Best LinkedIn Prospecting Messages

LinkedIn prospecting messages let you communicate directly with your prospects, engage with them, get appointments, and close deals. If your LinkedIn outreach messages aren’t delivering your desired results, chances are they’re not effective enough.

Creating successful LinkedIn sales prospecting messages takes excellent copywriting skills and a strategic approach. 

We will explain everything about prospecting messages on LinkedIn. We’ll walk you through the important steps to write high-converting messages, besides providing you with tips, examples, and templates to get started on the right foot.

What Is a LinkedIn Prospecting Message?

A LinkedIn prospecting message is a personalized communication sent to a potential lead through LinkedIn. The goal is to start a meaningful conversation, introduce your solution, and build a relationship that could lead to a sale. You can also use these messages to expand your network, build credibility, and generate leads. 

These messages are an essential part of a prospecting plan. They help you establish relationships that can lead to long-term business opportunities. 

LinkedIn prospecting messages are better than cold emails because they are customized for each prospect based on publicly available information. Cold emails, on the other hand, are often generic and rely on mass distribution. 

The best LinkedIn prospecting messages can position you as a trusted resource rather than just another salesperson. They also indicate to your prospect that you understand their needs and problems and are willing to offer tailored solutions. 

How to Write LinkedIn Prospecting Messages

Writing a good LinkedIn prospecting message requires research and clarity. The idea is to personalize each message and provide value to the recipient. 

Here are the steps to write sales prospecting messages that convert:

1. Define Your Goal

The first step is to define what you want to achieve with the message. Without a clear goal, your outreach can feel scattered or lack direction, leaving the recipient unsure of how to respond.

Ask yourself:

• Are you writing a LinkedIn message to schedule a meeting or call to discuss the prospect’s challenges?
• Do you want to introduce your product or service and highlight how it can solve the recipient’s specific problem?
• Is your goal to share a valuable resource, like an industry report or case study, to demonstrate your expertise and start a conversation?

When you know what to achieve, it becomes easy to align your message with your goal. 

For example, if you want to set up a meeting, your message should clearly request a specific time or action. On the other hand, if you’re sharing a resource, you should focus on why it’s relevant to the recipient and what insights they can gain from it.

2. Research Your Prospect Thoroughly

Once you know your goal, it’s time to research your prospect. The findings will help you write a message that feels personal, relevant, and thoughtful. These qualities will improve your chances of getting a response.

You can start by researching their job title and responsibilities as mentioned in their LinkedIn profile. This will help you understand their challenges and priorities, which you can use to make your message more relevant and engaging.  

It is also a good idea to visit the company’s LinkedIn page or website to learn about their industry, goals, and recent news. 

Are they launching a new product, expanding into new markets, or dealing with industry-specific challenges? Referencing this information in your message shows that you’ve done your homework and aren’t doing generic outreach.

Also, check if the prospect has shared a post, participated in a group discussion, or engaged with content recently. If yes, you can acknowledge their contributions in your message to build rapport. 

Example: “I saw your recent post about [topic] and found your insights valuable. It’s a challenge I often hear about when working with [similar roles].”

Shared connections can be a great way to build trust, so it is good to research them as well. If you find a mutual contact, mention them (if appropriate) to establish credibility.

Example: “I saw we’re both connected to [mutual contact]. I’ve worked with them on similar projects, and they spoke highly of your work in [specific area].”

Next, consider the common challenges people in their role or industry face. 

While you may not know their exact pain points yet, knowing the broader trends can help you predict what might be relevant to them. Mentioning these trends in your message can position you as a helpful resource.

Finally, dig into things like shared alma maters, professional organizations, or volunteer work. While this isn’t the main focus of your message, briefly mentioning commonalities can make your outreach feel more human.

If you’re prospecting at scale, LinkedIn automation tools can help you organize and track your findings. You can also create a sales prospecting list to collect key insights about your prospects, ensuring every message feels targeted without having to start from scratch each time.

