LinkedIn InMail Messages: 10 Templates to Get Responses

Did you know that LinkedIn InMail messages receive responses at a rate three times higher than regular emails (LinkedIn, 2023)? That’s right—InMail can be your secret weapon for connecting with decision-makers and building valuable relationships.

In this guide, you'll find 10 powerful templates and strategies to elevate your LinkedIn outreach and get real results.

What is LinkedIn InMail?

LinkedIn InMail is a messaging tool on LinkedIn. It lets you send messages to people you aren’t connected to. Think of it as sending a direct message to someone you don’t know yet.

It’s a great way to reach out to potential customers, job leads, or business partners. Unlike regular LinkedIn messages, InMail gives you more chances to connect directly with the right people.

Why Use LinkedIn InMail for Cold Messaging?

1. Direct Access to Decision-Makers

• A LinkedIn connection request is often the first step before sending a more detailed InMail.
• With LinkedIn InMail, you can reach out directly to decision-makers. Imagine you want to speak to a company manager.
• Instead of waiting for a response to a connection request, you can send an InMail. It helps you get noticed faster by the right people.

2. Higher Open Rates Compared to Traditional Email

• Did you know that LinkedIn InMails have a higher open rate than regular emails? According to LinkedIn, InMail messages get about a 10-25% response rate.
• That’s way better than cold emails, which often get ignored. This makes InMail a smart way to get your message read.

3. Targeted Lead Generation and Qualified Prospects

• If you're looking to find new customers or potential business partners, LinkedIn InMail helps you target specific people. You can search by job title, company name, industry, and more.
• By sending personalized messages, you have a better chance of connecting with the right people who are interested in what you offer.

4. Advanced Tools and Automation for Outreach Campaigns

• LinkedIn has some great tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator. It allows you to find leads quickly and even save your searches.
• Using automation tools, you can send multiple InMails to different prospects and keep track of their responses. It's like having a smart assistant to help you connect faster.
• Running a LinkedIn cold message campaign can help scale your outreach to multiple potential leads.

5. Opens the Door for a Quick and Meaningful Connection

• Cold messaging on LinkedIn using InMail doesn’t have to be impersonal. By using templates or personalizing your message, you can build a genuine connection.
• Mentioning a mutual connection or recent company news makes your message stand out. A well-written InMail can lead to a quick call or even a new partnership.

10 LinkedIn Cold Message Template

LinkedIn cold message templates can provide a solid foundation to get started with your outreach.

1. The Personal Touch Template

Start by making your message unique to the recipient. A personalized message shows you’ve taken the time to learn about them. Begin with something from their LinkedIn profile—a recent post, their job role, or shared interests.

Why It Works:

It builds rapport quickly. People are more likely to respond when they see you've paid attention to their content or achievements.

LinkedIn data shows personalized messages have a 20% higher response rate than generic messages.

Example Template:

2. Problem-Solution Template

This template is great when reaching out to potential customers or businesses facing a challenge. Your goal is to offer value. Identify a pain point that your prospect may have and present how you can help.

Why It Works:

It directly addresses a need. By offering a potential solution, your message feels helpful, not salesy.

Highlighting a mutual pain point and benefit can increase your LinkedIn InMail's chances of success by up to 30%.

Example Template:

3. Mutual Connection Template

Leverage commonalities to build trust. If you share a LinkedIn group or a mutual connection, use that to your advantage. This approach makes your message warmer and less "cold."

Why It Works:

Mutual connections or LinkedIn groups create an instant bond. People are more inclined to trust and respond to someone within their network.

A reference to a shared connection can increase your acceptance rate by nearly 50%.

Example Template:

4. Value-First Template

Show the person why they should care about your message. Provide value right away. Think of this as offering something helpful—like a free resource, tips, or insights that match their interests.

Why It Works:

People are more likely to respond when they see a clear benefit. Offering immediate value sparks interest and makes the reader curious.

According to LinkedIn, messages that lead with value have a 26% higher response rate.

Example Template:

5. Short and Direct Template

Keep it simple. Sometimes, less is more. A short message is easy to read and doesn’t take up much time. Get straight to the point about why you’re reaching out.

Why It Works:

It respects the reader’s time. Most people appreciate a brief message that clearly explains what you want.

Research shows that messages under 150 words get a higher response rate, so keep it short and sweet.

