How to get to LinkedIn Inbox Zero with LeadDelta tools

This guide shows a fast, repeatable workflow to clear your LinkedIn DMs and keep them clean using LeadDelta, without losing track of people who need a reply later.

What you’ll achieve

• A clean inbox (zero unread/undecided messages)
• A clear list of conversations that need action or follow-up
• A lightweight daily routine you can stick to in 5–10 minutes

Before you start

• Connect LeadDelta to your LinkedIn account and let your messages sync.
• Make sure you can see Inbox, Search, Filters, Tags, Notes, and Bulk actions in LeadDelta.

One-time setup (3 quick tags)

Create three working tags you’ll use during triage:

1. Reply Today – messages you’ll answer before the end of the day
2. Waiting – you’ve replied and are waiting on them
3. Follow Up – not urgent, but you want to circle back (e.g., next week)

You can rename these to match your style. Keep them short and action-oriented.

Learn more here: How to maximize the power of Tags

The 10-Minute Reset (to reach Inbox Zero today)

1. Open Inbox → Filter to Unread

• Click Filters → choose Unread (and optionally Date: newest first).

2. Scan top-to-bottom using this decision tree

• Can reply in < 2 minutes? → Reply now → Archive the thread.
• Needs a longer reply today? → Tag: Reply Today → leave Unread or mark Read and keep the tag.
• Waiting on them? (you already replied) → Tag: Waiting → Archive.
• Not relevant? → Archive.

3. Speed up with Bulk actions

• Use the select checkbox to grab multiple messages at once:
• Apply tag (e.g., Waiting) to many threads
• Mark as read / Archive in bulk

4. Add quick context where needed

• Open a thread → add a short Note (e.g., “Asked for pricing deck – 8/14”).

5. Finish the pass

• When Unread = 0, your inbox is at Zero.
• Your active work now lives in Reply Today (do now) and Waiting (monitor).

Your daily 5-minute routine

1. Knock out “Reply Today”

• Filter: Tag = Reply Today
• Reply, then remove the tag and Archive the thread.

2. Review “Waiting”

• Filter: Tag = Waiting
• If it’s been a few days with no response, nudge them.
• After you hear back, remove Waiting and continue the flow.

3. Sweep new Unread

• Filter: Unread
• Apply the same decision tree (Reply now → Archive; Reply Today; Waiting; Archive).

Tip: Keep “Reply Today” tiny. If something grows stale, move it to Follow Up with a quick note like “Longer response needed—target next week.”

Pro tips

• Search + Filters = power

Combine Search (name/company/keyword) with Tags to zero in on people you can help right now.

• Bulk first, detail second

Do fast passes to Archive obvious non-actionable messages in bulk. Then focus on the few that matter.

• Use Notes to keep context

One-line notes save you from rereading long threads later (e.g., “Shared case study – expect reply Tue”).

• Keep tags lean

Too many tags = clutter. Use a few action tags (Reply Today / Waiting / Follow Up) plus any team or project tags you truly need.

Example weekly cadence

• Daily (5–10 min): Reply Today → Waiting → Unread sweep
• Friday (10 min):
• • Clear remaining Reply Today
  • Review Follow Up and promote a few items into Reply Today for Monday
  • Archive any threads that no longer need attention

Troubleshooting

• I cleared Unread, but my inbox still feels messy.

You’re probably keeping too many “maybe later” messages untagged. Convert those into Follow Up or Archive.

• I lose track after I reply.

Apply Waiting immediately after you send your reply. Remove it as soon as they respond.

• Too many tags!

Merge or delete low-usage tags. Aim for < 7 total, with 2–3 action tags you use daily.

FAQ

What does “Archive” do?

It gets the thread out of your main view without deleting it. If they message again, it pops back in.

Should I keep things Unread to remember them?

Use Reply Today instead. Unread is for new items; tags are for intent.

How do I avoid re-reading the same threads?

After you act, Archive (and tag if needed). Add a Note if future-you will need context.

Quick checklist

• [ ] Created Reply Today, Waiting, Follow Up tags
• [ ] Cleared Unread with the decision tree
• [ ] Archived non-actionable threads
• [ ] Added Notes where useful
• [ ] Scheduled a daily 5-minute sweep

Thanks,

Your LeadDelta team

Updated on: 18/08/2025