If you’re running sales outreach and feel like your emails are disappearing into a black hole, you’re not alone. Multi-channel cadences—where you combine email, calls, LinkedIn, maybe even text—are the not-so-secret weapon of reps who actually get replies. But the tools can be a mess to set up, and most advice online is all theory, no practice. This guide is for salespeople, SDRs, and sales managers who want to actually use Outplayhq (see [outplayhq.html]) to build and run multi-channel cadences that save time and get you responses. No fluff, just the steps—and a few things to skip.
Why bother with multi-channel cadences?
Let’s call it like it is: cold email alone isn’t cutting it for most people. Everyone’s inbox is a war zone. But if you mix in calls, LinkedIn touches, and the occasional text, you’re way more likely to break through. Outplayhq lets you set this up in one place—if you know how to wrangle it.
Step 1: Get your basics sorted before you touch Outplayhq
Before you even log in, get a few things straight:
- Your target audience: Who are you actually trying to reach? VPs? Founders? Don’t build a generic cadence for “anyone.”
- Channels you’ll use: Outplayhq supports email, phone, LinkedIn, SMS, and tasks. Be realistic—if you never call, don’t add calls just to tick a box.
- Your messaging: You don’t need a 12-step copywriting sequence, but have a rough idea what you’ll say on each channel.
Pro tip: Write out your steps on paper or a doc first. It’s way easier to spot gaps or cringe-worthy messages there than inside a clunky UI.
Step 2: Build your cadence in Outplayhq
Now, let’s get your hands dirty.
2.1. Log in and head to the Cadences section
- Find the “Cadences” tab in the left menu.
- Click “Create Cadence.”
- Give it a real name. Not “Q2 Outreach.” Something you’ll actually recognize.
2.2. Pick your cadence type
- Personal (1:1): Good for high-value leads, lots of customization.
- Bulk: For bigger lists with less personalization.
- Most teams start with Bulk and tweak as needed.
2.3. Map out your steps
You’ll see options to add steps—this is where multi-channel comes in:
- Email: Still the workhorse. Outplayhq lets you add templates, personalize, and set delays.
- Call: Add as a step; you’ll get prompted to call with a script or notes.
- LinkedIn: Choose between connection requests, messages, or profile views. (Worth it, if you’re not already connected.)
- SMS: If you have phone numbers and permission, add this sparingly.
- Tasks: Good for reminders (e.g., “Check their blog before next touch”).
Keep it tight: 6–10 steps is plenty. Anything longer usually gets ignored, by both you and the prospect.
2.4. Set timing and delays
- Outplayhq lets you choose how many days between each step.
- Don’t hammer people daily. 2–4 days between touches is a safe starting point.
- Spread channels out. Example: Email → 2 days → LinkedIn → 3 days → Call.
2.5. Personalization: Don’t overthink it
- Outplayhq lets you add variables—first name, company, etc.—to automate personalization.
- Use custom fields for stuff you actually care about (like recent funding, job changes).
- Don’t try to fake deep research for everyone. Save the real custom notes for your top 10% of leads.
Honest take: Cadence tools can’t fix bad messaging. If your emails are boring or your calls sound robotic, no amount of “multi-channel” will help.
Step 3: Add prospects to your cadence
- Upload a CSV, push from your CRM, or add manually.
- Map your fields carefully—bad imports lead to embarrassing “Hi {First Name}” emails.
- Double-check your data before launching, especially phone numbers and LinkedIn URLs.
Skip the urge to dump everyone in at once. Start with a small batch and see what breaks.
Step 4: Actually run your cadence
4.1. Daily tasks
- Outplayhq has a “Today’s Tasks” view—use it.
- Each day, it’ll tee up who to contact on which channel.
- Don’t skip steps—skipping LinkedIn because you “don’t have time” just breaks the sequence.
4.2. Call tasks: Reality check
- Outplayhq will dial out if you connect your phone.
- You’ll need to log call outcomes—don’t fudge these, or your data is useless.
- If you hate making calls, try batching calls at once to get over the dread.
4.3. LinkedIn: Manual, but worth it
- Outplayhq can’t send LinkedIn messages for you (LinkedIn blocks automation). You’ll get a reminder, then have to do it yourself.
- Don’t ignore these steps—they’re usually the highest response rate, if you’re not spamming.
4.4. Handling replies and auto-pausing
- If a prospect replies or books a meeting, Outplayhq can auto-pause them in the cadence.
- Check your paused and finished lists so you don’t keep bugging people who said “not interested.”
Pro tip: Respond to replies fast. The whole point of a cadence is to get a conversation going, not to automate ghosting.
Step 5: Review and tweak your cadence
5.1. Track what actually works
- Outplayhq gives you stats by step and channel—open rates, reply rates, call connects.
- Don’t obsess over vanity metrics like opens. Replies and meetings are what matters.
- If you see a step with zero replies or lots of unsubscribes, cut or rewrite it.
5.2. A/B test, but don’t get fancy
- Outplayhq lets you split test emails. Try different subject lines or call scripts.
- But: Don’t run 10 versions at once. You’ll never get enough data to know what worked.
- If you’re not getting results, simplify. Most bloated cadences are built by committee, not salespeople.
5.3. Clean out old cadences
- Don’t let a graveyard of unused sequences pile up. Archive or delete what you’re not using.
- Review at least once a quarter: what’s still working? What’s just noise?
Step 6: Avoid common mistakes
- Too many steps: More isn’t better. People tune out after the 7th or 8th touch.
- Automation overkill: Personalization wins over pure volume, especially on LinkedIn.
- Not tracking replies: If you don’t log calls or reply to emails, your data (and your reputation) tanks.
- Ignoring compliance: SMS and calls are regulated in some regions. Don’t be “that rep” who gets blacklisted.
What to ignore
- “AI-powered” messaging: Outplayhq has some AI features, but don’t expect miracles. Robots aren’t closing deals for you.
- Endless template libraries: Pick a few, test, and move on. Most “best practice” templates get flagged as spam.
- Overly complex branching: If you’re building logic trees that look like spaghetti, you’re probably overengineering it.
Keep it simple, iterate often
Multi-channel cadences in Outplayhq aren’t rocket science, but they do take a bit of planning and honest review. Start with a basic sequence, send to a small group, and see what actually gets responses. Cut what doesn’t work. Don’t automate yourself into irrelevance.
Keep it human, keep it moving, and tweak as you go. The goal isn’t to build the fanciest sequence—it’s to actually get a reply.