Timing Cold Emails vs. LinkedIn Messages

Timing can make or break your outreach. Whether you're sending cold emails or LinkedIn messages, knowing when to reach out is key to getting replies and booking meetings. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Cold Emails: Best sent early in the week (Monday–Thursday) and early in the morning (4–8 AM PST). Mondays perform 25% better than other days.
• LinkedIn Messages: Work best midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) during active hours: 9 AM–12 PM, 12–3 PM, and 3–6 PM.
• Combined Approach: Start on LinkedIn to build rapport, then follow up with a cold email. Reply rates jump from 7% to 15% when both channels are used strategically.

Quick Comparison

Factor	Cold Emails	LinkedIn Messages
Best Timing	4–8 AM PST, Mon–Thurs	9 AM–6 PM, Tues–Thurs
Reply Rate	12% average	7% average
Meeting Booking Rate	5%	2%
Scalability	High (automation)	Limited (platform caps)
Personalization	Basic	Rich (profile insights)

Key Takeaway

To improve your outreach success, time your messages strategically and consider combining both emails and LinkedIn to maximize engagement. Keep reading for detailed tips on timing, follow-ups, and multichannel strategies.

Cold Outreach Strategies That Actually Work in 2025

Cold Email Timing Strategies

Getting the timing right for cold emails can make all the difference between a successful outreach and a message that gets ignored. The key lies in understanding when your prospects are most likely to engage. From selecting the right day and time to crafting follow-ups and warming up your email account, these strategies can help you boost your cold email performance.

Best Days and Times for Cold Emails

Contrary to popular belief, Monday is a prime day for cold email replies. While many assume Mondays are too hectic, a study of over 85,000 personalized emails revealed that Monday mornings, specifically between 6–9 AM PST, achieve the highest response rates. In fact, one data set showed that a Monday time slot generated 25% more replies than the second-best option.

Mondays work well because emails sent early in the week remain visible as recipients plan their schedules. Tuesday through Thursday are also strong contenders, with Tuesday emails achieving 30% higher open rates than poorly timed ones. HubSpot data shows that Tuesday often leads in performance, followed closely by Thursday, which boasts a 26% open rate.

Timing matters just as much as the day. The early morning window, between 4–8 AM PST, consistently delivers the best engagement, with open rates reaching 42.7%. Sending emails during these hours ensures your message is at the top of the recipient’s inbox when they start their day.

Time zones are critical, too. Scheduling emails based on your recipient's local time significantly improves engagement. For example, SalesUP, a B2B sales agency, reported a 20% increase in email engagement when using timezone-based scheduling tools.

On the flip side, avoid weekends, holidays, and late-night emails. While some studies suggest a 5–7 PM slot might work, data generally shows low engagement during these hours as recipients wind down for the day.

Follow-Up Timing for Cold Emails

Follow-ups are a game-changer in cold email outreach, with response rates increasing by 25–35% when done correctly. However, many salespeople stop too soon - 44% give up after just one follow-up, and 92% quit after four attempts - even though 80% of sales happen between the fifth and twelfth touchpoints.

The first follow-up should typically be sent 3–5 business days after the initial email. For urgent matters, a 24–48 hour window may be appropriate, but in most cases, this slightly longer gap strikes the right balance between persistence and respect for the recipient’s time.

Subsequent follow-ups should follow a progressive spacing strategy: wait one week after the first follow-up, then extend the interval to two weeks for the next, and 3–4 weeks for later attempts. This approach keeps you visible without overwhelming your prospect.

In terms of volume, aim for 2 to 7 follow-ups. Research shows that 80% of non-routine sales require at least five follow-ups to close. If a prospect hasn’t responded after two follow-ups, consider increasing the interval between messages to avoid coming across as pushy.

Adapt your follow-up timing to the situation. For example:

• Sales proposals and inquiries: Follow up after 2–3 days.
• Meeting requests: Wait about a week.
• Job applications: A 5–7 day interval works well.
• Customer service issues: Respond within 24–48 hours.

Email Warm-Up Period

Before launching a cold email campaign, warming up your email account is crucial for maintaining a good sender reputation and avoiding spam filters. Skipping this step can result in poor deliverability, with emails landing in spam or even risking your domain being blacklisted.

A proper warm-up process typically takes 8–12 weeks, allowing your account to gradually build trust with email service providers. While this might seem like a long time, it ensures your emails reach their intended audience. For example, Google Workspace accounts don’t immediately have full sending privileges - its daily limit of 2,000 emails is phased in over time.

