We have 14 templates for LinkedIn prospecting messages across use cases. So choose one that fits your needs and add your personal touch to it.
Lets start with 6 tips for effective LinkedIn messages:
Always personalize your message
Keep it concise and to the point
Focus on the prospect's potential benefit
Avoid generic, copy-paste language
Provide a clear, low-pressure call to action
Always make it about THEM, not you. Listen more than you talk.
These tips are all integrated in the following 14 LinkedIn messages templates that are ready to edit and implement.
1: The Catchy Hook
What It Does: Grab attention with a witty, personalized opening that sparks immediate interest
Best Times to Use:
When targeting thought leaders in your industry
Connecting with professionals with impressive online presence
Reaching out to potential network connections
Template:
Hey [first name],
I could tell you're a Lead Generation Maestro by your recent posts! I'm [your name], a [job title] at [company].
It would be a pleasure to connect with industry thought leaders like you.
So let's connect?
Why This Works:
Provides a genuine compliment
Shows you've done brief research
Keeps the tone light and engaging
Avoids being too formal or pushy
2: The Value Proposition
What It Does: Demonstrate immediate value by addressing a specific pain point before asking for anything in return
Best Times to Use:
When you have a relevant case study or solution
Targeting prospects facing known industry challenges
Connecting with potential clients in your target market
Template:
Hi [first name],
I'm [your name], a [job title] at [company]. I saw your brand's website and noticed a [challenge]. Just last week we helped [competitor name] fix their [pain point].
Would you mind taking a look at their video case study and eBook about [challenge]?
Let me know, and I'll be happy to send the links.
Why This Works:
Offers tangible value upfront
Shows problem-solving capability
Provides social proof
Creates curiosity about your solution
3: The Website Visitor Approach
What It Does: Leverage website visitor data to create a personalized connection request
Best Times to Use:
After identifying website visitors matching your buyer persona
When tracking potential leads through digital interactions
Connecting with prospects who've shown initial interest
Template:
Hey [first name],
Would you like to learn about what we do at [company] and how we can help you?
I'm a [job title] at [company]. So let's connect, and I'll set up a quick demo. What do you say?
Why This Works:
Feels like a personalized outreach
Offers immediate value through a demo
Shows proactive approach
Creates a low-pressure invitation to connect
4: The Congratulatory Approach
What It Does: Celebrate the prospect's recent achievements to create a warm, genuine connection
Best Times to Use:
After a prospect's promotion
Following a notable professional milestone
When someone in your network receives recognition
Template:
Hey [first name],
Just wanted to reach out and congratulate you on your recent promotion to [role].
That's an amazing feat in such a short time. I would love to connect and chat with you!
Best, [your name]
Why This Works:
Feels genuinely supportive
Shows you're paying attention to their career
Creates a positive first impression
Provides a natural conversation starter
5: The Social Proof Strategy
What It Does: Leverage past success stories to demonstrate potential value to a prospect
Best Times to Use:
Connecting with startups or companies in growth mode
Targeting companies similar to your previous successful clients
When you have impressive case studies or results to share
Template:
Hey [Prospect],
I've read extensively about how your [company] grew over the last few years. That's an incredible achievement for a startup. We've had a client similar to your business and helped them achieve [results].
I believe your company, too, can achieve this goal. Could you block a few minutes this week to talk about it?
Why This Works:
Demonstrates deep understanding of their business
Provides concrete social proof
Shows potential for mutual benefit
Creates a compelling reason to connect
6: The Friendly Check-In
What It Does: Break the ice without feeling pushy
Best Times to Use:
After someone likes your post
When someone views your profile
Post-webinar or event
Template:
Hi [first name], loved that you checked out my post on [topic]. What's bugging you in this area right now?
Why This Works:
Feels natural
Opens the door to real talk
7: Quick Value Drop
What It Does: Offer something helpful right away
When to Try:
New connection made
Someone follows you
After they comment on your content
Template:
Hey [Name], saw your comment about [topic]. I've got a quick guide that might solve that exact problem. Want it?
