Email vs. LinkedIn for Post-Meeting Follow-Up
- Silvio Bonomi
- 8 hours ago
- 11 min read
When it comes to following up after a meeting, choosing between email and LinkedIn depends on your goals and your prospect's preferences. Both platforms offer unique advantages:
Email: Best for formal, detailed communication like meeting recaps, proposals, or contracts. It integrates with CRM tools, allows for tracking (e.g., open rates), and scales well with automation. However, crowded inboxes and spam filters can hinder visibility.
LinkedIn: Ideal for quick, personal interactions and relationship-building. It often sees higher response rates (10–30%) and bypasses email-related barriers like spam filters. However, it has character limits and may require a connection request.
Key takeaway: Use email for structured, professional follow-ups and LinkedIn for informal, engaging touchpoints. Combining both platforms ensures broader reach and better engagement.
Quick Comparison
Factor | ||
Response Rate | 1–10% (up to 70% personalized) | 10–30% |
Tone | Formal | Conversational |
Best Use | Detailed recaps, proposals | Quick check-ins, rapport |
Challenges | Spam filters, crowded inboxes | Character limits, connection requirements |
A multi-channel approach - starting with email and following up on LinkedIn - can maximize your outreach efforts and keep the conversation moving forward.
How Do You Write A Polite Follow-up After A Meeting? - TheEmailToolbox.com
Using Email for Post-Meeting Follow-Up
Email continues to be a cornerstone of B2B communication in the United States. When it comes to following up after meetings, it offers a level of professionalism and organization that’s hard to beat. It’s structured, easy to track, and perfect for detailed business conversations.
Here’s why email remains such a valuable tool for post-meeting follow-ups.
Why Email Works Well for Follow-Ups
Email’s strength lies in its ability to balance professionalism with flexibility. In American business culture, where clear and formal communication is often expected, email provides an excellent way to maintain a polished image while sharing important details. It’s perfect for sending meeting summaries, proposals, pricing information, or technical documents - all without worrying about space limitations or platform restrictions. This makes it ideal for in-depth B2B discussions where precision matters.
Another advantage is how seamlessly email integrates with CRM tools. Sales teams can automatically log conversations, track engagement, and schedule follow-ups directly through their CRM systems. These tools are often built around email workflows, making it easy to keep track of leads and refine your follow-up strategy.
Email also scales exceptionally well. With the help of automation tools, you can personalize messages for hundreds of prospects and manage follow-ups efficiently. This is especially useful when juggling large sales pipelines or multiple stakeholders from the same company.
One of email’s standout features is its tracking capabilities. You can monitor open rates, clicks, and response patterns, giving you valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t. This data helps you fine-tune your messaging and timing for future follow-ups.
How to Write Effective Email Follow-Ups
Timing is critical. Aim to send your follow-up email within 24–48 hours after the meeting. This shows you’re proactive and keeps the conversation fresh in your prospect’s mind.
Subject lines are another key element. Avoid vague phrases like "Following up" and opt for something specific and relevant instead. For example, “Next steps from our October 18th discussion about your Q1 expansion plans” is much more likely to grab attention in a crowded inbox.
Begin your email with a brief recap of the meeting. Highlight the main points discussed to show you were paying attention and to provide context for the next steps. Then, outline any promised deliverables or actions clearly.
Personalization is non-negotiable. Reference specific details from your conversation, address the recipient by name, and tailor your message to their unique challenges or goals. A generic email risks being ignored.
Keep your tone professional but conversational. Think of it as continuing the dialogue rather than delivering a formal report. And remember, busy professionals appreciate brevity, so get to the point quickly.
Finally, make your follow-up valuable. Don’t just check in - offer something useful, like industry insights, relevant resources, or answers to questions raised during the meeting. This adds depth to your follow-up and makes it more engaging.
Email Follow-Up Drawbacks
As effective as email can be, it’s not without its challenges. One major hurdle is the sheer volume of emails executives receive daily. Your message can easily get lost in a crowded inbox.
