> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.inboxapp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Who to message and when

> Build tighter lists, prefer warm context, time sends for the recipient, and know when to stop.

Most weak campaigns fail on targeting and timing — not tooling. Message fewer, better-fit people when they’re likely to read.

## Define your ICP on X

Your ideal customer on X may look different than on LinkedIn. Note:

* Keywords and phrases that show up in bios
* Creators, communities, or accounts they engage with
* Locations, roles, or niches that convert for you
* Signals that they’re open to DMs (active posting, public conversation)

Segment lists by source and intent so the opener can match — [Filtering and segmenting](/help/leads-management/organize/filtering-and-segmenting-your-leads).

## Prefer warm context over pure cold

| Source                                          | Why it works                | How to treat it                              |
| ----------------------------------------------- | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| People who already follow or engage with you    | They took a step toward you | Reference shared content; softer ask         |
| Replies / likes on relevant posts               | Fresh context               | Mention the post; keep it short              |
| Lists, followers of niche accounts, CSV imports | Scalable, but colder        | Stronger personalization; slower volume      |
| Prior conversations                             | Highest trust               | Don’t re-pitch blindly — continue the thread |

Build lists from imports and research you have rights to use — [Importing leads](/help/leads-management/importing). Exclude **Contacted** when you don’t want repeats — [Prevent duplicate messaging](/help/campaigns/limits-and-safety/how-to-prevent-messaging-leads-you-ve-already-contacted).

Skip purchased engagement and scraped dumps of unrelated users. Bad lists burn reply rate and account trust.

## When to send

* Schedule for the prospect’s local daytime — [Scheduling across time zones](/help/campaigns/build/scheduling-campaigns-across-time-zones)
* Weekday mornings and early business hours usually beat late nights and weekends for B2B
* Space follow-ups by days so you don’t stack three messages in one evening

If you can, engage lightly on public posts before a cold DM. A recognizable name helps — it isn’t a substitute for a good list.

## When to stop

Stop the sequence when:

* They reply (positive or not) — handle it in the inbox
* They ignore the full sequence
* They ask not to be contacted
* Delivery keeps failing — fix the account before retrying

Persistence past a clear “no” is how outreach turns into harassment. Leave the door open without pushing it.

## Put it together

1. Segment a tight list for one ICP
2. Write one short opener that only that segment would believe
3. Cap daily new contacts well below the platform ceiling until reply rate looks healthy
4. Add a 2–3 step sequence only after the first message works
5. Iterate on list + copy before you scale

## Related

* [How to get replies on X](/help/outreach/how-to-get-replies-on-x)
* [Stay within X rules](/help/outreach/stay-within-x-rules-for-outreach)
* [Create your first lead list](/help/leads-management/organize/create-your-first-lead-list)
* [Create your first campaign](/help/campaigns/build/create-your-first-campaign)

Still stuck? Contact support from the app.