Why This Rocks:
Shows you're helpful
Builds trust fast
8: The Two-Way Chat
What It Does: Create a two-way conversation
Perfect Moments:
Someone comments on your post
During a follow-up chat
After meeting at an event
Template:
Your take on [topic] is interesting. What's your biggest challenge with [specific thing]? Here's what I'm seeing..."
Why People Love This:
Makes them feel heard
Shows you care about their view
9: The Direct Ask
What It Does: Cut to the chase with interested leads
Best For:
People already interested in your service
Warm leads who seem ready
Clear buying signals
Template:
Hi [Name], I help [type of people] do [specific result]. Want a quick chat to see if we're a good fit?
Why It Works:
Saves everyone time
Crystal clear about what you offer
LinkedIn Follow-Up Messages Templates
Most professionals give up after sending just one message. But here's the game-changing truth. Research shows a shocking stat: 80% of sales require 5-8 follow-ups, yet most people throw in the towel after just one attempt. Follow-ups aren't just optional, they're your lifeline to turning cold connections into warm leads.
Most people think follow-ups are too pushy. When done right, follow-ups are helpful, not intrusive. The key? Focus on adding value.
Tip: Transform your follow-up from a sales pitch to a helpful nudge. Instead of "Why haven't you responded?", try sharing an interesting insight related to your previous conversation.
Silence doesn't equal rejection. People are busy, distracted, or simply overwhelmed. Your job is to be understanding and persistent.
Tip: Acknowledge their potential busy schedule. A simple "I know things can get hectic" can work wonders.
10: The Quick Check-In
When to Use: 3-5 days after your initial message goes unanswered
Template:
Hi [first name], just checking if my previous message landed. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Why It Works:
Keeps the tone light
Puts the ball in their court
Doesn't feel pressuring
11: The Gentle Reminder
When to Use: After sharing a resource or proposal that hasn't been acknowledged
Example:
Hi [first name], circling back on the resource I shared last week. Let me know if you've had a chance to review it!
Why It Works:
Reinforces your previous effort
Gives them a reason to re-engage
Feels conversational, not demanding
12: The Value Share
When to Use: When you have a genuine, relevant insight to share
Template:
Hey [first name], I just came across a case study about [topic] that reminded me of our previous chat about [specific challenge].
Why It Works:
Demonstrates you're thinking about their needs
Provides genuine value
Keeps the conversation flowing naturally
13: Comment on a Message with an Emoji
When to use:
Someone responded before but then went silent
You want to stay on their radar gently
Emoji's to choose:
Like -
Insightful -
Wave -
Clapping hands -
Love -
Curious -
Why It Works:
Reminds them you're there
Keeps the door open
Feels casual, not pushy
14: Saying Thank You
A simple "thank you" can build real connections.
When to use:
After they reply to you
When they check out your content
Template:
Thanks for your thoughts on [topic]! Want to chat more about this?
Why It Works:
Makes people feel good
Opens the door to deeper talks
Feels genuine
Strategic Follow-Up Planning
Plan a sequence of 1-4 follow-ups spread over several weeks
Vary your messaging to keep things fresh and engaging
Always aim to provide value, not just push for a sale
Think of each follow-up as a bridge. It’s not about overwhelming someone with messages or making them feel pressured.
Instead, show real interest and curiosity.
Make it a conversation, not a sales pitch. Share something valuable or interesting so they want to keep talking.
Timing matters. Follow up soon enough to stay on their mind, but not so late that they forget your conversation.
Personalize your message. Mention details from your last chat to show you were listening and that this isn’t just a generic outreach.
Final Thoughts
Follow-ups aren't about being pushy. They're about building relationships. Each message is an opportunity to show you're attentive, helpful, and genuinely interested in solving their problems.