So you’re ready to stop sending one-off LinkedIn messages and actually automate your B2B outreach. Smart move. Setting up drip campaigns isn’t magic, but it can save you hours and help you reach leads without sounding like a robot. If you’re new to Octopuscrm, this guide will walk you through it — minus the fluff.
Here’s how to set up your first drip campaign, what actually matters, and what you can skip.
Who Should Use Drip Campaigns in Octopuscrm?
Let’s keep it real: Drip campaigns work best for B2B folks who already have a clear idea of who they want to reach and why. If your “lead list” is just a random scrape of LinkedIn users, you’ll likely get ignored or flagged.
Drip campaigns are a good fit if: - You sell to a specific role (think: CTOs at SaaS startups). - You already have some LinkedIn connections or a targeted list. - You want to avoid spamming people — you care about getting replies, not just blasting messages.
If you’re just testing the waters, don’t overcomplicate things. Start small.
Step 1: Get Your LinkedIn and Octopuscrm Accounts Ready
1.1. Choose the Right LinkedIn Account
Octopuscrm runs on top of LinkedIn. It works with: - Free LinkedIn accounts (but you’ll hit limits fast) - LinkedIn Premium (recommended if you want to do more outreach) - Sales Navigator (best for serious prospecting, but expensive)
Pro Tip: If you’re in this for the long haul, Sales Navigator is worth it. Otherwise, you’ll be throttled by LinkedIn’s daily limits.
1.2. Install Octopuscrm
Octopuscrm is a Chrome extension. Here’s how to get started: 1. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “Octopus CRM.” 2. Click “Add to Chrome” and follow the install prompts. 3. Once installed, you’ll see the Octopuscrm icon in your browser.
Now, open LinkedIn in Chrome. The Octopuscrm dashboard should appear as a sidebar.
Step 2: Build a Targeted Lead List
This is where most people get lazy — and it’s why their campaigns flop.
2.1. Use LinkedIn Search Filters
Don’t just search for “marketing.” Get specific: - Use filters like current company, title, location, and industry. - Sales Navigator gives you more options. Use them if you have access.
2.2. Save Your Search Results
On LinkedIn: - Go to your filtered search results. - On each profile, you’ll see an “Add to CRM” button from the Octopuscrm plugin. - Click it to add leads to your campaign list.
Warning: Don’t add 500 people at once. Start with 30–50 leads for your first campaign so you can tweak your approach.
Step 3: Set Up Your Drip Campaign
Now for the fun part. Octopuscrm lets you automate sequences (drip campaigns) of up to 4 actions — connection requests, messages, endorsements, and profile visits. Here’s what actually matters:
3.1. Start a New Campaign
- In the Octopuscrm sidebar, click “Create Campaign.”
- Name your campaign something you’ll remember (not “Test 1”).
3.2. Choose Your Sequence Steps
Typical B2B drip sequences look like: 1. Connection request (with a short, personal note) 2. Follow-up message (sent only if they accept) 3. Second follow-up (wait a few days — don’t be a pest) 4. Profile visit or endorsement (optional, sometimes triggers curiosity)
You can mix and match, but don’t overdo it. More than 2–3 messages is usually overkill for B2B.
3.3. Write Your Messages
This is where most campaigns fall apart. Here’s what not to do: - Don’t copy-paste generic templates. - Don’t pitch in the first message. - Don’t make it all about you.
What works: - Mention something specific about their role, company, or recent post. - Be clear about why you’re reaching out. - Keep it human. “I noticed you…” or “Saw your post on X…” beats “We help companies like yours…”
Example Connection Request:
Hi [First Name], noticed you’re leading product at [Company]. I’m connecting with folks building SaaS tools — would love to connect.
Example Follow-up:
Thanks for connecting, [First Name]. I’m curious how your team handles [pain point] — always looking to swap notes with others in the space.
3.4. Set Delays Between Steps
- Give people time to respond before nudging them again.
- Typical delays: 3–4 days between messages.
- Don’t blast follow-ups every 24 hours — that’s how you get ignored (or reported).
Step 4: Launch and Monitor Your Campaign
4.1. Send Test Messages
Before launching to your whole list: - Send a few test messages to yourself or a colleague. - Check for typos, broken personalization tags, or awkward phrasing.
4.2. Start the Campaign
Once you’re happy: - Select your lead list. - Hit “Start Campaign.”
Octopuscrm will drip out actions automatically, staying within LinkedIn’s daily limits.
Pro Tip: Don’t try to outsmart LinkedIn’s limits. Octopuscrm says it’s “safe,” but nothing is foolproof. Keep your daily actions conservative, especially at first.
4.3. Track Results
- Monitor open rates, replies, and connection acceptance.
- Pause or tweak the campaign if you get lots of ignored messages or negative feedback.
- Reply to real responses promptly — automation gets you in the door, but conversations can’t be faked.
Step 5: Tweak, Iterate, and Stay Sane
Nobody gets it right on the first try. Here’s what separates good campaigns from spam:
5.1. Review Your Data
- Which messages get replies? Which get ignored?
- Are you getting blocked or reported? If so, rethink your targeting or messaging.
5.2. Refine Your Sequences
- Change up your intro lines if you’re not getting connections.
- Adjust delays if people complain about “too many messages.”
- Try A/B testing different message styles (keep it simple).
5.3. Don’t Chase Vanity Metrics
- 50 genuine conversations are better than 500 ignored messages.
- Focus on quality of replies, not just connection growth.
5.4. Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Don’t treat Octopuscrm as a “set and forget” tool. LinkedIn hates bots, and people do too.
- Don’t send the same pitch to every industry — nuance matters.
- Don’t ignore negative signals (unconnections, blocks, angry replies).
What’s Worth Ignoring?
- Gimmicky Features: “Endorse skills” or “auto-like posts” rarely move the needle for B2B. Focus on thoughtful messaging.
- Super-Long Sequences: If someone ignores two messages, a third probably won’t save you.
- Over-automation: The more your outreach looks like a robot, the less likely you’ll get replies.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple and Adapt
Drip campaigns in Octopuscrm can help you scale B2B outreach — if you use them thoughtfully. Don’t get lost chasing every feature or automating for automation’s sake. Start with a small, targeted list. Write like a human. Adjust as you go.
If you get stuck, dial it back. Simpler is usually better. The best drip campaigns are ones you’d actually reply to yourself. Don’t overthink it — iterate, learn, and keep it real.