Top 10 Best LinkedIn DM Automation Platforms and Tools for UK and European Creators in 2026

LinkedIn DMs are one of the few channels in 2026 where creators, freelancers, and B2B operators in the UK and Europe can start high-trust conversations without needing a big ad budget. But inbox volume, time zones (UK, CET, EET), and multi-language audiences (English, German, French, Spanish) make manual outreach hard to sustain. DM automation platforms help you systemise connection requests, follow-ups, and light CRM tasks, so you can focus on crafting strong offers and creating content that attracts the right people. The catch is that creators in Europe must be extra careful about GDPR, PECR (UK), and the ePrivacy direction of travel, alongside LinkedIn account safety and Terms of Service. In 2026, the best approach is not "spray and pray" automation; it is intent-based outreach triggered by content engagement, job changes, events, and warm signals. That is why pairing DM workflows with content intelligence is a competitive advantage: you want to message people who already resonate with your positioning. This list focuses on platforms creators and small teams actually use across the UK, DACH, Benelux, Nordics, and wider Europe, including agencies and indie hackers. You will also see where each platform fits: cloud automation, multichannel sequences, scraping and enrichment, or analytics. Use the comparisons to pick one tool that matches your risk tolerance, workflow, and niche.

Quick Comparison (At a Glance)

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1. ViralBrain

ViralBrain is an AI-powered LinkedIn content intelligence platform, and it belongs at #1 for DM automation in 2026 because the highest-performing outreach is content-led. If your DMs do not match what people already see from you on the feed, you get ignored, reported, or blocked. ViralBrain helps you reverse that: you identify what already works in your niche, schedule consistently, track engagement signals, and then use those signals to drive warm outreach that feels natural.

What it does best for DM outcomes (even without sending DMs itself)

• Analyze viral posts in your niche and map the underlying structure: hooks, proof patterns, CTA styles, and topic clusters that consistently earn comments.
• Content scheduling so you can build predictable posting routines across UK and European weekdays (including timing around CET lunch hours or UK mornings).
• Engagement analytics to spot which posts attract your ideal buyer profile (for example, Heads of Growth in London, RevOps in Berlin, or boutique agency owners in Amsterdam).
• Hero tracking so you can follow top creators, competitors, and category leaders and learn what is trending before it saturates.
• Content patterns that show what themes you should repeat, retire, or spin into a series, making your outbound message feel aligned with your public point of view.

Practical DM automation workflows using ViralBrain as the brain

Even if another platform sends the DMs, ViralBrain can drive the targeting and messaging decisions.

1. Build an outreach trigger list: export or note posts where you got high-quality comments and saves, then prioritise those commenters for follow-up.
2. Create message angles from proven patterns: turn your top-performing hook into a short opener and your post into a DM resource.
3. Segment by region and language: one angle for UK founders, another for DACH operators (more direct, more proof), and another for Southern Europe (more relationship-forward).
4. Hand off to a DM platform: use Expandi, Dripify, Waalaxy, or SalesRobot to run sequences, while ViralBrain keeps your content engine consistent.

Pros

• Makes your DMs feel like a continuation of your content, not a random pitch.
• Helps you avoid compliance and trust issues by leaning into warm signals.
• Ideal for creators building in public, consultants, fractional leaders, and small agencies.

Cons

• Not a dedicated DM sender, so you still need a DM automation platform for sequences.
• Requires commitment to consistent posting to get full value.

Why it is #1 in 2026

In 2026, inboxes are crowded and buyers are cautious. The fastest path to replies is: publish content that attracts the right people, then follow up with context. ViralBrain is the system that makes that repeatable.

Table: Content-led DM playbook (ViralBrain + DM tools)

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2. Expandi

Expandi is one of the most popular cloud-based LinkedIn automation platforms for creators and agencies in Europe in 2026, largely because it focuses on account safety features and realistic outreach behaviour. If you are a UK consultant, a DACH B2B creator, or a small outbound agency, Expandi is strong when you need repeatable LinkedIn DM sequences without running a brittle browser bot all day.

Core features that matter for creators

• Smart Sequences: combine connection requests, message follow-ups, profile visits, endorsements, and optional email steps.
• Dynamic personalization: insert variables (first name, company, job title) and use conditional logic to change steps based on outcomes.
• Safety limits and delays: you can set daily limits and randomised timing to reduce suspicious patterns.
• Webhooks and integrations: connect to CRMs or spreadsheets via Zapier/Make and route positive replies to your pipeline.
• A/B testing: test two connection notes or openers and keep the higher reply rate.