Start small by sending 5–10 emails per day in the first week, and slowly increase the volume. Consistency is key, along with encouraging engagement through opens, clicks, and replies.

Before warming up, make sure your account is properly configured:

• Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication. According to Maropost’s Deliverability Team, implementing DMARC with a monitor policy can yield noticeable improvements within 48–72 hours.

Monitor your email health throughout the process by tracking metrics like open rates, reply rates, and bounce rates. Cleaning your email list regularly to remove invalid or unengaged addresses is equally important, as these can harm your sender reputation.

Finally, use email warm-up tools to automate the process. These tools save time and allow you to test variables like subject lines and content before scaling up your campaign.

Next, we’ll explore how LinkedIn timing strategies can complement your cold email efforts.

LinkedIn Message Timing Strategies

When it comes to LinkedIn messaging, timing isn’t just about sticking to business hours - it’s about tapping into real-time engagement patterns. By aligning your outreach with when prospects are most active, you can significantly improve your chances of connecting.

Best Days and Times for LinkedIn Messages

The most active days on LinkedIn are typically Tuesday through Thursday, with the best response times falling into three key windows: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, 12:00 PM–3:00 PM, and 3:00 PM–6:00 PM.

On weekends, response rates tend to drop. For instance, Saturdays see an 8% lower response rate, and Fridays are 4% lower. However, Sundays present a unique opportunity, as only 2% of InMails are sent that day, potentially reducing competition.

It’s also crucial to consider time zones. A message sent at 10:00 AM Eastern Time might work perfectly for someone in New York but could arrive too early for a prospect on the West Coast. Tailoring your outreach to local schedules can make a big difference.

Activity-Based Timing

One of LinkedIn’s strengths is its real-time activity features. By timing your messages when prospects are actively engaging - liking, commenting, or sharing content - you’re more likely to catch them in the right mindset to respond. When users are already interacting on the platform, they’re naturally more receptive to new messages. Plus, LinkedIn’s algorithm tends to favor active users, boosting the visibility of your outreach during these peak times.

For maximum impact, schedule your messages during overlapping active hours across different regions. This approach ensures your message reaches prospects when they’re most likely to notice it.

Follow-Up Timing for LinkedIn Messages

Following up on LinkedIn requires a balance between persistence and professionalism. A good starting point is to send your first follow-up 3–5 business days after the initial message. For subsequent follow-ups, aim for 5–7 days and then 7–10 days. Research shows that 65% of InMail responses come within 24 hours, and 90% arrive within a week. Keeping your messages concise - under 400 characters - can further boost response rates by 22%.

Interestingly, following up within 24 hours of your first message can increase response rates by up to 50%. However, for cold outreach, waiting 3–5 days strikes a better balance. Data also reveals that 65% of prospects reply after three follow-ups. If there’s no response after three attempts, it’s usually best to move on.

Maire O'Connor, an Executive Talent Researcher at HubSpot, shares this practical advice:

"The best advice I ever received was to keep the subject line short and punchy. I like to put on my candidate hat and ask myself what would make me want to open a message."

Cold Emails vs LinkedIn Messages: Pros and Cons

When you're diving into B2B outreach, it’s important to weigh the strengths and limitations of each channel. Both cold emails and LinkedIn messages play a crucial role in successful outreach, but each shines in its own way.

Response Rates and Engagement

LinkedIn messages often outperform cold emails when it comes to response rates. For example, LinkedIn messages typically see response rates between 15% and 25%, while cold emails average only 1–5%. This difference largely stems from LinkedIn’s reputation as a professional networking hub, where users are already in a business-focused mindset and more inclined to engage.

That said, cold emails have their own advantages. With a highly personalized approach, some outreach managers have achieved reply rates as high as 70%. The key lies in crafting attention-grabbing subject lines and tailoring the content to stand out in crowded inboxes. However, cold emails rely on broader data points for personalization, while LinkedIn messages benefit from the platform’s rich user profiles.

Delivery Considerations

Delivery mechanics also set these channels apart. Cold emails often face challenges like spam filters and strict email provider rules, which can limit their reach. On the other hand, LinkedIn messages bypass these hurdles entirely, delivering directly to the recipient’s inbox. For instance, LinkedIn InMails boast response rates of 10–25%, which is up to 300% higher than typical email responses.

