Connecting LinkedIn for outreach, and what that connection does
Outreach needs a second LinkedIn connection that signs in as you through a hosted page in your own country. Here is what it can do, what it cannot, and how to disconnect.
2 min read
Allen has two LinkedIn connections, and Communication needs both.
The two connections
- The posting connection (Settings, Integrations, "Connect LinkedIn") goes through LinkedIn's official API with a permission you grant on LinkedIn's own screen. It posts comments and your posts. It cannot send messages or connection requests, because the API does not allow that.
- The outreach connection ("LinkedIn outreach", "Connect for outreach") signs in to LinkedIn as you through a secure page run by our provider. It sends connection requests and messages, reads replies and incoming DMs, and sees who accepted. It runs in the cloud, so it works while your laptop is closed.
Connecting
- Settings, Integrations, "LinkedIn outreach", "Connect for outreach".
- Read the notice. It says in plain words that LinkedIn's rules do not allow this and that your account can be restricted. Tick the box only if you accept that.
- Pick the country you use LinkedIn from. Allen signs in from an internet address in that country, so LinkedIn sees the same place it always does.
- Sign in on the page that opens. Allen never sees what you type. If LinkedIn asks for a verification code during sign-in, enter it there.
- You land back in Allen with "Connected as" and your name.
What the connection never does
It never stores your password, never reads your browser's cookies, never follows people, never likes or comments, and never sends more than the limits in the app. Everything it sends is on the Activity tab.
When LinkedIn signs Allen out
LinkedIn ends sessions from time to time, and always when it asks the account for a verification. Allen notices, stops all sending, marks the connection as needing a reconnect, and emails you. Open Settings, Integrations and press Reconnect. Sending resumes where it left off; nothing queued is lost. If LinkedIn asked for a verification, complete it on LinkedIn first.
Disconnecting
Settings, Integrations, "LinkedIn outreach", Disconnect. The session ends and all sending stops at once. Queued requests and messages are held, not sent. Your playbook, contacts, conversations and meetings stay as they were. The posting connection is separate and keeps working.
Changing country
Disconnect, then connect again and pick the new country. Do this if you move; do not pick a country you are not in.
Related questions
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