Sales outreach can feel like running on a hamster wheel: endless follow-ups, copy-pasting the same emails, and tracking a mess of spreadsheets. If you’re a sales rep, team lead, or founder trying to do more with less, automating your outreach isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a sanity-saver.
This guide breaks down how to use Getcompass to take the grunt work out of sales outreach, so you can spend less time clicking and more time closing. No hype, no magic bullets—just what actually works.
Why Automate Sales Outreach (and What to Ignore)
Before you start wiring up automations, it’s good to be clear about what’s worth automating—and what’s not.
What automation really helps with
- Repetitive tasks: Sending follow-ups, logging calls, updating CRM fields—if it’s boring and predictable, automate it.
- Speed: Get in front of more prospects by letting the software handle the busywork.
- Consistency: No more “Oops, I forgot to follow up.” Automation keeps you on track.
What it won’t do
- Write perfect emails: Automation can send messages, but it won’t suddenly make them personal or persuasive.
- Build real relationships: People can still spot a mail merge from a mile away. Use templates, but don’t spam.
- Replace sales sense: You still have to know who to reach out to, and when.
Pro tip: If you’re automating something that rarely changes or doesn’t need your judgment, you’re on the right track. If you’re automating “relationship-building,” you’re probably missing the point.
Step 1: Map Out Your Sales Outreach Workflow
You can’t automate what you haven’t defined. Before diving into Getcompass, sketch out your typical outreach process.
Ask yourself: - What triggers a new outreach sequence? (e.g., inbound lead, list import) - What’s your follow-up schedule? (e.g., Day 1: email, Day 3: call, Day 7: LinkedIn message) - When do you stop? (e.g., 4 touches, or after a response)
Quick mapping tip: Grab a whiteboard or a notepad and write out each step. Don’t overthink it. You need the broad strokes, not a process diagram worthy of NASA.
Step 2: Set Up Your Outreach Sequences in Getcompass
Now, bring your workflow into Getcompass. Here’s how to get started:
2.1 Create a Sequence
- Go to Sequences: In Getcompass, find the “Sequences” or “Campaigns” section.
- Choose your template: Start with a blank sequence or use one of their templates if you’re short on time.
- Add steps: Lay out each touchpoint—emails, calls, LinkedIn messages, whatever your process calls for.
- Set delays: Define how many days/hours between each step. Don’t make these too aggressive (nobody likes a daily spammer).
2.2 Personalize, but Don’t Overdo It
- Use placeholders for names, companies, and roles.
- Add a custom sentence or two up front—that’s usually enough to stand out.
- Don’t waste hours writing 100% custom emails unless your deal size is worth it.
Honest take: The built-in templates in Getcompass are a decent starting point. They’re not Shakespeare, but they’ll save you time. Edit them to sound like a human, not a robot.
Step 3: Automate Lead Intake
Getting leads into your outreach sequence should be automatic. Here’s how to connect the dots:
3.1 Sync Your CRM or Lead Source
- Direct integrations: Getcompass connects with tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Pipedrive. Set up the integration so new leads flow straight into your selected sequence.
- CSV imports: If you’re using a spreadsheet, upload it directly. Map the fields (name, email, company) to what Getcompass expects.
- Zapier/Make (for the tinkerers): If you want to get fancy, use Zapier or Make to connect just about any app. Example: “When a new Calendly meeting is booked, add to Sequence X.”
3.2 Set Rules for Who Gets Added
Don’t dump every contact into every sequence. Set filters: - Only add leads with verified email addresses. - Exclude existing customers or anyone who’s replied before. - Pause sequences if a lead books a meeting.
Pro tip: Review your “entry criteria” regularly. Automating bad data just spreads the problem faster.
Step 4: Automate Follow-Ups and Task Reminders
This is where the real time savings kick in.
4.1 Automated Follow-Ups
- Pre-write follow-up emails: Set up your sequence so the next email goes out if there’s no reply in X days.
- Branching logic: Some Getcompass plans let you branch—e.g., “If they open but don’t reply, send this; if no open, try that.” Use this sparingly so you don’t overcomplicate things.
4.2 Task Reminders for Non-Automatable Steps
Some steps need a human touch (like making a call or sending a LinkedIn connection). Set automated reminders: - Getcompass will nudge you when it’s time to do these. - Mark tasks as done in the dashboard to keep the sequence moving.
What works: Automating all emails and reminders for calls works well. Trying to automate cold calls or LinkedIn requests usually backfires—do these yourself, but let Getcompass handle the scheduling.
Step 5: Track Results and Avoid “Set and Forget” Syndrome
Automation isn’t a crockpot—you can’t just “set it and forget it.” You need to keep an eye on what’s working.
5.1 Monitor Key Metrics
- Open rates: If these are low, tweak the subject lines.
- Reply rates: If you’re getting ignored, revisit your messaging.
- Bounces and unsubscribes: Too high? Your list quality or sending frequency is off.
5.2 Tweak and Iterate
- Don’t change everything at once. Test one variable at a time—subject lines, messaging, timing.
- Drop steps that don’t work. Add new ones if you see an opening (e.g., try adding a LinkedIn message after the second email).
Honest take: The analytics in Getcompass are straightforward, but don’t expect deep insights. Use them to spot obvious problems; don’t obsess over small fluctuations.
Common Pitfalls (and How to Dodge Them)
- Over-automation: Don’t try to automate every single touch. Real conversations still matter.
- Sending too much, too fast: You can burn your list and get flagged as spam. Space out your steps.
- Ignoring replies: Automations can’t read context. Always jump in personally when someone responds.
- Out-of-date templates: Review and refresh your messaging every few months. Tired templates get ignored.
Keep It Simple, Iterate, and Don’t Chase Perfection
Automating your sales outreach in Getcompass can save you hours each week—if you keep things simple and adjust as you go. Start with your main workflow, automate the repetitive stuff, and keep a close eye on what actually moves the needle. Don’t fall for the “automation will solve all my problems” pitch. It’s a tool, not a shortcut for good sales work.
Set up your basics, run a few sequences, and tweak them as you learn. You’ll spend less time clicking and more time actually talking to prospects—which is the whole point.