Example Template:

6. "Common Interest" Template

Connecting over shared interests can build trust quickly. This template works well when you notice that you share a common interest or topic. Mentioning something you both care about makes the conversation feel more natural.

Why It Works:

A shared interest breaks the ice. When someone sees you have something in common, they are more open to engaging with you.

It helps transform a very cold email or LinkedIn message into a warm, friendly conversation.

Example Template:

7. "New Product/Service" Teaser Template

Are you launching something exciting? Use this template to give a sneak peek into your new product or service. Keep the message short and build interest without revealing everything.

Why It Works:

People love to be the first to know. Sharing a teaser about something new creates curiosity.

Teasers make recipients feel special, as if they are getting insider information.

Example Template:

8. Industry News Template

Connecting over industry trends or news can be a great icebreaker. Mentioning a recent update in their industry shows that you stay informed and care about what they care about.

Why It Works:

It’s relevant. By talking about current industry news, you show that you’re aware of their world and can add value.

It positions you as someone who understands their industry and can bring fresh insights.

Example Template:

9. Compliment-Driven Template

Everyone loves a good compliment. Start your LinkedIn cold message by praising their recent achievements, a project they completed, or a post they shared.

Why It Works:

It’s genuine and personal. A thoughtful compliment feels good to receive and sets a positive tone for the conversation.

Compliments show that you’ve taken the time to learn about them, making your message stand out from generic cold LinkedIn messages.

Example Template:

10. "Offer to Help" Template

When you want to connect with someone new on LinkedIn, a great cold message and offering help is a good way to start.

This cold message template focuses on being helpful and offering value without expecting anything in return.

Why It Works:

People appreciate when someone offers to help without asking for anything in return.

It shows that you're genuine, thoughtful, and care about their success.

Example Template:

LinkedIn cold message examples can inspire you to craft compelling and effective messages.

Best Practices for Writing LinkedIn Cold Messages

1. Personalize to Stand Out

Personalization is all about making your LinkedIn cold message feel unique to the person you are messaging.

Rather than sending the same message to everyone, tailor it to the recipient. Look at their LinkedIn profile and find something specific to mention.

Why It's Important:

A personalized message shows that you care enough to learn about the person you're contacting. LinkedIn cold messaging is more effective when you personalize and keep messages short.

This is because people are more likely to reply when they see that you’ve put thought into reaching out to them.

How to Do It:

• Check Their LinkedIn Profile: Find out their job title, recent posts, or shared connections. For example, if you see they’ve posted about a new project, mention it.
• Use Their Name and Company: Address the recipient by name and include their company name in your message. It shows you’re not sending a mass message.
• Mention a Mutual Connection or Common Interest: If you have a mutual connection, mention that person. If you're in the same LinkedIn group or industry, let them know. It builds trust and makes your cold message feel more genuine.

Example: "Hi [Name], I noticed you recently shared a post about [topic]. I found your insights very helpful! I'd love to connect and discuss [related topic]."

2. Grab Attention with a Strong Opening Line

The opening line of your LinkedIn message is crucial. It's what the person sees first, so you need to make it count. A strong opening line grabs their attention and encourages them to read further.

Why It's Important:

People receive many messages on LinkedIn. If your opening line isn’t interesting or relevant, they might skip over it.

A great opener increases the chances of them reading the whole message and responding. Remember, your goal is to stand out in their inbox.

How to Do It:

• Start with a Compliment or Positive Note: Compliment their recent achievement, project, or post. People like to hear good things about themselves.
• Ask a Question: A question is a great way to engage them. For example, "Have you ever thought about how [topic] could impact your work in [industry]?"
• Offer Value Right Away: Share something useful like a tip, resource, or industry insight. It shows that you are reaching out to help, not just sell something.

Example: "Hi [Name], congrats on your recent promotion! I’d love to share a quick resource that might help your team’s work on [topic]. Are you open to connecting?"

3. Keep It Short and to the Point

Your LinkedIn cold message should be short and clear. People are busy and receive many messages daily. A long, wordy cold message templates are less likely to be read.

Why It's Important:

When your message is short, it respects the reader’s time. Research shows that messages around 50-150 words have higher response rates.

Short messages get straight to the point, and the recipient can quickly decide if they want to reply.

How to Do It:

• Use Simple Language: Avoid long sentences and fancy words. Keep it simple and friendly.
• Cut to the Chase: Share why you’re reaching out within the first few lines. Don't wait until the end to make your point.
• Ask Only One Thing: Keep the message focused on one action, like scheduling a call or learning more about their business. Too many questions can overwhelm the reader.

