Cold outreach is dying. Not because people stopped checking LinkedIn or email. But because buyers got smarter at ignoring messages that don't feel relevant.

The fix isn't better copy. It's better timing.

Intent-based automation flips the script. Instead of asking "who matches my ICP?", you ask "who is showing buying behavior right now?"

The difference in results is brutal:

• Cold outreach: 5-8% reply rate, 2-3% meeting rate

• Intent-based outreach: 20-40% reply rate, 15-43% meeting rate

This guide covers every intent signal worth automating in 2026. 18 automations, ranked by meeting rate, with the exact tools and workflows to capture each one.

Bookmark this. You'll come back to it.

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TL;DR: All 18 Intent Signals Ranked

Now let's break down each one.

#1: Champions Changing Companies (43% Meeting Rate)

The signal: A former customer, power user, or champion just started a new role at a different company.

Why it works: They already trust you. They already know the value. Now they have a new budget and a mandate to make an impact fast. This is the warmest "cold" outreach that exists.

The workflow:

1. Track job changes of closed-won contacts and power users

2. Filter for ICP-matching companies

3. Wait 30-60 days (let them settle in)

4. Reach out with a "congrats + remember us?" angle

Recommended tools:

• UserGems — Purpose-built for this, tracks your CRM contacts across job changes

• Clay — Pull job change data from LinkedIn, enrich with company info

• Sales Navigator — Saved search with "Changed jobs in past 90 days"

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, saw you landed at {company} — congrats!

We worked together back when you were at {previousCompany}. Curious if {problem you solve} is on your radar in the new role?

Either way, hope the transition is going well 🙌

ReactIn template: Not available (requires CRM integration)

#2: Lead Magnet Downloads (35% Meeting Rate)

The signal: Someone downloaded your ebook, template, checklist, or subscribed to your newsletter.

Why it works: They raised their hand. They're actively learning about the problem you solve. A LinkedIn DM feels like a natural next step, not a cold pitch.

The workflow:

1. Capture email + LinkedIn URL on download form

2. Trigger a personalized LinkedIn DM within 24 hours

3. Reference the specific content they downloaded

4. Ask a genuine question about their situation

Recommended tools:

• ReactIn + Tally.so — Native integration, auto-triggers DM sequence on form submission

• ReactIn + Zapier — Connect any form tool to ReactIn

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, I saw you grabbed the {lead magnet name} — nice!

Curious what prompted the download? Working on something specific or just exploring?

Why LinkedIn DM > Email: Open rates on LinkedIn are 3-5x higher than email. Plus your face is right there — it's personal.

ReactIn template: Lead Magnet Distribution

#3: Demo No-Shows (30% Meeting Rate)

The signal: Someone booked a demo or sales call but didn't show up.

Why it works: They were interested enough to book. Life got in the way. A friendly LinkedIn follow-up converts better than another calendar link in their inbox.

The workflow:

1. Cal.com or Calendly triggers "no-show" event

2. ReactIn receives webhook

3. Send LinkedIn DM 2-4 hours after missed call

4. Keep it light, offer to reschedule

Recommended tools:

• ReactIn + Cal.com — Native integration for no-show triggers

• Zapier — Connect Calendly to ReactIn

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, no worries about earlier — these things happen!

Want me to grab another slot that works better? Or if timing changed, totally get it.

Pro tip: Don't guilt trip. Don't be passive aggressive. Just be human.

ReactIn template: Cal.com Bookings (handles bookings + no-shows)

#4: Form Submissions (30% Meeting Rate)

The signal: Someone filled out a contact form, demo request, or survey on your website.

Why it works: Highest intent possible — they literally asked to talk. LinkedIn DM adds a second touchpoint and increases response rate vs. email alone.

The workflow:

1. Form submitted (Tally, Typeform, HubSpot)

2. ReactIn triggers personalized LinkedIn connection + DM

3. Reference what they asked about

4. Confirm the meeting or start conversation

Recommended tools:

• ReactIn + Tally.so — Native integration

• ReactIn + Zapier — Works with any form tool

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, just saw your message come through — nice timing!

I'll follow up by email too, but figured LinkedIn might be faster. What's the best way to connect this week?

ReactIn template: Tally.so Form Submissions

#5: LinkedIn Profile Visitors (25% Meeting Rate)

The signal: Someone viewed your LinkedIn profile.

