Your 4-Step Follow-Up Sequence on LinkedIn: A Handy Guide for B2B Sellers

“80% of sales require five follow-up calls after the meeting. 44% of sales reps give up after just one follow-up.”(Source: Brevet Group)

If you’re tired of sending connection requests that go nowhere or first messages that get ghosted, this guide is for you.

Connection --> Warm Welcome -->Value Share -->Soft Pitch --> Final Check-In         

Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions, AI-powered tools, and ready-to-use prompts—plus some headline hacks to make your outreach irresistible.

Why a Follow-Up Sequence Matters More Than Ever

1. Multiple Touchpoints Boost Trust: According to various sales studies, most prospects need more than two interactions to feel comfortable doing business. You can’t rely on a single, perfect message.
2. Cuts Through the Noise: By following up consistently and thoughtfully, you’ll outshine the 44% of sales reps who never follow up after one attempt.
3. Relationship-Building vs. Transactional Approach: A structured sequence proves you’re in it for the long haul, not just a quick sale.

“80% of sales require five follow-up calls after the meeting. 44% of sales reps give up after just one follow-up.” (Source: Brevet Group)

Your 4-Step DIY Follow-Up Sequence:

Below is a practical timeline. Adapt as you see fit—if your sales cycle is shorter or longer, simply shift the days.

Day 0: Connection + Personalized Note

• Action: Send a warm, targeted connection request.
• Message Angle: Mention a common thread (shared group, mutual contact, or a recent post). Include a micro-intro: Who you are and why you’re reaching out.

Example ChatGPT Prompt

“Draft a personalized LinkedIn connection request that mentions a mutual interest in [Topic] and invites the recipient to connect for knowledge-sharing.”

AI Tools to Help:

• Crystal — Analyzes the prospect’s LinkedIn profile and suggests a communication style they’ll resonate with.
• PhantomBuster (Freemium) — Automate sending tailored connection requests (be mindful to keep it genuine).

STEP 1 : Day 1: Warm Welcome & Value Tease

• Action: Once they accept, send a short welcome message to open the dialogue.
• What to Include: A quick “thank you” for connecting. A mention of why you think the connection is valuable—perhaps referencing a small insight or resource.

Example ChatGPT Prompt

“Create a 70-word LinkedIn welcome message that references a common industry challenge, offering a quick tip or a link to a useful resource.”

AI Tools to Help:

• ChatGPT or GPT-4 — To rewrite your initial note in different tones, e.g., “Write this with more enthusiasm” or “Make it 20% shorter.”
• Canva (Free) — Quickly create a mini infographic or a branded “hello” card if you want to stand out visually.

STEP 2: Day 3: Gifting Value

• Action: Send a short message with an article link, a relevant stat, or a practical hack.
• Why It Works: You’re investing in the relationship by sharing something beneficial, not just pushing a product.

Curious Headline Idea:

• “3 Surprising Trends in [Industry] You Can’t Ignore”
• “Why [Pain Point] Is Costing You More Than You Think—And How to Fix It”

Example ChatGPT Prompt

“Summarize the top points of a recent article on [Topic], and craft a LinkedIn message that highlights why it’s critical for a [Job Title]. Keep it friendly and curious.”

AI Tools to Help:

• Browse AI (Freemium) — Automate gathering recent, relevant articles or data you can share with prospects.
• LeadGibbon — Harvest more details about your new connection so you can tailor the shared article or tip specifically to them.

STEP 3: Day 7: Soft Pitch

• Action: Introduce your product/service gently—frame it as a potential solution, not a salesy push.
• Message Angle: Reference the previous article or chat if possible (“Remember that study we discussed?”). Explain how your solution aligns with the challenges your prospect might be facing.

“According to LinkedIn research, 62% of buyers look for salespeople who can ‘add value or educate’ before pitching a product.”

Example ChatGPT Prompt

“Draft a LinkedIn message introducing [Product/Service] as a potential solution for [Pain Point]. Keep it under 100 words and link it back to the earlier conversation about [Topic].”

AI Tools to Help:

• Sales-Mind.ai — Check out their blog for more free AI tools specifically aimed at refining sales pitches.
• Hunter.io (Free Version) — If you need to shift to email, verify the address first to ensure your pitch doesn’t bounce.

STEP 4: Day 14: The Polite Check-In

• Action: Send a friendly final follow-up, acknowledging they may be busy.
• What to Include: Understanding tone: “I know you might not be ready…” Door-opener: “If the timing isn’t right now, I’d still love to stay connected…”

Example ChatGPT Prompt

“Write a 2-3 sentence LinkedIn ‘final check-in’ message that’s polite, empathetic, and leaves the door open for future contact.”

