Rodok
Abderrazzak AbouyaalaA good LinkedIn message template is short, personal and asks for little. Mention one real detail about the person, say in a line why you are reaching out and ask a question that is easy to answer. Below are four versions you can adapt: a first message, networking, a referral and prospecting.
When to use it
Use these after you connect, or as an InMail or a message to an open profile. If you have not connected yet, start with the connection request message. Once they accept, see the message after a connection is accepted.
Version 1: a first message
Hi (first name), thanks for connecting. I noticed (a specific detail: a post, a role change, a shared group). I work with (type of team) on (problem). Curious how you handle that at (company). No pitch, just interested.
Version 2: networking
Hi (first name), I read your post on (topic), especially (specific point). I am (your role) at (company) and I am learning more about (topic). Would you be open to sharing one lesson from your experience?
Version 3: referral
Hi (first name), (mutual contact) suggested I reach out. I am looking into (topic) and they said you know it well. Would you have 10 minutes this month? Happy to work around your schedule.
Check with your mutual contact first, so the message is true.
Version 4: prospecting
Hi (first name), I saw you started as (title) at (company). In the first months of a role like that, (problem) often comes up. We help (type of team) with it. Would it be useful if I sent a short example?
Why it works
- Each message references something about the reader.
- None asks for a call in the first line.
- They read well on a phone, in a few seconds.
What to check before you send
- The detail you mention is accurate and public.
- You send one message to one person, and write each by hand or review it before it goes.
- You follow LinkedIn's rules. Mass automated connection requests and scraping are against its terms, so keep outreach personal and in small numbers.
- If you also email, remember the US CAN-SPAM Act makes no exception for business email.
Mistakes to avoid
- Pitching in the first message.
- Copying the same text to a hundred people.
- Writing a long paragraph. Keep it to a few lines.
Finding the people and the detail
Reading profiles by hand takes time. In Rodok, you describe a signal in a sentence, such as "people who started a new role as head of sales in the last 90 days", and a tracker finds them, with a short note on why each is a fit. AI helps write the message from that detail. In a sequence, LinkedIn steps go to the rep as tasks, and email steps send from your own Gmail or Outlook. More in LinkedIn prospecting and social selling.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a LinkedIn message be?
Two to four short lines. Many people read on a phone, so keep it small and end with one question.
Should I pitch in my first LinkedIn message?
Usually not. Start with something about them and a low-pressure question. Offer detail after they reply.
Can I send LinkedIn messages to people I am not connected with?
Sometimes, through InMail or open profiles, depending on your account. Check LinkedIn's current rules and limits for your plan.