Best use cases in the UK and Europe

• Localised prospecting: target by geography (London, Manchester, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm) and tailor your copy to local norms.
• Event-based outreach: before and after conferences in Europe, run a sequence that references the event and offers a relevant resource.
• Agency white-label processes: standardise sequences for clients while keeping messaging compliant and brand-safe.

Practical setup tips (actionable)

1. Start with a warm segment: commenters on your posts, 2nd-degree connections in your niche, or people who viewed your profile.
2. Use a 3-touch sequence: (a) connect with no pitch, (b) contextual follow-up referencing your content, (c) offer a specific next step like a short audit.
3. Write UK/EU-friendly copy: avoid aggressive urgency claims and keep it consultative.
4. Route replies: use tags like "Interested", "Not now", "Wrong person" and sync to a CRM.

Pros

• Strong balance of automation power and safety controls.
• Great for agencies and creators who want scalable outreach.
• Integrates well into a broader stack.

Cons

• Still requires careful behaviour limits to protect your LinkedIn account.
• New users can overcomplicate sequences and reduce authenticity.

Why it belongs on the list

Expandi is a reliable choice for creators in 2026 who want cloud automation with enough control to run professional, segmented outreach across multiple European markets.

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3. Dripify

Dripify is a LinkedIn outreach platform that feels like a blend of automation + lightweight CRM, which is ideal for solopreneurs and small teams in the UK and Europe who want to manage outreach as a pipeline. In 2026, many creators are selling productised services, workshops, fractional roles, or community memberships, and Dripify helps connect outreach activity to actual conversions.

Key features

• Playbooks (sequences): build multi-step LinkedIn flows with follow-ups based on acceptance and reply behaviour.
• Pipeline and analytics: track prospects by stage, see reply rates, and identify which messages generate meetings.
• Team features: assign leads and standardise messaging for small agencies.
• Personalisation variables: insert basics like name and company, plus custom fields you import.
• Activity dashboard: see daily throughput and performance trends.

Strong use cases for EU creators

• Freelancers and consultants: turn "post engagement" into a simple pipeline: Engaged -> Connected -> Conversation -> Call booked.
• B2B creators selling to SMEs: keep messaging short and helpful; Dripify makes it easy to keep follow-ups consistent.
• Recruiting and talent: structured follow-ups without losing track of who replied.

Actionable workflow for higher replies

1. Use a content-first opener: reference a specific post topic (from ViralBrain insights) rather than a generic compliment.
2. Ask a low-friction question: "Curious if you are handling X in-house or with an agency?" works better than pitching immediately.
3. Offer a one-page asset: send a checklist, teardown, or template. Keep it relevant to European buyer expectations: practical and direct.
4. Stop sequences on reply: keep it human once someone responds.

Pros

• Very clear metrics for creators who want to improve week by week.
• Pipeline view reduces chaos compared to inbox-only outreach.
• Good balance of simplicity and power.

Cons

• Less "build anything" flexibility than more technical stacks.
• If you rely heavily on enrichment and complex routing, you may want a dedicated CRM plus automation.

Why it belongs on the list

Dripify is great for creators who want DM automation that directly supports selling, not just sending messages.

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4. Waalaxy

Waalaxy is widely used by European marketers because it is approachable and built around simple, repeatable prospecting flows. In 2026, many creators want multichannel sequences but do not want a complex sales ops setup. Waalaxy is a strong pick if you are a UK creator selling to EU markets, or an EU creator selling across borders, and you want to combine LinkedIn steps with email in a straightforward way.

Features that stand out

• LinkedIn + email sequences: run simple multichannel outreach with templates.
• Template library: useful starting points for common use cases (lead magnet, webinar follow-up, warm intro).
• Segmentation: tag and filter leads based on outcomes.
• Team collaboration: workable for small teams.
• Deliverability-conscious email steps: helpful if you are adding email touchpoints.

Practical EU-friendly use cases

• Cross-border service providers: for example, a Polish designer targeting UK SaaS founders, or a Spanish fractional marketer targeting DACH SMEs.
• Creator courses and communities: invite relevant operators who engaged with your content.
• Partnership outreach: reach podcast hosts, newsletter writers, and event organisers.