AI Tools to Help:

• X.ai or other scheduling assistants — Offer a quick link for them to book time if they’re interested.
• Attio (AI-Driven CRM) — Track all interactions so you never forget where you left off if they come back months later.

Headline & Subject Line Brainstorm

Engaging headlines can spark curiosity, especially when you move your conversation to email or InMail. Try these ChatGPT prompts to stand out:

1. Headlines for Cold Outreach
2. Headline Variations
3. Stats & Quotes as Hooks

ChatGPT Prompts for Your Follow-Up Sequence:

1. Welcome Note:

“Draft a 50-word LinkedIn welcome message introducing myself as a fellow [Industry] professional who’s interested in learning about [Their Expertise]. Keep it warm and non-salesy.

2. Value Share:

“Summarize a recent [Industry] trend or news article in under 80 words, focusing on why it’s important to [Job Title].”

3. Light Pitch:

“Craft a concise LinkedIn pitch message for [Product/Service] that addresses [Pain Point]. Keep it under 100 words and slightly informal.”

4. Final Check-In:

“Write a polite follow-up message that acknowledges they might be busy or not ready to talk. End with a gentle offer to connect in the future.”

BONUS PROMPTS: Personalized Connection Requests

1. Personalized Connection Requests

“Create a 50-word LinkedIn connection request aimed at a [Job Title] in [Industry], referencing a mutual connection or shared interest in [Topic]. Highlight how my AI marketing background can bring value.”

2. Welcome Message with Warmth

“Draft a friendly, 70-word LinkedIn welcome message for a new connection, emphasizing collaboration and my focus on [Key Industry Pain Point]. Keep it personal but professional.”

3. Value-Focused Follow-Up

“Compose a concise LinkedIn follow-up message (under 100 words) sharing an insightful article or statistic about [Industry Trend]. Show how my AI-driven approach can solve a common challenge, without sounding salesy.”

4. Final ‘Nudge’ or Check-In

“Write a polite LinkedIn check-in message for a lead who hasn’t responded in a week, referencing our previous conversation about [Pain Point/Topic]. Express understanding and leave the door open for future collaboration.”

5. Summaries of Articles or Case Studies

“Summarize a recent [Industry/Topic] study or case study in 3 sentences, highlighting the key benefit or learning for [Type of Prospect]. End with a question to spark curiosity.”

6. Subject Lines that Spark Curiosity

“Give me 5 edgy subject lines for a final follow-up email about [Product/Service], using a hint of urgency and referencing [Pain Point]. Avoid sounding overly aggressive.”

7. Tone & Style Adjustments

“Rewrite my existing LinkedIn pitch in a friendlier, more empathetic tone, while keeping it under 60 words. Mention AI marketing and keep it appealing to [Industry/Role].”

8. Scheduling & Calendars

“Draft a short message inviting a prospect to schedule a quick 15-minute consultation. Include a CTA to check my calendar link and highlight how my AI marketing solutions can save them time.”

9. Handling Objections

“Create a thoughtful response to a prospect who says they’re ‘not interested right now.’ Show empathy, briefly restate my value proposition, and keep it under 80 words.”

10. Testimonial-Based Outreach

“Write a LinkedIn message referencing a successful client testimonial in [Industry], focusing on how my AI-driven approach transformed their operations or boosted ROI. Keep it humble but impactful.”

3 Bonus Hacks to Amp Up Your Sequence (Recommended by Top Sales Voice)

1. Batch Your Outreach: Time-block your follow-ups so you don’t lose track. For instance, dedicate 30 minutes each morning to responding to prospects in Day 1 or Day 3 phases.
2. Personal Video Messages: If you really want to go above and beyond, record a 30-second personalized video for your prospect. Upload it privately on YouTube or loom.com and share the link—it feels special and personal.
3. Leverage Company Insights: Check your prospect’s company page for recent news or job postings. Mentioning something timely can significantly boost engagement.

“Personalized messages get nearly 2x the response rate compared to generic outreach.” (Source: LinkedIn Sales Solutions)

Ready to boost your LinkedIn game? Start with a small batch of 10 qualified leads. Personalize each touchpoint using prompts, tools, and a dash of your unique style. Track what works, refine, and watch as your pipeline fills with genuinely interested prospects. Good luck!

Who Am I ?

I'm Janani, an AI marketer passionate about leveraging technology for real business impact. I represent Paramount Software Solutions, Inc an IT consulting powerhouse offering cutting-edge Cyber, Cloud, and CMS solutions to future-proof your operations.

Drop a comment below with your biggest follow-up challenge, and let’s tackle it together!

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