Looking for the best outreach platform? Here’s the bottom line: Closely is ideal for multi-channel sales automation, while Skylead shines for LinkedIn-driven recruitment. Both tools help automate LinkedIn and email campaigns, but their features and focus areas differ significantly.
Key Takeaways:
- Closely excels with AI-powered LinkedIn automation, multi-channel outreach, and lead management. It integrates email and LinkedIn seamlessly, offering advanced personalization and analytics.
- Skylead focuses on LinkedIn recruitment with structured outreach sequences, user-friendly design, and fast customer support. It’s great for recruiters prioritizing LinkedIn engagement.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Closely | Skylead |
|---|---|---|
| AI Personalization | Advanced LinkedIn and email automation | Limited documentation |
| Multi-Channel Outreach | Integrated LinkedIn and email campaigns | Less detailed capabilities |
| Team Collaboration | Unified dashboard for multiple accounts | Basic collaboration tools |
| Onboarding | Self-service | Dedicated onboarding calls |
| Pricing | Starts at $49/month | $100/month All-in-One plan |
Who Should Use What?
- Choose Closely for sales teams needing multi-channel outreach and advanced AI features.
- Opt for Skylead if you’re focused on LinkedIn recruitment with a simple setup.
Now, let’s dive deeper into how these platforms compare.
Closely Review – LinkedIn Automation And Cold Email Marketing
Platform Overview
This section breaks down how each platform streamlines LinkedIn and email outreach through automation.
What is Closely?
Closely is an outreach automation tool designed to bring personalization and efficiency to LinkedIn and email campaigns. It uses AI to help sales professionals connect with leads in a way that feels tailored and genuine.
One standout feature of Closely is its AI Sales Agents, which handle tasks like lead research, qualifying prospects, and crafting customized messages. These agents analyze data about each prospect – like their background and industry – to create messages that feel relevant and personal, even at scale.
Another key feature is automated contact verification. Closely automatically finds verified contact details, saving users from the time-consuming task of manual prospecting. Plus, its unified dashboard allows users to manage multiple LinkedIn and email accounts in one place. Features like lead scoring and campaign performance tracking make it easier to refine outreach strategies and improve results.
What is Skylead?
Skylead is another outreach automation platform that supports LinkedIn and email campaigns, helping sales and marketing teams work more effectively together.
The platform emphasizes creating and managing structured outreach sequences. This ensures that messaging and follow-ups are consistent and timely, so no lead falls through the cracks. Skylead’s approach helps teams stay organized and ensures a steady flow of communication with prospects.
The next section will dive into the key features that set these platforms apart and highlight their unique approaches to outreach.
Feature Comparison
Closely stands out with its well-documented outreach automation capabilities, while Skylead’s features are less publicly detailed.
AI-Powered LinkedIn Automation
Closely automates tasks like LinkedIn profile visits, connection requests, follow-ups, and messaging. It uses AI to analyze LinkedIn profile data, creating highly personalized messages tailored to a prospect’s role, company, and recent updates. Additionally, its AI-powered sales agents can research leads, scrape website insights, and craft messages that sound human-like. The platform also evaluates response patterns to identify the best timing and channels for outreach[1][2][3]. In contrast, specific details about Skylead’s capabilities in this area are not readily available.
Multi-Channel Outreach
Closely integrates LinkedIn and email outreach seamlessly, employing conditional logic to adjust follow-up timing based on prospect responses. However, Skylead’s approach to multi-channel outreach and sequencing remains undocumented.
Lead Management and Personalization
Closely simplifies prospecting by offering automated contact verification and a lead scoring system to prioritize leads based on their engagement levels. Its AI uses LinkedIn profile data to personalize outreach at scale, ensuring messages feel relevant and tailored[1]. Skylead’s lead management and personalization features are not well-documented.
Team Collaboration and Campaign Management
Closely provides a unified dashboard for managing multiple LinkedIn and email accounts, making it easier to oversee team activities. It includes advanced analytics and tools for tracking campaign performance, helping teams coordinate their outreach strategies effectively. Details about Skylead’s team collaboration tools are not publicly available.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Closely | Skylead |
|---|---|---|
| AI Message Personalization | Automates personalized messaging using LinkedIn profile data[1] | Limited documentation |
| LinkedIn Automation | Automates profile visits, connection requests, follow-ups, and messaging[1][2][3] | Limited documentation |
| Multi-Channel Logic | Uses conditional logic to optimize outreach timing and channels[3] | Limited documentation |
| Data Enrichment | Offers automated contact verification and lead scoring | Limited documentation |
| Team Collaboration | Unified dashboard with team management and analytics | Limited documentation |
| Analytics | Provides detailed campaign performance tracking | Limited documentation |
| Account Management | Supports managing multiple LinkedIn and unlimited email accounts | Limited documentation |
| Personalization Scale | Uses AI to scale personalized outreach | Limited documentation |
*Note: Information about Skylead’s features is limited compared to the extensive documentation available for Closely.
