LinkedIn Cold Message Template

When you start with LinkedIn outreach, your message needs to be short, personal, and effective. A well-structured LinkedIn Cold Message Template can be the difference between being ignored and starting a valuable business conversation.

In this blog, I’ll explain why this cold LinkedIn Message Template works so well and how you can adapt it to different situations.

Why this LinkedIn Cold Message Template works

The template in the image above follows a simple three-step structure:

1. Connection request – short, friendly, and personal. For example, referencing something you have in common (“I noticed you’re also in the SaaS industry”).
2. First follow-up – share something relevant (like an observation about the market) and ask a question. This makes it feel like a conversation, not a pitch.
3. Second follow-up – a gentle reminder with added value, often ending with a soft call-to-action (such as sharing an idea or inviting them for a quick chat).

This cold LinkedIn Message Template works because it feels natural, not pushy. You’re building trust before offering anything, and that’s what makes people respond.

👉 Want to better understand how LinkedIn measures your activity and credibility? Read more in our post on the LinkedIn Social Selling Index.

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Variations when the template doesn’t fit

Of course, one size doesn’t fit all. Here are small variations you can use when the original LinkedIn Cold Message Template doesn’t apply:

For corporate professionals: Start with a compliment about their company’s recent achievement or industry recognition instead of focusing on their personal role.

For recruiters or HR: Mention a shared interest or industry trend, showing you understand their professional world.

For international markets: Keep the follow-up shorter and more direct. In some cultures, people prefer getting to the point quickly.

For active LinkedIn users: Refer to a recent post they shared and engage with that topic to spark conversation.

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Conclusion

A strong LinkedIn Cold Message Template is all about balance: it’s personal, short, and valuable. This cold LinkedIn Message Template works because it avoids the “sales pitch” feeling and instead builds connection first.

If you want consistent results, test small variations, stay human, and adjust based on your audience. That’s how you turn cold outreach into real opportunities.

👉 Pro tip: Combine this LinkedIn Cold Message Template with an automation tool like ReachBoost. That way, you can send messages at scale while still keeping them personal.

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Curious about the bigger picture? Compare approaches in our blog Cold Email vs LinkedIn Outreach.

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