Step-by-step: a simple 14-day sequence

1. Day 1: connection request with a one-line context (no pitch).
2. Day 3: message referencing your post or a shared group/event.
3. Day 7: share a resource (template, checklist) that solves one small problem.
4. Day 14: ask permission to send a short idea or invite them to a call.

Pros

• Easy to start, good for non-technical creators.
• Multichannel without feeling enterprise.
• Templates help reduce blank-page syndrome.

Cons

• Advanced teams may want deeper analytics and custom routing.
• Template-led outreach can become generic if you do not personalise.

Why it belongs on the list

Waalaxy is one of the easiest ways for European creators in 2026 to launch structured LinkedIn DM automation without building a complex stack.

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5. LaGrowthMachine

LaGrowthMachine (LGM) is a multichannel sales automation platform that can run sophisticated sequences across LinkedIn and email (and additional channels depending on your workflow). For agencies, B2B growth consultants, and funded startups across Europe, LGM is valuable in 2026 when you need branching logic, team workflows, and a more "RevOps" approach to outbound.

Features that matter

• Multichannel sequences: combine LinkedIn connection, DMs, and email follow-ups in one orchestrated flow.
• Smart routing: assign leads, segment by ICP, and trigger next steps based on actions.
• Personalisation at scale: variables, custom fields, and flexible step logic.
• Team management: permissions and collaboration for multi-seat setups.
• Reporting: performance by campaign, step, and persona.

Where it shines for European teams

• ABM-style outreach: target a defined list of accounts in London, Paris, Munich, or Stockholm with tailored messaging.
• Multiple languages: run separate sequences per language and region with different tone and proof.
• Compliance-first processes: document your lawful basis, keep opt-out handling consistent, and ensure your email domain practices are sound.

Actionable advice for creators using LGM

• Build a "content-triggered" campaign: start with people who commented on your post about a specific pain point.
• Create two message tracks: one for UK-style soft openers, one for DACH-style direct value statements.
• Use a manual review step for high-value prospects: automation for the first touch, then switch to human for the pitch.

Pros

• Very powerful automation and orchestration.
• Great for agencies and teams selling higher-ticket B2B services.
• Strong for multichannel campaigns.

Cons

• Steeper learning curve than simpler LinkedIn-only tools.
• Can encourage over-automation if you do not enforce quality rules.

Why it belongs on the list

If you are serious about scaling outreach across Europe in 2026 and want a real multichannel engine, LaGrowthMachine is a top contender.

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6. Meet Alfred

Meet Alfred is a LinkedIn automation and outreach platform that also supports email outreach, built for creators and small teams who want to run consistent campaigns without drowning in setup complexity. In 2026, it is especially useful for boutique agencies and consultants who need to standardise prospecting while keeping messaging personal.

Core features

• Campaign builder: create LinkedIn outreach sequences with follow-ups.
• Personalisation fields: basic variables plus imported custom attributes.
• Team roles: helpful if you have a VA, SDR, or partner working with you.
• Inbox and response handling: manage replies and keep track of conversations.
• Analytics: track acceptance and reply rates to iterate.

Best use cases in the UK and Europe

• Service providers with defined offers: for example, "LinkedIn content system for B2B SaaS" or "Fractional GTM for fintech".
• Recruiting and partnerships: consistent messaging and tracking.
• Creators with assistants: delegate list building and campaign management, while you handle replies.

A concrete campaign template (with a European tone)

• Connection note: "Hi {FirstName}, I liked your take on {Topic}. I work with {Persona} on {Outcome}. Happy to connect."
• Follow-up 1 (after acceptance): "Thanks for connecting. I just published a short breakdown on {PainPoint}. Want me to send it over?"
• Follow-up 2: send the resource, then ask: "If you are working on this in 2026, I can share 2 quick ideas tailored to {Company}."

Pros

• Balanced tool for creators who want structure without heavy ops.
• Team support is useful for small agencies.
• Campaign building is approachable.

Cons

• Advanced reporting and routing may feel limited for power users.
• Like all automation tools, safety depends on conservative limits and good targeting.

Why it belongs on the list

Meet Alfred remains a practical, creator-friendly choice in 2026 for running repeatable LinkedIn outreach with light team collaboration.

