Everybody knows that one of the best ways to get new customers is by contacting them using LinkedIn cold messages. Why? Well, sales teams prefer cold outreach via LinkedIn because this social media is the most effective B2B lead generation channel. Compared to cold calling and cold emails, that is.

However, when crafting a LinkedIn cold message, salespeople often get confused about how to approach their leads. Or, for example, their cold outreach message ends up showing no effect at all. We’ve been there too: testing countless variations, rewriting openers, and learning the hard way what gets replies (and what doesn’t).

That said, let’s make your LinkedIn outreach a winning game. In this article, we’ll focus on the best LinkedIn cold messages — the ones that delivered real results for us and our users — along with practical tips to help you write your own.

And as a bonus, we’ll also introduce you to a LinkedIn automation tool that makes it possible to send these high-performing messages and do it at scale.

What is a LinkedIn cold message?

A LinkedIn cold message is a way to reach out to someone on LinkedIn who hasn’t interacted with you before. These messages typically come in 3 forms:

• Connection request, 
• Message (after the leads accept an invite), 
• or InMail. 

Each type has its own approach and best practices for getting a response. 

For example, a well-crafted InMail can see an average reply rate of 18 to 25 percent, while cold emails usually sit around 3%.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that one should not limit oneself to using LinkedIn only. In fact, the best way to acquire and close an outbound lead is by using both LinkedIn and email in your outreach strategy. 

The benefits of LinkedIn cold messages

LinkedIn is the biggest social media platform for startups, company founders, CEOs, sales professionals, marketers, recruiters, B2B influencers, and more. With roughly 1 billion users, it’s been recognized as an ideal space to grow your professional network, generate leads, and build business-to-business partnerships.

That’s why marketers often use it for their outbound marketing efforts, such as publishing LinkedIn ads, promoting webinars, and gathering leads for their sales teams. Sales teams and recruiters, on the other hand, typically use LinkedIn for outbound activities such as prospecting and sending LinkedIn cold messages.

But why does cold messaging work so well here?

Firstly, LinkedIn offers more transparency than email. Your recipient can instantly see who you are, what your role is, and decide whether to engage.

Secondly, the larger your network grows, the more leads you can reach, and mutual connections also help increase your acceptance rate.

Lastly, with both connection requests and InMails at your disposal, you always have more than one shot at starting a conversation.

LinkedIn cold message templates & examples that work in 2025

When we first started optimizing our LinkedIn outreach, our reply rates hovered around 10%.

After A/B testing 1000s of messages, we discovered what actually works. 

Now, we’re sharing our best-performing templates — the ones that helped us and our users:

• Increase our response rate
• Book more meetings with hard-to-reach prospects
• Shorten our sales cycle and boost conversion

And yes, every result you see here was tracked directly inside Skylead from our and our clients’ real campaigns.

Of course, Skylead does much more than track replies. You can plug these exact templates into it, personalize them at scale, and automate your entire outreach without sacrificing quality.

Want to skip the manual work and launch a high-performing outreach campaign in minutes? Try Skylead now for free!

We’ll go deeper into how it works in a moment. But now, let’s get into LinkedIn cold messages that helped us and our clients increase conversions by 3x!

General cold messaging tactics and templates

Leverage something you have in common

The first tip about cold LinkedIn messages is to find common ground with your leads. To clarify, this can be anything from liking the same post, influencer, or sport. Here is an example.

Cold LinkedIn connection message template:

Hi {{firstName}},

I noticed you liked {{authorName}}’s post on {{subjectOfThePost}}. I loved it as well. Especially the part about {{statementAndConclusion}}. I’d like to connect since I can see you know a lot about {{Topic}}.

Real-life example:

Or you can drop them an InMail such as this one:

Subject line: Post about {{Topic}}

InMail template:

Hi {{firstName}},

I noticed you reacted to {{authorName}}’s post on {{subjectOfThePost}}. I loved it as well — especially the part about {{statementAndConclusion}}.

Anyways, I noticed by looking at your profile that you’re familiar with {{Topic}}, so I wanted to see whether you are approaching {{KeyProblemYou’reSolving}} in {{currentCompany}}?

I would love to know more about this.

Best, {{Your Name}}

Response rate: 35%

Real-life example:

Mention a shared connection

People are more likely to accept a LinkedIn invite if it references a mutual connection. If you’d like to increase your chances, you can send an invite such as this one, which boosted our acceptance rate by 2x in just one campaign:

LinkedIn connection request template:

Hey {{firstName}},

I noticed that {{mutualConnectionName}} is part of your network too. We {{yourHistory}}. Anyways, I see you work as {{Position}} and like to chat. Maybe we can exchange some tips.

Real-life example:

See if a mutual connection can introduce you

If, however, you prefer to get introduced to your lead by a mutual connection, you can send a direct message such as this one:

LinkedIn message template:

Hey {{firstName}},

I noticed that {{leadName}} is a part of your network. I’ve been following them for a while now, and I just wanted to chat about their experience as {{Position}}.

Would you mind if you introduced me to them? It’s always better to be introduced, rather than reaching out of the blue. It would mean the world to me.

Best, {{Your Name}}

Real-life example:

Stroke their ego

Everybody likes to receive a compliment about their work or an accomplishment. So, one way you can compliment your leads is to find the post you genuinely like and reference it in your cold LinkedIn message, as we have:

LinkedIn connection request template:

Hey {{firstName}},

I loved your post about {{Topic}}. What I loved the most was {{Statement}}.

Anyways, I wanted to connect and chat about how you as a {{Position}} handle {{painPoint}} in your daily work life.

Real-life example:

If they do not respond, you can always send an InMail such as this one:

Subject line: Loved your post about {{Topic}}

InMail template: Hey {{firstName}},

I tried sending an invite, but I guess it got lost somewhere along the way. I wanted to reach out and first say I loved the content you are posting, especially the one about {{Topic}}. What I loved the most was {{Statement}}.

Anyways, I just wanted to connect and chat about how you, as a {{Position}} handle {{painPoint}} in your daily work life, and I'd like a chance to present a solution that {{solutionToPainPoint}} to the table.

If what I offer sounds compelling to you, please let me know. However, if the timing is off, or this is not in the area of your interest at the moment, I'll be happy to enjoy your future posts on LinkedIn. 🙂

Warm regards, {{Your Name}}

Response rate: 30%

Real-life example:

Give reason to reply

By posing a question in your cold LinkedIn outreach, you give your leads a chance to talk a bit about themselves, and you can learn a bit more about their work. So, drop a connection request such as this one:

Cold LinkedIn connection request template:

Hi {{firstName}},

I noticed you work as {{Position}}, so I wanted to reach out and chat about your position. I’m curious what {{Strategy}} has the best {{Result}} from your experience. 😀

Real-life example:

If they do not respond, you can send a cold InMail, such as this one:

Subject line: A quick question

InMail message template:

Hi {{firstName}},

I tried reaching out over a connection request, but it seems it got lost in the sea of requests you might be getting. Anyways, as a {{Position}}, I always like to expand my network and chat with people about their positions. So I came across your amazing profile, and I was curious, what {{Strategy}} has the best {{Result}} from your experience? 😀

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards, {{Your Name}}

Real-life example:

Leverage a group connection

Leveraging mutual LinkedIn groups is one of the best conversation-starters in cold outreach. Moreover, you can top it up with humor and create a charming first impression. 

Here is a connection message template that does just that:

Cold LinkedIn connection request template:

Always trust a glue salesperson. They tend to stick to their word…

Just kidding, {{firstName}}. I saw that you are also part of the {{groupName}} group. Hope we can learn from each other!

Acceptance rate: 63%

Real-life example:

And if they accept a request and do not respond, your next LinkedIn message could sound like this:

LinkedIn message template:

Hi {{firstName}},

Thank you for connecting. I love chatting with other members of the group. Was curious, how are you solving {{painPoint}} at {{currentCompany}}?

Response rate: 37%

Real-life example:

However, if they don't reply to a connection request, you can send the following InMail:

Subject line: Saw you are also a member of {{groupName}}

InMail template: Hello {{firstName}},

I recently tried connecting on CompanyTinder with you... I mean on LinkedIn. Just joking {{firstName}}, I visited your LinkedIn and saw that we are both a part of the same LinkedIn group.

Anyways, I couldn't help but notice you are {{occupation}} at {{currentCompany}}. I was curious, how are you solving {{painPoint}}?

If you still haven't found the solution, I would love to chat with you this week over a call about how {{nameOfYourCompany}} could help you. Either way, hope Q2 is going great for you!

Best! {{Your name}}

Response rate: 27%

Real-life example:

Then you can proceed by asking them what their biggest challenges are, offering tailored solutions, and presenting your product or service.

LinkedIn cold message for B2B lead generation

If they viewed your profile

Sometimes, your Buyer Persona will view your profile. In that case, you can send them a high-performing connection request such as this one:

LinkedIn connection request template:

Hi {{firstName}},

I saw you viewed my profile on LinkedIn. Let's connect and chat. 😊

Perhaps we discover we can collaborate.

Acceptance rate: 63%

Real-life example:

If they accept your connection request but do not respond, try taking this follow-up message for a spin:

LinkedIn message template:

Hey {{firstName}},

Thanks for connecting. Perhaps, I was just in the pool of the {{typeOfProduct}} you are researching. 😊 However, I do have extensive knowledge of {{painPointTopic}}. Let me know if you are looking for something specific.

Response rate: 29%

Real-life example:

Mention relevant company news

You can also reference recent company news, achievements, or celebrations to catch your lead's attention. In addition, since the company experienced a change, you can present your product/service as a new and refreshing solution on the market. In that case, help yourself with this piece:

LinkedIn connection message:

Hey {{firstName}},

Congrats on {{companyNewsTopic}}. I've been following you for a while now, and this is truly great to hear! I wanted to reach out and chat about an idea that I think your team can benefit from. Let's connect on this.

Real-life example:

However, if they don’t accept a connection request, send them this InMail:

Subject line: {{ProductOrServiceType}} that actually {{benefit}}! 🙂

InMail message template: Hi {{firstName}},

Congrats on {{companyNewsTopic}}. I’ve been following your company for a while now and I think this is a huge deal! Anyways, It would be silly of me to think you’re not using an {{productOrServiceType}} already, but it’s a no-brainer to present something new on the market that actually helps {{Position}} reach {{Result}} specifically. {{shortDescirptionAboutYourProduct/ServiceWithBenefits}}

Let me know if this sounds interesting to you.

Best, {{Your Name}}

Response rate: 20%

Real-life example:

Pitch your product

Some sales professionals prefer to lead with a product or service pitch right from the first touchpoint. 

If that’s your style, these outreach templates can help you do it effectively, with sequences that have driven up to a 67% acceptance rate and 39% response rate.

LinkedIn connection request template:

Hi {{firstName}},

Your profile really caught my attention while I was looking for {{TheTypeofCompanyYouTargeted}} companies. Let’s connect!

Real-life example:

If they accept a connection request, then your following message can sound something like this: 

LinkedIn message template:

Hey {{firstName}},

Thanks for connecting! I am looking for companies that are seeking to improve their {{keyProblemYouAreSolving}}

Did you know that you can achieve {{resultsYourProductProvides}}? I believe {{yourProductOrService}} will be an excellent fit for {{currentCompany}} because {{howYourProductOrServiceHelpsYourClients}}. If this sounds interesting, let’s have a chat! How’s next week?

Real-life example:

However, if they do not accept a connection request, send an InMail with the following call to action:

Subject line: Quick question about {{currentCompany}}

InMail message template:

Hi {{firstName}},

I am looking for companies seeking to improve their {{keyProblemYouAreSolving}}, and your profile caught my attention.