3. Write an Attention-Grabbing Subject Line

Your subject line is the first thing your prospect sees, making it a critical factor in whether they open your message or scroll past it. As such, you should focus on writing clear, concise, and relevant subject lines.

Avoid overused phrases or anything that feels vague or overly salesy. 

Instead, write a subject line that highlights a specific benefit, sparks curiosity, or references something relevant to the recipient. 

For example, rather than saying, “Can we connect?” try something more focused like:

• “Improving [Prospect’s Company]’s [Specific Challenge or Goal]”;
• “Ideas to Help You Boost Your Sales This Quarter.”

Personalization can also make your subject line grab attention.

You can reference a shared interest, an accomplishment, or a recent post to pique their interest.

For example:

• “Saw Your Recent Post on [Topic] — Here’s a Thought”;
• “Quick Idea to Support Your [Department’s Goal].”

4. Create a Strong Opening

The opening line of your LinkedIn outreach message must grab attention, encouraging the recipient to keep reading. It should show that your outreach is thoughtful and worth their time.

A generic opening like “I hope this message finds you well” is a sure sign that you haven’t put enough effort into writing the message. On the other hand, a personalized opening indicates that you’ve done your homework and have a legitimate reason for reaching out. It also helps establish a positive tone for the entire conversation.

So, how do you write a strong opening?

Mention something unique to your prospect, such as a recent LinkedIn post, their company’s achievements, or a shared interest. This immediately shows that your message isn’t a copy-paste template.

Example: “I read your post about [specific topic], and I really appreciated your perspective — it’s a challenge I’ve been helping others in [role/industry] tackle as well.”

Your opening sentence can also refer to a challenge or a problem your prospect might be facing. Or if you have a mutual connection, highlight it early in the message to build trust and rapport.

Another approach is to start your message with a clear indication of how you can help them. 

Example: “I’ve been working with companies like [their company] to streamline [specific process or goal], and I thought you might find the approach interesting.”

There are also certain types of openings that you should avoid, such as “Hope all is well” or “Reaching out to connect.” They’re overused and don’t add value. Also, avoid stiff phrasing and gushing compliments. 

5. Personalize Your Message

Personalization shouldn’t be limited to your subject line and opening sentence. It should flow throughout your message. Make sure to tailor your message to the recipient based on your findings during your research. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand your prospect’s unique situation.

• Always address your prospects by their name. It’s a simple yet effective way to show you’re speaking directly to them;
• Mention something specific about their job, company, or professional accomplishments. This could be their recent promotion, a project they led, or a company milestone;
• Look for mutual connections or interests to establish common ground. Mentioning shared affiliations, groups, or passions can be a great way to start a conversation;
• Show that you understand their industry or role by referencing a specific pain point or challenge they might face;
• Look at their recent activity on LinkedIn. Did they publish a post, comment on an article, or share a milestone? Use this as a conversation starter.

There are also certain things that you should avoid when trying to personalize your message. 

For instance, you shouldn’t fake personalization. This includes using information that isn’t genuine. Moreover, mentioning too many specifics can feel intrusive, so stick to one or two relevant points.

6. Highlight the Value Clearly

Your prospect’s time is valuable. If your message doesn’t quickly explain how you can help or solve their problems, they’ll likely move on to the next one. Clearing stating the value helps build trust and shows that you’re not just trying to make a sale. 

One way to highlight the value is to describe your knowledge of their problem. You could share a brief insight or example that positions you as someone who understands their needs.

Also, explain your solution in clear terms, focusing on tangible results or measurable outcomes.

Example: “Here’s how we helped [company name] reduce [pain point] by [specific percentage] in just [timeframe].”

You could also tie the value to their goals. If you understand what they care about, you can mention how your solution will help them achieve it.

7. Be Brief and Concise

Long-winded messages can overwhelm your prospects, especially when they lack clarity. The best LinkedIn prospecting messages are short, respect the prospects’ time, and let them know the purpose of your outreach. If you want to catch their attention, you have to be quick and to the point.

