Sending effective prospecting messages on LinkedIn is key to connecting with potential clients, partners, and opportunities. However, crafting messages that capture attention and generate responses can be challenging.
In this comprehensive guide, we provide tips, templates, and examples for LinkedIn prospecting messages that get results. Whether you are reaching out to make a connection, promote your business, or land a sale, these proven messaging strategies will help you achieve your goals on LinkedIn.
Before You Send: LinkedIn Prospecting Best Practices
When using LinkedIn to connect with prospects, there are some best practices you should follow to ensure your messages are well-received:
- Personalize each message – Avoid copy/paste messages. Mention their name, company, interests, etc.
- Research the recipient – Review their profile and any common connections to establish relevance.
- Be transparent – State your purpose clearly upfront.
- Provide value – Offer useful information, resources, or assistance.
- Keep it brief – Get to the point concisely in just a few sentences.
- Use proper grammar and punctuation – Typos or errors appear unprofessional.
- Follow up – If they don’t respond right away, follow up in a week or two.
Now let’s look at some proven LinkedIn prospecting message templates and examples to enhance your outreach.
Connection Request Messages
Sending personalized connection requests is a simple way to grow your network on LinkedIn. Here are some effective samples:
Basic Personalized Connection Request
Hi [First Name], I saw that we’re both connected to [Mutual Connection]. I’m looking to expand my network of [industry] professionals and thought we should connect.
This straightforward message establishes a common point of reference to introduce yourself to a new connection.
Reference Connection Request
Hi [First Name], [Mutual Connection] suggested we connect. As a fellow [industry] professional, I think there are some great opportunities for us to collaborate. I’d appreciate you accepting my invite so we can connect.
Name-dropping a mutual connection adds social proof to your request while conveying shared interests.
Alumni Connection Request
[University] alumni representation! I see we both graduated from [University]. I always enjoy connecting with fellow [Mascot] alumni. Looking forward to staying in touch!
Bond over shared university affiliations and school pride to form connections.
Event Connection Request
It was great meeting you at [Event] last week. Let’s continue the conversation by connecting here on LinkedIn.
Quickly follow up on real-life encounters by sending a connection request.
Introductory Messages
Once connected on LinkedIn, you need to follow up with an introductory message to kickstart the relationship. Here are some templates:
New Connection Follow Up
Hi [First Name], thanks for connecting! I enjoyed learning about your background in [field]. I’m excited for us to collaborate and help each other grow our networks. Have a great rest of your week!
Thank them for accepting and establish rapport by referencing their profile.
Common Interests Follow Up
Great connecting [First Name]! I couldn’t help but notice we’re both interested in [common interest]. I’d love to [discuss common interest] sometime. Let me know if you’d ever like to connect further!
Bond over shared hobbies or interests to break the ice.
Offering Value Follow Up
Hi [First Name], I’m looking forward to connecting more on LinkedIn. Please feel free to reach out if you ever need someone with [your skills] experience. I’m always happy to offer insights!
Immediately provide value by offering your expertise.
Engagement Messages
To nurture relationships with connections, send periodic engagement messages updating them on your latest content, activities, etc:
Sharing an Article
Hi [Name], hope you’ve been well! I recently published an article on [topic] that I thought you would find interesting. Check it out here [link] and let me know your thoughts!
Share relevant content you’ve produced to provide value.
Event Invite
Hey [First Name], I hope you can make it to [Event] that [Company] is hosting on [Date]. As a leader in [industry], I think this would be right up your alley. Let me know if you plan on attending!
Invite connections to events, webinars, and other activities.
Job Opportunity
[First Name], I came across this excellent job opportunity at [Company] that immediately made me think of you. Based on your background in [field], you seem like a great fit! Check out the listing here [link] if interested.
Send relevant job openings to help your network progress their careers.
Congratulations Message
I just saw the news that you were promoted to [New Title] at [Company]. Huge congratulations! Let me know if you ever want to connect to discuss your new role and initiatives. Wishing you great success!
Recognizing accomplishments builds goodwill and rapport.
Sales Prospecting Messages
Target key accounts with personalized sales prospecting messages:
Connecting Around a Problem
Hi [First Name], I noticed [Company] is currently facing [problem]. At [Your Company], we’ve helped organizations just like yours solve [problem] using [solution]. Would you be open to a quick call to discuss?
Lead with their pain points and how you can help address them.
Following Up After Meeting
It was a pleasure meeting you at [Event]! I’m attaching some materials on [Your Product] and how we’ve generated [results] for companies like [Company Name]. Give me a call if you’d like to follow up on how we can accomplish [goal] together.
Quickly follow up on in-person meetings to keep the conversation going.
Introductory Sales Pitch
Hi [First Name], I noticed you are in charge of [initiative] over at [Company]. At [Your Company] we’ve helped organizations increase [metric] by [statistic] leveraging [solution]. Would you have 15 minutes this week for a quick intro call to discuss whether [solution] could benefit [Company]?
Briefly introduce your product and its value proposition tailored to their needs.
Referral Offer
I hope you’re doing well! As you may know, here at [Company] we specialize in providing [services] that deliver [value]. If you know anyone facing [pain point], I’d appreciate you passing along my info. Just let them know I can help them [achieve goals] with our proven [solution].
Ask satisfied connections for new referrals.
Follow Up Strategies
If your prospect doesn’t respond to your initial message, follow up politely to re-engage them. Here are some proven approaches:
- Wait 1-2 weeks before your first follow up to allow time for response.
- Keep the follow up message concise – 3-4 sentences at most.
- Acknowledge you messaged them previously.
- Reiterate your value proposition and any requested action.
- Offer flexibility in modes of communication.
- Express interest in connecting further at their convenience.
Sample follow up messages:
Simple LinkedIn Follow Up
Hi [First Name], just circling back here on LinkedIn regarding my previous message about [topic]. I’m still very interested in [connecting, chatting further, etc]. Let me know if you have any availability on your calendar to discuss!
Follow Up Via Email
Hi [First Name], I wanted to follow up on my LinkedIn message about [purpose]. I know things can slip through the cracks, so feel free to respond here over email if that’s easier: [email address]. I’m looking forward to connecting!
While LinkedIn messaging works for initial outreach, following up via email can also be effective.
Key Takeaways
To maximize the return on your LinkedIn prospecting efforts, keep these best practices in mind:
- Personalize your messages with details from their profile.
- Establish common ground through personal traits or mutual connections.
- Craft subject lines that convey value.
- Follow up periodically to re-engage inactive prospects.
- Track your outreach in a CRM to monitor effectiveness.
With these messaging templates and strategies in your toolkit, you can confidently use LinkedIn to build relationships, promote your brand, make sales, and achieve your business goals.
Start putting these examples to work and watch your LinkedIn open and response rates improve. Most importantly, remember to always provide value with your outreach. With a spirit of giving, your connections will reciprocate and your network will continue to grow.