Best LinkedIn Messaging Examples & Strategies That Work in 2025

Let’s face it—most LinkedIn messages don’t get replies. If you've ever sent a message and heard crickets, you're not alone.

In fact, according to LinkedIn’s 2024 data, only 10–25% of outreach messages get a response on average. That means 3 out of 4 of your messages might be wasting your time. But here's the good news: with the right message templates and strategies, you can beat the odds.

In this guide, you’ll find the best LinkedIn messaging examples that actually work in 2025—backed by proven tactics, tailored templates, and smart outreach moves that even top sales reps swear by. Ready? Let’s upgrade your inbox game.

What Makes a LinkedIn Message Great?

Let’s start with the basics—what is LinkedIn messaging?

LinkedIn messaging is how professionals connect, chat, and build relationships on the platform. It’s like email, but faster and more direct. You can use it to send a first message, follow up on a LinkedIn connection, or even close a deal.

In fact, 49% of buyers research salespeople on LinkedIn before deciding to engage with them, making it crucial to maintain a strong presence on the platform.

Now, what makes a LinkedIn message stand out?

Whether you're reaching out for the first time or following up after a connection request, a great message is simple, personal, and clear. Most people get tons of messages on LinkedIn that don’t address prospect's pain points—so yours needs to feel real, not robotic.

Prospects are often overwhelmed with sales outreach on LinkedIn, so standing out with a thoughtful approach is key.

Here’s what makes a LinkedIn message stand out:

1. It’s short and easy to read: People are busy. If your message looks like an essay, they’ll ignore it.
2. It sounds personal, not copied: Using a personalized message—like mentioning their company name or a recent post—can raise your response rate by up to 32% (LinkedIn B2B Research, 2023).
3. It shows you care: Don’t start with a sales pitch. Ask a thoughtful question or give a helpful insight.
4. It ends with a clear but soft ask: Instead of saying “Book a demo now,” try: “Would you be open to a quick call next week?”

How to Write a LinkedIn Message

Step 1: Start With a Strong Opening

Mention how you found them. Use something like:

• “I saw your post in a LinkedIn group.”
• “We’re both in the same industry, and your work stood out.”
• “A mutual connection suggested I reach out.”

This makes your connection request feel natural.

Step 2: Show Genuine Interest in your follow ups.

Read their LinkedIn profiles or posts. Talk about something specific. It shows you’re not just copy-pasting.

Example:

“I liked your post on marketing trends—it was spot on. Especially the part about content driving sales outreach.”

Step 3: Share Why You’re Reaching Out

Be honest. Do you want to collaborate, pitch, or just chat? Avoid salesy language. A direct but polite ask works best.

Say things like:

• “Would you be open to a quick call next week?”
• “I’d love to share some valuable resources we recently published.”

Step 4: Keep It Clean and Professional

Use correct grammar. Don’t send huge blocks of text. Always check your profile picture and make sure your personal brand looks trustworthy.

Using a professional photo and a clear headline on your LinkedIn profile are key components of profile optimization. Before messaging anyone, take time to optimize your LinkedIn profile so it builds trust instantly.

Best LinkedIn Messaging Examples by Goal

Effective LinkedIn connection messages are short, specific, and tailored to the recipient’s recent activity or interests. For tips on enhancing your networking communication, check out these effective networking email subject lines. Below are a few examples you can use yourself:

1. To Connect with a Prospect (Cold Outreach)

You want to send a linkedin connection message to someone you’ve never met before. It could be someone in your target audience or working in the same industry.

Example:

Hi [Name], I came across your profile while doing a linkedin search for [job title] in [industry]. I liked your background at [company name] and would love to connect with you.

– [Your Name]

Use this when sending a connection message to a lead you found through linkedin outreach or linkedin groups.

2. To Follow Up After an Event

You met someone at a LinkedIn event, webinar, or through a linkedin group. Now you want to follow up.

Example:

Hi [Name], it was great seeing your post during the [event name]. I enjoyed your thoughts on [topic] and thought I’d say hello here too.

I’m sharing a few valuable resources we discussed—let me know if you'd like me to send them over.

– [Your Name]

This counts as a friendly follow up message, without being too formal. It can help build long-term linkedin connections.

3. To Book a Sales Call

You’ve had some interaction—maybe they liked your post or accepted your connection request. Now you want to move the conversation forward.

Example:

Hi [Name], thanks for connecting! I noticed you're leading [team or company name] and thought there might be a fit between what you do and what we offer.