Example: "Hi [Name], I see you’re doing great work at [company name]. I’d love to connect and share ideas on how we can help each other in [industry]. Let’s chat!"

By keeping your cold LinkedIn message short, you make it easy for the person to read and respond quickly.

4. Offer Value Right Away

When you send a LinkedIn message, think about what you can offer the recipient. Instead of just asking for something, provide value. Value can be helpful information, an introduction to someone, or offering solutions to their pain points.

Why It's Important:

People are more likely to respond to messages that benefit them. LinkedIn users want to know "What's in it for me?" right away.

A cold outreach message that offers something useful stands out. It feels less like a cold message and more like a friendly gesture.

How to Do It:

• Share a Resource or Tip: Mention a recent article, tool, or trend that could benefit their business. For example, if their LinkedIn profile mentions a focus on sales, share a resource that could improve sales strategy.
• Make a Helpful Introduction: If you know someone who could help them, offer to connect them.
• Focus on Their Needs First: Think about their challenges or goals. Then, explain how you can help with those specific pain points.

Example: "Hi [Name], I noticed your team at [company name] focuses on lead generation. I have some insights that might help boost your outreach efforts. Would you be open to a quick call?"

By offering value in your LinkedIn InMail message, you show that you care about their success, not just your own.

5. Use a Conversational Tone

When writing your LinkedIn cold message, use a friendly and relaxed tone. Make it sound like you’re talking to a friend. Think of it as starting a conversation, not delivering a formal speech.

Why It's Important:

People are more likely to respond to messages that sound natural and personal. A conversational tone breaks down barriers and makes the reader feel comfortable.

This increases the chance of getting a response to your LinkedIn message. According to LinkedIn data, messages that are less formal and more conversational see higher reply rates.

How to Do It:

• Use Simple Language: Keep sentences short and easy to understand.
• Be Personal and Warm: Use phrases like “I’d love to connect” or “It would be great to chat.”
• Avoid Business Jargon: Skip buzzwords and corporate speak. Make it feel like a one-on-one conversation.

Example: "Hey [Name], I noticed we share a few mutual connections and work in the same industry. I'd love to connect and learn more about what you’re up to at [company name].”

By making your LinkedIn cold message feel like a friendly chat, you're more likely to start a genuine conversation.

6. Ask a Clear, Actionable Question

Every LinkedIn message should have a goal. A clear, actionable question tells the reader exactly what to do next. It makes your message more effective and guides the reader to take action.

Why It's Important:

Asking a specific question encourages a response. Without a question or call to action (CTA), the recipient might read your LinkedIn message and move on without replying.

By being clear, you let them know exactly how to respond and what you’re looking for.

How to Do It:

• Make Your Question Simple: Don’t complicate things. Ask one question at a time.
• Keep It Open-Ended or Direct: You can either ask an open-ended question like, “What do you think about [topic]?” or a direct one like, “Are you available for a quick call next week?”
• Align with Their Interests or Needs: Make your question relevant to the person. For example, if they’re into sales, you can ask, “Would you like to learn more about how our tool can help improve your lead generation?”

Example: "I see that your team at [company name] is focusing on growing sales. Would you be open to a quick call to discuss how our service can help boost your outreach efforts?"

Asking a clear question not only drives engagement but also shows confidence in your message.

7. Highlight Credibility Quickly

When you send a LinkedIn cold message, the person you're messaging likely doesn't know you. That’s why it's essential to share something that builds trust right away. This could be your job title, company name, or any shared mutual connections.

Why It's Important:

People are more willing to respond when they know they are speaking with someone credible. A cold LinkedIn message that quickly shows why you're worth listening to grabs attention.

For example, LinkedIn research shows that messages with some form of credibility, like a mutual connection or relevant job title, get a higher response rate.

How to Do It:

• Mention Your Role or Company: For example, say, “I’m the Marketing Director at [company name],” so they know who they're talking to.
• Highlight Mutual Connections or Interests: If you share mutual connections, mention them. It shows you have a real connection.
• Include a Recent Success or Expertise: If you're reaching out to help them solve a pain point, mention a recent achievement. For instance, “We’ve helped [another company name] improve their sales by 20%.”

Example: "Hi [Name], I'm [Your Name] from [Your Company]. I noticed we have a few mutual connections, and I’d love to share some insights on how we improved sales by 30% last quarter."

