LS #69: The Smart LinkedIn Outreach
How to turn profile views and engagement into conversations
Hi there,
I break down top LinkedIn posts to help you craft content that connects.
In this issue, you’ll find:
The 3 high-performing LinkedIn posts this week
The smart LinkedIn outreach: how to turn profile views and engagement into conversations
The 3 high-performing posts this week
1. I saw this today and instantly laughed.
Why this post?
This post went viral, receiving 1.3k likes in a week. It received 9-16 times more engagement and views than Blaine’s posts this week.
WHY THIS POST WENT VIRAL
This post perfectly captures why startups beat big companies using a simple visual anyone can understand.
BREAKDOWN
Casual discovery hook: “I saw this today and instantly laughed” - feels like sharing with a friend
Personal memory tie-in: “It reminded me of the early days when people would say: ‘But why won’t XYZ large corporation just do this?’”
Clear takeaway: “This is exactly why small teams win”
Visual metaphor: Three-panel image showing cart stuck in mud with different approaches
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2. Shoutout to MANSCAPED
Why this post?
Another post that went viral this week—it got 466 likes in 4 days and performed 2.7-40 times better than Evan’s previous content.
WHY THIS POST WENT VIRAL
This post shows how to break down someone else’s creative work in a way that educates your audience.
BREAKDOWN:
Casual hook: “Shoutout to MANSCAPED“ and “Hella funny“ - informal tone grabs attention
Hidden depth reveal: “These ads may not seem like they’re that serious, but one of my favorite things about Manscaped is they have some crazy smart creative strategy behind their ads“
Entertainment + education: Shows funny video but explains the data-driven strategy behind it
Surprising stat: “51% of men have sent unsolicited photos, just 4% of women respond positively”
Quote from company: Direct insight from Manscaped exec explaining their research-backed approach
Video content: Funny ad called “The Boys” - entertaining to watch
3. Many founders confuse marketing strategy with tactics
Why this post?
This post got 3.8-12 times more comments than Pierre’s other posts this week.
WHY THIS POST WENT VIRAL
This post solved a real confusion that costs founders time and money every day.
BREAKDOWN:
Common mistake called out: “Many founders confuse marketing strategy with tactics” - identifies widespread problem
Specific examples: “They think ‘running ads’ is a strategy; They think ‘posting daily’ is a strategy” - makes it concrete
Missing elements listed: Who are we helping, for what problem, how we solve it differently, what do we say
Consequence of confusion: “they lack focus and direction” - shows why this matters
Reactive loop explained: No clear direction → Something external happens → React → Try new tactic → Intensify lack of direction
Simple distinction: Strategy = high-level plan for revenue goals. Tactics = specific actions to execute strategy
Visual diagram: Shows flow from Business Strategy → Strategy → Tactics → Operations
LinkedIn Guide
The smart LinkedIn outreach: how to turn profile views and engagement into conversations
I used to send 100 cold connection requests per week.
Response rate: 2%. Most ignored me completely.
Then I switched to trigger-based outreach - only reaching out to people who already showed interest.
Response rate jumped to 37%. Completely different results.
Here’s what changed: I stopped interrupting strangers. Started responding to signals.
The Outreach Problem
What most founders do:
Send cold connection requests to anyone in their ICP
Generic messages to people who don’t know them
Mass outreach hoping 1-3% respond
Same message regardless of context
Why this fails:
No existing awareness of who you are
No reason for them to care
Feels like spam
Zero context for the conversation
The reality: The best outreach doesn’t feel like outreach. It feels like a natural response to something that already happened.
The Trigger Signal System
The 5 High-Intent Signals to Track
Signal #1: Profile Views
They looked at your profile. They’re curious.
Signal #2: Post Likes
They engaged with your content. They found it valuable.
Signal #3: Post Comments
They took time to respond. Highest intent signal.
Signal #4: Follows
They want to see more from you. Clear interest.
Signal #5: Content Shares
They found your content valuable enough to share with their network.
Why these matter: Each signal shows increasing levels of intent and awareness. They already know who you are.
How to Respond to Each Signal
Signal #1: Profile View Response
The context: Someone viewed your profile but didn’t connect.
What most founders do: Ignore it or send generic “I saw you viewed my profile” message.
The smart approach:
Step 1: Check if they’re in your ICP
Job title matches?
Company size fits?
Industry relevant?
Step 2: If yes, send contextual message
Message template:
“Hey [Name], noticed you stopped by my profile.
I see you’re leading [function] at [Company]. We work with a lot of [similar role] at [similar company type] on [specific problem].
Curious - what brought you to my profile? Happy to share any resources if something specific caught your attention.”
Why this works:
Acknowledges the signal without being creepy
Shows you understand their role
Opens conversation naturally
Offers value, doesn’t pitch
Response rate: 30-40%
Signal #2: Post Like Response
The context: Someone liked your post about a specific problem.
What most founders do: Nothing. Maybe a generic “thanks for engaging.”
The smart approach:
Step 1: Check if they’re in your ICP
Step 2: Check their recent activity
Did they post about related problems?
Any signals they’re dealing with this issue?
Step 3: Send value-first message
Message template:
“Hey [Name], saw you liked my post about [specific topic].