Spam filters are another concern. Even legitimate business emails can end up flagged as spam, especially if they include certain trigger words or formatting. This is a particular risk for cold follow-ups or emails sent from new domains.
The formal tone of email, while often a strength, can sometimes feel too rigid. Some prospects might prefer a more casual, conversational approach that feels less like a sales pitch.
Response rates can also be discouraging. Cold emails typically see response rates between 1–10%, though personalized messages can boost this significantly, sometimes reaching up to 70% for warm follow-ups. Still, it often takes multiple attempts to get a reply.
Writing effective follow-ups takes time and precision. Research shows that 95% of leads respond only after the seventh follow-up email, highlighting the need for persistence and a well-planned sequence. This underscores the importance of staying consistent and strategic when managing multiple prospects simultaneously.
Using LinkedIn for Post-Meeting Follow-Up
Email is still a cornerstone of B2B communication, but LinkedIn brings something extra to the table: a way to build relationships while staying professional. It’s not just about exchanging information - it’s about creating a connection that lasts beyond the initial meeting.
Why LinkedIn Works for Follow-Ups
One standout feature of LinkedIn is its ability to drive higher response rates. Messages sent through LinkedIn often see response rates between 10–30%. This is largely because LinkedIn operates in a professional context, and its direct messaging feels more personal than traditional email.
What makes LinkedIn even more effective is its social aspect. By exploring a prospect’s profile, you can learn about their career background, recent achievements, shared connections, or even their latest posts. This insight allows you to craft follow-ups that feel thoughtful and tailored.
Another advantage? LinkedIn messages skip many of the hurdles that email faces, like crowded inboxes or spam filters. Messages land directly in the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox, where professionals are generally more receptive. Plus, since users are already in a networking mindset on LinkedIn, they’re more likely to respond quickly.
The combination of these factors makes LinkedIn an efficient tool for follow-ups, helping you maintain momentum after a meeting.
How to Send Effective LinkedIn Messages
Timing is everything. Aim to send your follow-up within 24–48 hours of your meeting. Start by referencing your recent interaction to provide context. For example, "Hi Sarah, it was great meeting you at the Chicago Sales Summit yesterday" immediately reminds them of your conversation.
Keep your message short and to the point. LinkedIn’s character limits encourage brevity, so focus on one clear goal - whether it’s scheduling a call, sharing a resource, or continuing the discussion.
Take advantage of LinkedIn’s social features to build rapport. Interact with their posts, congratulate them on milestones, or mention shared connections. These small gestures show genuine interest and help keep the relationship warm.
Personalization is key. Go beyond just using their name - reference something specific from their profile, like a recent accomplishment or company update. This level of attention demonstrates that you’re engaged and invested in their professional interests.
Finally, make sure your message adds value. Instead of just "checking in", offer something meaningful, like a resource, insight, or solution that aligns with their goals or addresses a challenge you discussed.
LinkedIn Follow-Up Drawbacks
While LinkedIn has its strengths, it’s not without limitations. The platform’s character limits can make it tough to share detailed information or complex proposals, sometimes requiring follow-up messages or a shift to email.
Another challenge is the connection requirement. Unless you’re using LinkedIn Premium or InMail credits, you’ll need the recipient to accept your connection request before you can send a message. This extra step can slow things down or result in missed opportunities if your request goes unnoticed.
LinkedIn also imposes daily limits on connection requests, which can restrict your ability to scale outreach. For high-volume campaigns, email might still be the better option.
The platform’s casual tone can also be tricky. While it works well for relationship building, some executives or industries with a more formal culture might prefer the structure of email. Understanding your audience is crucial to choosing the right approach.
Lastly, LinkedIn’s effectiveness depends on user activity. If a prospect isn’t active on the platform or has strict privacy settings, your message might not get seen. To unlock LinkedIn’s full potential, tools like Sales Navigator or Premium subscriptions can be helpful, but they come with added costs.