Highlighting your credibility quickly makes your LinkedIn cold messages more trustworthy and worth reading.

8. Time Your InMails Thoughtfully

Timing matters. Just like sending a text at the right moment, choosing the right time to send your LinkedIn InMail is crucial. You want to make sure your message gets read, and the best timing can help you achieve this.

Why It's Important:

Studies have found that certain times of the week are better for sending LinkedIn cold messages.

For example, sending a message during work hours, especially on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings, often results in higher open and response rates. This is because people are more likely to check their LinkedIn profiles during these times.

How to Do It:

• Send on Weekdays: Most people check LinkedIn during the workweek. Aim for Tuesday to Thursday for the best results.
• Avoid Early Mondays and Late Fridays: On Monday mornings, people are usually busy catching up on work. On Fridays, they are wrapping up for the weekend, so your message might get missed.
• Send During Business Hours: Stick to the middle of the day, when most professionals are active on LinkedIn.

Example: Sending a message at 10 a.m. on a Wednesday could lead to a higher chance of getting noticed and receiving a quick response.

9. Follow Up—But Don’t Overdo It

Following up means sending a second cold message examples even if you don’t hear back from your first LinkedIn cold message. It’s like giving someone a little reminder.

Why It's Important:

People are busy. Sometimes, they might miss your message, or they may intend to reply later but forget. A gentle follow-up can increase the chances of getting a response.

However, sending too many follow-ups can annoy the recipient and hurt your chances of connecting.

How to Do It:

• Wait a Few Days: After your first message, wait around 3-7 days before sending a follow-up.
• Keep It Polite and Short: Don’t pressure them. A simple message like, "Just checking in to see if you had a chance to read my previous message," works well.
• Offer Value Again: Remind them of the benefit or reason for your message, like, "I believe my service could help with [pain point]."

Example: “Hi [Name], I just wanted to follow up on my last message. I think our lead generation automation tool really could help your team save time. Let me know if you’re interested in a quick call.”

Why Not to Overdo It:

Bombarding someone with messages can feel like spam. A good rule is to send only one follow-up message. If they don’t respond, move on to your next potential customer.

10. Use a Compelling Subject Line

The subject line of your LinkedIn InMail is like the headline of a news article. It’s the first thing the recipient sees, and it can make them decide whether to open or ignore your message.

Why It's Important:

According to LinkedIn, messages with personalized and engaging subject lines have higher open rates.

If your subject line is boring or too generic, your message may not even get a glance. But a compelling subject grabs attention right away.

How to Do It:

• Make It Personal: Use their name or mention something specific about their company or job role.
• Highlight Value: Give them a reason to open your message. Words like "insights," "growth," or "opportunity" can make it more interesting.
• Keep It Short and Clear: Short subject lines are easier to read. Aim for 6-8 words.

Example Subject Lines:

“Ideas to Boost Your Sales in [Industry]”

“Quick Question About [Job Title] at [Company Name]”

“3 Ways We Can Help Your Team Save Time”

How to Improve Your LinkedIn Cold Outreach Strategy

1. Segment Your Audience for Precision Targeting

Segmenting your audience means dividing people into smaller groups based on their interests or job roles. When you send LinkedIn InMail messages to the right group, you increase your chances of a reply.

How to do it:

• Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator: This tool allows you to filter people based on their industry, location, job title, and more. It helps find prospects who match your target.
• Check their LinkedIn Profile: See what content they share. If it aligns with what you're offering, they might be a great person to reach out to.
• Identify Mutual Connections: If you share a mutual connection, it’s easier to build trust. Mention that person when sending your cold message on LinkedIn.

2. Leverage Recent Activity for Context

Leveraging recent activity means checking what a person has posted or commented on LinkedIn recently. This helps you understand their interests and craft a more personalized message.

How to do it:

• Check Their Activity: Look at their recent posts, comments, or any articles they’ve shared. Find a common ground, like a shared interest or viewpoint, that you can mention.
• Reference Recent Achievements: Congratulate them on a new job, an award, or any achievement you find on their LinkedIn profile. A compliment goes a long way in grabbing their attention.
• Connect to Industry News: If they commented on recent news in your industry, use that as an icebreaker. For instance, you could say, "I noticed you shared your thoughts on the recent AI trends. I completely agree..."

By segmenting your audience and leveraging recent activity, you make your LinkedIn cold messages more targeted and effective.

