-ups, spaced out over time. Persistence can pay off, but it’s important to know when to stop.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
- Being Too Pushy: While follow-ups are important, being overly aggressive can turn people off. Avoid sending too many messages in a short period.
- Sending Generic Messages: Generic, templated messages are easy to spot and often ignored. Tailor each message to the individual.
- Overlooking the Platform Etiquette: LinkedIn is not the same as email. Keep your messages professional and aligned with the norms of the platform.
- Neglecting to Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors can undermine your credibility. Always proofread your messages before sending them.
- Ignoring the Recipient’s Signals: If someone is not responding after multiple follow-ups, it’s a clear signal to stop reaching out. Respect their silence as a response.
By adhering to these best practices and avoiding the common pitfalls, your follow-up messages on LinkedIn will be more likely to build rapport, foster professional relationships, and achieve your outreach goals.
How ProfitOutreach Improves Follow-Up LinkedIn Message Template
ProfitOutreach revolutionizes LinkedIn follow-up messaging with its advanced personalization and automation capabilities. Here’s how it elevates your outreach:
Personalization:
- Data-Driven Messages: Utilizing prospect data from LinkedIn profiles and company pages, ProfitOutreach crafts highly relevant messages that resonate with the recipient’s current professional activities and interests.
- Customizable Sequences: Users can choose from preset or custom sequences, allowing for targeted follow-ups that suit each prospect’s unique journey and interaction history.
- Content-Rich Templates: The system can integrate specific content like case studies or industry news, making each follow-up informative and engaging.
Efficiency:
- Automated Creation: ProfitOutreach automates the sequence generation, saving time without sacrificing the quality of personalization.
- Template Adaptability: Users can swiftly adapt their messaging strategy by replacing or removing templates within sequences, ensuring flexibility and relevance.
Results:
- Engagement Boost: Personalized follow-ups crafted by ProfitOutreach are more likely to receive responses, fostering meaningful interactions.
- Conversion Increase: Timely and pertinent follow-ups lead to higher conversion rates, as the system ensures outreach is both proactive and attuned to the prospect’s needs.
- Relationship Nurturing: The platform’s nuanced personalization aids in building lasting relationships, demonstrating a deep understanding of each prospect’s challenges and goals.
In essence, ProfitOutreach is a potent tool for anyone looking to refine their LinkedIn outreach, promising efficiency and enhanced engagement through smart personalization.
Conclusion
Following up effectively is crucial for nurturing relationships and advancing opportunities on LinkedIn.
By leveraging proven templates, optimizing timing, providing ongoing value, and driving conversations forward, you can increase engagement and results.
ProfitOutreach makes executing high-converting follow-up messaging simple – start crafting personalized sequences today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Follow-Up LinkedIn Message
Here are some sample FAQs about the follow-up LinkedIn message template:
How often should I follow up?
You typically want to follow up 2-3 days after your initial outreach if no response, and every 4-7 days thereafter until you get a reply or have sent 4-5 messages. Avoid over-messaging the same person.
Should follow-ups be customized by industry?
Yes, follow-ups should highlight insights, statistics, or use cases relevant to the prospect’s industry to show deep understanding of their needs. Leverage industry keywords and points of resonance.
Can I automate my follow-up sequences?
Absolutely. Tools like ProfitOutreach allow you to set up automated yet personalized follow-up sequences at scale based on prospect data. This saves huge time over manual messages.
What makes a strong follow-up message?
Great follow-ups progress the conversation by asking questions, addressing concerns, sharing value, and moving the prospect closer to a call-to-action. Personalization and relevance are key.
How do I re-engage unresponsive prospects?
If getting no response after 4-5 messages, try changing subject lines, switching up messaging, or finding a new point of value to re-engage them. Consider changing sequence timing as well.
Should I follow up after connecting on LinkedIn?
Yes, follow up within a few days after connecting to start a dialogue, establish rapport, and discuss potential mutual benefits of the relationship.
What metrics should I track?
Response rate, messages sent, connections made, converted opportunities, and revenue from qualified opportunities are key follow-up metrics to optimize.