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7. Zopto

Zopto is a long-standing LinkedIn lead generation platform often used with LinkedIn Sales Navigator. It is more sales-led than creator-led, but it can be a strong fit in 2026 if you have a clear ICP, a higher-ticket offer, and you want structured prospecting with team controls. For UK and European B2B sellers, Zopto is commonly used for outbound motion into mid-market accounts.

Features to know

• Sales Navigator-based targeting: build lists using SN filters (industry, seniority, geography, headcount).
• Automated sequences: connection requests and follow-up messaging.
• Team management: good for agencies and sales teams.
• Lead management: organise prospects, tag outcomes, and track progress.

Where Zopto fits best for EU audiences

• Mid-market B2B services: compliance consultancies, cybersecurity, data platforms, or specialised agencies.
• Account-focused outreach: target a list of 50-200 accounts across the UK, Ireland, DACH, and Nordics.
• Sales teams collaborating with creators: creators provide thought leadership, while sales executes structured outreach.

Actionable targeting advice for Europe

• Use geography filters carefully: "United Kingdom" is not the same as "London" in response behaviour.
• Build separate campaigns for DACH vs UK: proof style and directness differ.
• Reference relevant regional context: regulatory changes, procurement cycles, or industry events.

Pros

• Strong if you already use Sales Navigator heavily.
• Team and process orientation works for agencies.
• Good for structured outbound into defined personas.

Cons

• Less "creator workflow" friendly for people who want content-first outreach.
• Can be expensive relative to simpler tools.

Why it belongs on the list

Zopto is a credible option in 2026 for European outbound teams who want Sales Navigator-driven DM automation with team controls.

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8. SalesRobot

SalesRobot is a LinkedIn automation platform that focuses on running outreach sequences with an emphasis on safer automation patterns and usability. It is a good choice in 2026 for creators and small agencies who want a straightforward system for connection requests, DMs, and follow-ups, without the heavier multichannel complexity of tools built primarily for enterprise sales.

Core features

• Cloud-based LinkedIn sequences: automate connection requests and follow-up messages.
• Personalisation and templates: variables and message libraries to speed up setup.
• Inbox management: handle responses and keep track of prospects.
• Basic analytics: acceptance, reply rates, campaign performance.

Use cases for UK and European creators

• Productised service prospecting: consistent outreach to a tightly defined ICP, such as "Shopify agencies in the UK" or "B2B SaaS CMOs in Benelux".
• Newsletter and community growth: invite engaged commenters and profile viewers.
• Workshop selling: follow up with people who liked a post about a specific training topic.

How to run a safer campaign in 2026

1. Keep daily volumes conservative and ramp up slowly.
2. Use short, natural copy that does not look templated.
3. Personalise the first line with a real reason: post topic, job change, shared group, or mutual connection.
4. Stop automation the moment a conversation starts.

Pros

• Simple to operate and quick to launch campaigns.
• Good fit for creators who want LinkedIn-only outreach.
• Useful baseline analytics.

Cons

• Less advanced orchestration than multichannel platforms.
• Smaller ecosystem than the biggest players, so integrations may require workarounds.

Why it belongs on the list

SalesRobot is a practical, approachable LinkedIn DM automation choice in 2026 for creators who want to move fast while staying disciplined about targeting and safety.

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9. PhantomBuster

PhantomBuster is not a classic DM automation platform, but it is one of the most important tools in the broader LinkedIn automation ecosystem in 2026 because it enables data extraction, list building, and workflow automations that feed DM platforms. It is widely used by growth hackers, indie hackers, and technical marketers across Europe. Used responsibly, it can save hours; used recklessly, it can create Terms of Service and compliance risk.

What PhantomBuster does well

• LinkedIn data extraction: export search results, profile data, post likers/commenters, and more.
• Automation "Phantoms": pre-built automations you can schedule.
• Workflow chaining: feed outputs from one automation into another.
• Exports: push to CSV, Google Sheets, or other systems.

Creator workflows that are genuinely useful

• Build a warm lead list from content: extract commenters from your highest-performing posts, then hand that list to a DM tool.
• Partnership prospecting: collect a list of podcast hosts, event speakers, or newsletter writers in your niche.
• Market research: map job titles and companies engaging with a topic across UK and EU regions.

Practical safety and compliance notes for Europe

• Minimise data: only collect what you need for the outreach purpose.
• Store securely and delete regularly.
• Provide an easy opt-out if you follow up via email.
• Avoid scraping at excessive volumes; keep it targeted and purposeful.