Why it works: They're curious about you. Maybe they saw your content, got referred, or are researching before a call. Either way, they made the first move.

The workflow:

1. ReactIn tracks profile visitors daily

2. Filter for ICP matches (title, company size, industry)

3. Auto-send connection request + follow-up DM

4. Reference that you "noticed we crossed paths"

Recommended tools:

• ReactIn — Automated profile visitor capture + outreach

• LinkedIn Premium — Manual tracking (limited)

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, noticed we crossed paths on LinkedIn — curious what brought you to my profile?

Always happy to connect with folks in {industry/role}.

Pro tip: Don't say "I saw you viewed my profile." It's creepy. Keep it vague.

ReactIn template: LinkedIn Profile Visitors

#6: Website Visitors Matching ICP (24% Meeting Rate)

The signal: An ICP-matching contact visited your website (identified via reverse IP lookup or tracking).

Why it works: They're actively researching. They know you exist. Outreach feels timely, not random.

The workflow:

1. Identify website visitors (company or individual level)

2. Enrich with contact data

3. Filter for ICP match

4. Trigger personalized outreach within 24-48 hours

Recommended tools:

• RB2B — Identifies individual visitors (not just companies), US-focused

• Warmly — Real-time visitor identification + enrichment

• Clearbit Reveal — Company-level identification

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, saw some folks from {company} checking out our site this week.

Curious if you're exploring solutions for {problem}? Happy to share what's worked for similar teams.

ReactIn integration: Pair with Clay enrichment → push to ReactIn for LinkedIn outreach

ReactIn template: Not native (use with enrichment stack)

#7: Engaged with YOUR LinkedIn Posts (22% Meeting Rate)

The signal: Someone liked, commented, or shared your LinkedIn content.

Why it works: They already engaged with your thinking. They know who you are. The DM is a continuation of the conversation, not a cold intro.

The workflow:

1. ReactIn captures all post engagers automatically

2. Filter by ICP criteria

3. Send personalized DM referencing their engagement

4. Start conversation, don't pitch

Recommended tools:

• ReactIn — LinkedIn Pixel captures all engagers across all posts

• Trigify — Alternative for post tracking

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, saw you liked my post on {topic} — appreciate that!

Curious, is {problem} something you're actively working on at {company}?

Pro tip: Comment engagers convert higher than likers. Prioritize them.

ReactIn template: LinkedIn Pixel

#8: New Role Matching Your ICP (22% Meeting Rate)

The signal: Someone just got promoted or started a new job that matches your buyer persona.

Why it works: New roles = new initiatives = new budgets. They're looking to make an impact fast. Your solution might be exactly what they need to hit their first 90-day goals.

The workflow:

1. Track job changes for target titles

2. Filter for ICP-matching companies

3. Wait 2-4 weeks (let them get settled)

4. Reach out with a "congrats + relevant insight" angle

Recommended tools:

• Clay — Pull LinkedIn job changes, enrich with company data

• ProntoHQ — Automated job change tracking

• Sales Navigator — "Changed jobs" filter in saved searches

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, congrats on the new {title} role at {company}!

I work with a lot of {similar role} who are tackling {problem} in their first 90 days. Curious if that's on your radar?

ReactIn template: Not available (requires external data source)

#9: Engaged with Competitor Posts (21% Meeting Rate)

The signal: Someone in your ICP liked or commented on a competitor's LinkedIn content.

Why it works: They're actively interested in your category. They're engaging with the topic. They just don't know about you yet.

The workflow:

1. Identify competitor accounts to monitor

2. ReactIn captures everyone who engages with their posts

3. Filter for ICP matches

4. Reach out with value-first angle (don't trash competitors)

Recommended tools:

• ReactIn — LinkedIn Spyer monitors competitor post engagement

• Trigify — Alternative competitor monitoring

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, saw you're interested in {topic} — we're actually working on something similar at {your company}.

Would love to share a different angle if you're open to it.

Pro tip: Never mention you saw them on a competitor's post. Use the intel for targeting, not messaging.

ReactIn template: LinkedIn Spyer

#10: Webinar/Event Attendees (20% Meeting Rate)

The signal: Someone registered for or attended your webinar, LinkedIn Live, or virtual event.