However, LinkedIn comes with its own restrictions. The platform limits how many messages and connection requests users can send, and violating these guidelines can lead to account restrictions or even bans. Meanwhile, cold emails support structured, automated follow-up sequences, making them a better fit for larger campaigns.

Comparison Table: Cold Emails vs LinkedIn Messages

Factor	Cold Emails	LinkedIn Messages
Response Rate	1–5%	15–25%
Open Rate	15–28%	N/A (direct delivery)
Scalability	High (automation)	Limited (platform caps)
Personalization	Basic (limited data)	Rich (profile insights)
Delivery	May hit spam filters	Direct to inbox
Cost	Lower	Higher (premium tools)
Compliance	GDPR, CAN-SPAM laws	Platform-specific rules
Follow-up Style	Automated sequences	Manual, personalized
Best For	Large-scale outreach	High-value prospects

Choosing the Right Channel

Your choice between cold emails and LinkedIn messages depends on your outreach goals. Cold emails are perfect for scaling up and reaching larger audiences with consistent messaging. On the flip side, LinkedIn messages excel in targeted, one-on-one interactions, making them ideal for engaging key decision-makers.

For businesses partnering with agencies like Artemis Leads, combining both channels can create a well-rounded strategy. This approach ensures you connect with prospects across different platforms, increasing your chances of building meaningful relationships. By leveraging the unique strengths of each method, you can craft a more effective outreach plan tailored to your audience’s preferences.

Multichannel Outreach: Using Emails and LinkedIn Messages Together

B2B outreach becomes much more effective when you combine cold emails with LinkedIn messages. Instead of relying solely on one channel, successful businesses use both to create multiple touchpoints that engage potential leads.

When used strategically, these platforms work together to build trust and warm up leads before delivering your pitch. This approach caters to the varied preferences of decision-makers, ultimately improving your outreach results.

The statistics back this up. Sales reps who use LinkedIn as part of their sales strategy are 51% more likely to meet their sales targets. Additionally, those who focus on building personal brands on social media see 45% more sales opportunities.

Sequencing Strategies for Multichannel Outreach

The secret to effective multichannel outreach lies in how you sequence your interactions. Instead of overwhelming prospects with random messages, you need a structured approach that builds trust and context naturally.

One proven method is to start on LinkedIn and then follow up with an email. Sweta Panigrahi, CMO at Autolayout, highlights why this works:

"I would bet on LinkedIn outreach first, followed by cold email. A random email in someone's inbox might feel intrusive, but when you've already engaged with them by liking, commenting, visiting their profile, or following them, it makes a huge difference in sales."

Autolayout saw this strategy pay off during its launch phase. By posting on LinkedIn and reaching out to prospects for early access, they gained over 1,000 users in just six weeks. Nearly 43% of LinkedIn prospects responded to cold emails because the initial connection had already been established on LinkedIn.

Here’s an example of a structured sequence that balances persistence with professionalism:

Day	Action
Day 1	Send an introductory email
Day 3	Connect on LinkedIn with a short message
Day 5	Follow up with a second email referencing the first
Day 7	Call and leave a voicemail if there's no response
Day 10	Engage with their LinkedIn content before sending another message

One SaaS company implemented a similar sequence and saw a 40% increase in meeting bookings. Each step built on the previous one, creating a natural flow that guided prospects through the outreach process.

Timing is just as important as the sequence itself. For example, LinkedIn follow-ups should align with email intervals - send the second message 2–3 days after the first, and space out subsequent messages by 4–5 days. This pacing keeps you on their radar without being overbearing.

Cross-Platform Follow-Ups

Cross-platform follow-ups offer another chance to connect with prospects who don’t respond initially. If your cold email goes unanswered, a LinkedIn message can serve as a fresh touchpoint that doesn’t feel repetitive.

LinkedIn messages work well for follow-ups because they land directly in a professional setting - the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox. If your email is ignored, try sending a short and direct LinkedIn message. Something like, "Hi {{first name}}, just following up to see if you're interested in {{topic of first message}}" works well. Be sure to include a clear call-to-action, like a link to schedule a meeting or a request for a quick reply.

Here’s a real-world example: In a 4-step LinkedIn sales sequence tested over six months in 2024, a team reached out to 588 people and received 206 replies. Of those replies, 20% resulted in booked calls, and 66% of those calls turned into new opportunities. Their sequence included a soft connection request, a personalized video, a LinkedIn voice note, and a final text message.

