You’re not here because you want to spam half of LinkedIn. You want real connections—responses from actual humans, not just a bigger number on your profile. If you’re tired of copy-paste templates and want to use automation without sounding like a robot, this guide is for you.
Let’s cut through the fluff and get to how you can use Dux-soup to send personalized LinkedIn connection requests that don’t get ignored (or worse, reported).
Step 1: Know What Dux-soup Can—and Can’t—Do
Before you start, let’s get one thing straight: Dux-soup is a browser extension that automates LinkedIn activities—visiting profiles, sending connection requests, and messaging. It saves time, but it won’t magically make you more interesting or persuasive.
What it’s good for: - Automating repetitive LinkedIn actions - Personalizing messages with profile data (to a point) - Managing who you’ve contacted
What it’s not good for: - Writing messages that sound human by itself - Bypassing LinkedIn’s rules (if you blast out 1,000 invites, expect a warning) - Replacing real research on your prospects
If you’re hoping Dux-soup will do all the work, you’ll end up with a lot of ignored invites. Treat it as a tool, not a shortcut.
Step 2: Set Up Dux-soup the Right Way
-
Install Dux-soup
Get the Chrome extension from the official site or Chrome Web Store. The free version is limited; the paid version unlocks messaging and more automation. If you’re serious about outreach, you’ll want at least the Professional plan. -
Log into LinkedIn in Chrome
Dux-soup works on top of your browser session. No login = no automation. -
Configure LinkedIn settings
- Set your LinkedIn profile to “visible” so people can see who visited.
-
Make sure your account is in good standing—no recent warnings or restrictions.
-
Adjust Dux-soup throttle settings
- Don’t let Dux-soup run wild. Stick to 50–100 connection requests per day (less if your account is new).
- Set random delays between actions to mimic human behavior.
- Turn on “skip if already invited” to avoid double-sending.
Pro tip: If you’re new to this, err on the side of caution. It’s better to send 20 good requests than 200 bad ones and risk your account.
Step 3: Build a Target List That Doesn’t Suck
Automation is only as good as your targeting. If you aim for “everyone in tech,” you’ll get ignored. Here’s how to actually make your outreach matter:
- Use LinkedIn search and filters
- Narrow by industry, job title, location, or company.
-
Save your search so you can revisit it later.
-
Visit profiles manually—at least a few
- Glance at the first 10–20 profiles you plan to target.
- Look for common threads: Do they post a lot? Are they hiring? Do they mention specific projects?
-
Jot down what stands out. This will help you personalize your message.
-
Export or bookmark your search results
- You can create a CSV, but Dux-soup can also work right off your LinkedIn search results page.
Don’t:
- Scrape or target people wildly outside your niche (LinkedIn notices this).
- Buy third-party lead lists and blast them—most are outdated and will get you flagged.
Step 4: Write a Connection Message That Doesn’t Sound Like a Bot
This is where most people blow it. If your message looks like it came from a mail merge, it’s going in the trash.
What works: - Keep it short (2–3 sentences max) - Mention something specific about them (not just their job title) - Be honest about why you want to connect—don’t hide your intentions - No fake flattery, no “I saw your impressive profile”
Dux-soup supports “insertion tags” (like {firstName}, {company}), but don’t overdo it. The more variables, the more likely you’ll get a “Hi {{firstName}}” fail.
Example that works:
Hi {firstName},
Noticed you recently shared a post about {company}’s new product launch—would love to connect and hear how it’s going.
– [Your Name]
What to avoid: - “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” (Everyone hates this.) - Pitches, links, or anything salesy in the first message. - Overly generic templates.
Pro tip:
Write three message versions. Test them in small batches. See what gets replies—double down on those.
Step 5: Set Up and Run Your Dux-soup Campaign
- Go to your LinkedIn search results page
-
The one filtered to your target list.
-
Click the Dux-soup icon
-
Choose “Connect” or “Visit & Connect.”
-
Paste your personalized message
- Use insertion tags sparingly ({firstName} is usually enough).
-
Double-check spelling and formatting; Dux-soup won’t fix typos for you.
-
Set limits
- How many requests per day? Start small (20–50).
-
How long between actions? Set Dux-soup to randomize delays (30–90 seconds is safe).
-
Hit “Start” and monitor
- Let it run in a browser tab. Don’t use your computer for heavy browsing at the same time—it can mess with the automation.
-
Pause if you see any weird errors or LinkedIn warnings.
-
Track who accepts
- Dux-soup has basic tracking, but jotting down the best responses manually is smart.
What to ignore: - Mass-blasting 500+ invites a day. LinkedIn will notice, and you’ll get restricted. - “AI” message generators—most write like robots.
Step 6: Follow Up, But Don’t Be Annoying
Getting the connection is just step one. If you want a response:
- Wait a day or two after they accept.
- Send a quick thank you or comment on something they care about.
- If you have an ask (coffee, call, demo), be up-front, brief, and respect a no.
What doesn’t work: - Immediate sales pitches the second they connect. - Generic “let’s network” with no specifics.
Pro tip:
If someone doesn’t reply, leave them alone. One nudge is fine; more than that and you’ll get blocked.
Step 7: Review, Adjust, Repeat
This isn’t “set and forget.” Every audience is different, so make small changes and see what improves your results.
- Tweak your target filters.
- Test different message angles.
- Cut anything that feels spammy or gets ignored.
Keep an eye on your LinkedIn account health. If you get a warning, back off for a while. No tool is worth losing your profile.
Wrapping Up
Dux-soup can save you time, but it won’t make you interesting or persuasive. The real secret? A tight target list and messages that sound like you actually care. Start small, track what works, and don’t be afraid to ditch what doesn’t. Fewer, better connections beat a sea of ignored invites—every single time.