These distinctions provide a foundation for assessing usability and performance in the next section.
Usability and User Experience
The overall user experience of any platform heavily depends on its design and the level of support it offers.
Setup and Onboarding
Skylead’s All-in-One plan, priced at $100 per month, includes dedicated onboarding calls and quick-response customer support. Impressively, the platform boasts an average response time of just 7 seconds for user inquiries [6]. This hands-on approach can be particularly appealing for users who value personalized guidance during the setup process.
On the other hand, Closely takes a self-service approach to onboarding. While it doesn’t prominently feature guided setup options, its intuitive design allows users to navigate and get started on their own. This makes it a good fit for those who prefer to explore and learn independently.
Once onboarding is complete, the real test lies in the usability of the platform’s dashboard and workflow, as these directly influence daily campaign management.
Dashboard and Workflow Design
A well-designed dashboard can make or break a platform’s usability. Skylead has earned praise for its clean and user-friendly interface, which simplifies campaign management and makes it easier to onboard team members.
"Skylead stands apart with a simple, intuitive interface that is easy for my clients to use."
- Jonathan Rockett, Sales, Marketing & Business Development [5]
That said, some users have mentioned that mastering the platform’s advanced features can take time, indicating a bit of a learning curve.
Closely’s dashboard, meanwhile, has received mixed reviews. While its centralized dashboard for managing multiple LinkedIn and email accounts is a standout feature for users who need a unified workspace, there have been concerns about performance. Some users have noted occasional sluggishness, which could hinder productivity during high-volume campaign periods.
"Sometimes the interface can be a little slow. I would suggest doing some testing before committing to this tool."
- Dean Gonzalez, Communication Coach [5]
When it comes to user satisfaction, both platforms perform well. Skylead has a 4.7 out of 5 rating across various review platforms [4], while Closely boasts an impressive 9.1 score [5]. The decision between the two might ultimately depend on whether users prioritize guided onboarding and responsive support or a self-directed experience with advanced features that may require more time to master.
Pricing and Plans
Getting a clear understanding of Closely’s pricing is essential for making smart decisions. Now that we’ve covered features and usability, let’s dive into the cost structure and what each plan brings to the table.
Plan Breakdown
Closely uses a tiered pricing model that adapts to different business needs. It operates on a credit-based system, where all activities – like sending emails, finding phone numbers, or using AI personalization – draw from the same monthly credit pool. This means managing your credits efficiently is key.
Here’s a breakdown of Closely’s four pricing tiers:
| Plan | Monthly Price | LinkedIn Accounts | Email Accounts | Credits/Month | Key Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $49 | 1 | Unlimited | 1,000 | 250 emails or 50 phone numbers or 500 AI personalizations |
| Growth | $127 | 3 | Unlimited | 3,000 | 750 emails or 150 phone numbers or 1,500 AI personalizations |
| Essential | $205 | 5 | Unlimited | 5,000 | 1,250 emails or 250 phone numbers or 2,500 AI personalizations |
| Custom | $350 | 10 | Unlimited | Custom | Custom limitations based on credits |
Value for Money
The Starter plan at $49 per month is a great entry point for small teams or startups, especially those focused on LinkedIn outreach with light email needs. If your campaigns are more active, the Growth plan at $127 per month steps it up with support for three LinkedIn accounts and 3,000 credits, which works out to about $42 per account – ideal for growing businesses.
For agencies or larger teams handling multiple client campaigns, the Essential plan at $205 per month offers support for five LinkedIn accounts and a generous credit allowance, making it a solid choice. Meanwhile, the Custom plan at $350 per month is designed for enterprises requiring more flexibility, with tailored credit and usage options.
All plans also include white-label capabilities, allowing service providers to maintain consistent branding across client campaigns. Whether you’re just starting out or managing large-scale operations, there’s a plan designed to fit your needs.
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Integrations and Performance Metrics
After pricing and usability, understanding how a platform handles integrations and performance metrics is key to getting the most out of your outreach efforts.
Integration Capabilities
Closely connects with thousands of apps through Zapier, making it easy to set up custom automations without any coding skills. For example, it can automatically pull in leads from tools like Calendly, Jotform, or Typeform and send Slack updates to keep your team in the loop. It also integrates with Zoho CRM, allowing you to create SMS activities and sync contact details seamlessly. Additional tools like Integrately and Make further expand its ability to sync data across platforms. These integrations not only simplify workflows but also feed into advanced analytics that track campaign results.
Skylead, on the other hand, takes a simpler approach. It integrates directly with CRM systems for lead tracking and management. Its All-in-One plan also includes API integration, enabling connections with other automation tools. However, compared to Closely’s expansive Zapier ecosystem, Skylead’s integration options feel more limited.