Did you know that you can achieve {{resultsYourProductProvides}}? I believe {{YourProductOrService}} will be an excellent fit for {{currentCompany}} because {{HowYourProductOrServiceHelpsYourClients}}.

If you agree, let’s connect and have a chat! What do you think about next week?

Best, {{Your Name}}

Real-life example:

Use past client wins

If you want to pitch first, you can also use some case studies of similar companies. This way, you can demonstrate bullet-proof case studies of your best clients, similar to your leads in question.

The following template works especially well when someone hasn’t accepted your LinkedIn invite, and has helped our users generate replies even from cold leads.

Subject line: Swift question - not to shake it off 🙂

InMail message template:

Hi {{firstName}},

I tried reaching you through LinkedIn, but I guess your account is also overwhelmed with connection requests, ha?

Anyway, the reason I decided to contact you is that I noticed that you work as a {{Position}} at {{currentCompany}}.

We actually were able to help {{RelevantCompany/CaseStudy}} with {{KeyProblemYou’reSolving}}, so I was wondering how you are approaching it at your company.

Worth a convo?

Kind regards, {{Your name}}

Response rate: 35%

Real-life example:

Refer to an event or webinar where you both participated

One of the best LinkedIn cold messages that point out common ground is the one that references a webinar or an event you both attended. Here is how your connection message can sound like:

LinkedIn connection request template:

Hi {{firstName}},

I see you are interested in attending the same webinar as I am. I am talking about {{[nameOfTheWebinar}}. I’d like to connect with you and discuss the event topic.

Acceptance: 75%

Real-life example:

After your leads accept a connection request, you can continue the conversation by using the following LinkedIn cold message template and pitch accordingly later on: 

LinkedIn message template:

Thanks for connecting with me, {{firstName}}! So, what are you looking to get from this event?

However, if the lead doesn’t respond to your connection request, you can send an InMail that goes like this:

Subject line: Let’s chat about the upcoming {{[NameOfTheEvent}}

InMail message template:

Hi {{firstName}},

I hope you don’t mind reaching out directly to your inbox.

I see you are interested in attending the same event as I am - {{[NameOfTheEvent}}.

Maybe you just overlooked the invitation without realizing it, but if that’s not the case, I’d like to connect with you and pick your brain about this interesting upcoming event.

Best regards, {{[Your name}}

Response rate: 47%

Real-life example:

Investor outreach

If you are a startup looking for an investor, your cold LinkedIn message should have a strong CTA. In addition, investors are decision-makers who don’t like to spend time getting the relevant data from you. Instead, you should present it yourself and show the prognosis of ROI right away. 

That said, you can try out this InMail message example that we pre-tested:

Subject line: Invest in our company and get {{Percentage}} ROI in the first year

InMail message template:

Hi {{firstName}},

I am the founder of {{companyName}}, a company determined to help {{targetAudience}} achieve {{Results}}.

I’ve been following you for a while and noticed you’ve invested in a type of company such as ours. I’ve created a detailed report and estimated that you could earn {{amountOfMoney}} within the first year, with an investment of {{amountOfMoney}} that will cover our 6-month period.

If this interests you, I would love to show you a detailed report and all the calculations over a call.

Best regards, {{Your name}}

Real-life example:

LinkedIn cold message templates for recruiters

If you work as a recruiter in a startup, this would be a perfect cold InMail message example for you.

Subject line: Are you our next {{companyName}} star?

InMail message template:

Hi {{firstName}},

We are {{companyName}}, a team of young people who {{whatYourCompanyDoes}}.

Currently, we are looking for an ambitious person, preferably with the {{Position}} experience and aspirations to grow and develop their career path.

Our team is very successful and fast-developing, and we have multiple sectors where you can further learn and develop your career path. We strive to encourage people who come to our company to contribute their suggestions and propositions to improve their sector and, thus, the company as a whole.

Would you be interested in working in such a young and dynamic team? 🙂

Best, {{Your name}}

Response rate: 65%

Real-life example:

And here is a LinkedIn cold message template for a connection request:

LinkedIn connection request template:

Hey {{firstName}},

I’m HR at {{companyName}}, a team of young people who {{whatYourCompanyDoes}}. We are searching for an ambitious person to fill in our {{Position}} vacancy and aspirations to grow and develop their career.

Real-life example: 

LinkedIn message examples for job seekers

Messaging a recruiter directly

Our Head of Operations, Nikola, says that if you see a hiring manager publishing a job post on LinkedIn, in most cases, it is good to send a connection request to HR. To clarify, this will show that you are serious and proactive and demonstrate initiative. 

That said, here is a template he approved:

Cold LinkedIn connection request template:

Hi {{firstName}},

I’ve noticed you published {{Position}} job post. I’ve been following {{companyName}}, and it’s my dream workplace. So I thought it would be better to send you a message, connect directly, and show you my passion for this role.

Real-life example: 

Cold messaging an employee

This is one of the ways to figure out what the company culture is like and establish a connection with an employee within your desired company. 

LinkedIn connection request:

Hey {{firstName}},

I noticed you work at {{currentCompany}}. How has your experience been in the {{Department}} since you started? I'm searching for job opportunities, and {{currentCompany}} is my #1. I’d like to connect to chat about it.

Real-life example:

And if they respond, you can send a message such as this one to get their referral:

LinkedIn message template:

Thanks for your message, {{firstName}}.

Really appreciate it. On a side note, are you aware that the {{Position}} job listed on {{websiteName}} falls under your department? If not, can you point me to the person usually responsible for recruiting for such roles? I'm considering applying and would like to ensure my application doesn't disappear in the digital chaos.

Real-life example:

Request an informal interview

Sometimes, in your target company, there are no job vacancies that match your expertise. However, that doesn't stop you from messaging their hiring manager and kindly asking for an informal interview. You can test out this template. 

LinkedIn connection request template:

Hi {{firstName}},

I've been following {{currentCompany}} for a while now, and I adore your company culture and achievements. Even though you don't have roles matching my skills, I'd still like to connect and schedule an informal call and present myself in person.

Real-life example:

How to cold message on LinkedIn and get replies

Before sending your first message or LinkedIn connection request to your potential customers, you need to get your outreach strategy straight. This way, you can prepare the ground to generate higher-qualified leads faster. Here are our top tips for doing so. 

Optimize your profile

The first rule to get the best out of your LinkedIn cold message is to optimize your LinkedIn profile. People are more prone to accept a connection request from someone whose entire profile is set up. In other words, you have your:

• Profile and LinkedIn cover image,
• LinkedIn headline,
• Company name,
• LinkedIn summary,
• Education section,
• And LinkedIn URL.

For example, if you are a salesperson, potential customers can check out your LinkedIn profile and see your product/service and what you are all about before accepting a connection request. 

On the other hand, if you are a hiring manager, candidates can take a look at your company name and website. Otherwise, if your profile is not entirely set up, they would mistake you for a fraud. Think of it as the first barrier of defense to prove the validity of your outreach strategy. 

Target the right people - ICP & buyer persona

Both cold emails and LinkedIn connection requests can go down the drain if they are aimed at the wrong target audience. In other words, you need to research and create your Ideal Customer Profile and Buyer Persona. Find out what your ideal company headcount, revenue, or location is. Buyer Persona-wise, figure out what position uses your product/service, whether they are business decision makers or not, and their pain points, so you can tailor your sales pitch. 

If you are a hiring manager, a Persona for each position will be enough. Just make sure to target the correct position, industry, years of experience, and other factors relevant to your job vacancy. 

Lastly, the best way to create these two documents is to analyze your current ideal customers. In other words, find the ones with:

• Highest retention rate and LTV;
• Shortest buying cycle;
• And who would be a referral for your product someplace else.

N.B. Remember that every piece of information in your ICP or Buyer Persona documents needs to be actionable. In other words, create a document with the information you can use for your LinkedIn prospecting or messaging purposes.

Find your leads using LinkedIn filters

Our next piece of advice is to learn how to find your ideal leads. If you are a sales executive, get to the bottom of the ins and outs of the LinkedIn Sales Navigator filters and prospecting hacks. Or find leads outside LinkedIn and trace them back to this social media. And if you are a recruiter, research Recruiter search filters. 

Remember, the goal is to be as narrow as possible so you can find your ideal leads with a high-quality status and shorter close cycles. 

Personalize your cold message

Personalization wins the conversation. Simple as that. The more personalized outreach is, the more people will respond to your LinkedIn connection request, InMail, or even a phone call.

That said, fill your cold outreach messages with personalized points to get their attention, such as:

• First and last name,
• Current company, 
• Position,
• Mutual connection,
• Case studies or posts they shared, 
• Webinar they attended,
• Influencers they follow,
• Or the LinkedIn group they joined.

These are just a few examples of how you can personalize your connection messages or cold emails in general. However, when crafting your first message and even your second, you should always have in mind that you need to offer value and make it all about your prospects. In other words, help yourself with the deeper personalization points such as:

• What are the new customers' main goals, 
• What are their pain points,
• Post they publish,
• Content they created,
• What type of content do they consume?   

These points will help you get a higher response rate. If you don’t want to present your sales pitch or mention pain points right away, you can always send them an interesting article to spark their imagination about your service. 

Don’t forget to end your direct messages with a clear call to action. It can be anything from reading a blog, accepting a LinkedIn connection request, or scheduling an online meeting or a phone call. Nonetheless, try to keep only one call to action per message.

Now, if you really want your message to stand out, remember that a picture is worth a thousand words. That’s why many of our users take personalization a step further by adding personalized images or GIFs to their outreach.

With Skylead, you can insert visuals personalized with your and your lead’s profile photo, company logo, and text with variables. 

Want to see our image and GIF personalization in action? Here’s a video that shows you exactly how it works!

And believe it or not, we managed to amp up our response rate to 76% using it!

Choose to use it yourself, and sooner than later, you may be in a similar situation to our client, Michael Gonzalez, who said:

“We are currently generating 320 bookings, but that's not a limit.’’

Send your cold message, including InMail

LinkedIn users have not one, but three formats they can use to connect with someone on LinkedIn - connection requests, direct message after invite acceptance, and InMails. These two formats are the main ones for the initial contact with potential customers and candidates.

To clarify, InMails are like cold emails but on LinkedIn. You can write your own subject line and have 8K characters available as opposed to a connection request (300 characters). Moreover, you can send InMails to people outside your professional network only if you have a paid LinkedIn subscription. 

Types of InMails & benefits

You can send paid and free InMails. The number of paid InMails you can send depends on your LinkedIn subscription. For example, if you paid for LinkedIn Sales Navigator, you have 50 monthly credits. On the other hand, if you paid for Recruiter Lite, you get 30 InMail credits and 100-150 credits for a Recruiter subscription. Lastly, LinkedIn Premium offers only 15 InMail credits per month.

Contrary to paid InMails, you can send up to 800 free ones, but only to those LinkedIn users who have set their profile to the Open profile status. 

That said, make sure to leverage InMail format as a part of your outreach strategy because of the 3 reasons:

• You can contact people who are your 2nd and 3rd-degree connections without sending a connection request;
• You have more characters available than in connection requests, so you can focus on pain points and a better CTA;
• It's a great alternative if your connection request is pending and you'd like to send a direct message straight to the decision-maker's inbox. 

Lastly, you can use the LinkedIn automation tool and cold email software, Skylead, to automate sending InMails. Skylead is unique on the market because it allows our users to send both paid and free InMails.

Follow up

Salespeople often perceive follow-up messages as pushy and a thing that can drive their leads away. Therefore, 70% of them do not send any follow-ups. However, a lesser-known fact is that if you send a follow-up, you automatically increase the chance of hearing back from your lead by 25%. 

However, if you know how to write a follow-up email after no response or a LinkedIn message, you can increase these chances even more. 

