Once a prospect accepts your connection request, SalesTarget.ai can automatically send them a series of LinkedIn direct messages — a message sequence. Each message fires at the delay you set, and the sequence stops automatically the moment the prospect replies.
How LinkedIn Message Sequences Work
Messages are sent as LinkedIn direct messages — they appear in the prospect's LinkedIn inbox just like a normal message from you
The sequence only sends messages to 1st-degree connections (prospects who have accepted your connection request)
If the prospect replies at any point, the sequence stops immediately
Messages are sent during your configured active hours at randomized intervals to appear natural
Step 1: Add Message Steps to Your Campaign
Open your campaign in LinkedIn Outreach → Campaigns.
In the sequence builder, after your Connection Request step, click Add Step → Message.
The message editor will open.
Step 2: Write Your First Message
Your first message after a connection is accepted should:
Thank them for connecting (optional but warms the tone)
Introduce your value — briefly explain what you do and why it's relevant to them
End with a soft, low-friction ask — avoid asking for a call immediately
Example first message:
Hi {{first_name}}, thanks for connecting! I work with {{industry}} teams at companies like {{company_name}} to help them book more meetings without adding headcount. Would love to share how — open to a quick exchange here on LinkedIn?
Use personalization variables by typing {{ in the message field and selecting from the list.
Step 3: Set the Delay for the First Message
Set how many days after the connection is accepted before the first message sends:
Recommended: 1 day after connection accepted — gives the prospect time to see the connection notification before a message arrives
Avoid messaging instantly after connection — it can feel automated and rushed
In the step settings, set Wait X days after connection accepted and click Save.
Step 4: Add Follow-up Messages
If the prospect doesn't reply to the first message, add follow-up messages to continue the sequence:
Click Add Step → Message again after the first message step.
Write a follow-up — shorter than the first, with a different angle or a fresh value proposition.
Set the delay (e.g., 3–5 days after the previous message).
Repeat for additional follow-ups.
Recommended Message Sequence Structure
Step | Timing | Content |
Message 1 | Day 1 after connection | Introduction + soft value proposition |
Message 2 | Day 4 | Follow-up with a relevant insight, case study, or resource |
Message 3 | Day 9 | Low-friction CTA — "Worth a quick chat?" |
Message 4 | Day 14 | Final message — close the loop politely |
Step 5: Set Stop Conditions
In the campaign settings, ensure the following are enabled:
Stop on reply — sequence stops the moment a prospect responds
Skip prospects who are already messaging — avoids messaging prospects who have an open conversation with you outside of this campaign
Message Length Best Practices
Message in Sequence | Recommended Length |
First message | 3–5 sentences |
Follow-up messages | 2–3 sentences |
Final follow-up | 1–2 sentences |
LinkedIn is not email — shorter, conversational messages consistently outperform long formal ones. Write the way you'd naturally message someone on LinkedIn, not the way you'd write a business email.