20+ Best LinkedIn Cold Message Templates

Using different avenues of lead generation is a move in the right direction in procuring qualified leads and eventually a conversion. Whether you are a job seeker or a sales representative, cold messaging (email, social, or phone calls too) is a tried and tested method that has had proven results. LinkedIn cold messages are the perfect method for reaching out to business professionals that are qualified prospects.

The average reply rate of LinkedIn messages is 85%. This is 3 times higher than the response rate to emails. There are roughly around 61 million senior-level influencers (or decision-makers) on LinkedIn. Sending out cold messages through this platform would fare well for individuals with various entrepreneurial motives. 

The success of a message is largely dependent on the quality of the content being sent out. So how does one write a captivating cold message that guarantees replies? 

We have compiled a list of tips and templates (serving different purposes), that will help you formulate killer message copies so you can start generating the results you desire!

LinkedIn Cold Messaging Templates

1. “The Mutual Friend”

Hi {First_Name}, 

How are you? I noticed we share a mutual connection, {Name of Person}. How do you know him/her? 

{Name of Person} and I did our undergraduate degree together!

Anyways, I also looked at your profile and it appears we are employed in the same industry. I would love to exchange ideas with you. 

Let’s connect!
Take Care/Regards, 
{Your Name}

2. “The Common Group”

Greetings {First_Name},

I came across your profile on {Insert Group Name}. 

I am always looking for like-minded individuals in my industry. Judging from your profile, you have quite the experience in this field. 

I would love to pick your brain on different {Insert name of industry} techniques you’ve deployed over the years. 

Let’s talk!

{Your Name}

3. Throwing In A Little Flattery

Hello, {First_Name}
Hope you are doing well during these trying times.

I have been following you for quite some time now. I absolutely love your work at {insert company name}, and have found it to be extremely insightful. 

I especially enjoyed {Reading, watching, listening to} your piece on {Insert name of notable work}. I shared this on my timeline, it was too good not to share. 

Much like yourself, I am also employed in the same industry. I would love to take this conversation further and exchange ideas. 

Let me know if you are available for a quick phone call? 

Take care, 

{YourName}

4. Direct Sales Pitch

Hey {First_Name}, 

I am reaching out to you regarding our {Insert name of product or service}. 

Given your background and profession, I understand our {Services or Products} would be beneficial for your organization. 

{Insert few benefits of product or service OR mention USP}

You can visit our website to find out more:
{Insert website URL}

If this is something that interests you, let me know so we can set up a quick call. 

Looking forward to hearing from you! 

Have a great day!

{Your Name}

Pro Tip: Use this template for your 1st-degree connections (people you are directly connected with because you have accepted their invite). Choose individuals that fit your ideal client/customer profiles. It would also be beneficial to build a relationship with him before sending them a direct sales pitch. 

Get more templates here →  Sales prospecting email templates

5. Top of the Search Results Connection Request

Hi there {First_Name}!, 

Your profile appeared at the top of the search results for professionals in the {Insert Industry Name}. 

I would love to connect with you, and understand what you do at {Company Name}. 

Perhaps we can share ideas with each other, as I am employed in the same industry. 

Optional: You can also mention your role in the industry; it would be especially relevant if both of you are employed in the same role. 

Cheers, 

{Your Name}

6. Common Field or Job

Hi there, {First_Name} 

I am a {Insert Role or Industry} as well. I had the opportunity to view some of your work, and I have to say I am impressed. 

Seeing as we work on similar projects, I would love to discuss the unique approaches or strategies you use. 

{Insert something unique to that role, for example if you’re a marketer: How do you generate leads? Or you can share how you generate leads too.}

Let’s connect! 

Cheers, 

{Your Name}

7. To the Hiring Manager

Hi {First_ Name}, 

I saw your profile while looking up {Industry Name} recruiters on LinkedIn in {Name of Place}. 

I am a {Insert Job Title}, {Add relevant information about your experience}.

My main skills encompass {add skills}. 

Does that fit the type of roles you generally recruit for? 

I would love to work for {add company name} as their vision and mission are in line with mine. 

Let me know what you think, I’d love to talk. 

Best, 

{Your Name}

8. The Simple Message

Hi {First_Name}, 

Hope you are staying safe during these trying times. 

I found your profile through (mutual friend, group or school, or post/comment). I am interested in learning more about your industry; given your background I trust you are the right individual to learn from. 

Let me know if this is something you are interested in. 