That said, our advice is to research how to write the best follow-ups out there and never miss sending them. 

Here is, according to our experience, the best advice for crafting follow-ups. Depending on the format, a follow-up should be short and focus on at least 2 of the following:

• Catchy subject line;
• Context;
• Value (case studies, solution to pain points);
• CTA. 

Thus, here is one follow-up message that is led by the above-mentioned points.

Subject line: Any thoughts?

Follow-up InMail template:

Hey {{firstName}},

Just checking in to see if you got any thoughts on exploring what {{nameOfYourCompany}} could do for {{theirCompany}}?

We worked with Companies similar to yours, such as:

- {{Company1}}

- {{Company2}}

- {{Company3}}

If you give me a chance for a call to show you, just this once, how other {{ProspectsPosition}} have used this solution to {{smallBenefit}}, I promise we can part ways if you are not impressed. Just let me know when is the best time for you. Anyway, love what you are doing with {{theirCompany}}.

Best, {{Your name}}

Response rate: 27%

Real-life example:

Scale through automation

By now, you’ve seen what works. 

But what if you could automate every single step in your outreach flows, from connection requests and LinkedIn cold messages, to InMails and emails, all while tracking responses in real time?

That’s exactly what Skylead does!

This LinkedIn automation and cold email software helps startups and agencies, sales teams, recruiters, marketers, and alike automate lead generation tasks, such as sending:

• cold emails, 
• connection requests, 
• InMails, 
• and LinkedIn direct messages,  

depending on their leads' behavior. 

To show you just how Skylead follows leads' behavior, let's go through creating one of the outreach sequences using it!

LinkedIn cold outreach campaign

First, choose your lead source, a.k.a. where Skylead will pull the leads from, and insert the source. 

For the sake of this blog, we will select the LinkedIn search results and paste the URL to it. 

Don't forget to choose the type of connection if available. 

Secondly, set up your campaign settings, including your email, LinkedIn, and global settings.

As part of email settings, you can add unlimited mailboxes (email accounts) to send tens of thousands of emails a month at no extra cost. 

You can also create a campaign schedule and set up email tracking in terms of clicks and open emails.

LinkedIn settings let you decide if you’d like to reach out only to those with Premium LinkedIn profiles or Open profiles. You can also set Skylead to collect publicly available information, as well as refresh search and automatically remove leads who haven’t accepted your invites.

In terms of global campaign settings, you’ve got the option to:

• Include leads that replied to your messages
• Include leads found in other campaigns
• Discover new leads only

This is also where you decide on your campaign start date and time.

Now, this is where the fun begins. Meet our Smart sequence, a groundbreaking algorithm that allows you to use multichannel outreach and personalize messages at scale. 

The secret to why the Smart sequences are so powerful lies in the If/else conditions that you can set after each action and let Skylead follow your lead’s behavior and perform actions accordingly.

Here’s what our client, Daniel H., had to say about them:

‘’I like Smart Sequences and the fact that you can combine everything in one funnel…If/else conditions are the most beneficial.’’

Now, to create a Smart sequence, drag and drop actions and conditions, and connect them.

Once you do, write down personalized messages using variables such as first name, company name, and so on. 

For example, here is how your LinkedIn cold message, a.k.a. connection request, can look like:

Keep in mind that if you want to personalize your messaging even more, you can always create a CSV file with custom variables and upload it as the lead source.

Here’s a video that explains just how you can do it:

Once a lead responds to your message, the sequence will stop for that lead, and you can see all the messages from all the platforms collected and available in our Smart Inbox. This way, you can continue the conversation without navigating between the platforms. What’s more, you can even label your leads with tags to calculate conversions and ROI.

And that is the magic of Skylead. 😊 

Frequently asked questions

1. How do these cold message strategies vary in effectiveness across different regions or cultures?

Cold message strategies' effectiveness can vary significantly across different regions or cultures due to varying communication norms and expectations. Tailoring your approach to reflect an understanding of cultural nuances and preferences in communication can greatly enhance receptivity and engagement.

2. What are the long-term follow-up strategies if the initial cold messages receive positive responses?

Long-term follow-up strategies should focus on building a genuine relationship with the recipient. This involves regularly sharing relevant content, updates, and opportunities that add value, maintaining a balance between staying in touch and respecting the recipient's space and interest level.

3. Are there any case studies or success stories of businesses that have significantly benefited from using these specific LinkedIn cold message templates?

Yes. We have a vast library of outreach templates that use these messages, and by examining each type of outreach sequence, you can see other results in addition to the response rate we've stated here.

4. Is it better to cold email or cold message on LinkedIn? 

Cold emails have an average of 3% reply rate, while InMail’s is 18-25%. So, cold messages on LinkedIn are better. But it also depends on your target audience and their preferred channel. So, to maximize getting in touch with every lead possible, you should reach out using both channels.

5. What is a good first message on LinkedIn? 

“Hey {{firstName}}, I loved your post about {{Topic}}, so I wanted to connect and chat.” Or you can use a humorous approach with personalization: “What’s a marketer’s favorite drink? Brand-y. Just kidding, {{firstName}}, saw that you are also part of the {{GroupName}} group. Hope we can learn from each other!”

Ready for your best cold outreach yet? 

We’ve tested thousands of LinkedIn cold messages — and these were the exact ones that brought us (and our users) real replies, booked meetings, and signed deals.

Now it’s your turn.

Skip the guesswork. Skip the manual work. Plug these templates into Skylead, automate your LinkedIn lead generation, and start getting results faster.

Start your 7-day free trial today and see how much easier cold outreach can be!

A perfectly crafted LinkedIn inMail subject line could be your ticket to outreach success, and let’s explain why!

Reaching out to prospects or candidates can be a frustrating game of chance. Traditional emails often go answered, with response rates averaging around 3-5% for cold outreach. This leaves LinkedIn inMail as a better alternative for professionals in sales, marketing, and recruiting, and the numbers back it up. In fact, inMails have a response rate between 10-25%. This is 300% higher than email when using the exact same content, according to LinkedIn!

But why the big difference? It all comes down to delivery and perception. InMails land directly in a recipient's LinkedIn inbox, where engagement is naturally higher among active professionals. 

However, even with this advantage, not every InMail gets a reply, and LinkedIn inMail subject lines are mostly to blame.

After all, they are the first thing the recipient sees. Thus, they need to make an impact. But between countless ‘’Quick chat?’’ or ‘’Just following up,’’ your prospects are getting tired of generic subject lines. They need something different. Something personalized, clear, and value-driven.

We at Skylead use inMails daily and have had plenty of chances to test what’s working and what's not.

So, if you’re looking for LinkedIn inMail subject line ideas, you’re in the right place!

Today, we’re drawing from our own experience to bring you:

• 20 best LinkedIn inMail subject lines to get responses
• 5 tips on how to write highly effective subject lines

You’ll also learn how to make the most of them using LinkedIn automation.

Let’s get started!

What is LinkedIn inMail?

LinkedIn InMail is a premium messaging feature available to all LinkedIn Premium, Sales Navigator, and Recruiter subscribers. InMails allow you to send messages to anyone on the platform—no prior connection needed. This makes them ideal for everyone looking to bypass LinkedIn connection limit while reaching out to their target audience.

Each Premium plan comes with a specific number of inMail credits every month, which can be accumulated for up to 3 months:

• Premium Career: 5 credits/month
• Premium Business: 15 credits/month
• Sales Navigator Core: 50 credits/month
• Recruiter Lite: 30 credits/month
• Recruiter Professional Services (RPS): 100 credits/month
• Recruiter Corporate: 150 credits/month

Moreover, each time someone replies to your inMail, LinkedIn gives you that credit back. All the more reasons to craft perfect LinkedIn inMail subject lines!

However, if a recipient has their profile set to "Open," you can send them an inMail without using any of your credits. Therefore, you get to save your credits for high-priority individuals.

What is a LinkedIn inMail subject line?

A LinkedIn InMail subject line is the first thing your recipient notices when they get your message—essentially LinkedIn’s version of an email subject line. With an 80-character limit, it’s your chance to grab attention, stand out in their LinkedIn inbox, and compel them to open your message.

What is a good LinkedIn inMail subject line?

A good LinkedIn inMail subject line is a difference between an inMail credit returned and one gone to waste. 

And with just 80 characters to work with, you need to make every word count.

That said, the best inMail subject lines are:

1. Personalized - They reference the recipient's name, mutual connection, role, company, or interests to show you've done your homework.

Example: “Hey {{FirstName}}, {{MutualConnection}} pointed me your way”

2. Concise - Short and sweet to make an impact without overwhelming the other side.

Example: “Quick tip for {{Position}}”

3. Value-driven - They immediately make it clear what's in it for the recipient. Why should they care about opening your message?

Example: “Helping {{TheirRole}} achieve {{Outcome}}”

4. Action-oriented - They use actionable language and calls to action to inspire curiosity or urgency.

Example: “Explore this new strategy for {{Topic}}”

5. Non-salesy: They're authentic, without using promotional or generic phrases.

Example: “{{FirstName}}, thoughts on {{SpecificTopic}}?”

So, in short, a good LinkedIn inMail subject line is personal, to the point, and provides a clear reason for the recipient to engage. 

20 Best LinkedIn inMail subject line examples to improve your response rate

Now that you realize what it is that makes for a good LinkedIn message subject line let’s move on to the actual examples.

These examples have been used by our own team at Skylead and have shown promising results in terms of reply rate. We’ll also leave those for you to compare.

That said, to make examples easy to skim through, we’ve also broken them down into 3 different categories:

• Sales inMail subject lines
• Marketing inMail subject lines
• Recruiting inMail subject lines

Feel free to use them in your outreach as you see fit. Just replace the variables with information relevant to your prospect. Or, if you use Skylead, don’t, since our tool will auto-populate variables for you. But we’ll get to that in a moment.

Also, keep in mind that here, you’ll find examples of LinkedIn inMail subject lines only. 

We’ve got a separate article that walks you through the best LinkedIn inMail examples with a formula to increase reply rate, where you can take a look at inMail body examples. So, be sure to check that out, as well.

LinkedIn inMail subject line examples for sales professionals

1. It seems we have a mutual connection, {{firstName}}

Reply rate: 50%

Why it works:

Mentioning a mutual connection builds trust and familiarity. This makes the message feel less cold and invites replies.

2. Hi {{firstName}}, I noticed you reacted to {{AuthorName}}’s post on {{SubjectOfThePost}}.

Reply rate: 35%

Why it works:

This subject line feels hyper-personalized because it references a specific LinkedIn activity. It also shows you’re paying attention to your leads’ interests.

3. Saw you are also a member of {{GroupName}}

Reply rate: 27%

Why it works:

We commonly use this LinkedIn inMail subject line when outreaching members of LinkedIn groups. It’s an excellent conversation starter that makes your message feel less intrusive.

4. Any thoughts on {{SpecificTopic}}?

Reply rate: 27%

Why it works:

Open-ended questions work great for sparking curiosity and engagement. This subject line invites the recipient to share their perspective, which also makes them feel valued.

5. {{CompetitorName}} is doing this—are you?

Reply rate: 25%

Why it works:

Playing on FOMO (fear of missing out) and competition makes this subject line compelling. It challenges the recipient to think about their own strategy, thus prompting them to reply.

6. Curious how {{NameOfYourCompany}} can help you?

Reply rate: 23%

Why it works:

This subject line directly addresses the recipient’s potential needs while sparking curiosity. Furthermore, it positions your company as a helpful resource, which makes it sound less salesly.

7. Generate 30+ leads every month, {{firstName}}!

Reply rate: 17%

Why it works:

This is a bold, benefit-driven subject line that immediately captures attention. It appeals to results-focused professionals looking to improve their LinkedIn lead generation and lead gen in general.