Here are some tips for writing short and to-the-point LinkedIn sales prospecting messages:

1. Break your message into two or three short paragraphs. This makes it easier to scan and ensures each idea is clearly defined. Avoid large blocks of text that may look intimidating or cumbersome to read;
   • Paragraph 1: Briefly introduce who you are and why you’re reaching out.
   • Paragraph 2: Clearly explain the value you offer.
   • Paragraph 3: Close with a clear call to action.
2. Don’t try to cram too many ideas into one message. Too much information can dilute your message, making it less effective. Stick to what’s most relevant to your prospect and your goal for the conversation;
3. Skip long introductions or pleasantries and get right away to the point;
4. Don’t give every detail upfront. Instead, provide just enough information to spark interest and leave room for a follow-up conversation.

8. Include a Catchy Call-to-Action 

The ultimate goal of your LinkedIn prospecting message is to initiate an action. 

At the end of your message, clearly guide the recipient on what to do next. A call-to-action is a simple request that takes the prospect toward the next step, whether it’s scheduling a meeting, asking a question, or offering additional information.

Without a clear CTA, your message may leave the prospect wondering what to do next or if they even need to respond. Also, a vague or non-specific CTA can lead to indecision or, worse, no response at all. 

Here’s how to write a good CTA:

1. Your CTA should be clear and specific, leaving no ambiguity about what you want the prospect to do. Avoid phrases like “Let me know if you’re interested” because they don’t specify the next concrete step;
2. Make it easy for the prospect to say yes. A brief call, quick reply, or sharing a document is low-commitment and makes it easier for them to take action;
3. If you’re requesting a meeting or call, offer certain time slots or use scheduling tools to streamline the process. This removes the back-and-forth of trying to find a mutually available time;
4. If your CTA involves sharing more information, make it clear that it will benefit the recipient. This reinforces why the action is worth their time.

Tips for a Good LinkedIn Prospecting Message

Here are some actionable tips to create LinkedIn prospecting messages that get responses:

1. Use Social Proof

Social proof helps build trust and credibility. It helps reduce the hesitation prospects might feel when hearing from someone new. You could reference mutual connections, a recent post from a well-known industry figure, or clients in similar fields as social proof. 

2. Start with a Question

Instead of jumping straight into your pitch, you can start with a question that’s relevant to their work or current challenges. This helps grab their attention, making them think about how your solution might fit into their situation.

3. Speak their Language

In your message, use the recipient’s industry language and terminology. This will help your message resonate with the prospect besides showing that you have industry knowledge.

For instance, if you’re reaching out to a marketing director, you can use terms like “customer acquisition,” “lead generation,” or “conversion rates” in your message.

4. Use a Soft, Non-Sales Approach

A salesy approach is more likely to turn off your prospect. Instead, consider using a soft and non-sales strategy. 

This means you should avoid talking at length about how amazing your product or service is and instead engage in conversation with your prospects to understand their challenges and pain points. Based on the conversation, you can then offer your help or solution.  

5. Follow Up Thoughtfully

Not all LinkedIn prospecting messages will get a response immediately. However, sending a thoughtful follow-up message can help revive the conversation and show your persistent side. Your follow-up message should also offer value rather than just serve as a reminder. 

Instead of writing, Did you get my last message? add something new. For example, “I saw an article on [relevant topic] and thought of you. It could be useful as you tackle [specific challenge]. I’d be happy to discuss more.”

6. Highlight Recent News or Changes

If there’s a new development at the prospect’s company or in their industry, you can reference it in your message. This shows that you’re up to date on what’s going on in their industry and understand their current situation.

Let’s say your prospect’s company recently secured funding. In this scenario, you could say, “Congratulations on your recent funding round! I’ve worked with similar companies in the scaling phase, and we’ve helped them optimize operations.”

7. Offer a Free Resource or Consultation

It is also good to give something valuable for free in your message, such as a helpful resource, a whitepaper, a report, or even a short consultation. This provides immediate value and builds trust with the prospect.

8. Avoid Overused Phrases and Jargon

When writing a LinkedIn prospecting message, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using generic phrases that don’t add much value. 