Why it works: They gave you 30-60 minutes of attention. They're invested. The follow-up DM feels like a natural continuation.

The workflow:

1. Export attendee list from webinar platform

2. Push to ReactIn via CSV or Zapier

3. Send personalized follow-up DM within 24 hours

4. Reference specific content from the event

Recommended tools:

• ReactIn — Webinar attendee follow-up automation

• Zapier — Connect Zoom, Livestorm, etc. to ReactIn

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, thanks for joining the session on {topic} yesterday!

Curious what your main takeaway was? Happy to go deeper on anything that resonated.

ReactIn template: LinkedIn Webinar Attendees

#11: Pricing Page Visitors (20% Meeting Rate)

The signal: An identified visitor spent time on your pricing page.

Why it works: Pricing page = late-stage evaluation. They're comparing options and thinking about budget. This is buying behavior.

The workflow:

1. Track pricing page visits with RB2B or Clearbit

2. Identify the individual or company

3. Enrich with contact data

4. Trigger same-day outreach

Recommended tools:

• RB2B — Individual-level visitor identification

• Clearbit Reveal — Company-level, pairs with Clearbit data

• Warmly — Real-time alerts for high-intent pages

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, I noticed {company} has been exploring some solutions in our space.

Happy to answer any questions or walk you through how we compare. No pressure either way.

ReactIn integration: Use with enrichment tools, push to ReactIn for outreach

#12: Companies Hiring Your Persona (18% Meeting Rate)

The signal: A company is actively hiring for the role your product serves (e.g., hiring SDRs = need sales tools).

Why it works: Hiring = growth = budget. If they're hiring 5 SDRs, they need the tools to make those SDRs productive.

The workflow:

1. Track job postings for relevant roles at ICP companies

2. Identify the hiring manager or department head

3. Reach out with angle around "scaling the team"

Recommended tools:

• Clay — Pull job postings, parse with AI, enrich contacts

• Mantiks — Job posting monitoring and alerts

• ProntoHQ — Hiring signal tracking

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, saw {company} is scaling the {department} team — exciting!

We work with a lot of teams going through similar growth. Curious how you're thinking about {tooling/process} as you scale?

ReactIn template: Not available (requires external data source)

#13: Tech Stack Changes (18% Meeting Rate)

The signal: A company recently adopted or dropped a technology related to your space (e.g., switched from Salesforce to HubSpot).

Why it works: Tech changes signal budget, initiative, and openness to new tools. If they just switched CRMs, they might need complementary tools.

The workflow:

1. Monitor tech stack changes with BuiltWith or Wappalyzer

2. Filter for relevant changes (competitor adoption, complementary tools)

3. Enrich with decision-maker contacts

4. Reach out with "noticed you're using X" angle

Recommended tools:

• BuiltWith — Comprehensive tech stack tracking

• Wappalyzer — Browser extension + API for tech detection

• Clay — Pull tech data, combine with enrichment

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, noticed {company} recently started using {technology}.

A lot of teams pair that with {your solution} to {benefit}. Worth a quick look?

#14: Social Keyword Mentions (16% Meeting Rate)

The signal: Someone on LinkedIn (or Twitter) mentions a keyword related to your problem space (e.g., "looking for a CRM" or "frustrated with outbound").

Why it works: They're literally asking for help or expressing a pain point. This is as close to hand-raising as it gets.

The workflow:

1. Set up keyword alerts for buying-intent phrases

2. Get notified in real-time

3. Reach out within hours with helpful angle

4. Don't pitch immediately — add value first

Recommended tools:

• Buska — Social listening across LinkedIn, Twitter, Reddit

• Mention — Brand and keyword monitoring

• ReactIn — Native social listening coming Q2 2026

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, saw your post about {pain point} — totally get it.

We've been working on exactly that problem. Happy to share what's worked if useful.

Pro tip: Speed matters here. First responder advantage is real.

#15: G2/Capterra Reviewers (15% Meeting Rate)

The signal: Someone left a review (positive or negative) for a competitor on G2, Capterra, or TrustRadius.

Why it works: Reviewers are active users evaluating the category. Negative reviewers might be ready to switch. Positive reviewers are engaged buyers worth knowing.