8. {{Lead’sCurrentCompanyName}}’s pain points are your biggest advantage, {{firstName}}!

Reply rate: 15%

Why it works:

This example cleverly shifts the focus to how the recipient can leverage their current company’s challenges to their own benefit. Therefore, it appeals to problem-solvers and encourages them to think strategically.

LinkedIn inMail subject line examples for marketing teams

1. {{firstName}}, that was a great post on LinkedIn!

Reply rate: 33%

Why it works:

The subject line starts with a compliment, which instantly catches the recipient’s attention. Not to mention, a reference to their name and post adds a personal and relevant note to it, which increases the likelihood of engagement.

2. Loved your article on {{SpecificTopic}}—a quick idea for you

Reply rate: 25%

Why it works:

Referencing specific content they’ve created shows you’ve done your research. Moreover, offering a “quick idea” adds curiosity, and the subject line positions you as someone who can add value to their work.

3. Struggling with {{Challenge}}? Here’s a quick fix.

Reply rate: 24%

Why it works:

This one empathizes with a potential pain point while promising an actionable solution. It’s direct, benefit-driven, and shows you understand the recipient’s challenges.

4. How to increase your {{SpecificMetric}} by {{Percentage}}

Reply rate: 21%

Why it works:

Metrics and percentages catch attention quickly, especially that of data-driven marketers. In this subject line, the value being offered is clearly outlined, making it hard to ignore.

5. What’s trending in {{Industry}} marketing?

Reply rate: 20%

Why it works:

Marketers LOVE staying ahead of trends. This LinkedIn inMail subject line is simple yet intriguing and positions your message as a source of insider knowledge.

6. We can both benefit from this partnership, {{firstName}}

Reply rate: 15%

Why it works:

It emphasizes mutual benefit, making it feel collaborative rather than one-sided. Therefore, it’s ideal for proposing partnerships or joint ventures.

7. Let’s make the most of our time, {{firstName}}

Reply rate: 15%

Why it works:

This conversational subject line is straightforward and respectful of the recipient’s time. It’s casual and professional at the same time and creates an approachable tone for the message.

LinkedIn inMail subject line examples for recruiters

1. Your experience in {{Field}} caught our eye

Reply rate: 30%

Why it works:

This subject line is personal and specific, thus making the recipient feel valued and recognized for their expertise. What’s more, a field reference immediately creates relevance and sparks curiosity.

2. We’re hiring {{Role}} like you at {{Company}}

Reply rate: 27%

Why it works:

This LinkedIn message subject line is clear and direct and immediately highlights both the opportunity and the company. Such a line is, therefore, ideal for piquing interest in active or passive candidates.

3. Is this your next career move, {{firstName}}?

Reply rate: 25%

Why it works:

This question invites engagement by prompting the recipient to think about their next step. Moreover, including their name adds a personal touch.

4. A role that matches your skills and goals

Reply rate: 24%

Why it works:

This subject line aligns with the recipient’s aspirations. Thus, it shows that the opportunity has been thoughtfully matched to their profile.

5. Let’s talk about your career growth in {{Field}}

Reply rate: 22%

Why it works:

Career growth is a top motivator for candidates. That said, this LinkedIn inMail subject line works because it feels collaborative and highlights a mutual interest in their success.

5 Tips for writing high-converting LinkedIn inMail subject lines

So, we've provided you with LinkedIn inMail subject line examples that you can immediately use in your LinkedIn outreach.

But they will only get you so far. The goal is to be able to write high-converting ones on your own.

That said, here are 5 tried-and-tested tips to help you create inMail subject lines that will stand out in your prospects' LinkedIn inboxes.

Use data or metrics to grab attention

Data-driven subject lines instantly stand out because they promise measurable value, which B2B leads are drawn to.

Thus, our advice is to incorporate:

• Percentages,
• Numbers,
• Metrics,

Or any other data that can give your subject line credibility and a results-oriented edge.

Incorporate questions to spark curiosity

Questions are a natural attention-grabber because they encourage the recipient to pause and think. Moreover, by posing a question, you create curiosity about what the rest of the inMail contains, which prompts the other party to open it. Just make sure the question is relevant to their challenges or goals, though.

Avoid generic or overused phrases

If I had a nickel for every time I saw ''Let's hop on a quick chat'' and similar in my inbox... well, I wouldn't be rich because it's nickels we're talking about. But you get the gist. This type of LinkedIn inMail subject line is overused, meaning it hasn't been working for a while now.

That said, if you want the subject line to perform, you need to be original, creative, and specific. Such a line will show that you've put thought into your outreach instead of just automating away with no specific strategy.

A/B test subject lines to find the most effective ones

Even the best LinkedIn inMail subject lines need a bit of tweaking from time to time.

That said, to figure out what works best for your audience, perform regular A/B testing where you send one subject line to one group of leads and another to the other. Or A/B test up to 5 inMail subject lines on autopilot using Skylead. 

To compare the variations against each other, make sure to track the number of inMails sent as well as open and reply rates. Then, optimize accordingly.

Write subject lines from your lead’s perspective

Your subject line should speak directly to the recipient’s needs and priorities. Therefore, it’s important you frame your copy around what’s in it for them—not you. That can be solving a problem, achieving a goal, gaining a benefit, or anything else for that matter.

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How to increase the impact of your LinkedIn inMail subject line

So, you've mastered the art of crafting the perfect LinkedIn inMail subject line. But now, it's time to put your knowledge to the test. 

And to do so, you need to send some inMails.

Sure, you could go about doing it one by one, manually. But there's a better approach: LinkedIn automation tools.

Our very own Skylead is one of the best LinkedIn automation and cold email software on the market.

In fact, it's commonly used by sales professionals, marketers, agencies, and recruiters around the world who wish to save 11+ hours a week on manual outreach tasks.

However, unlike similar tools, Skylead can help you send both:

• Free inMails
• And paid inMails

Along with:

• Invites to connect,
• LinkedIn messages,
• Tens of thousands of emails a month at no extra cost,

…all on autopilot!

What’s more, these actions can be combined with if/else conditions to form Smart sequences; our first-to-market outreach sequences that respond to the way your prospects behave to find the fastest path to them.

On top of letting you take advantage of LinkedIn and email outreach simultaneously, our tool can also help you find and verify emails of your leads. Without breaking your outreach flow, at that, since you can also add this action to the sequence. 

You can even warm-up infinite mailboxes, courtesy of our partnership with InboxFlare, an email outreach tool. 

And did we mention you can also use our native image and GIF personalization feature for added impact?

But what’s particularly relevant to LinkedIn inMail subject lines is our A/B testing feature.

Let’s get into it deeper!

How to A/B test LinkedIn inMail subject lines with Skylead

As we mentioned already, Skylead lets you A/B test up to 5 different versions of your inMail subject line.

On top of LinkedIn inMail subject lines, you can also split test:

• LinkedIn inMail body
• LinkedIn connection request message
• LinkedIn message
• Email subject line
• Email body

You can access this feature on the Smart sequence builder page by clicking on the inMail step in your sequence.

Then, a menu will appear on the right side with fields to insert a LinkedIn inMail subject line, inMail body, and signature.

Use the slider on the right to scroll down, and click the ‘’Add A/B variant’’ under the signature field. And voilà! You will have created another version!

Here is also where you can turn the Paid inMails option on or off.

To A/B test LinkedIn inMails subject line, copy the same body you used for the 1st variant and only change the subject.

Once happy with your variations (and your Smart sequence), start your outreach campaign. And then, wait for the results to start coming in, which you can evaluate on Skylead’s Reports page.

Opt for a side-by-side view to easily see how different variants stack against each other.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between an InMail and a LinkedIn message?

The main difference between a LinkedIn InMail and a standard LinkedIn message is who you can send it to. LinkedIn messages can only be sent to your 1st-degree connections, while InMails let you message anyone on the platform. Moreover, inMail is a LinkedIn Premium feature.

How to write LinkedIn inMails?

To write an effective LinkedIn InMail, firstly, use a specific subject line to grab attention. Then, open the inMail with a relevant hook, address the recipient’s pain points with a clear value proposition, and keep it concise. End with a strong CTA to which the recipient can easily respond.

What are LinkedIn inMail credits?

LinkedIn InMail credits are part of LinkedIn Premium plans and determine the number of paid InMails you can send monthly. Each plan provides a specific number of credits per month, ranging from 5 (Premium Career) to 50 (Sales Navigator). Unused credits roll over for up to 3 months. Meanwhile, if your recipient replies to your InMail, LinkedIn returns the credit to your balance. 

Make the most of your inMail subject lines

Crafting the best LinkedIn InMail subject line is both an art and a science.

And no, you probably won’t hit the jackpot with your first one—it takes consistent testing and refining to get it just right.

Nonetheless, the InMail subject line examples and tips we’ve shared above are designed to guide you in the right direction. But it's up to you to put what you've learned into practice.

And what better way to do so than at scale, with Skylead as your automation ally?

Delegate time-consuming outreach activities to Skylead and save 11+ hours a week—time you can better spend perfecting your LinkedIn InMail subject lines!

So, come test Skylead for free for 7 days to unlock your full outreach potential and watch your LinkedIn inMail response rates soar!

Automating LinkedIn messages can transform your outreach strategy. Imagine saving hours each week while booking more meetings. 

Moreover, using software that automates LinkedIn messages is like having one powerful way to accelerate your outreach and reach more customers faster. That's why, in this guide, you'll discover:

• Why LinkedIn automation matters;
• How to understand and choose the right tools for automation;
• How to generate a target list of your audience so your LinkedIn message automation has better results and leaves you with more time for other tasks;
• A step-by-step guide on how to set up messaging automation effectively;
• Best practices and tips for maximizing your success with automated messages.

Understanding the importance of LinkedIn automation

As a network, LinkedIn is a powerful platform for sales reps, marketers, founders, and other professionals. However, manually sending LinkedIn messages to reach people from your lead list can be time-consuming. 

Automating LinkedIn messages with tools like our Skylead, a LinkedIn automation tool and cold email software, can be a game-changer. It's proven to save up to 11+ hours of work per week by putting outreach tasks on autopilot, relieving you from the burden of manual outreach. This way, you can focus more on relationship-building and closing deals, making your work more efficient and effective.

Secondly, automation helps you stay consistent with your messaging, which is something our user, Dennis Goyal, experienced firsthand. He notes:

"The outreach became very consistent with Skylead because it was completely automated. I used to do it manually, but it was very inconsistent. Like, I was able to do it 3 days in and then got bored."

Consistency is vital to building relationships and trust. By automating, you ensure that every connection gets a timely and personalized message.

Finally, automation tools provide you with the power to track responses and engagement. This data is not just information; it's a strategic tool for refining your approach and improving your results over time. In other words, it gives you a sense of control and direction in your outreach efforts. 

So, you see? By adopting automation, you're not just saving time; you're enhancing your overall outreach strategy. This makes it easier to scale your efforts and achieve your business goals.

1# step: Choose the right tool to automate LinkedIn messages

Selecting the right LinkedIn automation tool is crucial for your success. There are various tools available, each with unique features. However, there are some dangers as well.

Pick the best LinkedIn automation tool type

Firstly, consider using a cloud-based solution, the kind that is our Skylead. They run entirely on the web, and you don’t have to keep your computer on as opposed to desktop apps or Chrome browser extensions. Moreover, if you use a Chrome extension, you risk getting your LinkedIn account restricted. 

It’s because these types of tools inject code into LinkedIn, so this network can detect it and restrict you. However, this is not the case with cloud-based solutions; you simply get your dedicated IP address to shield your online activity.