Would you be open to a quick call sometime this week? No pressure—just a 10-minute chat.

– [Your Name]

This sales outreach message is short, shows genuine interest, and gives the reader an easy way out.

“Messages that are short, relevant, and personalized perform 30% better on average.” — LinkedIn Sales Solutions, 2024

4. To Reconnect with an Old Contact

You haven’t spoken to someone in a while, but you’d like to reconnect. This linkedin prospecting messages works well if they’re already in your LinkedIn connections or linkedin members list.

Example:

Hi [Name], it’s been a while since we last talked! I came across your LinkedIn profile while reviewing my network. Looks like you’ve been doing great at [company name].

Let’s catch up sometime—would love to hear how things are going.

– [Your Name]

This is a good linkedin connection message to revive old contacts. It feels warm, not salesy.

5. To Request a Referral or Introduction

You want to ask a contact to connect you with someone they know. This works best when there’s a mutual connection or shared linkedin group.

Example:

Hi [Name], hope you're well! I noticed you're connected with [Referral’s Name]—I’d love to speak with them about a project we’re doing in their space.

Would you feel comfortable making an intro? Just a quick message is perfect. Totally okay if not.

– [Your Name]

A clear ask like this shows genuine interest and makes it easy for them to say yes or no.

Tip: According to HubSpot, referrals convert 4X better than standard leads.

6. To Share Content or Insights

You’ve published or found something helpful and want to share it with your connections. This works great as part of your linkedin outreach strategy.

Example:

Hey [Name], I thought you might enjoy this article we just published on [topic]. It talks about some big pain points in [industry] and how teams are handling them.

Let me know what you think!

– [Your Name]

Use this outreach message to share relevant content with group members and stay top of mind—without asking for anything. This tactic is also great for building your personal brand and improving engagement from your target audience.

High-Converting LinkedIn Message Templates for 2025

1. AI-Boosted Personalization Message

This message uses a mix of data and a personal touch. Perfect for sales professionals using tools like Sales Navigator or AI plugins.

Template:

This message works great as part of your linkedin sales message templates strategy or linkedin outreach.

2. “Permission First” Message

You’re starting a conversation, not pitching. You ask for permission before going further.

Template:

This soft message respects boundaries and is great for connection requests or follow up messages.

3. The “Soft Ask” Sales Message

You’ve built some rapport (maybe they liked your post or accepted your request). Now you want to suggest a quick call without pushing.

Template:

This is a linkedin sales message that doesn’t sound like a cold pitch. Ideal as a follow up or part of a linkedin message template series.

4. Story-Driven Icebreaker

A short, true story that makes you relatable. Great for new connection messages.

Template:

Use this linkedin message template when reaching out to a peer in the same industry. Stories work better than generic intros.

5. Mutual Win Message (Great for Partnerships)

You want to collaborate or explore synergy. Make it a “you AND me” message.

Example:

This works well for sales professionals, content partners, or joint events. It’s a great sales message that doesn’t feel like a pitch.

6. Micro-Video Message

A 30-second video message sent via direct messages. Yes, it works.

Example:

Videos show genuine interest, especially when your linkedin account is optimized. It builds trust quickly.

“Video outreach gets up to 5x more engagement than plain text.” — Vidyard 2024 Global Video Benchmark Report

Benchmark: What’s a Good LinkedIn Message Response Rate?

Let’s be honest: not every LinkedIn message gets a reply. But what is a good response rate?

On average, a 15–25% response rate is considered solid for connection requests and messages on LinkedIn (source: LinkedIn Business Solutions, 2024).

If you're hitting above 30%, you're doing great. If it’s below 10%, your linkedin message template probably needs work.

Pro Tip: Use tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator to find relevant leads who are more likely to respond. Track what works, save high-performing linkedin template examples, and test different tones.

LinkedIn Message Templates for Specific Roles and Scenarios

Every message on LinkedIn should fit the person you're reaching out to. Here are clear, easy-to-use LinkedIn messaging examples for different roles. Use these simple message templates to make sure your linkedin sales messages and outreach feel personal and get noticed.

1. For a Decision-Maker (e.g., VP or C-Suite)

Decision-makers are busy. Your linkedin message template must quickly show value.

Template:

It's short, respects their time, and mentions something personal from their linkedin profile.

2. For a Recruiter Reaching Out to Passive Talent

Recruiters reaching out to someone who isn't actively looking need friendly, personalized messages.

