The bacon formula for multi-channel outreach

Relying on a single channel - whether it’s cold email, LinkedIn, or calling - is no longer enough to break through the noise.

To maximize engagement and conversions, top-performing SDRs and sales teams use a multi-channel approach that strategically blends cold email and LinkedIn.

And if you’ve ever met me, you know I fry bacon on all fronts.

Why multi-channel works

✅ Higher engagement - Prospects are more likely to respond when they see your name across different platforms.
✅ Improved deliverability - Email alone can get flagged as spam; mixing in LinkedIn reduces risk.
✅ Better personalization - You can tailor messaging based on engagement data from LinkedIn and email interactions.
✅ Increased response rates - Research shows multi-channel sequences outperform single-channel outreach.

How to combine cold email & LinkedIn for maximum impact

Step 1: Optimize your LinkedIn profile

Before launching outreach, ensure your LinkedIn profile is prospect-friendly:
🔹 A clear, professional headline that states your value proposition
🔹 A compelling "About" section focused on how you help clients
🔹 A profile picture and banner that establish credibility
🔹 Activity that shows thought leadership (engagement on posts, sharing insights, etc.)

Step 2: Define your multi-channel sequence

A structured sequence prevents guesswork and ensures consistency. Here’s an effective 7-touch approach using email and LinkedIn:

Day 1 - Send a cold email

Start with a highly personalized email. Keep it short, value-driven, and relevant.

Example:
📧 Subject: “Quick question about [prospect’s challenge]” (you can use our AI subject line generator to give you some ideas)

💬 Body:

• Acknowledge a pain point or opportunity

• Show how you can help (without pitching too hard)

• End with a simple, action-oriented CTA (e.g., “Should I send over a short video about the tool?”)

Day 2 - Peep on their LinkedIn profile

This triggers a LinkedIn notification and warms up your name before further outreach.

Day 3 - Send a LinkedIn connection request

Keep it short and casual. Example:
"Hey [First Name], I came across your profile and love what you're doing at [Company]. Would love to connect!"

✅ If they accept → Engage with their content before messaging.
❌ If they don’t accept → Move to the next step in email.

Day 5 - If there’s no response, shoot them a follow up email

Send a light follow-up email.

• Briefly reiterate your value

• Add social proof (e.g., “We recently helped [similar company] achieve X”)

• Keep the CTA clear and low-pressure

Day 6 - Engage on LinkedIn

• Like or comment on one of their posts (don’t just “Like” their job update; engage meaningfully).

• If they post about a relevant topic, add an insightful comment.

Day 7 - Send a message on LinkedIn

If they’ve accepted your request but haven’t replied, send a light LinkedIn message:
"Hey [Name], wanted to say thanks for connecting! Curious - how’s [prospect’s key responsibility] going at [company]? Would love to exchange insights."

Day 10 - Final email or LinkedIn follow up

This is your last attempt.

• Ask if it’s the right time to connect

• Give them an easy opt-out (“No worries if now isn’t the right time, happy to circle back later.”)

A few tips:

✅ Don’t copy-paste the same message across channels. Each touchpoint should feel natural and relevant.
✅ Time your LinkedIn touches strategically - warming up a prospect before an email increases chances of a response.
✅ Use LinkedIn for insights - check what they engage with before crafting your message.
✅ Keep track of touchpoints in your CRM or outreach tool to avoid over-messaging.

Cold email alone isn’t enough. LinkedIn alone isn’t enough. But when used together in a strategic, structured way, they create a powerful outbound engine that increases response rates, builds credibility, and drives more meetings.

Ready to level up your outbound strategy? Test this sequence and see how it improves your reply rates!