Another significant advantage of cloud-based solutions like Skylead, as opposed to browser extensions and desktop apps, is the convenience they offer. With Skylead, you can have an integrated inbox and easily manage multiple LinkedIn accounts, a feature not commonly found in other types of tools. This makes it an ideal solution for professionals who are managing multiple accounts. 

Considering price VS feature ratio

Secondly, consider the features vs price ratio. For example, if you plan to automate LinkedIn messages, then look for LinkedIn automation tools that can automate both paid and free InMails, such as Skylead. This feature is rare on the market but it’s pretty useful to get to as many people on LinkedIn as possible. 

Also, many tools don’t have email automation, so you can’t maximize getting in touch with your leads using both channels. The money you pay might be similar, but this crucial feature might be missing. 

For example, if you opt for our tool, you can add an unlimited number of email accounts at no extra cost. Skylead will auto-rotate them to send thousands of emails per month, bypassing the email and even LinkedIn limits.

The third feature to look out for is a Smart sequence. Smart sequences are algorithms that automate LinkedIn messages and emails and combine them with if/else conditions. This way, you can create a coherent outreach flow that the tool will follow and execute depending on your leads’ behavior.

The one feature you might not know you needed is Email finder & verifier, which lets you use your automated email outreach to the fullest potential. Some tools might have it but limit their usage or don’t have it at all. For example, in Skylead, you can include it into your Smart sequence, and it will double-verify as many emails as you’d like without breaking the outreach flow.  

The last feature you should consider is native image & GIF personalization. Add it to your automated LinkedIn emails to increase the response rate up to 63%. 

These are just our feature recommendations because we know and tested their benefits. However, at the end of the day, you are the one who knows what your precise outreach needs and goals are. Just make sure you compare every tool's price vs. features ratio, and make this one of your deciding factors.

2# step: Find leads and prepare your lead source

Prospecting suitable leads is integral for your LinkedIn outreach and automation success. You can reach out all you like, but if your leads aren’t appropriate for your business, you won’t have much success. 

By taking the time for prospecting, you set the stage for a successful automated outreach campaign. This ensures that your messages reach the right people, increasing your chances of positive responses.

To find suitable leads, you must first define your niche, ideal customer profile, and buyer persona. ICP represents the list of characteristics of the company ideal for your business, such as industry, headcount, location, etc. Meanwhile, the Buyer persona contains all the attributes of the decision-maker or product user within that company.

Both of these documents need to contain actionable pieces of information that you can use to find your leads on LinkedIn. In other words, apart from other info, go to LinkedIn, check out the filters, and add that information to documents. If you’re unsure how to do it, check out our step-by-step guides on creating an Ideal customer profile and Buyer persona, and feel free to use templates.

Once it is all written down, search LinkedIn for the target occupation.

Then hit People, and use additional filters, such as industry and location, to narrow your search. Once done, hit Show results and save that search URL. We’re going to need it for the next step.

However, using Sales Navigator filters, you can choose Account filters to find your ICP and search for your buyer persona within that company page. You can also use Lead filters to find the Buyer persona directly. We’ll choose the second option.

Once you use the desired filters, copy that search URL for the next step.

3# step: Create your LinkedIn automation campaign

To automate LinkedIn messages, register for the automation tool of your choice and add your LinkedIn account. We’ll use Skylead as an example. 

Once in a dashboard, navigate to the Create new campaign button.  

Next, choose your lead source, aka where Skylead will pull prospects from, and import them. This is where you can paste your search URL from the previous step. 

Just so you know, in Skylead, you can pull your leads from 10 different sources:

• LinkedIn search result
• Sales Navigator search result
• Recruiter search result
• Recruiter Talent Pool
• Recruiter Pipeline URL
• LinkedIn posts
• LinkedIn event attendees 
• Sales Navigator Lead list
• CSV file
• Or via API

Don’t forget to name your campaign, and once done, hit Next. 

In the following step, you can set up your additional campaign settings. Here is where you select the emails you'll use in your outreach so Skylead can auto-rotate them. You can also choose to track the number of clicks or opened emails.

In LinkedIn settings, you can choose to collect contact information and other options that suit your needs. When you’re finished, it’s time to move on to creating a Smart sequence. 

Smart sequence creation for LinkedIn message automation

To create a smart sequence, drag and drop the actions and conditions from the side menu and group them in a coherent flow.

Let's start by adding a connection request. Personalization is key when you automate LinkedIn messages. Use variables such as first name, occupation, and current company to make each message feel unique, or add your own custom variables. 

Make your messages even more personal to your target audience. Mention common connections or specific reasons for reaching out.

Now, we want to check if the prospects have accepted our connection requests. To do this, we'll place the If connected condition. 

If prospects accept our connection requests but do not reply, you can add your follow-up messages. Automated follow-ups ensure you stay on your leads' radar without manual effort. Space the time between them to avoid overwhelming your contacts. Typically, a sequence of three to four messages works well.

However, if the lead doesn’t reply, you can find their email and reach them via different channels. To achieve this, drop Find & verify and the If email verified step. 

If Skylead finds an email, you can send one and a follow-up. However, if everything else fails, you can automate LinkedIn InMail as a last resort. 

There is one other way to personalize messaging campaigns, and it’s image and GIF personalization. To do this, click the LinkedIn message, InMail, or email and hit Add image. Once you upload your media, customize it using variables and your and your leads' profile pictures, and save it.

Once done creating a sequence, start your campaign, and you're done.  

We have a lot of proven Smart sequence templates, such as founder approaching founder, that has a 29% reply rate. So feel free to explore and use them for your messaging campaigns.

4# step: Monitor and optimize your messaging campaigns

To automate LinkedIn messages most successfully, you have only one thing left to do - check for analytics. 

When evaluating the effectiveness of your LinkedIn message automation, it's essential to focus on and point out specific key metrics. That said, these metrics will provide you with valuable insights into the performance of your automation:

1. Open rate to check how effective is your email subject line and if you should tweak it;
2. Response rates to see how each automated message performed: If a particular message has a low response rate, consider tweaking its content or timing;
3. Conversion rate to validate the performance of the entire smart sequence;
4. Acceptance rate to see how effective your connection requests are.

You can check your analytics in Skylead by visiting the Reports page.

Here, you have 3 different ways to check for your analytics:

• The graph shows the overall performance of the campaigns and the ratio between metrics.
• Tabular shows daily metrics and spot patterns and trends, such as what days have the best outreach results, so you can fine-tune your outreach days.
• Step-by-step analysis examines each step so everyone can see what messages worked or didn’t and adjust accordingly. 

In Skylead, you can test up to 5 variants of the same message. So, if you’ve A/B tested your content, you’ll see your results in step-by-step analytics.

One of the best tips we can give to the sales team or everyone is to experiment with different strategies, lead sources, sequence steps, and timing. This way you can see what works best and what your focus should be.

3 best & proven automated LinkedIn message templates

LinkedIn connection requests example

Message template:

Hi {{firstName}}, 

I hope we can connect and see if there is a potential for a mutual collaboration 🙂

If not, I’d be happy to add you to my network.

Results:

49% acceptance rate

39% response rate

InMail template & example

Message template:

Subject line

{{whatyourProductDoes}} actually helps {{benefit}}, {{firstName}}!  🙂

InMail text

Hi {{firstName}}, 

It would be silly of me to think you’re not using a {{yourProductOrServiceType}}, but it’s a no-brainer to present something new on the market that actually helps with {{whatYourProductOrServiceImproves}} specifically. 

{{introAboutYourProductOrService&WhatSetsItApart}}

{{descriptionWhoIsYourProductOrServiceFor&Benefits}}

Let me know if this sounds interesting to you.

Anyways, our Marketing team wrote a great blog on the topic of {{yourProductOrServiceType}}. I hope it helps: LINK

Best, 

Results:

20% response rate

Real-life example:

Subject line
 
SEO Tools actually help boost your rankings, Alex!   🙂

InMail text

Hi Alex, 
It would be silly of me to think you’re not using an SEO tool, but it’s a no-brainer to present something new on the market that actually helps with improving search engine rankings specifically.

SEO Genius is an advanced SEO tool designed to provide unbiased reviews and comprehensive insights. What sets it apart is its ability to integrate AI-driven analysis for more accurate keyword research and competitive analysis.

Our tool is perfect for marketers, content creators, and businesses looking to enhance their online presence. It offers benefits like increased website traffic, higher search rankings, and actionable insights to optimize your content strategy.

Let me know if this sounds interesting to you.

Anyways, our Marketing team wrote a great blog on the topic of SEO tools. 
I hope it helps: LINK


Best, 

LinkedIn message template & example

Message template:

Hi {{firstName}}, 

Thanks for connecting! 😊 I hope we will have a chance to chat, since I’d like to discuss {{yourProduct’sAreaOfExpertise}} if that’s okay with you.

Results:

11% response rate

Real-life example:

Hi Emanuel, 

Thanks for connecting! 😊 and I hope we will have a chance to chat, since I’d like to discuss multi-channel outreach and outbound sales, if that’s okay with you.

Best tips & practices to automate LinkedIn messages

Respond promptly

While automation handles the bulk of the work, personal engagement remains crucial for success. That said, it’s important you engage with prospects who respond promptly. In other words, automation can handle the initial outreach, but taking over the conversation and nurturing it is essential for building relationships. 

That said, sales people can engage with leads by visiting our Smart inbox, which gathers all LinkedIn and email messages in one place. This way, you don’t have to navigate between different platforms. 

In it, you can label your leads, check their details, and respond to them quickly by using Saved replies.

A/B test your LinkedIn messages

To best optimize and improve automated LinkedIn messages, you should A/B test each message. 

To do so, click the LinkedIn message of choice while creating a smart sequence and adding variations.

You can test out your LinkedIn messages, personalized images, calls to action, and InMail and email subject lines.

Remember, the key to success is not just in the initial testing but in the ongoing review and adjustment of your strategy. This active engagement ensures continuous improvement and better results over time.

Integrate your LinkedIn automation tool with CRM

Selecting the right CRM tool is crucial for effective LinkedIn automation. Popular options like HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive, and Octopus CRM offer seamless integration with almost any system. 

These tools help you manage your contacts more, track interactions, and even send leads’ data to Skylead. Just make sure to integrate your CRM with Skylead.  

When selecting a CRM for LinkedIn automation, it's essential to choose one that aligns with your business needs and offers robust integration features. This ensures that you're not just investing in a system but in a solution that will help your business thrive.

Realizing the power of automated LinkedIn messages 

Automating your LinkedIn messages carries many benefits and can transform your outreach efforts. That said: 

• By choosing the right tool like Skylead, 
• Prospecting high-quality leads, 
• Creating an effective campaign, 
• And continuously monitoring and optimizing your strategy, 

you can save time and connect more effectively with your target audience. 

Automation allows you to maintain consistency in your messaging and ensures you reach a larger target audience. 

Moreover, you can build stronger relationships and generate more opportunities with the right approach. 

So, are you ready to automate your LinkedIn messages? If so, register for our 7-day free trial, and our customer support will be there, guiding you each step of the way. 😊

FAQ: Common questions about LinkedIn automation

Can LinkedIn messages be automated?

Yes, LinkedIn messages can be automated using various LinkedIn automation tools, such as Skylead. These tools allow you to send personalized messages to multiple contacts without manual effort. They help put your outreach on autopilot and ensure consistency in your messaging.

Can I schedule messages on LinkedIn?

Absolutely! You can schedule messages on LinkedIn using automation tools. This feature lets you plan your outreach in advance and send messages at optimal times. Scheduling ensures that your messages reach your contacts when they are most likely to engage.

Can LinkedIn posts be automated?

Yes, LinkedIn posts can also be automated via LinkedIn bots. Some automation tools are specialized for scheduling and publishing posts on your behalf. This keeps your profile active and engaging without constant manual updates. 