Phrases like “I’d like to introduce myself,” “I hope you’re doing well,” or “Just reaching out to connect” are overused and can make your message sound impersonal or automated. These expressions also don’t grab the reader’s attention or communicate anything meaningful.

As such, you should avoid overused jargon and phrases in your LinkedIn message. Also, cut the fluff like filler words that don’t add much to your message. Instead, focus on direct, clear, simple language that addresses the recipient’s pain points or goals.

9. Test and Refine Your Approach

Even with the best messaging strategies, not every LinkedIn outreach message will convert or generate a response. 

Your message’s effectiveness depends on multiple factors, such as your prospect’s industry, their current pain points, and even their personality. That’s why it’s a good idea to test and refine your approach continually to find what works best for different audiences.

Testing allows you to identify which elements of your message are effective and which ones need improvement. If you’re not testing and refining your strategy, you may miss out on opportunities to improve your outreach and boost your sales.

So, how do you test and refine your LinkedIn sales prospecting messages? 

First, keep an eye on metrics like open rates, response rates, and conversion rates. If you’re sending messages to multiple prospects, keep a record of the ones that lead to meetings, calls, or positive replies. Use this data to determine what’s working and what isn’t.

Also, if one specific CTA is getting more responses, you may incorporate that into other messages.

You can also experiment with different opening lines. 

For example, you can use three different opening sentences in your message to three different prospects. One of them uses a compliment, the other mentions a shared connection, and the third mentions a recent achievement of the prospect. Then see which of those opening lines leads to a response. 

Moreover, you can test your CTAs to choose the one that helps your message convert. 

Test direct CTAs like “Can we schedule a 15-minute call?” against softer CTAs like “Would you be open to a quick call sometime this week?” to see which gets better engagement.

Also, try different levels of personalization in your outreach. Some messages could focus on mutual connections or shared interests, while others could get into specific details about their company or recent work.

If you’re doing mass prospecting, try A/B testing two different message variations to see which one performs better. Send two different versions of your message to different groups and track the results. This way, you can easily identify which message delivers better results.

Over time, you’ll be able to develop a more refined and effective outreach strategy that increases your chances of success. The key is to stay flexible and tweak your message based on what works best for your target audience.

LinkedIn Prospecting Messages Examples

Now that you know how to create a winning LinkedIn prospect message, below are some example messages for your inspiration.

1. Introduction With a Mutual Connection

Subject: Connecting through Sarah Miller

Hi John,

I hope you’re doing well! I noticed that we’re both connected to Sarah Miller, and I wanted to reach out directly. I’ve been working with businesses in the manufacturing industry, helping them streamline their operations and reduce overhead costs.

I’d love to briefly connect and learn more about the challenges you’re facing at J-Tech Solutions. If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to share some insights I’ve gathered from working with similar teams.

Best regards,

Emily Parker

2. Value-Driven Approach With a Solution

Subject: Helping Innovex Solutions Improve Operational Efficiency

Hi Dianna,

I came across your profile and noticed that Innovex Solutions is working on improving operational efficiency across your departments. In the past, we’ve helped businesses in your industry achieve a 20% reduction in operational costs and increased productivity by streamlining workflows.

Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call next week to discuss how we could help Innovex Solutions see similar results?

Best regard,

Jonas Whitaker

3. Offering a Helpful Resource

Subject: Strategy Guide for Improving Cybersecurity Compliance

Hi Michael Torres,

I noticed your recent post about addressing compliance challenges in cybersecurity. It was a thoughtful take on an issue many of my clients have faced.

I’ve recently created a short guide on practical strategies for streamlining compliance reporting. I’d be happy to share it with you and discuss its relevance to your work at ShieldTech Innovations.

Let me know if you’d like a copy or a quick chat about it!

Best regards,

Claire Bennett

4. Follow-Up After No Response

Subject: Following Up on Advanced Data Analytics Solutions

Hi Rachel Nguyen,

I hope your week is going smoothly! I wanted to follow up on my last message regarding the advanced data analytics tools we offer. I understand time gets tight, but I still see a strong opportunity to help Precision Metrics tackle its challenges in scaling data reporting processes.