The workflow:

1. Scrape competitor reviews from G2/Capterra

2. Identify reviewers (often includes name + company)

3. Enrich with LinkedIn profiles

4. Reach out based on review sentiment

Recommended tools:

• Clay — Scrape reviews, enrich contacts

• PhantomBuster — G2 review scraper

• Manual — Many reviews include enough info to find them

Example message (for negative reviewer):

Hey {firstName}, saw your thoughts on {competitor} — sounds frustrating.

We built {your product} specifically because of issues like that. Open to showing you a different approach?

#16: LinkedIn Poll Voters (15% Meeting Rate)

The signal: Someone voted in your LinkedIn poll on a topic related to your product.

Why it works: Poll voters are engaged and segmentable. Someone who votes "Yes, I struggle with X" is a qualified lead by their own admission.

The workflow:

1. Create polls with segmenting questions

2. Capture all voters automatically

3. Segment by their answer

4. Send personalized outreach based on their vote

Recommended tools:

• ReactIn — Poll voter capture coming soon

• Manual — Currently requires manual export

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, saw you voted that {pain point} is a challenge — you're not alone!

We've helped a few teams solve exactly that. Curious what you've tried so far?

ReactIn template: LinkedIn Poll Voters — Coming Soon

#17: Competitor Followers (12% Meeting Rate)

The signal: Someone follows your competitor's LinkedIn company page.

Why it works: They're interested in the category. They're aware of alternatives. They just haven't discovered you yet.

The workflow:

1. Scrape competitor's LinkedIn followers

2. Filter for ICP matches

3. Reach out with differentiated value prop

4. Don't mention the competitor directly

Recommended tools:

• Scrapeli — LinkedIn company follower scraping

• PhantomBuster — Alternative scraping option

• ReactIn — Native competitor follower tracking coming soon

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, I see you're interested in {category} — we're building something a bit different at {your company}.

Focused on {key differentiator}. Worth a look if you're exploring options.

ReactIn template: Coming Soon

#18: Competitor LinkedIn Ads Engagers (10% Meeting Rate)

The signal: Someone engaged with (liked, commented) a competitor's sponsored LinkedIn post.

Why it works: They're actively paying attention to paid content in your category. They're in buying mode.

The workflow:

1. Manually monitor competitor sponsored posts

2. Capture engagers (screenshot or manual tracking)

3. Filter for ICP matches

4. Add to outreach list

Recommended tools:

• Manual — No automated tool exists yet for this

• LinkedIn Sales Navigator — Search for people who work at companies running ads

• Future opportunity — This is a gap in the market

Example message:

Hey {firstName}, noticed you're exploring solutions for {problem}.

We take a different approach at {company} — focused on {differentiator}. Worth a quick look?

Pro tip: This is manual and time-consuming, but the intent signal is strong. Worth doing for high-value accounts.

How to Prioritize: The Intent Stack Framework

Not all signals are equal. Here's how to prioritize:

Tier 1: Highest Intent (30-43% meeting rate)

Action: Automate fully, respond within 24 hours

• Champions changing companies

• Lead magnet downloads

• Demo no-shows

• Form submissions

Tier 2: High Intent (20-25% meeting rate)

Action: Automate, batch process daily

• Profile visitors

• Website visitors (ICP)

• Your post engagers

• New role matches

• Competitor post engagers

• Webinar attendees

• Pricing page visitors

Tier 3: Medium Intent (15-18% meeting rate)

Action: Weekly batch, prioritize ICP fit

• Companies hiring

• Tech stack changes

• Social mentions

• G2 reviewers

• Poll voters

Tier 4: Lower Intent (10-12% meeting rate)

Action: Monthly campaigns, volume play

• Competitor followers

• Competitor ad engagers

The Tool Stack Summary

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All 18 automations on a single page. Meeting rates, tools, and quick-reference workflows.

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The Bottom Line

Cold outreach isn't broken. Your timing is.

Intent-based automation isn't about sending more messages. It's about sending the right message at the right moment to people who are already showing interest.

Start with one signal. Automate it. Measure it. Then stack more.

The compounding effect is real. Teams running 5+ intent signals consistently see 2-3x more pipeline than teams doing volume-based outreach.

The signals are everywhere. Now go capture them.

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27% average reply rate across 5,000+ user campaigns

François D.
Founder, ReactIn
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