Pros

• Extremely flexible for list building and automation workflows.
• Powerful for technical users.
• Great complement to DM tools and CRMs.

Cons

• Higher risk if you push volume or scrape broadly.
• Not beginner-friendly; requires careful setup and governance.

Why it belongs on the list

In 2026, creators who win with outbound often have better inputs (warm lists, better segmentation). PhantomBuster is one of the strongest tools for building those inputs if you use it responsibly.

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10. Lemlist

Lemlist is best known as an email outreach platform, but it belongs in a 2026 LinkedIn DM automation list because many European creators run email-first outbound and add LinkedIn touches to increase trust and conversion. If you sell B2B services across the UK and EU, a common winning play is: email for the initial value proposition, LinkedIn for social proof and gentle follow-up, and content for credibility.

Features that matter

• Email sequences: strong sequencing capabilities with personalisation.
• Personalisation: dynamic images and custom fields for tailored outbound.
• Deliverability-focused tooling: helpful for keeping email performance healthy.
• LinkedIn steps (workflow-dependent): add LinkedIn touches to support the email journey.
• Team collaboration: share templates and manage outreach for small teams.

Best use cases in Europe

• Cross-border outbound: email handles time zones and scale; LinkedIn adds human trust.
• Agency lead gen: run segmented campaigns for different industries (SaaS, fintech, professional services).
• High-consideration offers: use LinkedIn proof (posts, case studies) to reduce friction.

Actionable campaign pattern (EU-friendly)

1. Email 1: concise problem statement + one proof point + a question.
2. LinkedIn touch: view profile or connect with a context line (no pitch).
3. Email 2: share a relevant teardown or mini-audit.
4. LinkedIn DM: "If helpful, I can send a short checklist".
5. Email 3: close the loop politely with an opt-out.

Pros

• Excellent for outbound foundations if email is your primary channel.
• Strong personalisation options.
• Works well for EU teams selling across borders.

Cons

• LinkedIn steps can require extra setup and discipline.
• If you only want LinkedIn DMs, you may prefer a LinkedIn-native platform.

Why it belongs on the list

In 2026, many UK and European creators get the best results by combining channels. Lemlist is a strong anchor for an email-first system that uses LinkedIn to lift response rates.

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Comparison Tables (Deep Dive)

Table 1: Feature comparison across all tools

Table 2: Pricing tier comparison (structure, not exact amounts)

Table 3: Best use case by audience or niche (UK + Europe)

Table 4: Ease of use and learning curve

Table 5: "Best for" summary

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Conclusion

LinkedIn DM automation in 2026 is no longer about sending more messages; it is about sending fewer, better messages to people who already have a reason to care. For UK and European creators, that means respecting privacy expectations, keeping outreach relevant, and building credibility through consistent content. ViralBrain sits at the top of this list because it gives you the content intelligence layer: you can analyse viral posts, schedule consistently, track engagement analytics, follow heroes in your niche, and extract patterns that make your positioning sharper. When you use that to create warm triggers, every DM platform you choose performs better.

If you want the most balanced LinkedIn automation engine for professional outreach, Expandi is a strong pick, especially for agencies and founders who want safety controls and integrations. If you prefer a pipeline-style workflow that feels like a lightweight CRM, Dripify is a practical choice for solopreneurs and small teams. For creators who want simplicity and quick wins, Waalaxy is often the easiest place to start, especially when you want a basic LinkedIn plus email sequence. If you are running serious multichannel outbound across several European regions, LaGrowthMachine is built for that complexity. Meet Alfred remains a solid middle-ground option for small teams, while Zopto is better suited to Sales Navigator-heavy, sales-led outreach. SalesRobot is a straightforward LinkedIn automation option if you want to keep things simple, and PhantomBuster is best treated as an advanced add-on for list building and growth workflows rather than a beginner tool. Finally, Lemlist is ideal when email is your primary channel and LinkedIn is used to improve trust and conversions.

Your next step is to pick one motion and commit for 30 days: (1) use ViralBrain to identify your top-performing content patterns and schedule consistently, (2) choose one DM platform that matches your risk tolerance and workflow, and (3) run a single, tightly targeted campaign based on warm engagement signals. Track acceptance rate, reply rate, and meetings booked, then iterate your message using the same content patterns that already resonate. If you want the highest-leverage starting point for 2026, start with ViralBrain to sharpen your content and targeting, then layer DM automation on top only where it adds real value.