How to Cold Message on LinkedIn: A Starter Guide For Beginner Level Sales People

Remember your first day at a new school? 

You had two choices: introduce yourself and start conversations, or wait and hope someone approached you.

Sales outreach is no different. If you sit back and wait for leads to come to you, you’ll struggle to hit your targets. But if you take the initiative and reach out, you’ll build relationships that can turn into real business opportunities.

When I started in sales, I had no idea how to approach prospects—especially with outbound efforts. But I quickly learned that success comes from starting conversations. 

The more I reached out, the more comfortable I got, and the better my results became.

Thankfully, LinkedIn makes this process much easier. 

If you’re struggling to find email addresses or direct contact numbers for potential leads, LinkedIn messaging can be a powerful alternative. It lets you engage with prospects where they’re already active, making it easier to start meaningful conversations that could lead to sales.

What Is a Cold LinkedIn Message?

Let’s start with the cold messaging part. 

This is to ensure that you get the brasstack and the basic concept properly. 

And then we’ll move on to more advanced things like how to cold message on LinkedIn, how to reply to LinkedIn messages, etc.

A cold LinkedIn message is an outreach message sent to someone who doesn’t know you yet. It’s similar to a cold email but sent through LinkedIn’s messaging system. These messages can take different forms:

• Connection requests – Short messages sent with a connection request.
• Direct messages – Messages sent after a connection request is accepted.
• InMail – A LinkedIn Premium feature allowing messages to be sent to non-connections.

Cold LinkedIn messages often have higher response rates than traditional cold emails. 

While cold emails typically get around a 3% reply rate, LinkedIn InMail messages can see response rates between 18-25% when done well.

What Is LinkedIn Outreach?

Moving on, on a broader level, LinkedIn outreach is about “reaching” out to potential prospects in an attempt to build connection, for conversions, maybe just to network - and so on and so forth.

The actual intent of the outreach depends on your business requirements, or whatever specifically you intend on doing once a connection is established.

At a basic level, if you haven’t done any type of LinkedIn outreach, you should know that it is the process of connecting with potential customers through LinkedIn to build relationships, generate leads, and create business opportunities. 

It allows salespeople, recruiters, and business owners to engage with their ideal audience through connection requests, direct messages, or InMail.

Unlike other platforms, LinkedIn is built for professional networking, making it a great place to connect with decision-makers and industry leaders. 

When done right, LinkedIn outreach feels less intrusive than cold calls or mass emails.

Why Use Cold Messaging on LinkedIn?

So, the question is, why do you need to start cold messaging on LinkedIn? 

Well, as it turns out, it’s not only important from an increased outreach point of view, as you cannot remain dependent on one online platform these days.

Secondly, depending on your business model, there could be plenty of other advantages, such as, but definitely not limited to:

• Higher response rates – Personalized LinkedIn messages tend to get more engagement than cold emails.
• Easier access to decision-makers – Many professionals actively use LinkedIn, making it easier to reach them.
• Less inbox clutter – LinkedIn inboxes are typically less crowded than email inboxes.
• More personalized outreach – LinkedIn profiles provide insights into a prospect’s background, allowing for tailored messages.

Best Practices for Writing Effective Cold LinkedIn Messages

To make your messages stand out, follow these key strategies:

1. Find Common Ground

Before sending a message, check the prospect’s LinkedIn profile. Look for shared connections, mutual interests, or relevant experiences to mention in your message.

2. Use Mutual Connections When Possible

If you have a shared connection, ask for an introduction. If that’s not an option, mentioning the mutual contact can help establish credibility.

3. Keep It Short and Direct

No one wants to read a long message from a stranger. Keep it brief, friendly, and straight to the point. A few sentences are enough to introduce yourself and explain why you’re reaching out.

4. Avoid Selling in the First Message

Your goal is to start a conversation — not close a deal immediately. Focus on building rapport first before making any kind of pitch.

5. Ask a Question to Encourage a Response

People are more likely to reply if your message includes a simple, relevant question. Ask about their work, industry trends, or a mutual connection’s insights.

6. Follow Up Without Being Annoying

If you don’t get a reply, don’t be discouraged. Send a polite follow-up message after a few days, but avoid spamming them.

Cold LinkedIn Message Templates

Reaching out to someone new on LinkedIn can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. 

You don’t want to come off as pushy, but at the same time, you want to be compelling enough to spark a conversation. 

This is where a well-crafted cold LinkedIn message can make all the difference.

But here’s the catch: most people are bombarded with cold messages on LinkedIn every day, many of which are bland, overly salesy, or just plain robotic. If you want real engagement, you need to send messages that feel genuine and thoughtful.