Analytics and Reporting
Strong integrations lay the groundwork for effective performance tracking, which is critical for improving outreach campaigns. Closely offers a unified dashboard that brings together LinkedIn and email reply data, making lead management and performance tracking much easier. Users have reported a 35% increase in response rates and a 45% boost in pipeline opportunities thanks to its analytics features[1].
Skylead focuses on engagement through features like Smart Sequences, multi-channel outreach, and personalized touches such as custom images and GIFs. While these tools help improve interaction, its reporting on campaign performance isn’t as clearly defined.
As one user shared:
"I love the fact that we can customize the Smart Sequences according to our needs, and it’s quite easy to manage."
- Anthony Goodman, Director of New Business Development, Clean Energy Group Ai
Use Cases and Key Differences
Choosing the right platform depends on your specific outreach goals. Both Closely and Skylead cater to distinct needs: Closely focuses on multi-channel sales automation, while Skylead is tailored for LinkedIn-driven recruitment efforts.
Sales and Lead Generation
For B2B sales teams aiming to generate leads, Closely provides a range of tools to simplify the process. Its data enrichment features help uncover verified email addresses and phone numbers, enabling outreach across multiple channels. The platform also offers an all-in-one dashboard where users can manage LinkedIn connections alongside email follow-ups, making the sales process more efficient. To save time on manual tasks, Closely employs AI agents for web research and lead scoring, ensuring outreach remains personalized while eliminating repetitive work.
Recruitment Campaigns
When it comes to recruitment, Skylead takes a different approach. It leverages LinkedIn’s advanced search filters, including Sales Navigator, to help recruiters identify top candidates quickly [7]. Skylead supports personalized connection requests, direct messaging, and InMail, using features like mutual connections and AI-assisted writing to improve engagement rates [7]. The platform also optimizes LinkedIn credit usage based on subscription levels, with a strong emphasis on personalization – referencing shared interests, mutual contacts, or past events to increase response rates [7].
Key Differences
The differences between these platforms highlight their unique strengths. Closely is built for multi-channel sales automation, integrating email, LinkedIn, and other outreach methods. In contrast, Skylead is designed to maximize LinkedIn’s recruitment potential.
- Account Management: Closely allows flexible account management with unlimited email accounts across all pricing tiers, while Skylead focuses on LinkedIn-specific features.
- Integrations: Closely supports a variety of integrations, including CRM connections and webhooks for advanced workflows. Skylead, on the other hand, prioritizes direct CRM integrations and API connections.
- AI Capabilities: Closely’s AI assists with research, lead scoring, and outreach across channels, whereas Skylead’s AI specializes in LinkedIn messaging and InMail optimization.
Your choice ultimately depends on your goals. If you need a multi-channel strategy for sales, Closely is the better fit. For recruitment campaigns centered around LinkedIn, Skylead is the way to go.
Conclusion
Closely brings together an array of features designed to simplify and enhance multi-channel outreach for sales teams. With its AI-driven research tools and data enrichment, it takes the hassle out of prospecting. Add to that a centralized dashboard and a flexible credit system, and you’ve got a platform that’s built for scaling campaigns with ease.
If you’re part of a B2B sales team looking for an all-in-one outreach solution, Closely is worth exploring. Take some time to see how it aligns with your workflow before making the final call.
FAQs
How does Closely’s AI Sales Agents improve LinkedIn and email outreach campaigns?
How Closely’s AI Sales Agents Simplify Outreach
Closely’s AI Sales Agents take the hassle out of LinkedIn and email outreach by automating personalized messages that drive higher response rates. These tools analyze key factors like industry, company size, and location to match leads with your ideal customer profile. This means your campaigns are laser-focused on the right audience.
Beyond targeting, the feature takes care of tedious tasks like prospecting, follow-ups, and ongoing engagement. This frees up your time to concentrate on what truly matters – building meaningful connections. With real-time lead qualification and customized messaging, your outreach becomes not only faster but also more effective, helping you get better results with less effort.
How do onboarding and support differ between Closely and Skylead?
Closely takes onboarding to the next level with a personalized experience that helps users get comfortable with the platform quickly. They offer one-on-one onboarding calls, detailed step-by-step tutorials, and continuous support to ensure everything runs smoothly from the start.
Skylead, in contrast, provides a simplified onboarding process with basic setup instructions and the option for managed services if extra help is needed. While both platforms provide support, Closely stands out with its hands-on, tailored approach, making it a great choice for users who prefer a more in-depth onboarding experience.
What is Closely’s pricing structure, and how can businesses choose the right plan?
Closely uses a monthly subscription model that adjusts based on the number of LinkedIn accounts you need. Each plan also includes credits for tools like email outreach, phone number lookups, and AI-driven personalization.
When choosing a plan, it’s important to think about your outreach goals, the specific features you’ll use, and your business growth plans. If you’re managing a larger team or handling high-volume campaigns, the higher-tier options offer more accounts and credits to support your efforts.