Top 7 Proven LinkedIn Cold Message Examples To Ace Your Outbound Sales Campaigns
Most LinkedIn pros tell you to include a note when sending a connection request to someone. However, many end up sending generic or irrelevant messages that only make things worse. When I first saw this example, I cracked up:
(I mean - he’s not wrong.)
The thing is, unless your message is this funny - you’re not going to get a lot of connections. The rest of us mortals need to put in the work to get to know (or use tools to help us look like we “got to know”) the leads we’re reaching out to.
Then, it’s time to start interesting convos and pitch!
Today, I’m including seven examples of LinkedIn (not-so) cold messages you can copy to get responses from your leads, dream companies, or websites you’d love a backlink from.
Let’s dive in!
Example 1: Find Common Ground in Your LinkedIn Cold Message
Bonding over common ground is probably the easiest way of getting into someone’s good books. But even for that, you need to do your homework to understand a few points about your lead:
- What does your lead do (both professionally and personally)?
- What are some struggles they have in their current role?
- How can your product or offering serve as a solution to their struggles?
An excellent way to start is by using a common interest—hobbies, background, or hobbies—to strike up a conversation. This is especially helpful when sending a connection request to a valuable lead that you plan to nurture.
Why This LinkedIn Cold Message Works
- It shows the lead that you care about the same things as they do, which helps form an instant connection.
- This LinkedIn cold message example encourages the lead to check out your profile since you mentioned the kind of content you post.
Key Takeaways
- It’s always a good idea to warm up a lead before pitching your product. It gives them a chance to know you better before investing in your solution.
- As an alternative to the above message, you can also talk about a common topic you both have created content around and ask them if they’re up for a discussion.
Example 2: Express Admiration for Their Work
I’m not a big fan of cold emails that start with expressing admiration - but that’s just me. In most cases, relevant admiration works:
- Praise the work they’ve done and the results. (Especially if you’ve set up sales triggers and receive company news.)
- Congratulate them on achieving a milestone (and then segue with the challenge they’re now up against).
- Comment on a recent post of theirs and take the discussion forward.
This is a great example:
Why This Message Works
- Appreciation usually makes your leads feel like VIPs.
- However, remember not to wax poetic and come off as insincere or compliment them on a generic achievement they’re probably constantly getting compliments for.
Another approach is pointing out how you stumbled upon them.
Other people’s comments section is an interesting place to find quality leads. Here’s how you can approach someone:
Key Takeaways
- Do compliment your lead on a relevant achievement.
- Don’t mention something generic just to get a foot in the door.
Example 3: Leverage Mutual Connections
This is probably the easiest way to strike up a conversation with someone you’ve never met or talked to. Let them know the context of how you found them and why you’re getting in touch:
Connecting Using A Reference
Another fool-proof way of doing this is having that mutual connection put in a good word for you before reaching out, particularly when you have a specific agenda.
This way, the lead will be pre-informed about your interest in connecting with them, giving you an edge over other people reaching out to them.
When sending a connection request after an introduction, cut the message short and skip to the CTA right after the intro paragraph.
Why This LinkedIn Cold Message Works
- The first message is short and to-point and helps generate trust.
- The second message sounds more convincing, considering the lead might be expecting your message.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t shy away from calling in favors whenever you see the opportunity, particularly when your mutual connection is someone you can easily approach.
- Look out for schools and colleges - are you both alumni? You wouldn’t believe how often that approach works!
Example 4: Contacting a Recruiter for Potential Job Opportunities
About 40 million people search for jobs on LinkedIn every week! In fact, it’s more convenient to apply for jobs on LinkedIn than on any other platform. Why?
- You can personally contact the recruiter or the job poster and take the conversation forward.
- Instead of waiting for opportunities, you can directly contact recruiters or decision-makers to look for openings.
Below is one example of approaching a recruiter asking for openings:
Another example shows how you can subtly approach an employee working in your dream organization:
Note that you’re not directly asking about openings in their company. That approach might work with a recruiter but not a high-level executive. You need to warm them up, make a good impression, and then ask for openings or a referral down the line.
Why Do These Examples Work?
- The first one is straightforward—it doesn’t beat around the bush. This helps recruiters take prompt action and send you an instant reply if your profile matches their requirements.
- The second message requires in-depth research to take the convo forward. You need to know the ins and outs of the company you want to join and impress the lead with your proactivity and interest.
Key Takeaways
- Tailor your conversations to the lead. You can be more upfront with recruiters if you’re good in your field, but you have to tiptoe around employees you want to secure a referral from.
- Never bombard your leads with too much information in the first encounter. First, ask if they’re interested, and send them your resume only if they agree.
Example 5: LinkedIn Cold Messages for Backlinks
You’d think getting a backlink is easy - it should be a win-win, right?
The thing is, the best sites are very picky about who they link to and often charge for it. So if you want to secure an organic backlink, you’ll need to show the person in charge the value they’ll get by linking to your website.
Why This Message Works
- It shows you’re familiar with their work and content.
- You’re proving you’re experienced enough to deliver value, and they won’t get just another cookie-cutter guest post.
Key Takeaways
- You can directly disclose the purpose in the connection note since it benefits both parties.
- Bonus points if you’ve done your research right and can pitch 2-3 topics immediately.
Example 6: Offering a Product Demo
When offering a product demo, you cannot simply pitch the offer in the first encounter. You must first understand whether the lead needs your product or if they already use a similar product.
Be direct.
Why This Message Works
- The message is straightforward, clear, and not pushy.
- You’re getting straight to the point. Don’t waste your lead’s time - if you’ve qualified them correctly, they’ll be interested in your solution.
Key Takeaways
- As an alternative to this CTA, you can also pitch a free trial of your product or a special discount code to make the offer more appealing.
- Including a link to your case studies would help convert faster.
Example 7: Networking After Meeting at an Event
So you brushed shoulders with some pretty good peers or leads. What’s next? Waiting for them to dust off your business card? Heck no!
You and I, we’re going to follow up with them to stay top of mind when they’re ready to convert or take the discussion further.
Why This Works?
- This hyper-personalized approach lets the lead know you’ve listened to their concerns and are keen to help them find solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t wait too long to reach out—they might forget the details by then.
- Do not pitch right away—chat, impress them with your knowledge, and subtly pitch when the timing is right.
- Bonus points if you remember the specific points they mentioned during your first conversation.
How Does Super Send Help With Cold Messaging?
Cold outreach doesn’t have to be all manual—you can use automation to fast-track and scale the process.
This is where Super Send comes in with its omnichannel outreach capabilities!
With Super Send, you can automate different outreach processes, including:
- LinkedIn profile visits
- Sending personalized connection requests
- Following new accounts
- Sending cold emails
- Cold DM-ing on Twitter
And more!
That’s the beauty of the omnichannel approach—you can add these automation triggers to your usual email campaigns. For example, if step 1 of the campaign sends a cold email to a prospect, step 2 could be visiting their profile and sending them a personalized connection request.
You can switch between emails, LinkedIn, and Twitter in a sequence and reach your leads anywhere.
Rock Your LinkedIn Cold Messaging Strategy
There’s nothing worse than sending a blank connection request. (Seriously, they suck. Who even is this person?) Treat it as your first impression, and make sure it’s a good one. Use personalization and lead gen tools to get information on the lead’s interests, goals, challenges, and company updates.
Then, create a message that sticks.
If you send a lot of cold messages on LinkedIn, check out Super Send, too! It will help you streamline your sales outreach process with automation, including cold emails, Twitter outreach, LinkedIn outreach, and so much more!