This example underscores the importance of precise timing and tailored messaging across platforms. Agencies like Artemis Leads have successfully adopted such multichannel strategies to ensure they connect with their target audience. Combining LinkedIn and email outreach helps cover all bases, leaving fewer opportunities on the table.

It’s important to tailor your messaging for each platform. LinkedIn messages should feel conversational and reflect the professional tone of the platform, while emails can be more detailed and formal. This channel-specific personalization, combined with well-timed outreach, creates a seamless multichannel experience that feels cohesive and professional.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Timing Strategy for Your Goals

The success of your B2B outreach hinges on matching your timing strategy to your goals and understanding your audience's habits. Each channel offers its own advantages, and the key is knowing when to use them effectively. This guide provides the foundation for crafting a well-rounded and efficient strategy.

Cold emails are ideal when scalability is your focus. As discussed earlier, carefully timed scheduling and follow-up sequences can make all the difference. On the other hand, LinkedIn messages shine when your goal is to build trust and foster professional relationships. LinkedIn's business-focused environment naturally lends itself to these interactions, as prospects are already in a professional mindset.

By combining these two approaches, you can cover your entire target audience more effectively. A multichannel strategy - one that leverages both email and LinkedIn - can significantly boost response rates compared to relying on just one channel. This approach ensures you reach your prospects, whether they’re scrolling through their LinkedIn feed or checking their email inbox.

When crafting your timing strategy, take into account your industry and audience demographics. Peak engagement times can vary widely between industries and even among different groups of professionals. Testing different times is crucial, as factors like age, lifestyle, and personal preferences can all influence when your audience is most likely to respond. The key is to adapt your approach to fit your audience’s expectations and behaviors.

A great example of this strategy in action is Artemis Leads. They’ve successfully used a combination of personalized email and LinkedIn outreach to connect businesses with decision-makers. By doing so, they help their clients avoid missed opportunities and achieve broader market coverage.

FAQs

What are the advantages of combining cold emails with LinkedIn messages for outreach?

Combining cold emails with LinkedIn messages can be a game-changer for outreach. Here’s why: cold emails let you reach a large number of people quickly, and with the right data, you can personalize them to grab attention. Meanwhile, LinkedIn messages offer a more direct and conversational way to engage with prospects in a professional setting.

By using both methods together, you increase your chances of being noticed. Cold emails are great for follow-ups and scaling outreach efforts, while LinkedIn messages help you avoid email spam filters and foster real-time interactions. This mix of broad reach and personal connection is a smart way to engage decision-makers and generate leads that truly matter.

What’s the best way to adjust my messaging for cold emails versus LinkedIn messages?

To make your outreach stand out on cold emails and LinkedIn, it's crucial to play to the strengths of each platform and meet the expectations of your audience.

When it comes to cold emails, personalization is key. Tailor your message to address the recipient’s specific needs or interests, and include details like their name or company to show you've done your homework. Keep the tone professional and to the point - most people appreciate clear, concise communication in their inbox.

On LinkedIn, the focus shifts toward creating a personal connection. Mention mutual connections or shared interests as a starting point, and maintain a conversational, friendly tone. Steer clear of overly formal language or pushy sales tactics, as LinkedIn users tend to respond better to genuine and approachable outreach.

By adapting your tone and strategy for each platform, you can create more meaningful interactions and improve your chances of success.

How can I identify the best times to send cold emails and LinkedIn messages to my target audience?

To increase the chances of your cold emails and LinkedIn messages getting noticed, timing is everything. For emails, aim for mornings between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM or early afternoons from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - these are windows when people are often catching up on their inboxes. For LinkedIn messages, similar times work well, but lunch breaks can also be a prime opportunity for engagement.

When it comes to choosing the right day, weekdays are your best bet, with Tuesday through Thursday being particularly effective. Mondays can be hectic as people dive into their week, and Fridays often see a dip in activity as the weekend approaches.

That said, it’s important to think about your specific audience. Different industries and roles may have their own rhythms. For instance, some professionals might be more active on LinkedIn during off-hours or have specific times they prefer for checking messages. Experimenting with timing and observing how your audience responds can help you fine-tune your strategy for better results.

Related Blog Posts

• Cold Email Timing vs. LinkedIn Outreach Timing
• Cold Email Cadence: Timing and Frequency Guide
• 7 Tips to Boost LinkedIn InMail Replies
• How To Time Follow-Ups In Multichannel Outreach