Template:

It's not pushy, respects their current situation, and focuses on building a friendly connection message.

3. For a Startup Founder Pitching to Investors

Investors see many messages. Your linkedin sales message must stand out clearly.

Template:

It's direct, references the investor’s interests, and uses mutual connections to build trust.

4. For a Job Seeker Following Up After Applying

You applied for a job. Now it’s time to send a follow up message.

Template:

It’s polite, shows interest, and brings attention to your existing clients on linkedin profile again. Hiring managers often appreciate the reminder.

5. For an SDR Reaching a Technical Buyer (e.g., CTO, Dev Lead)

You’re a sales rep, and you need to message someone who cares about results, not fluff.

Template:

CTOs are busy. This linkedin prospecting messaging example is short, respectful, and offers real value.

6. For an Event Invitation to a Niche Audience

You’re inviting people to a virtual event or webinar—and they aren’t randoms. You’ve done your homework.

Example:

It feels personal. It’s not a mass connection request message or a cold blast. People like feeling special.

Top LinkedIn Sales Message Strategies Used by Winning Sales Reps

1. “Comment-to-Connect” Strategy

You comment on a prospect's LinkedIn post before sending a connection request message.

Why it matters: It builds familiarity. The person sees your name before your message shows up. This boosts your chances of getting a response.

How to implement:

• Find posts from decision-makers in your target audience.
• Leave a real, thoughtful comment. No generic stuff.
• Then send a LinkedIn connection request message like:

"Hi [Name], really enjoyed your post on [topic]. I'd love to connect and keep learning from your insights."

It’s simple but it works—especially in busy B2B niches. It also gives your LinkedIn profile more visibility.

2. Voice Note Outreach

You can send messages by sending a short voice message instead of a text message on LinkedIn.

Why it matters: Voice notes feel personal and different. Most LinkedIn messages are cold and templated. A voice note shows real effort.

How to implement:

• Use the LinkedIn mobile app. Tap the microphone icon.
• Keep it under 30 seconds.
• Mention their company name, recent activity, or job title. Example:

"Hey [Name], I saw you're leading growth at [Company Name]. Had an idea I thought could help your sales reps. Mind if I send over a quick overview?"

It breaks through the noise and shows genuine interest. Sales professionals say response rates can double with voice notes.

3. “First-Line Personalization with Trigger Event”

You start your message with something recent or relevant about the person.

Why it matters: It proves you're not copying and pasting the same LinkedIn message template. It shows you're watching and listening.

How to implement:

• Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator or do a quick LinkedIn search.
• Look for a job change, post engagement, or company news.
• Start your message with that detail. For example:

"Congrats on the new role at [Company Name]! I've helped others in your industry ramp up pipeline fast in the first 90 days. Would love to share a few quick tips."

That one sentence can turn a cold message into a warm lead. It's great for prospecting messages when you're reaching out to technical buyers.

4. Mini Case Study Message

A mini case study message quickly shows how your product helped someone else. It's short, clear, and easy to read.

Why it matters: Buyers trust real success stories more than sales pitches. Sharing actual outcomes adds credibility. According to HubSpot, 62% of B2B buyers say case studies are the most valuable content type when making a decision.

How to do it:

• Start by naming the problem your past client faced.
• Show how you helped them solve it.
• Mention the results in numbers.
• Keep it under 4 lines.

5. Value-First Message (No CTA)

This is a message that gives your prospect value upfront—without asking them for anything in return.

Why it matters: It builds trust. People like getting helpful info without being sold to. It also stands out from typical cold messages.

How to do it:

• Share a quick insight, report, or resource.
• Make it relevant to their job title, pain point, or industry.
• Avoid asking for a meeting.

6. “Customer-Speak” Strategy

Use the same words your customers use. Pull direct quotes from past feedback, interviews, or support chats.

Why it matters: Prospects connect with messages that feel familiar. It shows you truly understand their challenges.

How to do it:

• Review your support emails or testimonials.
• Use phrases they say often (e.g., "our reps spend too much time chasing dead leads").
• Match your message to that voice.

7. “Mutual Connection Leverage” Strategy

This strategy uses your shared connections to build quick trust. It works especially well in B2B sales, where credibility matters.

Why it’s important: People are more likely to respond when they see a mutual connection. According to LinkedIn, messages sent through shared connections see up to a 25% higher reply rate.

