Your next big client, business partner, or employer is scrolling LinkedIn right now. But first, you need to get their attention without sounding like every other “hoping to connect” message cluttering their inbox.
Most people try too hard to sound smart or professional in their LinkedIn outreach. They fill their messages with buzzwords and overly formal terms and phrases nobody uses in real life. The outcome? Even legitimate, value-driven messages end up ignored.
The best LinkedIn messages read like something you’d send to a work friend. They’re straightforward, natural, and, above all, show you’ve done your homework. This article provides eight LinkedIn outreach templates to help you write messages people respond to.
What Makes LinkedIn Messages Worth Reading?
Most of us can spot a mass outreach attempt in seconds, and our delete finger gets twitchy when we see the same tired patterns. So, before diving into the templates, let’s briefly see the major do’s and don’ts of LinkedIn outreach.
Show You Did Your Homework
Don’t just skim your prospects’ profiles. Find something specific they’ve posted, shared, or accomplished—like a recent article they wrote or a project they worked on—but keep it real.
Look for points of genuine connection: shared industry challenges, similar career paths, or mutual professional interests. The goal isn’t to prove you stalked their profile but to show you found real common ground.
Lead With What’s In It For Them
Skip the “I wanted to connect because…” opener. Start with something that matters to prospects. Maybe you’ve solved a problem they’re facing, or have insights about their industry. Give before you ask.
Share a relevant resource, offer a quick tip, or point out an opportunity they might have missed. Think about what would make you intrigued if the roles were reversed.
Write Like You Talk
Nobody says “I hope this message finds you well” in real life. Your LinkedIn messages shouldn’t include it either. Instead, it should feel like talking to a colleague over coffee. Short sentences. Simple words. Real thoughts.
Once you’re done writing, read your message out loud before sending it to make sure it doesn’t sound stiff or unnatural.
Keep It Tight
Your first LinkedIn message should stick to one main point and make it in about three to four sentences max. If you find yourself over-explaining, it helps to take a step back and reassess.
Length-wise, your message should come off like a tweet—grab attention, make your point quickly, and cut anything that doesn’t directly support your main message.
Make It Easy to Say Yes
End with a small, specific ask. “Want to grab a virtual coffee next week?” works better than “Let me know if you’d like to connect sometime.” Give prospects a clear next step that feels low-pressure.
The best asks are specific but flexible. They know exactly what you’re requesting, but it doesn’t feel like a big commitment. And always leave room for them to suggest a different approach.
8 LinkedIn Outreach Templates That Start Conversations
These LinkedIn outreach templates follow what we know works: doing your homework, writing like a real person, and making it easy to say yes.
Feel free to customize them based on your situation, but remember to show genuine interest, add value, and make responding feel natural.
The Content Conversation Starter
Hi {{first name}},
That point you made about {{specific topic}} in your latest post got me thinking. We ran into similar challenges at {{your company}} last quarter - ended up trying {{brief solution}} with surprising results.
Would love to hear more about how you're handling {{specific challenge}}. Do you have time for a quick chat tomorrow? Happy to share what worked (and didn't work) for us.
Best,
{{your name}}
Why This Works: You're not just complimenting their post - you're adding to the conversation and offering real insights from your experience. Plus, the ask feels natural since you're both already thinking about this topic.
The Mutual Connection Angle
Hi {{first name}},
{{mutual connection}} mentioned your work on {{specific project/initiative}} when we were discussing {{relevant topic}} last week. Really impressed by how you handled {{specific challenge}}.
I'm working on something similar and would love to get your take on {{specific aspect}}. Could I buy you a virtual coffee next week? Promise to keep it short and make it worth your time.
Cheers,
{{your name}}
Why This Works: It’s specific enough to show you’re not making up the connection. It also shares context for why you’re reaching out now and makes a clear but casual ask.
The Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Share
Hi {{first name}},
I noticed you’re heading up {{specific initiative}} at {{their company}}. We’re just starting to explore that at {{your company}}, especially the {{specific aspect}} piece.
No pitch here—just wondering if you'd be open to a 15-minute chat about what you’ve learned so far? Happy to share our findings too, including a few surprising things that didn’t work.
Best,
{{your name}}
Why This Works: You lead with what you have in common, make it clear you’re not selling anything, and show you’re ready to give value, not just take it.
The Industry Insight Exchange
Hi {{first name}},
Your comment about {{specific industry challenge}} in the {{group/discussion name}} caught my eye. That’s exactly what we’re wrestling with at {{your company}} right now.
I have some data from our recent {{project/experiment}} that might interest you. Want to swap notes? Quick call next week? I’m curious to hear your team’s approach too.
Best,
{{your name}}
Why This Works: it shows you’re both in the trenches with the same challenges and leads with real data and insights they can use.
The Event Follow-Up
Hi {{first name}},
I really enjoyed your question about {{specific topic}} during {{speaker name}}’s session at {{event}}. Made me rethink how we’re handling {{related challenge}} at {{your company}}.
I’ve been testing out some ideas based on what was discussed. Want to hear what’s working? Happy to share our early findings over a quick chat.
Cheers,
{{your name}}
Why This Works: References a specific moment they’ll remember, shows you were paying attention, and offers fresh insights while they’re still thinking about the topic.
The Shared Background Approach
Hi {{first name}},
I noticed we both worked in {{specific field/role}} at {{industry/company type}}. Your shift into {{current focus}} caught my eye, especially your work on {{specific project}}.
I'm making a similar move and would love to hear what you’ve learned. Could I grab 15 minutes of your time next week? Promise to come prepared with specific questions.
Best,
{{your name}}
Why This Works: Creates instant rapport through shared experience, shows genuine interest in their path, and makes a focused, reasonable ask.
The Shared Passion Angle
Hi {{first name}},
Your post about {{specific industry trend}} reminded me why I love this field. That part about {{specific insight}} matches exactly what we’re seeing with our clients at {{your company}}.
I have a short case study here that backs up your thinking—with some surprising twists. Want to see the data? Happy to walk you through our findings over a call.
Cheers,
{{your name}}
Why This Works: Shows authentic enthusiasm for the work, validates their thinking with real evidence, and offers concrete value upfront.
The Follow Up After No Response
Hi {{first name}},
Hope you’re doing great. I wanted to follow up on my last message—I know how busy things can get. I genuinely believe that {{specific benefit}} could be valuable to you, but I also understand if it’s not a priority right now.
If you’re open to it, I’d love to hear your thoughts. If not, no worries at all—I appreciate your time either way.
Take care,
{{your name}}
Why This Works: This follow-up is polite and low-pressure. It keeps the door open without sounding pushy, making it easier for them to respond, even if just to say they’re not interested.
Turn Templates Into Conversations with Botdog
Writing effective LinkedIn outreach templates is just the start. To truly scale your networking efforts without losing that personal touch, you need a smart LinkedIn automation partner. That’s where Botdog comes in.
Botdog is designed for busy professionals who want to automate LinkedIn outreach without looking like a bot. It handles LinkedIn invitations, outreach messages, follow-ups, and even lets you manage multiple LinkedIn accounts securely—ideal for teams or managing client profiles.
What’s more, Botdog’s advanced analytics provide powerful insights into your approach to help you optimize your outreach strategy based on what works.
The best part? All your responses land in one clean inbox, so you never miss a chance to continue a promising conversation. Ready to take your LinkedIn outreach to the next level? Botdog makes it effortless. Sign up for a free trial today!
.png)
