Workflow steps explained
Connection notes, follow-ups, branches, what each step does and when to use it.
A workflow is the sequence of actions Funkel runs against each approved lead. There are three step types: invite, message, and follow-up. Most campaigns combine all three.
Invite
A LinkedIn connection request, optionally with a personal note. Always step 1 in a LinkedIn workflow. The lead has to accept the invite before any later step can run.
Tip · Notes attached to invites have a much higher accept rate when they cite a real signal, “saw your post about pricing” beats “great to connect” every time.
Message
A direct message sent after the invite is accepted. Step 2 in most workflows. Use it to introduce context: what you saw, why you’re reaching out, what you want.
Follow-up
Functionally identical to a message: the difference is intent. A follow-up is what you send when the previous message went unanswered. One soft check-in is fine; more than two starts to annoy people.
Timing each step
Every step after the first has a delay, delay value and delay unit (hours or days). The delay is measured from when the previous step actually completed, not from when the campaign started. Common defaults:
- Step 2 (message): 1 day after invite is accepted.
- Step 3 (follow-up): 3–5 days after step 2 was sent.
Stopping the workflow on reply
The moment a lead replies, all later steps in their workflow are canceled automatically. You don’t need to set this, it’s the default and the only sane behavior.
Editing steps mid-campaign
You can edit message templates on an active campaign. Already-sent messages stay as they were; future scheduled steps pick up your edits the next time they run.