How to set auto message in LinkedIn?

Setting up auto messages on LinkedIn is straightforward. You can use third-party tools like Skylead to create your outreach campaign. Simply add LinkedIn messages in a coherent flow and connect them with conditions. Then, start your campaign to automate the entire outreach flow.

Does LinkedIn allow automation?

No. LinkedIn doesn’t like its users to use automation. That is why they imposed limitations, such as the number of connection requests you can send per week. However, as long as you use reputable tools and not in an excessive way, you’ll avoid account restrictions and be free to automate your outreach.

A well-crafted LinkedIn connection message can make a busy decision-maker click Accept to yours and leave pending the other 50+ connection requests they received that day on the platform. 

With over 65 million decision-makers, LinkedIn is THE #1 professional social network that made it possible for the entire world to connect business-wise. 

However, while it’s true that, today, you can find anyone you need on the platform, the volume of messages certain professionals get on a daily basis is so high that you need to find a way to stand out from the crowd to get their attention. 

To understand how important connections are on LinkedIn, bear in mind that 98% of sales representatives with more than 5,000 LinkedIn connections mostly surpass their selling quotas.

The maximum size of your network on LinkedIn is limited to 30,000 connections, so you want to use that number to connect with LinkedIn members relevant to your business (and you want to do so before your competitors, so… ⬇️ )

In this blog, we will: 

• Answer some of the most common questions about LinkedIn connection requests;
• And give 25 proven LinkedIn connection message examples with up to a 78% acceptance rate to use right away.

How to send a connection request on LinkedIn?

To connect with a LinkedIn member from the search result, click on the Connect button in the top right corner of the member’s LinkedIn profile section. 

OR

Open the LinkedIn member’s profile. Click Connect. 

How to cancel a pending LinkedIn connection request?

Not a lot of people monitor their pending LinkedIn connection requests, which is wrong because the integrity of their LinkedIn profile could get damaged. Essentially, good pending-request hygiene can save you from LinkedIn jail and improve your acceptance rate on the platform. 

That’s why, we wrote a complete guide on How to cancel your LinkedIn invite, and, above all, explained in detail:

• Why do you need to cancel your LinkedIn invite;
• What you need to know about the cancellation process;
• How to cancel LinkedIn invitations that are pending for a long time;
• Why your LinkedIn invites aren’t getting accepted;
• How to create engaging invitations that will increase your acceptance rate.

Skylead users have the benefit that you can set up Skylead to withdraw pending requests to safeguard their LinkedIn profiles and allow them to send invites to connect to other people relevant to their business. 

In the meantime, if you just wish to cancel a pending LinkedIn connection request,  first click My Network on your LinkedIn profile home page. 

Choose Manage or See all.

Choose Sent and the Withdraw option that’s next to the LinkedIn member’s name.

If you cancel a LinkedIn connection request, you won’t be able to send it again to the same member for the following 3 weeks. 

How to message someone on LinkedIn who is not a connection?

There are 3 types of connections on LinkedIn, and here is how to message every one of them.  

• 1st-degree connections are LinkedIn users who are already part of your network. Reach out to them via regular LinkedIn messages using some of these LinkedIn sales message templates.
  
• 2nd-degree connections are LinkedIn members who are connected with your 1st-degree connections but not with you. Send them a LinkedIn connection message first, followed by a Thank you message on LinkedIn once they accept. 
  
• 3rd-degree connections are LinkedIn members connected with your 2nd-degree connections. The platform encourages to reach out to these members via LinkedIn InMail first ( ➡️ here are LinkedIn InMail templates with a 25% reply rate formula tested by our Head of Sales, Andrea) 

How to write a connection message on LinkedIn [5 best practices]

So, as mentioned above, it takes only a few people to deny your LinkedIn connection request and click I don’t know this person for you to be flagged on LinkedIn. 

So, we decided to share 5 guidelines followed by our sales team when writing a LinkedIn connection message. 

Look for common ground.

Mentioning any common ground turned out to be a positive practice. It could be a community you both belong to, a shared interest, a school, an industry, or even the same point of view on a specific topic.

Stay professional. 

Reach out to other members in a professional manner. Avoid making personal references or giving compliments that are not business-related or argued.

Personalize your LinkedIn connection messages.

Addressing your lead by name is a must. Then, any other detail that you can mention, such as - the company name, the exact job title, set of skills, or job description, shows that you did your research. The more you know about your lead, the higher the chances of getting accepted on LinkedIn and turning that lead into your customer.

No generic nor irrelevant LinkedIn connection messages.

Even a blank LinkedIn connection request is better than I’d like to add you to my network.

Also, it’s hard for a pharmaceutical sales representative to be interested to read your article on SEO. Know who you are talking to.

Avoid selling straight out the gate.

Even if they need and like your product or service, no one will purchase anything without any additional info, chat, or call.

25 LinkedIn connection message examples [Up to 78% acceptance rate]

Tailor-making a LinkedIn connection message to each lead might seem a bit time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be (not if you’re using Skyleaaaad 😂 ). 

Jokes aside (or not!), the results of sending personalized LinkedIn connection messages are pretty rewarding. 

Once you get used to the principles of writing in a compelling, LinkedIn-friendly way, your LinkedIn outreach will become a much more enjoyable experience. 

Until then, use the LinkedIn connection message examples below that our team and users tested to grow their networks with relevant prospects. 

Mention a mutual connection

Template

Hello {{firstName}},

I noticed that you are connected with {{mutualConnection}}.

{{mutualConnection}} and I worked together at {{company}}. I really loved {{whatYouLovedAboutMutualConnection}}.

I see that we are both in the {{industry}} industry and would love to have you in my network. 

Example

OR 

Template

Hello {{firstName}},

{{mutualConnection}} pointed me your way for B2B lead generation services – would love to connect.

Example

Reaching out to a candidate (as a recruiter)

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

It seems that you’ve been a great addition to your team at {{company}}. Way to go! 

I would like to talk to you about a business opportunity. 

But even if you’re not interested, it would be great to have you as part of my network!

Example

OR 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I am reaching out to you for your vast experience as a {{occupation}}.

{{company}} is currently searching for a {{position}}.

If this sounds interesting to you, let’s connect. 

Example 

Reaching out to a recruiter (as a job seeker) 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I saw that you are a recruiter at {{company}}.

I am a {{occupation}} with {{number}} years of experience in the {{industry}} industry, currently seeking new opportunities.

I’d like to connect and chat to see if my background fits any of your openings. 

Example 

OR 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I see that you’re the recruiter in charge of the {{occupation}} position at {{company}}. 

I am very interested in applying but would like to ask you a few questions first. 

Let’s connect. 

Example 

Intro to a collaboration proposal

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I am a long admirer of your work. 

I followed your advice regarding {{topic}} that you shared {{where}}. {{achievedResult}}.

Thank you once again! 

Would love to connect! 

Example 

Connect with a member of the community

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

Your post in {{mutualCommunity}} was quite insightful. 

I particularly liked the part where you said {{quote}}. 

I would like to discuss it further with you. Let’s connect. 

Example 

OR 

Template

Hello {{firstName}}, 

I saw that you are also a member of {{mutualGroup}}.

I would love to connect with you since we both work in the {{industry}} industry.

Example 

Approach an event attendee

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

It was great speaking to you at the {{eventName}} {{when}}. 

What you do at {{currentCompany}} sounded fascinating and it totally inspired me! 

I’d definitely like to stay up-to-date with your work.

Thank you in advance for connecting!

Example 

OR

Template 

Hey {{firstName}},

I saw you at the {{eventName}} but I didn’t get the chance to approach you and introduce myself. How did you like the {{eventName}}? Would love to connect here and stay in touch! 

Example 

Reach out to a LinkedIn event attendee

Template 

Hello {{firstName}}, 

I saw that you too attended the {{eventName}} LinkedIn event. 

Learning {{what}} was particularly useful for my business. 

Anyways, I would love to connect and exchange feedback on the event. 

Example 

Reach out to an author of a LinkedIn article or post

Template 

Hi {{firstName}},

I came across your LinkedIn article on {{topic}}. 

I really resonated with your thoughts on {{topic}}.

I’d love to keep in touch and learn more about your work. 

Example 

Break the ice using industry humor or a joke

Here are 35+ industry jokes that you could use in your LinkedIn connection requests as an icebreaker.

Template 

Hi {{firstName}},

How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb? 

Just one - but the light bulb has to really want to change.

Jokes aside, I would love to connect!

Example 

OR (something as silly as this) 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I noticed we both breathe oxygen. 

Sounds like a perfect fit to me, let’s connect! 

Example 

Connect with a former colleague 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

Remember me?

We used to work together at {{company}} back in {{year}}.

Let’s connect and catch up, I would love to hear how it is going at {{currentCompany}}! 

Example 

OR 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

It was such a pleasure working with you at {{company}} back in {{year}}. 

Let’s connect! I would like to hear what you’ve been up to professionally since. 

Example 

Reach out to a colleague 

If a company is big, knowing everyone you’re working with is hard. 

However, connecting with colleagues is a good practice for expanding your network on LinkedIn. 

Remember that they also might have some interesting connections, and you never know who they could introduce you to. 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

Good news travels fast! I heard about you {{achievement}}. Great job! 

Anyways, I am {{yourName}} from the {{department}} team and would love to connect! 

Example 

Connect with former alumni

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I see that we graduated from the same university. Go {{school’sSportsTeam}}! 🙂

I would like to connect and learn more about your experience at {{company}}. 

I myself majored in {{major}} and currently work in the {{industry}} industry. 

Example 

Reach out to members who reacted to your or someone else’s LinkedIn post

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I saw that you are also a fan of {{name}}’s content and just wanted to connect with you. 

Example 

OR

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

I saw that you also liked {{Name}}’s post on {{topic}}. I am a big fan of his/her work. 

His/her advice worked well for me!  

Anyways, I would love to connect and maybe even discuss it further. 

Example 

Connect with a member who asked a question in the post comment

Template 

Hi {{firstName}},

I saw that you commented on {{name}}’s post about {{topic}} and asked {{question}}. 

I would like to connect and share some resources with you that could be helpful. 

Example 

Reach out to members suggested by LinkedIn

The People also viewed feature displays a list of LinkedIn members that the platform’s algorithm found important for your LinkedIn experience, whether you are using it for networking, job search, or lead generation. 

Use this template to reach out to them. 

Template 

Hello {{firstName}},

Your profile came as suggested through the People also viewed section, so I was curious and checked it out. I saw that we’re both in the {{industry}} industry, so I thought we connect and exchange experiences. 

Example 

OR 

Template 

Hello, {{firstName}}

LinkedIn suggested your profile several times now, so I was curious and checked it out. I saw that we’re both {{occupation}}, so I thought it would be good to connect with professionals from the industry. Let’s exchange experiences:) 

Example 

Start with a genuine compliment 

Template 

Hi {{firstName}}

I have been following your work for some time now, and I must admit your career path in the {{industry}} industry impressed me. I would love to connect with you and ask you a few questions about your beginnings in the field. 

Example 

LinkedIn Connection Message: FAQ

How can one effectively track and measure the success rate of these LinkedIn connection message templates, especially in terms of resulting in meaningful professional relationships or business opportunities?

To effectively track the success of LinkedIn connection message templates, monitor acceptance rates and follow-up interactions. Analyzing these metrics can provide insights into which templates foster meaningful connections and opportunities. Adjust strategies based on this data for improved outcomes.

What are the best practices for following up on a connection request if there's no response initially, without coming across as too persistent or spammy?

