So you want more leads, but you don’t want to spend your life hunched over LinkedIn, copying and pasting the same tired pitch. Fair. This guide is for salespeople, founders, recruiters—anyone who needs a steady stream of prospects and doesn’t have time for guesswork or hype. We’re digging into how to set up automated campaigns in Salesloop, step by step, without falling into the usual traps.
Let’s keep it practical: what’s worth your time, what’s not, and how to actually make these campaigns pay off.
Why Automate Prospecting (and When You Shouldn't)
Before you go all-in, a quick reality check. Automated prospecting can save you hours and keep your pipeline full, but it’s not magic. It works best if:
- You know who your ideal customer is (not “everyone with a LinkedIn profile”)
- Your offer is clear and relevant to your target audience
- You’re ready to follow up quickly when people respond
Automation won’t fix a bad list or a terrible pitch. If your results stink, start by tweaking those—not by sending more messages.
Step 1: Get Your Basics Right
Before you touch any software, nail down these fundamentals:
- Define your ICP (Ideal Customer Profile): What industries, job titles, company sizes, and regions do you care about?
- Work on your pitch: One short, specific message is better than a long-winded sales letter.
- Clean up your LinkedIn profile: People will check you out before replying.
Pro tip: If your LinkedIn headline says “Helping businesses achieve synergies,” rewrite it. Say what you actually do.
Step 2: Connect Salesloop to LinkedIn
Salesloop automates LinkedIn outreach. Here’s how to get it playing nicely with your account:
- Sign up or log in to Salesloop.
- Link your LinkedIn account. Salesloop usually asks for this right away. You’ll log in via a secure prompt.
- Heads up: Don’t use a brand-new LinkedIn account or you’ll get flagged. Use a real profile with real connections.
- Install any required browser extension or desktop app. This lets Salesloop mimic your actions safely.
What to ignore: Anyone promising “unlimited” LinkedIn automation is probably selling you snake oil. Stick to safe daily limits (more on that soon).
Step 3: Build a Targeted Lead List
Garbage in, garbage out. Take time here.
Option 1: Use LinkedIn Search
- Go to LinkedIn, use filters (industry, job title, location, etc.), and save your search.
- Export the search URL or results, depending on your Salesloop plan.
- Import this list into Salesloop.
Option 2: Import a CSV
- Already have a list of leads? Make sure your CSV has fields like name, company, LinkedIn URL, and email (if you’ve got it).
- Upload to Salesloop.
Don’t: Buy sketchy lead lists. You’ll end up flagged as spam or worse.
Step 4: Set Up Your Campaign in Salesloop
Here’s where it gets real.
1. Create a New Campaign
- Click “New Campaign” in Salesloop.
- Give it a name you’ll recognize (not “Test 1”).
2. Choose Your Sequence
Salesloop lets you set up multiple steps, like:
- Connection request
- Follow-up message (if accepted)
- Second follow-up (optional)
Tips: - Don’t go overboard: 2-3 steps are plenty for most cold outreach. - Personalization beats volume every time.
3. Write Your Messages
Keep it simple. For each step:
- Connection request: “Hi [First Name], saw we’re both in [industry/role]. Would love to connect.”
- First follow-up: “Thanks for connecting! Curious if you’re open to chatting about [specific pain/solution]. If not, no worries.”
Avoid fake flattery and generic sales pitches. Most people spot them a mile away.
4. Set Sending Limits
LinkedIn hates spam. Stay under the radar by setting:
- Daily connection requests: 20-40 per day is safe for most users. Don’t believe anyone saying you can do hundreds.
- Message sending times: Weekdays, during business hours (avoid weekends).
5. Add Delays and Triggers
- Wait a day or two between steps. Instant follow-ups are a red flag.
- Only send follow-ups if the person accepted your request.
Pro tip: Salesloop’s “smart delays” feature can randomize send times a bit. Use it—it makes your outreach look more human.
Step 5: Launch and Monitor
Hit “Start Campaign.” Now, watch what happens.
- Monitor replies: Salesloop can show who’s responding. Jump on replies fast—these are real people.
- Watch for warnings: If LinkedIn sends you a “slow down” message, pause immediately. You can’t brute-force your way past their limits.
- Check campaign stats: Open rates, response rates, connection acceptance. If numbers are low, your message or list probably needs work.
What doesn’t work: Ignoring results and hoping more volume fixes things. It won’t.
Step 6: Test, Tweak, Repeat
No campaign is perfect out of the gate. Here’s what to do:
- A/B test your messages: Run two versions at once. Keep the one that works.
- Switch up your target list: Maybe your ICP isn’t who you thought.
- Tweak timing: Sometimes a day-of-week change helps.
Ignore: Fancy templates or “secret” message scripts. Simple, direct, and honest wins most of the time.
Step 7: Follow Up Like a Human
Automation gets you in the door, but real conversations close deals.
- Reply to responses yourself. Don’t automate this part.
- Be direct—if someone’s not interested, thank them and move on.
- Log everything. You’ll want to remember who’s who.
Pro tip: Don’t try to sell in your first message. The goal is a conversation, not a contract.
What Works, What Doesn't
Works: - Short, personal messages - Clear targeting - Prompt, real replies
Doesn’t work: - Long, rambling pitches - Over-automation (especially follow-ups) - Pretending to be someone you’re not
Ignore: Any “growth hack” that sounds too good to be true. LinkedIn’s gotten wise to most of them.
Keep It Simple and Iterate
Automated prospecting in Salesloop can free up your time and fill your pipeline—if you keep it simple, pay attention, and adapt. Don’t chase every new tactic. Start small, see what works, and tweak as you go. The only “secret” is steady, honest effort. Let the tools do the boring stuff, so you can focus on actual conversations.