It shows the prospect that you care and that you’re not just sending the same message to everyone. This strategy will make your LinkedIn InMail outreach stand out.

3. Create a Compelling Offer, Not Just a Pitch

When you send a LinkedIn InMail message, don't just talk about your product or service. Give value first. Your message should focus on how you can help the recipient. This is your "offer." For example, offer a free trial, useful information, or a resource that can help them.

How to do it:

• Know your audience's pain points. If they are struggling with lead generation or finding qualified leads, your offer should help solve this.
• Be specific. Say, "I have a resource that has helped companies in your industry double their leads in 3 months," instead of "We offer lead generation solutions."
• Keep it relevant. Make sure your offer matches their job title or industry needs.

4. Start a Dialogue, Not a Sale

A cold LinkedIn message should not feel like a sales pitch. Instead, aim to start a conversation. Your first message should be about building a relationship. Ask a question that shows you are genuinely interested in their work.

How to do it:

• Ask open-ended questions. Avoid questions that can be answered with a "yes" or "no." For example, "What challenges are you facing in lead generation this year?" is better than "Are you interested in more leads?"
• Mention a mutual connection or common interest. If you share a LinkedIn group or know the same person, bring it up. This makes your message feel more personal.
• Show you're willing to help. Say something like, "I'd love to hear more about your business goals and see if there's a way we can support each other."

5. Use Social Proof to Build Credibility

Social proof is a way of showing others that people trust you or your company. Think of it like reviews or testimonials. It makes you look more credible.

When using LinkedIn InMail for lead generation, adding social proof can make your messages more trustworthy.

How to do it:

• Mention Past Success Stories: Share quick success stories or past client wins. For example, “We helped [Company Name] increase sales by 30%.”
• Highlight Shared Connections: If you have mutual connections on LinkedIn, mention them. It makes the prospect more comfortable and familiar.
• Use Industry Awards or Stats: If your company has won awards or achieved impressive stats, include them. For example, “Our product was voted the best in its category.”

Using social proof in your LinkedIn cold messages can make potential customers feel that your offer is reliable and worth their time.

6. A/B Test Your Message Styles

A/B testing means sending two different versions of a LinkedIn message to see which one gets a better response. It’s like an experiment to find what style or wording works best.

How to do it:

• Change One Thing at a Time: Test one element at a time, like the subject line or call-to-action (CTA). For example, test two different ways to ask for a quick call.
• Send to Similar Audiences: Make sure you send each version of your message to a similar group. That way, you can accurately compare which message style works better.
• Analyze the Results: Track how many people open, reply, or engage with each message. If one message gets more responses, keep using that style.

A/B testing can help you refine your LinkedIn cold message strategy. By finding what works best, you can connect with your audience more effectively.

7. Incorporate Storytelling Techniques

Storytelling is sharing a message in the form of a story. When you write a LinkedIn InMail, use storytelling to make your message more interesting. A story captures attention and makes your message feel personal.

How to do it:

• Share Success Stories: Mention a quick story about how you helped a company similar to theirs. This builds credibility.
• Make It Relevant: Relate the story to a pain point or problem your potential customer is facing.
• Keep It Short and Clear: No one wants to read a long message. Keep your story short, around 2-3 sentences.

Here's an example: “I recently worked with [Company Name] and helped them improve their lead generation by 50%. I think we can do something similar for you.”

8. Follow-Up with a Value-Driven Reminder

Following up means sending a second LinkedIn InMail message if your first one does not get a response.

But instead of saying, "Did you see my message?", provide value. Offer something helpful, like an article, solution, or relevant tip.

How to do it:

• Be Polite: Don't pressure them to respond. Instead, offer value in a friendly way.
• Highlight a Benefit: Share something helpful. For example, you might share a quick industry tip or a resource that could help their business.
• Keep It Short: Just like your first message, keep the follow-up short and simple.

Sample follow-up message: “Hi [Name], I wanted to share a quick resource that might help with your lead generation strategy. Here’s a link to an article on the best practices for LinkedIn outreach. Hope you find it useful!”

Conclusion

LinkedIn InMail can transform your cold messaging strategy. By personalizing messages and following up effectively, you can connect with potential customers. The best LinkedIn cold messages focus on offering value and making genuine connections.

Practice these best practices, and your outreach campaigns will see meaningful results. Start crafting your LinkedIn InMails today for better engagement.

‍