Email vs. LinkedIn: Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare these platforms to determine the best channel for your B2B follow-ups.
Email vs. LinkedIn Comparison Chart
Here's a breakdown of how email and LinkedIn stack up for B2B follow-up communication:
Factor | ||
Response Rate | 1–10% (up to 70% with personalization) | 10–30% for messages |
Formality Level | High – formal tone expected | Medium to low – conversational |
Personalization Options | Deep customization (subject lines, attachments, formatting) | Contextual personalization (profile details, mutual connections) |
Tracking Capabilities | Excellent – tracks opens, clicks, and replies | Limited – primarily read receipts |
CRM Integration | Seamless integration with most platforms | Often requires third-party tools or manual updates |
Scalability | Very high with automation tools | Limited by daily messaging caps |
Cost | Low to free with business email accounts | Higher – Premium or Sales Navigator often needed |
Deliverability | May hit spam filters | Delivered directly to the LinkedIn inbox |
Response Time | Slower due to crowded inboxes | Faster – professional networking mindset |
Best Use Cases | Detailed recaps, contracts, formal documentation | Quick check-ins, relationship building, content sharing |
This chart highlights the strengths of each platform: email is better for formal, detailed communication, while LinkedIn is ideal for quick, personal interactions.
When to Use Each Platform
Your choice of platform depends on your goals, the relationship stage, and the type of message you're sending.
When to choose email:
Send concise recaps with clear action points
Share proposals, contracts, or attachments
Maintain a formal record of communications
Reach senior executives who prefer formal interactions
Scale outreach with automation tools and track detailed metrics
Email is your go-to for formal, detail-heavy follow-ups. For example, after a meeting with multiple stakeholders, an email recap ensures everyone is aligned and has a reference point for future discussions.
When to choose LinkedIn:
Send thank-you notes or quick check-ins
Build rapport by referencing mutual connections or shared experiences
Share relevant articles or insights to add value
Take advantage of LinkedIn's networking atmosphere for relationship building
LinkedIn is perfect for informal touchpoints and nurturing relationships. It's a great way to stay on someone's radar without overwhelming them, especially when you can personalize your message based on their profile or recent activity.
The best B2B professionals know that success comes from using the right tool for the job. By aligning your communication method with your goals and your audience's preferences, you can make your follow-ups more effective and impactful.
Using Both Email and LinkedIn Together
Email and LinkedIn each have their own strengths and limitations, as discussed earlier. To get the best of both worlds, many top B2B professionals combine these platforms for follow-ups. This multi-channel approach balances out the weaknesses of each platform while amplifying their strengths, ensuring you connect with your ideal customer profile. After all, not every decision-maker is active on both channels, so using both increases the odds that your message gets noticed.
By adopting this strategy, you can address the shortcomings of individual platforms and significantly boost engagement.
Why Multi-Channel Follow-Up Works Better
Using email and LinkedIn together ensures your message gets in front of decision-makers, no matter which platform they prefer. For B2B outreach, having multiple touchpoints is critical. Alternating between email and LinkedIn avoids overloading one channel while creating more opportunities for meaningful engagement. This balanced approach improves your chances of success.
There’s also a psychological edge. When prospects see your name in both their inbox and LinkedIn notifications, it builds familiarity and reinforces your credibility - without coming across as pushy. Additionally, this method offers flexibility. If your email is overlooked, your LinkedIn message acts as a backup, ensuring your outreach doesn't go unnoticed.
Here’s a practical way to implement this: Start with an email recap within 24–48 hours of your initial contact. Then, follow up 3–4 days later on LinkedIn with a personalized message referencing the email and perhaps something from their recent activity. If needed, you can alternate between the two channels every 5–7 days to maintain consistent communication.
Artemis Leads: Multi-Channel B2B Outreach Experts
Artemis Leads is an excellent example of a company that has mastered this multi-channel approach. They specialize in combining tailored email and LinkedIn outreach to help businesses connect with key decision-makers. By doing so, they ensure their clients engage with 100% of their target audience, recognizing that some prospects prefer the structured tone of email, while others are more responsive to LinkedIn's dynamic networking environment.