Quick question - are you currently dealing with [related problem] at [Company]? Asking because I noticed [something specific from their profile/activity].
If so, I have a [resource/framework/case study] that might help. Happy to share.”
Why this works:
References specific content they engaged with
Shows you did homework on them
Qualifies before offering anything
No pitch, just value
Response rate: 30-35%
Signal #3: Post Comment Response
The context: Someone commented on your post. Highest intent signal.
What most founders do: Reply “Thanks!” and move on.
The smart approach:
Step 1: Reply publicly with additional value
Public reply: “Great point about [their comment]. We actually saw something similar - [additional insight]. The key difference was [specific detail]. Curious how you’re currently handling this at [Company]?”
Step 2: Check if they’re in your ICP
Step 3: If yes, continue in DMs
DM template:
“Hey [Name], really appreciate your comment on my [topic] post.
Your point about [specific thing they said] got me thinking. We worked with a company facing the exact same challenge - [one sentence about the situation].
I actually wrote a deeper breakdown of how they solved it. Want me to send it over?”
Why this works:
References their specific words
Shows genuine interest in their perspective
Offers exclusive value
Natural transition to conversation
Response rate: 45-55%
Signal #4: New Follower Response
The context: Someone just followed you. They want more of your content.
What most founders do: Nothing. Or immediate sales pitch.
The smart approach:
Step 1: Check if they’re in your ICP
Step 2: Check what content they recently engaged with
Step 3: Send welcome + value message
Message template:
“Hey [Name], thanks for the follow.
Noticed you engaged with my post about [topic]. That’s actually something I write about a lot - [specific problem for their role/industry].
Any particular challenges you’re trying to solve around [topic area]? Always looking for content ideas from people actually dealing with this stuff.”
Why this works:
Acknowledges the follow naturally
Shows you noticed their specific interest
Invites them to share challenges
Positions you as helpful, not salesy
Response rate: 30-40%
Signal #5: Content Share Response
The context: Someone shared your content with their network. Strongest endorsement.
What most founders do: Like their share and move on.
The smart approach:
Step 1: Thank them publicly (comment on their share)
Public comment: “Really appreciate you sharing this, [Name]. Glad it resonated.”
Step 2: Send a DM with exclusive value
DM template:
“Hey [Name], just saw you shared my post about [topic]. Really appreciate that.
Since you found it valuable, thought you might want the extended version. I have a full breakdown with [templates/framework/case study] that goes deeper.
Want me to send it over?”
Why this works:
Shows genuine appreciation
Offers exclusive content they can’t get elsewhere
Natural reason to continue conversation
Response rate: 50-60%
The Daily Trigger Tracking System
Morning routine (10 minutes):
Step 1: Check profile views
Filter for ICP matches
Note 3-5 worth reaching out to
Step 2: Review post engagement from last 24 hours
Who liked?
Who commented?
Anyone share?
Step 3: Check new followers
ICP matches?
Relevant titles?
Step 4: Prioritize and reach out
Comments first (highest intent)
Profile views second
Likes third
Followers fourth
Weekly target:
5-10 trigger-based outreach messages
Track response rates by signal type
Double down on what works
The Trigger Outreach Rules
Rule #1: Speed Matters
Respond within 24 hours of the trigger. After 48 hours, the context is stale.
Rule #2: Always Reference the Trigger
Make it clear why you’re reaching out. No generic messages.
Rule #3: ICP Only
Don’t waste triggers on non-buyers. Check before reaching out.
Rule #4: Value First, Always
Offer something helpful before asking for anything.
Rule #5: One CTA Maximum
Ask one question or make one offer. Never both.
Common Trigger Outreach Mistakes
Mistake #1: “I Saw You Viewed My Profile” Without Context
Feels surveillance-y and offers no value.
Fix: Add context about why you’re relevant to them.
Mistake #2: Pitching Immediately After a Like
They liked one post, now you’re selling.
Fix: Qualify first, offer value, pitch never (let them ask).
Mistake #3: Generic “Thanks for Connecting”
Wasted opportunity to start real conversation.
Fix: Reference specific content or signal that prompted connection.
Mistake #4: Treating All Signals Equally
A comment shows 10x more intent than a like.
Fix: Prioritize response effort by signal strength.
Real Trigger Outreach Results
Cold outreach (before):
Weekly outreach: 100 messages
Response rate: 2%
Qualified conversations: 1-2
Time spent: 3-5 hours/week
Trigger-based outreach (after):
Weekly outreach: 15 messages
Response rate: 37%
Qualified conversations: 5-8
Time spent: 2 hours/week
The insight: 70% less effort, 4x more conversations.
The Trigger Outreach Formula
Track Signals Daily (profile views, likes, comments, follows) + Filter for ICP (only respond to potential buyers) + Reference the Trigger (make context clear) + Offer Value First (resources, insights, help) + Respond Fast (within 24 hours) = Outreach that feels like conversation, not cold pitch
Stop cold messaging. Start responding to signals.
That’s a wrap for today.
See you next week! If you want more LinkedIn tips, be sure to follow me on LinkedIn (link).
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Your compadre,
Anton “LinkedIn growth strategies” Cherkasov