Would it be possible to find 10 minutes for a quick conversation? 

Best regards,

Jake Morales

LinkedIn Prospecting Message Templates

Writing LinkedIn sales prospecting messages doesn’t have to be difficult. A good template can save you time and make your outreach feel natural. 

Here are some easy-to-use examples you can customize to fit your style and audience.

1. Cold Outreach – Value Proposition

Subject: Helping [Prospect’s Company] Improve [Specific Outcome]

Hi [Prospect’s Name],

I noticed that [Prospect’s Company] has been focusing on [specific project, challenge, or area of interest]. In my work with companies in [prospect’s industry], I’ve been able to help teams improve [specific result] by [brief description of your solution or expertise].

I’d love to set up a 15-minute call to discuss how we might be able to help [Prospect’s Company] achieve similar results. Would [date and time] work for you?

Best regards,

[Your Name]

2. Offering a Resource – Helpful Link or Tool

Subject: Resource to Help With [Specific Challenge]

Hi [Prospect’s Name],

I came across a resource that could be really valuable to [Prospect’s Company] in tackling [specific challenges they’ve shared]. It’s a [guide/article/tool] that has helped others in your industry improve [related business goals].

I’d be happy to share it with you, and if you’re interested, we could discuss how we can further assist [Prospect’s Company] with [issue]. 

Let me know if you’d like the details.

Best,

[Your Name]

3. Request for a Quick Call to Discuss Potential Collaboration

Subject: Quick Call to Discuss [Specific Opportunity]

Hi [Prospect’s Name],

I see that [Prospect’s Company] is working on [specific project or goal], and I wanted to see if there might be an opportunity for us to collaborate. I specialize in [brief description of your expertise], and I’ve helped businesses like yours [specific outcome or result].

If you have 10–15 minutes to chat, I’d love to discuss how we can work together to [achieve specific results]. 

Let me know if you’re available next week.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

4. Complimenting a Recent Achievement

Subject: Impressive Work at [Prospect’s Company]

Hi [Prospect’s Name],

I recently came across the news about [specific achievement, e.g., their company’s product launch or award], and I wanted to say congratulations! It’s clear that [Prospect’s Company] is making big strides in [industry/field].

I specialize in helping companies like yours streamline [specific process or challenge]. If it’s something you’re exploring, I’d be happy to share a few ideas that might align with your goals.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

5. Sharing Industry Insights

Subject: Insights on [Relevant Topic or Trend]

Hi [Prospect’s Name],

As someone working in [industry/role], I thought you might find these insights on [specific trend or challenge] interesting. We’ve seen businesses like [Prospect’s Company] improve [specific result, e.g., efficiency, sales growth] by focusing on [briefly mention your solution].

Would you be open to a quick call to discuss how these strategies could apply to your team? 

I’d love to hear your perspective on this.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

How to Send LinkedIn Prospecting Messages with Dripify

Dripify is a sales automation software that simplifies creating and sending prospecting messages. 

You can use the Dripify LinkedIn automation tool to easily create a tailored prospect list based on different criteria, such as location, industry, job title, and much more. The tool also offers built-in message templates that you can customize for each prospect. 

Dripify allows you to automate follow-up messages, scheduling them to send at optimal intervals. This ensures consistent communication without missing any potential leads.

Moreover, you can track the performance of your outreach with detailed analytics available within this LinkedIn lead generation software. This allows you to adjust your strategy and optimize your LinkedIn prospecting campaigns.

Conclusion

Writing LinkedIn prospecting messages that get responses and conversions requires research, personalization, clear value communication, and strategic follow-up. Keep these elements in mind when writing a LinkedIn outreach message so you can capture the attention of your prospects, start meaningful relationships, and drive results.

Follow all the tips and use the templates shared in this article to create LinkedIn messages that resonate with your prospects. Feel free to customize the templates to match your style and address the unique needs of each lead.