"Via multichannel outreach, using email and LinkedIn, we reach these prospects to set up sales calls for the service you offer. We make sure each interaction feels authentic and personal. With multiple touchpoints, we increase the chances of success. Outreach comes from a real team member to boost trust and response rates. We use their LinkedIn and create matching email accounts." - Artemis Leads
What makes their strategy stand out is their dedication to authenticity. Instead of relying on generic templates, Artemis Leads creates personalized messages tailored to each platform while maintaining a consistent tone. This genuine, thoughtful communication helps build trust, as prospects can easily tell when outreach is both relevant and crafted with care. This human touch is what drives their success in connecting businesses with the right people.
Conclusion: Picking the Right Follow-Up Channel
Deciding between email and LinkedIn for post-meeting follow-ups doesn’t have to be an either-or choice. Both platforms serve unique roles in B2B sales communication. Email is perfect for formal, detailed exchanges - think contracts, meeting summaries, or detailed proposals. On the other hand, LinkedIn thrives in building connections, offering a professional yet casual space for quick check-ins and relationship-building. Together, these platforms can complement each other, catering to different prospect preferences and maximizing your outreach efforts.
LinkedIn messages often see higher reply rates - ranging from 10–30% compared to email’s 1–10% average. While email tends to yield formal, well-thought-out responses, LinkedIn is better for quick, conversational replies. Each channel fits neatly into different stages of the sales process, making them both valuable tools.
Using both channels strategically not only boosts visibility but also increases the chances of a response. When prospects encounter your outreach in their inbox and LinkedIn notifications, it creates familiarity and builds credibility without feeling overbearing. This multi-channel approach ensures you’re engaging prospects where they’re most comfortable, increasing the number of touchpoints - a critical factor in successful sales.
Tailoring your approach to your audience is essential. Senior executives often favor email for structured, business-critical discussions, while mid-level professionals or those in networking-heavy industries like tech and consulting tend to respond better on LinkedIn. The stage of the deal also matters - LinkedIn is ideal for early rapport-building, while email is better suited for finalizing agreements or sharing detailed information.
FAQs
What’s the best way to use both email and LinkedIn for follow-ups after a meeting?
Combining email and LinkedIn for post-meeting follow-ups can be a game-changer when it comes to keeping the conversation going. Email works well for formal communication, like providing detailed updates or summarizing key points from the meeting. Meanwhile, LinkedIn adds a personal element, helping you build rapport and stay top-of-mind within your contact's professional circle.
Using both platforms together creates a balanced approach to communication. This strategy ensures you're covering all your bases, making it easier to engage with your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and avoid missing out on valuable opportunities.
How can I handle email spam filters and LinkedIn connection limits when following up after a meeting?
To work around email spam filters and LinkedIn connection limits, it's all about crafting messages that feel personal and meaningful. Instead of generic outreach, take the time to understand your recipient's needs or interests and reflect that in your follow-ups. This extra effort makes your messages feel relevant and authentic.
Another smart move? Use a multichannel strategy. Combining email with LinkedIn outreach allows you to connect on different platforms, increasing the chances that your message gets noticed. Just remember to keep your follow-up schedule consistent but respectful - staying visible without becoming a nuisance is key.
When should I use LinkedIn instead of email for post-meeting follow-ups, and vice versa?
The decision to use LinkedIn or email for post-meeting follow-ups boils down to your objectives and the nature of the communication.
Email is your go-to for more formal and detailed exchanges. Whether you're sharing meeting notes, attaching important files, or summarizing the discussion, email provides the structure and professionalism needed for such tasks.
On the other hand, LinkedIn shines when the goal is to nurture relationships and stay connected on a personal level. It's particularly effective for reaching out to decision-makers or sending quick, tailored messages to keep the dialogue alive.