Following up on a LinkedIn connection request requires a delicate balance. If there's no initial response, a polite and concise reminder after a reasonable period can be appropriate. Avoid being overly persistent; one InMail or email follow-up is generally considered tactful to maintain professionalism without seeming spammy.

How do you politely ask for a connection on LinkedIn? 

Asking to connect with someone on LinkedIn has become as common as asking or giving your business card to someone. Many professionals include links to their profiles in the paper or QR code business cards or in the signature section of their emails. 

Should I send a message with a connection request on LinkedIn? 

Adding a message with a connection request on LinkedIn is generally considered good practice that increases your acceptance rate. However, sending a blank request rather than a generic message is better if you decide not to use a personalized approach. Check out our examples above.

What message to write with a connection request on LinkedIn? 

Mentioning something that you have in common with the person you are trying to connect with is generally considered good practice that increases your chances of getting accepted. However, there are many other LinkedIn connection request messages that you can use. Check out our examples to get inspired. 

How do I send a cold connection request on LinkedIn? 

The cold connection request is not “as cold” as it seems if you follow the golden rule of connecting to people relevant to your business or with whom you have something in common. Therefore, the best way to connect on LinkedIn is by mentioning something relevant to both of you. 

Did someone reject my connection request on LinkedIn? 

You can ignore someone’s connection request on LinkedIn by clicking “Ignore” instead of “Accept” or by ignoring it and letting it pend. LinkedIn does not notify the sender when their connection request has been declined. Also, LinkedIn automatically deletes pending connection requests after 6 months. 

What happens when you ignore a connection request on LinkedIn? 

To decline someone’s connection request, just click “Ignore”. LinkedIn will not notify the member of their request being declined, but they can send you another connection request. If you literally ignore the request and leave it pending, LinkedIn will automatically delete it after 6 months. 

Do LinkedIn requests expire? 

Yes, LinkedIn requests expire. All pending LinkedIn connection requests will be automatically deleted after 6 months. After that, the member whose request has been deleted can ask for another connection again. 

Can people see withdrawn LinkedIn requests? 

Your recipient won’t be notified if you withdraw your connection request on LinkedIn. To do that, go to My Network > Manage (top right corner) >  Sent > Withdraw. If the LinkedIn member already accepted your invitation to connect, they can be removed as a connection. 

How do you know if someone accepted your LinkedIn request? 

You will get a notification when someone accepts your connection request. To set up notifications, go to Settings & Privacy > Notifications > Connecting with others > Invitations to connect. Or, go to My Network > Connections (top left corner) > Recently added > See the list of recently added connections or search them by name.

How many content writers does it take to change a lightbulb?

Doesn’t matter, the head of marketing will change it anyway. 

Jokes aside, the answer is - none. Because content writers don’t like to change anything. 

Plus, the light bulbs don’t really change, they’re replaced. 

I’ll stop now. 

Ok, maybe your first thought was not to add me to your LinkedIn network after reading my cringe jokes, but you would be surprised how well people react to humor in outreach. So, if you ever wondered what the best way to expand your network is or how to outreach the leads you found via prospecting on LinkedIn, then industry-related jokes in your Connection Request Messages, LinkedIn InMails, or LinkedIn Messages are definitely top of the list. 

A good industry-related joke not only helps your acceptance and response rates, but also creates a positive first impression between the two. I personally tend to use them in my Connection Request Messages, but they can be a great conversation starter in messages for LinkedIn lead generation as well. 

Since I know how hard it is to find industry-related jokes, I decided to do a little research for you and put them all in one place. This way I want to make using humor to expand your network on LinkedIn a little bit less time-consuming and to encourage you to get bold and creative in your outreach. 

Expand your network: How to use humor in outreach? 

As mentioned before, a good joke finds its place anywhere you want. Use it to connect with other LinkedIn members, to start a conversation, or to make a hook for a potential business proposal in an InMail. 

There are multiple ways to use an industry-related joke in your outreach.

Example #1

Use the joke as the opener when networking on LinkedIn.

Example #2

Use the joke as the opener, but add a personal note to it.

Example #3

Make the joke part of your hyper-personalized message to expand your network on LinkedIn.

Here is the list of jokes for:

• Sales representatives;
• Marketers;
• Managers;
• Developers;
• Customer Support Specialists;

that you can use right away or combine them in your outreach. 

Dos and Don’ts when using humor to expand your network

DOS 

• Do the research before you choose the joke that you want to use. Consider each person’s unique cultural background and personal story. You want it to be relevant to the person you are talking to. 
• Make sure that the joke is not offensive or maybe on the edge of being offensive. 
• Have in mind that you are reaching people whose sense of humor you don’t know. A joke that is funny to you might not be to them. So don’t take things too personally in case they don’t take the direction that you wanted. However, people usually react well to humor. 
• Do get to the punchline fast. Be short. 
• Do laugh at yourself when you get a chance. Telling a joke that you made up from your personal experience always works. It makes you more human and approachable, and people generally love to work with people who don’t have a problem laughing at themselves. 

DON’TS

• Don’t force a joke where it doesn’t belong. 
• Don’t use jokes that talk bad about someone or call someone out, even if it’s their/your competition. It is not only rude and pathetic but unprofessional and it doesn’t make you look good at all. 
• Avoid jokes that have to do with current hot-topics, that are political, or have to do with anyone’s sexual or religious orientation. No one wants to hear that or have those kind of people in their professional (or personal, for that matter) network.
• Don’t overdo it. Know when to stop. If someone answers back with a joke or a funny punchline, make sure that you know when joking about the same topic becomes too much.

Jokes for salespeople 

Expand your network on LinkedIn by incorporating these sales jokes in your LinkedIn Connection Request Messages, Messages, or InMails.

Sales Joke #1 

Always trust a glue salesman.

They tend to stick to their word. 

Sales Joke #2

How do salespeople traditionally greet each other? 

Hi. Nice to meet you. I’m better than you. 

Sales Joke #3

What did the horrible buyer say to the salesperson who had a 24h deadline? 

Give me another week to think about it. 

Sales Joke #4

What salesman has the slickest line?

A hair grease salesman.

Sales Joke #5

How many salespeople does it take to change a light bulb?

None. You don't need a new light bulb - you need to upgrade your socket to the newest version. 

Jokes for marketers

Expand your network on LinkedIn by incorporating these marketing jokes in your LinkedIn Connection Request Messages, Messages or LinkedIn InMails.

Marketing Joke #1

How did Yoda get his first lead?

He used the SalesForce. 

Marketing Joke #2

What is the safest place to hide a body? 

The second page of Google.

Marketing Joke #3

Why did the marketing couple break up?

They weren’t on the same landing page. 

OR 

Lack of engagement

Marketing Joke #4 

How many marketers does it take to screw in a light bulb?

None – they’ve automated it.

Marketing Joke #5 

Why don’t marketer’s like trampolines?

They’re scared of high bounce rates.

Marketing Joke #6

How do SEO experts celebrate improved search rankings?

SERP-rise parties.

Marketing Joke #7

Why do digital marketers love to shop at Whole Foods?

They have a lot of organic content.

Marketing Joke #8 

What’s a marketer’s favorite drink?

Brand-y.

Marketing Joke #9 

What’s a pirate’s favorite type of content?

A webinAAARRRR!

Marketing Joke #10

What does the SEO professional see when they see twins?

Duplicated content.

Marketing Joke #11

Why do SEO experts love driving during peak hours?

They appreciate the traffic.

Marketing Joke #12

An SEO copywriter walks into a bar, bars, tavern, pub, pubs, public house, Irish, bartender, drinks, beer, wine, liquor.

Jokes for managers

Expand your network on LinkedIn by incorporating these management jokes in your LinkedIn Connection Request Messages, Messages, or InMails.

Management Joke #1 

What is the hardest part of being a product manager? 

Explaining what you do to your parents and friends. 

Management Joke #2

How many managers does it take to change a light bulb?

A roomful - they have to hold a meeting to discuss all the ramifications of the change.

Management Joke #3

Don’t stand around doing nothing. 

People will think you’re the manager. 

Management Joke #4

How many project managers does it take to change a lightbulb? 

None, they are all still discussing the best way to do it.

Management Joke #5 

A product manager walks into a bar. 

It isn't what he expected so he immediately blames development for no reason.

Jokes for developers 

Expand your network on LinkedIn by incorporating these software engineer jokes in youConnection Request Messages, Messages, or InMails.

Developer Joke #1

Why did the front-end developer buy the flat under his?

He always wanted a sub-domain.

Developer Joke #2

A developer’s wife asks him - Would you go to the store and pick up a loaf of bread? And if they have eggs, get a dozen.

The developer returns home with 12 loaves of bread. They had eggs, he explained. 

Developer Joke #3

Why do programmers always mix up Christmas and Halloween?

Because Dec 25 is Oct 31.

Developer Joke #4

If doctors were like software engineers, they would say things like “Have you tried killing yourself and being reborn?”

Developer Joke #5

A developer is a tool that transforms caffeine into code. 

Developer Joke #6

Give a man a program, frustrate him for a day. 

Teach a man to program, frustrate him for a lifetime.

Developer Joke #7

Software undergoes beta testing shortly before it’s released. 

Beta is Latin for 'still doesn’t work’. 

Developer Joke #8 

What do you call a software wizard that installs applications?

The Wizard of OS.

Developer Joke #9

What's the difference between a junior software engineer and a senior software engineer?

A senior software engineer writes wrong code faster.

Jokes for customer support specialists 

Expand your network on LinkedIn by incorporating these CSS jokes in your LinkedIn Connection Request Messages, Messages or InMails.

CSS Joke #1 

Evil queens are just Disney princesses who worked in Customer Support too long. 

CSS Joke #2

Those who say “there is no such thing as a stupid question” obviously never worked in Customer Care. 

CSS Joke #3

Anyone who ever said that “the customer is always right” has never worked in Tech Customer Support. 

CSS Joke #4

Customer Service is like…

If you understand English, press 1.

If you do not understand English, press 2.

Frequently asked questions

How effective are humorous templates across various industries, especially in more conservative fields?

Humorous templates' effectiveness varies across industries. In conservative fields, they may be less appropriate. Tailoring the humor to suit the industry's tone can improve reception.

What are the best practices for personalizing jokes to ensure they resonate well with specific audiences or sectors?

Personalizing humor involves understanding the recipient's background, industry norms, and possibly their company culture to ensure the joke aligns with their professional environment.

Are there examples of negative reactions or feedback to consider when using humor in professional outreach?

Negative reactions to humor in professional outreach are possible, especially if the humor is misinterpreted or deemed unprofessional. It's crucial to balance humor with professionalism and consider the potential for diverse interpretations.

Summary 

Jokes that you use in your outreach or in real life quickly impact your personal brand image and reputation, for good or bad. Ideally, whoever you talk to shares your sense of humor and can understand a light-hearted critique of the industry. 

As mentioned above, here we’ve listed jokes that you can use right away for:

• Sales representatives;
• Marketers;
• Managers;
• Developers;
• Customer Support Specialists.

Be bold in your outreach. It will for sure pay off. 

And for the end: 

How many marketers does it take to generate 10 times more leads in less time? 

None, they use Skylead. 

If you send a connection request to someone but fail to follow up with something as simple as Thank you for connecting on LinkedIn, you will almost certainly be forgotten about in a matter of hours. Maybe even seconds.  

It doesn’t mean that your professional experience and what you do matter less. It’s just, that we are being bombarded with so much content, social media interaction, and trivial, everyday things, all of which easily draw our attention away from anything that doesn’t capture instant interest. 

That’s why sending an original and well-timed Thank you for connecting on LinkedIn and using its benefits later. In many cases, this practice turned out to improve your visibility, and therefore crucial for further communication and even collaboration. 