Cheers,
 
{Your Name}

9. The Opinion Leader

Hey there, {First_Name},

I have been following your content for a while now. I am very impressed with all your accomplishments, and enjoy reading your opinions (or whatever they share).

I am always on the lookout for more industry leaders to add to my network. Your knowledge and expertise in {insert industry name} are one to look up to. 

I especially enjoyed {insert name of post/blog title - include why you liked it}. 

I’d love to connect to keep up with more of your content. 

Have a great day, 

{Your Name}

10. The Indirect Sales Pitch

Hey there, {First_Name}

I heard your business is planning on expanding (or insert unique details about business that acts as a sales opportunity) to Asia.

Very excited for you and your team, congrats!

I would love to know more about what helped in this decision and what next steps you are taking? 

{insert quick intro about your company, and how you can help 
them}

Looking forward to hearing back from you. 

Wishing you all the best with your new venture, 

{Your Name}

Protip: Before sending out such a message, ensure you are reaching out to the right prospects. Filter your search so you are absolutely certain the recipient of the message is correct.

11. The Hyper-Personalized Sales Pitch

Hey {First_Name},

I have been following your company’s journey for a while now. I have to say {add personalized observation, notable achievements}.

The vision and mission of your organization are commendable. 
I am {Your Name}, and I work as a {insert role} at {Company Name}. 

{Quickly explain the problem you aim to resolve with a customized solution}. 

You can find out more about my organization at: 
{Company Website}

Hope you have a great day! Looking forward to hearing from you. 

Cheers, 

{Your Name}

12. The Job Seeker

Greetings, {First_Name}

My name is {Insert Name}, and I am a {Insert Role}. 

I have been following your organization's work for a while now. 

{Add notable achievements of company}

I am very interested in working at {Insert something unique to the company}. 

{Insert some information about your experience}

If you have a second, I would love to discuss how my experience and skills can benefit your organization for the position of {insert name of role}. 

(If there is no job posting, and you want to inquire about an opening then add the line mentioned below.)

I know you must be flooded with messages; but if there are any job openings for {Insert Role}, I would be more than delighted to share why I might be a good fit. 

Thank you and have an amazing day!

Best, 

{Your Name}

13. The Recruiter

Hi there, {First_Name}

I am a recruiter at {Company Name}. We are currently looking for a {Insert Role}. 

I have reviewed your profile and I am impressed with your background and experience.

Your {Skill 1} and {Skill 2} would be a great contribution to our organization.

We are looking for esteemed professionals just like yourself that are hungry to learn. 

If this interests you, let’s have a chat and discuss further. 

(Optional: You can ask them to share their resume and further contact details)

Have a great week!

{Your Name}

14. The Intern

Hi Mr/Mrs/Ms {First_Name} {Last_Name} 

My name is {Your Name}, and I am a first year student at {University Name}, currently studying {Course Name}. 

I have been following your company journey over the years and would love an opportunity to intern with {Company Name}. 

It would be a great experience to learn more about my field of interest and help me grow as a professional. 

{Add one about your skills - perhaps extracurricular activities you’ve participated in at university. Or if you held any leadership positions, anything noteworthy that makes you stand out}. 

Let me know if there are any internship opportunities available. 


Have a great day!

{Your Name}

15. The Follow-Up

Hello {First_Name}, 

I know you probably have a packed schedule. 

I would love to have a conversation with you about {Mention the content of the previous message briefly}. 

And did I mention that {Add captivating one liner that would make them want to reply}. 

Let me know if there is a convenient time to message you. 

Hoping to hear back from you. 

Have a splendid day! 

{Your Name}

16. The Recommendation

Hi there, {First_Name}

How are you doing? Hope you're staying safe during these trying times. 

I wanted to ask you if you would write me a recommendation here on LinkedIn regarding our time working together. 

I would be more than happy to write one for you as well, if you want. 

{Add direct link to write recommendation}

Thank you! 

{Your Name}

17. The Promoter

Hey there, {First_Name} 

(This message is dependent on what you are promoting, try to keep it personal yet direct) 

I saw your comment on {Post Title}, and figured you are interested in {Topic Name}.

I have recently launched {Product/Service details}. I believe this would be something of value to you as {Mention Why}.

OR 

I am hosting a free live webinar series about {Topic Name}. I think this would be of your interest as I will be covering {Add Details}.

Let me know if you are interested in learning more!

