Content Creation
Camelia Khadraoui
Last updated: 16 Jan 2026
Forget the awkward handshakes and stiff business cards; networking has moved almost entirely to LinkedIn. With over 1 billion users, it’s a goldmine for leads.
Whether you’re looking for clients or a partner, LinkedIn is where the decision-makers actually hang out, but there’s a catch: everyone else knows it too.
If you’ve ever been hit with a "buy my services" message five seconds after connecting, you know exactly what not to do. You know that sending messages that actually get replies is a real challenge.
Let’s break down how to reach out the right way and use LinkedIn outreach message templates that actually start real business conversations.
TL;DR
This guide explains what outreach is, its main advantages, what InMails are, and how much they cost, along with the psychological principles behind effective outreach messages.
It also demonstrates how to write high-performing messages, includes 15 ready-to-use message templates, and provides follow-up examples to keep conversations ongoing.
What’s LinkedIn Outreach?
LinkedIn outreach is the strategic process of contacting other professionals on LinkedIn to build relationships, find leads, get jobs, or create partnerships.
It involves sending personalized messages, connection requests, and engaging with content to meet your goals.
It’s a targeted way to network online. The goal is to start real conversations and build connections by sending tailored invites and messages to the right people.
This process might require you to step out of your comfort zone, but there are many advantages to exposing yourself:
1. You achieve higher response rates than emails
LinkedIn direct messages often receive an average reply rate of 10%+, which is significantly higher than most cold email campaigns. This indicates that your outreach efforts are more likely to initiate real conversations.
2. You can target better profiles using filters
LinkedIn allows you to filter prospects by industry, job title, location, company size, and more... This enables you to send the right message to the right people from the outset.
3. You gain direct access to decision-makers
LinkedIn enables you to contact professionals at every level, from managers to top executives, without needing to go through gatekeepers.
Sending an InMail or connection request provides you with a direct line to potential leads, collaborators, or partners.
4. You can establish authority
Even if someone doesn’t respond immediately, just seeing your profile or engaging with your content can enhance your reputation. Over time, this increases your visibility, credibility, and attracts more interest.
👉 For more information on how to implement the perfect outreach strategy for your business, read the complete LinkedIn Outreach guide.
How to Send Outreach Messages With InMails
To avoid confusion, let’s differentiate between reaching out to current connections and contacting people you haven’t connected with yet.
Direct Messaging Your Existing Contacts
When someone accepts your connection request, they become a “1st-degree connection,” and you can message them for free.
Focus on building the relationship; share useful industry tips, comment on their posts, or ask about their current projects.
This helps you build rapport and stay memorable.
Sending InMails for Cold Outreach
On the other hand, InMail is a paid feature that lets you message anyone on LinkedIn, even if you’re not connected.
InMails stand out in the inbox with a “Premium” tag and usually get more replies since your message lands directly in a prospect’s primary inbox.
Choosing the Right InMail Type
There are 3 types of InMails you can use; free, paid, and sponsored. Choosing the wrong format can lead to wasted budget or missed opportunities. Here is a quick breakdown:
Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
Free InMails | Budget-conscious networking | Costs $0; works with “Open Profiles” | Only works if the recipient enables it |
Paid InMails | Targeted sales & recruiting | Guaranteed reach; credit refunds | Limited monthly credits; can be pricey |
Sponsored | Large-scale marketing | Massively scalable; automated | Labeled as “Sponsored”; less personal |
1. Free InMails
Available when a Premium member has an Open Profile. You can message these users without spending a single credit. It’s the perfect “hidden” trick for cost-free outreach to high-profile professionals.
2. Paid InMails
The standard for Premium, Sales Navigator, and Recruiter users. These allow you to reach 2nd and 3rd-degree connections. Because credits are limited, this encourages high-quality, personalized messaging that yields better results.
3. Sponsored InMails (Message Ads)
These are part of the LinkedIn Ads ecosystem. Instead of manual outreach, you set a target audience and budget, and LinkedIn delivers your message to thousands of inboxes at once. While highly scalable, they carry a “Sponsored” tag, so they require a very strong hook to maintain high engagement.
For more details on message limits and practical advice, read our full guide on LinkedIn InMail features and tips.
How to Write the Perfect Outreach Message
To stand out from generic messages like “I’d love to add you to my network,” use psychological triggers that encourage people to respond.
Use The Law of Reciprocity
Give something before you ask for anything. Share a helpful resource, an interesting article, or a genuine compliment about their recent achievement. When you offer value first, people feel more inclined to reply.
Establish Social Proof
Mention a mutual connection or a shared professional group. Human beings are “tribal” by nature; we trust people who are connected to those we already know. Instantly referencing a shared contact lowers the recipient’s guard.
Keep it Short
Short messages work better. Messages under 400 characters (about 3-4 sentences) get a 22% higher response rate. Make your message easy to read and identify a pain point, offer a quick solution, and be direct.
Don't Forget The Easy Call-To-Action
End with a “soft” Call to Action (CTA) that is easy to answer. Instead of asking for a 30-minute meeting (which feels like a chore), ask a low-friction question like, “Are you currently focused on [Topic] this quarter?” or “Would you be open to seeing a quick case study on this?” This creates an “open loop” in the prospect’s mind that they want to close by providing a quick “yes” or “no.”
How to Follow Up and Keep the Conversation Going
Starting a conversation on LinkedIn is tough, but maintaining it is even more challenging. Many individuals send just one message and then wait, hoping for a response.
However, real results come from consistently and thoughtfully following up, keeping your lead engaged without making them feel pressured.
Besides avoiding spam, here are a few additional tips to keep your lead interested and the conversation progressing:
1. Don’t Wait Too Long: Timing is crucial. If you wait too long, your message may become irrelevant or forgotten.
2. Mention Their Activity: If they recently posted something, commented, or updated their profile, bring it up. This indicates that you are attentive and not just sending generic messages.
3. Keep It Short and Natural: No one desires to read long, verbose messages. LinkedIn isn’t the platform for sales emails. Make your messages concise, friendly, and easy to read.
4. Be Respectful and Know When to Leave: If you’ve followed up three times with no response, it’s acceptable to stop. You can still maintain a positive tone by saying, “If now isn’t the right time, I’ll reach out later.” This keeps the relationship professional.
5. Use “Proof” to Build Trust: Don’t leave your lead guessing. Share your credentials or proof early, such as quick results, a client victory, or a testimonial. Proof enhances your message's credibility and makes it easier to respond.
6. Always End with a Clear Next Step: Every message should conclude with a clear CTA that isn’t pushy. This facilitates an easier response from the lead. For instance:
“Would you like to see a quick demo?”
“Can I send you a brief example?”
“Would you be open to a 10-minute call?”
7. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Rather than yes/no questions, pose something that encourages conversation. Open-ended questions simplify the reply process for the lead. For example:
“What’s your biggest challenge with X at the moment?”
“How are you currently dealing with Y?”
“What would your ideal outcome for Z look like?”
8. Use the “Micro-Commitment” Technique: Instead of requesting a meeting right away, ask for a small action first. Micro-commitments are easier to agree to and aid in building trust. For example:
“Would you like a quick example?”
“Can I send you a case study?”
“Is it acceptable if I share a brief demo?”
Wrapping it Up
A successful outreach campaign is about treating people like people, not just as data points on a spreadsheet.
By using the right mix of InMails and personal messages, you will reach decision-makers directly. Keep your messages short, offer value upfront, and use LinkedIn outreach templates that feel like a real conversation, not a sales pitch.
When you focus on building real relationships, you’ll see your response rates and your business grow.