Let’s break down some of the best cold LinkedIn message templates and how to make them work for you. Along the way, we’ll also cover what makes a message effective and how to reply to LinkedIn messages once you get a response.

1. The Friendly Cold Message

This approach works well when you have a mutual connection with the person you’re reaching out to. 

It keeps things light and natural, making it easier for the recipient to reply without feeling like they’re being sold something right off the bat.

Template:
Hi [First Name], I came across your profile and saw we both know [Mutual Connection]. How do you know them? I’d love to connect and learn more about your work at [Company Name].

Why It Works

• Starts with something personal (a shared connection)
• Invites a conversation rather than immediately pitching something
• Shows genuine interest in their work

Pro Tip:

If you don’t have a mutual connection, you can personalize this message by mentioning something from their profile, such as a recent career move, an interesting post they shared, or a company milestone.

2. Industry-Specific Conversation Starter

If you want to stand out in someone’s inbox, referencing a topic they care about is a great strategy. 

This type of cold messaging on LinkedIn works particularly well when reaching out to industry peers or potential partners.

Template:
Hi [First Name], I really enjoyed your recent post about [Topic]. What’s your take on [Related Topic]? I work with [Company Name] in this space and would love to hear your thoughts!

Why It Works

• Demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to read their content
• Positions you as someone who’s genuinely interested in the industry
• Encourages engagement by asking for their opinion

Pro Tip:

This works best if you’ve actually engaged with their content before reaching out. A thoughtful comment on their post can warm them up before you send your message.

3. The Short and Direct Cold Message

Some people appreciate brevity, especially if they’re busy. 

If you can clearly communicate the value you bring in just a couple of sentences, you increase the likelihood of getting a response.

Template:
Hi [First Name], I work with [Company Name], and we help companies like yours [Benefit]. Would you be open to a quick chat to see if it’s useful for you?

Why It Works

• Gets straight to the point without being pushy
• Clearly states the benefit of the conversation
• Respects the recipient’s time

Pro Tip:

This type of message works best when targeting decision-makers who don’t have time for long introductions. Make sure your benefit statement is clear and specific.

4. Mutual LinkedIn Group Connection

When you’re in the same LinkedIn group as someone, you already have a shared point of interest. 

That makes it easier to start a conversation without feeling like a complete stranger.

Template:
Hi [First Name], I saw we’re both in [LinkedIn Group]. I liked your comment on [Topic]. I’d love to hear more about your perspective—let’s connect!

Why It Works

• Uses the group as a natural icebreaker
• Shows you’re paying attention to what they post
• Keeps the message informal and non-salesy

Pro Tip:

Don’t just reference the group—mention something specific from a discussion they participated in. 

This makes the message feel more personal and increases the chances of getting a reply.

5. The Follow-Up Message

Sometimes, people don’t respond right away. That doesn’t always mean they’re not interested—your message could have gotten buried, or they might have just been too busy at the moment.

Template:
Hi [First Name], just following up in case my last message got buried. No pressure, but I’d love to hear your thoughts when you have a moment. Looking forward to connecting!

Why It Works

• Keeps things light and pressure-free
• Acknowledges that they might have missed the message
• Reinforces your interest without being annoying

Pro Tip:

Give it at least a week before following up. If they still don’t respond, it’s best to move on rather than keep pushing.

How to Reply to LinkedIn Messages

Once you start getting responses, knowing how to reply to LinkedIn messages is just as important as crafting the initial outreach.

Here are a few quick tips:

If They Show Interest:

• Thank them for replying and ask an open-ended question to keep the conversation going.
• Example: “Thanks for getting back to me, [First Name]! I’d love to hear more about your experience with [Topic]. How has that been going for you?”

If They Decline:

• Be respectful and leave the door open for future conversations.
• Example: “I totally understand, [First Name]. If anything changes in the future, feel free to reach out. Wishing you all the best!”

If They Ghost You:

• A single follow-up is fine, but if they still don’t respond, it’s best to move on.
• Example: “Hi [First Name], just checking in again in case my message got buried. If now’s not the right time, no worries at all!”

Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile Before Reaching Out

Before you start sending messages, make sure your profile looks professional. Here’s what to check:

• Profile picture – Use a high-quality, professional-looking photo.
• Headline – Clearly state your role and expertise.
• Summary – Write a compelling summary explaining what you do and how you help others.
• Experience – Keep your job history up to date.
• Recommendations – Ask colleagues or clients for endorsements to boost credibility.

What’s Your Intake on LinkedIn Cold Messaging?

Cold messaging on LinkedIn can be a powerful way to generate leads and build relationships when done right.

Keep your messages personalized, short, and engaging. Focus on starting conversations rather than making an immediate sale, and don’t forget to follow up. With the right approach, LinkedIn cold messaging can turn prospects into valuable business connections.