Cheers, 

{Your Name}

18. The Networker

Hey {First_Name}, 

I came across your profile through {Add where you saw their profile: mutual connection, search page, recommendation page, group, etc.}.

Seeing as you work in the same industry as me, I believe we could exchange valuable ideas and learn from each other. 

I would love to connect with you! 

Best, 

{Your Name}

19. The Influencer

Hey {First_Name},

I saw you like/comment on my latest post/blog about {Post Title}. 

I love connecting with my audience members, and truly believe that knowledge must be shared. 

I have written similar posts in the past that might interest you. 
Sharing the links below:
{Add Links}

Please feel free to share your thoughts on my piece, as I am always open to conversing about such topics. 

Have a great day, 

{Your Name}

20. The Event Template

Hi {First_Name}, 

I saw that we have a few common connections, and thought we’d connect. 

I am hosting an event on {Date} at {Location}.

{Add details about the event}

I think this might be of interest to you. Perhaps you and your team would like to attend. {Add in some information about freebies, promos, guest speakers or attendance certificates}.

Let me know if you have any questions. 

Best, 

{Your Name}

21. The Webinar Template

Hi there, {First_Name} 

{You can add in a punchline here relating to the topic of the webinar. For example if the webinar is about boosting B2B sales: “Are you ready to skyrocket your sales in under 6 months?”}.

I wanted to let you know about a webinar we will be hosting on {Date and Time}.

We will be talking about {Add details about the webinar}.

{Mention if there any guest speakers}

Here’s the registration link: {Add Link}

Hoping to see you there! 

Cheers, 

{Your Name}

22. The Free Trial Template

Hi there, {First_Name} 

Thanks for connecting! 

Is {Business Solution} something on the cards for your business?
 
{Add in brief introduction of the company}

As a friendly gesture, I would like to offer you a free trial of our {Mention name of product or service, and add in the link}. 

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! 

Hope you have a great day. 

{Your Name}

Important Tips To Remember Before Sending Out A Cold Message

1. Profile Optimization

Before you start sending out messages, it is important to consider how you appear to sendees. First impressions are everything! When someone receives a message from someone unfamiliar, the first thing they do is check out their profile. If your profile is bland, or worse, uncredible; the chances of getting a reply decrease by a lot. 

What to do? 

• Profile photo: Choose a high quality image with good lighting, where your face is in full view. Wearing business attire (although not compulsory) will help you appear professional.
• Optimize your background image: A background image is equally important as your LinkedIn profile picture. Instead of opting for a stock image or landscape skyline image; design your own using free tools such as Canva or Crello. Highlight your skills and expertise so your profile stands out. 
• Tag Line: Instead of only listing your current position; add in your other titles that describe your skills. This will help you appear in search results as well. 
• Summary: Your summary is the most important part of your profile. In your summary include why people should trust you OR what makes you stand out from the rest of the crowd. A strong summary with the right keywords will get you noticed. 
• Recommendations: Having recommendations on your profile makes you look a lot more credible and reliable. Get past team members to give you recommendations. 

The video below shows how to optimize your profile on LinkedIn to appear professional and trustworthy.

2. Using LinkedIns’ Advanced Filters To Refine Your Search

This is an extremely pivotal tip to keep in mind when cold messaging individuals. LinkedIn is indeed a business platform, however, it helps in keeping your strategies personal and humanizing in nature. Treating your prospects like actual people (humor always helps) will almost certainly guarantee a reply. Using LinkedIn filtration options you can target the exact individuals you sought after.

Additionally, you can find your prospects on groups and the recommendations page. Engaging with certain posts will help you get noticed by industry leaders, that could very well message you themselves. It is important to stay active on LinkedIn if you are deploying the cold message avenue. Generating content of your own is also a great idea to reach your target audience whilst simultaneously adding credibility to your profile.

Conclusion 

Much like any other lead generation method, LinkedIn cold messaging requires patience and work. The templates shared above can be tailored to your specific target audience; remember personalization helps in connecting with people. 

Doing a little bit of research on the background of your prospects will help you in personalizing your message and thus increasing your chances of a reply. Make a list of all the people you would like to send a cold message to so you can keep track and stay organized. According to SmarterHQ, 72% of consumers say they are more receptive to messages if they are undertaken in a personalized manner. 

Working on your profile so it appears professional and trustworthy is extremely important in the LinkedIn cold messaging process. Consider your textual and visual representation side by side; add changes wherever necessary. 

We hope these templates will help you in reaching your target audiences. 

Good luck!