How to implement:

• Mention your mutual connection's name in the first sentence.
• Keep it short. Don’t name-drop without context.

8. Engagement Ladder Strategy

This method builds rapport by slowly engaging with a prospect’s content before messaging them.

Why it’s important: It warms up your cold messages. People respond better when they recognize your name.

How to implement:

• Start by liking their posts.
• Then comment something thoughtful.
• Finally, send a LinkedIn message referencing their content.

9. "No-Pitch Follow-Up" Strategy

After a connection request, this strategy avoids immediate selling. Instead, it focuses on value-first messaging.

Why it’s important: Too many reps send a pitch right after someone accepts their connection request. Sending direct sales messages right after someone accepts their connection request kills engagement. It's advised to avoid pitching products in the first message to maintain a focus on relationship-building.

How to implement:

• Wait 2–3 days after connecting.
• Send a message with useful info, like an article, report, or quick tip.
• No CTA. Just value.

10. Curiosity-Driven Opener

A curiosity-driven opener is a type of LinkedIn sales message that grabs attention with an open loop—something unusual or surprising that makes the reader want to know more. It doesn't sell right away. Instead, it sparks interest.

According to HubSpot, the average professional gets over 120 emails a day. That’s a lot of noise. A LinkedIn message that starts with curiosity has a better shot at standing out. It taps into basic psychology—we want to close the loop when something feels incomplete.

How to implement:

• Start your linkedin messaging examples with a question that doesn’t feel like a pitch.
• Avoid “Can I sell you…” or “Would you be interested in…”
• Try: “Ever wonder why 83% of B2B leads never convert?” or “What if your connection request got replies from C-level execs daily?”

This works well for SDRs and sales professionals trying to warm up cold leads. It's one of the most effective linkedin sales message templates used by high-performing reps in 2025.

Mistakes to Avoid When Sending LinkedIn Messages

1. Opening with a Sales Pitch

• Problem: Starting your message with a pitch makes it feel like a cold message, not a real conversation. People see right through it.
• Solution: Begin with a genuine question or a shared interest. Mention a mutual connection or something you noticed on their LinkedIn profile. A simple line like, "I liked your post on sales outreach last week," works better than, "We help teams like yours grow revenue."

2. Using Copy-Paste Templates Without Editing

• Problem: Sending the same LinkedIn message template to everyone looks lazy. People can tell when you don’t take time to personalize.
• Solution: Always customize your message templates. Add their job title, company name, or something from their recent LinkedIn activity. It takes 1 extra minute but shows you did your homework. Use message templates as a guide, not a crutch.

3. Sending Long, Paragraph-Heavy Messages

• Problem: Big blocks of text are hard to read on mobile. Busy professionals won’t read them. It’s one of the fastest ways to get ignored.
• Solution: Break your message into short lines. Keep it under 400 characters. Focus on one clear point. Add value or share something relevant, like a free resource or article. That shows you care about their pain points—not just your pitch.

4. Ignoring the Prospect’s Profile Before Messaging

• Problem: Sending a cold LinkedIn connection message without reading their profile feels lazy. You miss helpful clues like job title, mutual connections, or recent activity.
• Solution: Spend 2 minutes on their LinkedIn profile. Notice what they post. Check their role and company. This helps you write better linkedin messaging examples that feel personal. As LinkedIn coach Sarah Johnston says, “If it looks like you didn't even bother to read the bio, why should they reply?”

5. Using Buzzwords Instead of Clear Language

• Problem: Phrases like “world-class synergy solutions” confuse people. Most folks just want plain English.
• Solution: Be clear and simple. Instead of saying “Leverage our scalable platform,” try “We help startups grow faster using one simple tool.” Clarity builds trust. Buzzwords build barriers.

6. Failing to State a Purpose (Without Being Pushy)

• Problem: Some messages feel like random “check-ins.” Others jump right into a sales pitch.
• Solution: Good linkedin messaging is honest and helpful. You don’t need to “hard sell,” but always make your intent clear. Whether it’s to connect, share a resource, or invite someone to a facebook group, say it upfront.

Conclusion

The right LinkedIn messaging examples can help you stand out, get replies, and build real connections. Whether you're selling, hiring, or networking, using clear, thoughtful messages makes all the difference. Stick to what works—stay personal, add value, and avoid the common mistakes that cost you responses. Remember, 65% of sales representatives rely on LinkedIn to fill their pipelines, so mastering this platform is essential.

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