We’ve put together this blog with keeping in mind all of this. Hence, here are:

• The elements of a good LinkedIn Thank you for connecting message,
• How to spend less time on LinkedIn but build more meaningful relationships,
• 12 templates on how to thank someone for connecting on LinkedIn without just sending Thanks for connecting and stay remembered in the long run.

What makes a good Thank you for connecting message on LinkedIn? [4 Best practices]

Keep it short 

And sweet. No need to write War and Peace. It’s enough to thank them for accepting your invite and to expand on what you wrote in your LinkedIn connection request message (‘cause you didn’t just send a blank note, did you?).

We’ll elaborate on what to write after that simple Thank you for connecting contained in pretty much every message and how to personalize it to strengthen your business relationship.  

Don’t try to sell 

Ohhhh, this is a big no-no. The only thing worse than trying to sell when thanking someone for connecting in a LinkedIn message is doing so in a connection request. Use this occasion to start a conversation that later can lead to sales instead. Check out the ‘Templates section’ below to get inspired. 

Make it about the lead 

Don’t introduce yourself in a conventional way - ‘Hi, my name is…’ and then talk exclusively about your business and professional successes. Don’t force your product or your services. Instead, shift your attention to asking meaningful questions about your lead, and get off to the right start. You’ll have plenty of time to sell. And successfully. 

Focus on the value

Following up on the previously said, show your lead that they can benefit from you in some way. If that transition doesn’t come smoothly, you can speak about how you can mutually benefit from each other. Show them what problems and challenges you can potentially solve and they will, if nothing else, for sure appreciate the effort.

Thank you for connecting on LinkedIn: 12 Templates 

Sure, today we have Chat GPT, and you might think that it could give you all the answers on how to thank someone for connecting on LinkedIn. 

We are not against AI, we actually encourage everyone to use ChatGPT for sales (we’ve put prompt examples too!). So, copy & paste our templates, or use them as prompts to make Chat GPT inspired in the right direction. 

However, we will share some of the best-performing LinkedIn Thank you for connecting messages that our Head of Sales, Andrea, uses in her everyday communication for more effective LinkedIn lead generation. 

Hopefully, these will get you inspired to include this kind of practice in your LinkedIn lead generation routine.  

After connecting with members you don’t know personally

Option #1 to send a Thank you message on LinkedIn

Example

Hey Sonia,

Thank you for accepting my invitation.

I don’t believe we met in person.

As someone open to networking and building new business relationships, I just wanted to greet you, check in with you regarding the challenges you are facing, and see how we both might benefit from this connection.

Have a great day!

Template 

Hey {{firstName}},

Thank you for accepting my invitation.

I don’t believe we met in person.

As someone open to networking and building new business relationships, I just wanted to greet you, check in with you regarding the challenges you are facing, and see how we both might benefit from this connection. 

Have a great day! 

Option #2 to send a Thank you message on LinkedIn

If you want to make an extra effort, which usually pays off, create a personalized Image or GIF to thank someone for connecting on LinkedIn. It could improve your response rate by over 20% (word! We’ve tested it out!) 

Skylead’s native Image & GIF personalization is available to all our users, at no additional cost, and without ever leaving the software dashboard. 

The example below was used as a Thank you message which was part of the sequence Target specific group members. 

The sequence scored 53% in acceptance rate, 27% in reply rate, and 73% in open rate.

After connecting with members you met an event 

Example 

Hey Johnny,

Thank you for accepting my invitation.

Once again, it was a pleasure chatting with you at ‘Entrepreneurs Roundtable: The 411 on SEO and Google Analytics - What’s working now?’.

I would really like to continue the conversation we had at the event regarding the SEO tactics your company used to improve its blog ranking from the 3rd page of Google to the top 3 rated in the sales industry. So much to say so little time!

Let’s chat here or schedule a call, let’s say next Thursday around 2 pm.

How does that sound?

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Hey {{firstName}},

Thank you for accepting my invitation.

Once again, it was a pleasure chatting with you at {{eventName}}. 

I would really like to continue the conversation we had at the event regarding {{topic}}. So much to say so little time! 

Let’s chat here or schedule a call, let’s say {{day&time}}. 

How does that sound? 

After connecting with someone you have a mutual connection with 

Example  

Hello Jamie,

In the spirit of networking, I would like to hear more about you and also introduce myself.

You are the Head of Sales at FlyProject, aren't you?

I know several people from there, do you know Matthew Stone?

Btw, thanks for connecting with me!

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Hello Jamie, 

In the spirit of networking, I would like to hear more about you and also introduce myself. 

You are {{occupation}} at {{company}}, aren't you? I know several people from there, do you know {{mutualConnection’sFullName}}? 

Btw, thanks for connecting with me!

If you wish to offer help to your new connections 

Example  

Hello Josh,

Thanks for accepting my invitation.

I am delighted to connect with you.

I would like you to let me know if there’s anything I can do to assist you with. It would be my pleasure!

Have a fabulous day!

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Hello {{firstName}},

Thanks for accepting my invitation. I am delighted to connect with you. 

I would like you to let me know if there’s anything I can do to assist you with. It would be my pleasure!

Have a fabulous day! 

Providing value for your connections as a way to thank someone for connecting on LinkedIn

Example 

Hello Mark,

It’s great to be part of your network!

As I mentioned earlier, I recently wrote a blog that might help you with the problem you expressed in the ‘Startup Specialists’ Group.

I actually had the same issue with developing internal processes since we were growing pretty fast as a startup. This experience inspired me to write a series of blogs on the topic. Maybe it will help you figure out where to start.

Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

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Hello {{firstName}},

It’s great to be part of your network! 

As I mentioned earlier, I recently wrote a blog that might help you with the problem you expressed in {{groupName}}. I actually had the same issue with {{issue}}. This experience inspired me to write a series of blogs on the topic. Maybe it will help you figure out where to start. 

Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with. 

Introduce them to someone from your network to thank them for connecting on LinkedIn

Example 

Hey Steve,

Thanks for connecting on LinkedIn. I would like to know more about you and your business. If there’s anything I can help you with or introduce you to someone in my network, please let me know.

Kind Regards,

Jim

Template

Hey {{firstName}},

Thanks for connecting on LinkedIn. I would like to know more about you and your business. If there’s anything I can help you with or introduce you to someone in my network, please let me know. 

Kind Regards, 

{{yourName}}

Show genuine interest in your lead’s work  

Example 

Hi Selena,

Thank you for accepting my invitation. I am looking forward to learning more about your business expertise.

Please have a look at my connections and if there is someone you would like to be introduced to I am happy to make the connection. I am here to make meaningful connections because I deeply believe in networking!

Thanks again for your acceptance, and if you have any questions for me, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best regards!

Template 

Hi {{firstName}},

Thank you for accepting my invitation. I am looking forward to learning more about your business expertise. 

Please have a look at my connections and if there is someone you would like to be introduced to I am happy to make the connection. 

I am here to make meaningful connections because I deeply believe in networking! Thanks again for your acceptance, and if you have any questions for me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Best regards!

After connecting with someone whose content you read 

Example 

Hey Michelle,

I am so glad to be part of your network! Thank you for accepting my invitation.

As mentioned in my previous message, your last post on the importance of employee branding really resonated with me, especially the part where you say that ‘employee branding is not only about the people who already work at your company, but also about the professionals that apply for jobs and their recruiting experience”. It really made me revise the entire recruitment process.

Again, thanks for accepting my invite to connect, and I really hope we’ll have the chance to chat in the future.

Have a great day!

Template 

Hey {{firstName}},

I am so glad to be part of your network! Thank you for accepting my invitation. 

As mentioned in my previous message, your last post on {{postTopic}} really resonated with me, especially the part {{quoteParagraphThatResonated}}. It really made me revise {{whichPartOfYourBusiness}}.

Again, thanks for accepting my invite to connect, and I really hope we’ll have the chance to chat in the future. 

Have a great day! 

Use email to thank them for connecting on LinkedIn

In some cases, email conversation is more in line with your business outreach strategy or it’s your lead’s preferred channel of communication. For the sake of higher engagement and response rates, you can thank them for connecting on LinkedIn via email. Additionally, email outreach can be beneficial for starting sales-oriented conversations. 

Example

Hello Mark,

I just wanted to thank you for accepting my LinkedIn Connection Request here as well in case you prefer email communication.

Anyways, I love the question you recently posted in the Digital Marketers group regarding the optimal content posting schedule to draw traffic to your website. I actually wrote an article covering that topic in particular, I’ll just leave you a link here.

However, if you need a more personalized and thorough insight, we can schedule a call and meet up, let’s say next Wednesday at 3pm. How does that sound?

Thank you once again for accepting my Connection Request on LinkedIn.

Best,

Matt

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Hello {{firstName}},

I just wanted to thank you for accepting my LinkedIn Connection Request here as well in case you prefer email communication. 

{{yourSalesPitch}}

Thank you once again for accepting my Connection Request on LinkedIn. 

Best,

{{yourName}}

‘Break the ice’ by congratulating them on their success in the LinkedIn Thank you for connecting message

Example

Hey Sharlane,

Thanks for accepting my Connection Request!

Once again, congratulations on your promotion to the Head of Growth at Jumbos. I am always excited to see professionals with such enviable backgrounds progress and hold decision-making positions.

Let’s keep in touch.

Template 

Hey {{firstName}},

Thanks for accepting my Connection Request! 

Once again, congratulations on your promotion to {{occupation}} at {{company}}. I am always excited to see professionals with such enviable backgrounds progress and hold decision-making positions. 

Let’s keep in touch. 

Show genuine interest in a shared experience

Example 

Hey Marissa, 

Thanks for connecting! 

Btw, I noticed you also worked at Johnsons & Parker. I spent a couple of years there too, it was probably one of the best work experiences I’ve had. 

What about you, did you like it? 

Anyway, glad to be in your network!

Template

Hey {{firstName}},

Thanks for connecting! 

{{ReferenceToASharedExperience}}

Anyway, glad to be in your network!

Hyper-personalize your Thank you for connecting messages at scale [and more]

Skylead is a LinkedIn automation tool and cold email software that allows you to combine LinkedIn automation, unlimited Email automation, Email verification & discovery, and Image & GIF personalization into Smart sequences to help you save time, resources, and money while booking 3x more meetings than before. 

Also, at the same time, you can hyper-personalize your outreach at scale thanks to Skylead’s native and custom placeholders. It is just one of many ways our SDR, Pavle, does it to increase her reply rates. 

So, how does Andrea apply all of the above to send Thank you for connecting on LinkedIn to start a sales-oriented conversation?

Let’s say, you’ve done your research on LinkedIn, and you have a CSV file containing (at least) your leads’ LinkedIn URLs. At first, this LinkedIn lead generation technique can seem like a lot of manual work but it pays off. Also, Skylead is there to take care of the outreach automation, which will for sure recuperate (and earn you) lots of time! 

So, once you’ve added leads in a Google Sheets file, add a column named ‘thankyou’ (aside from regular columns such as name, surname, LinkedIn profile URL, business email, or similar). 

Your ‘thankyou’ column should contain a personalized paragraph for each lead. This way, you can insert the personalized paragraph that is different for each lead into a message outline that is, on the other hand, the same for all leads. 

This is what your message will look like in Skylead, as part of the Smart sequence.

And this is how your user would see this message on LinkedIn. 

Summary

Sending a thoughtful Thank you for connecting on LinkedIn not only demonstrates your appreciation for becoming part of someone’s network but also becomes a strategic step. 

Now, imagine enhancing this strategy even further with Skylead, our cutting-edge outreach tool, which you can try for 7 days for FREE starting today!  

Our support team will help you at any step of the way, and make sure you use Skylead to its fullest potential to elevate your networking game, amplify your engagement, and turn connections into valuable opportunities!