How To Reach Out On LinkedIn: Tips & Best LinkedIn Outreach Templates
LinkedIn is a go-to platform for professional networking. But sending a message and getting a reply are two different things. Folks are caught up, inboxes are crowded, and no one’s interested in just another sale-sy pitch. So, what’s the magic formula for catching their attention? A solid LinkedIn outreach strategy.
It’s worth noting that reaching out on LinkedIn isn’t a ten-minute job. Whether you’re pitching to potential clients, growing your network, or building relationships, your approach matters. In this guide, we’ll walk you through tried-and-tested tips and templates to add to your LinkedIn outreach strategy. Let’s begin.
Types of LinkedIn Outreach
LinkedIn Outreach, as the name suggests, refers to connecting with potential leads to build professional relationships and expand business. Sending a response-worthy message depends on the type of outreach. The good news? Effective tools like the Snov.io LinkedIn Automation tool help with all types of outreach.
Before we learn to strategize, let’s explore the different types of LinkedIn outreach:
Connection Requests
A blank request? Nope. If you want someone to accept your connection, you’ve got to make it personal. While it’s one of the first big hurdles, knowing how to break the ice helps you get through it. Ideally, mention a shared interest, recent posts, or mutual connections to maximize the chances of approval.
Direct Messages
So you’ve made a connection request, and they’ve accepted it. Cool. Now, you’re ready to slide into DMs. When done right, this is a classic LinkedIn outreach approach. Since you’re already connected, you can open the conversation without feeling like an intruder.
InMails
When trying to reach out to someone outside your network, LinkedIn InMails roll in to help. Unlike regular DMs, this feature lets you drop texts to 2nd and 3rd-degree connections. The twist? It’s a premium feature, which means you’ll need LinkedIn Sales Navigator or LinkedIn Premium to use it. Plus, keep your messages short, relevant, and worth their time.
Message Requests
This is yet another great option for reaching out to a potential client, partner, or industry expert. It works well if you wish to talk before sending a connection request. Nonetheless, these invite messages land in the ‘Other’ tab of the recipient’s inbox. Of course, keeping it short can stack the odds of moving the chat to their main inbox!
What to Avoid When Reaching Out to People on LinkedIn
Sure, a LinkedIn outreach strategy will work wonders, but only if you know how to do it right. Every day, too many people send messages that get ignored. That’s hard luck. To avoid a similar fate, here’s what to avoid when reaching out on the platform:
Mistake 1: Sending Generic, Copy-paste Messages
Honestly, it’s never too hard to tell if you’ve mass-messaged the exact same text to 50 people. Unless you want to be marked spam, it’s worth taking some time to tailor your message to the sender. Scan their profile, work, content type, and industry, and craft your message accordingly.
Mistake 2: Sending Out Unclear Messages
The worst mistake you can make is to overwhelm the recipient with text blocks that have no clear direction. In fact, research suggests that the average attention span has dropped to 8 seconds now. So, it’s clear why nobody’s going to read 10-paragraph essays. Aim for 4-5 sentences with a crystal clear CTA for each message.
Mistake 3: Pitching too Soon
Remember, LinkedIn isn’t about cold selling. If your first text is all about your business, don’t be surprised if it ends up getting ignored. A smart LinkedIn outreach strategy is to build a connection before all else. Once you’re sure it’s there, you can head on to the business talk with fingers crossed!
Mistake 4: Not Engaging Before Reaching Out
You’re most likely not the only one reaching out to them. To stand out, engage with their posts and activities first. This creates the likelihood of them noticing you before you text. Hence, your outreach feels more natural, and you might even get a response sooner than you think.
Effective LinkedIn Outreach Strategy
You’ve likely heard from everyone that a LinkedIn outreach strategy works. Well, it does. But it takes the right tips and techniques to work out. Below, we’ve outlined some quick tips to follow for reaching out on the platform effectively:
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Follow your prospect and engage with their content prior to reaching out
To make your LinkedIn outreach strategy non-spammy, keep it natural from the get-go. Follow your prospects, engage with their posts, and drop thoughtful comments first. This way, when you finally reach out, you’re not a stranger. In turn, your request has a high chance of approval. And that’s the goal, right?
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Do your research
Around 76% of top sales folks do their research prior to reaching out. Why? Because it matters, especially on LinkedIn. Nobody likes generic, copy-pasted blocks of text. Drop it, do your research, and mention the specifics in your message. This shows them you’ve done the homework and are actually serious about a collaboration.
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Personalize your connection request message
Stats show that a single, personalized message boosts your response rate by 30%. This makes personalization a key part of your LinkedIn outreach strategy. Naturally, the more you tailor your messages, the more compelling they sound. Sound genuine, not robotic.
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Follow Up – without being annoying
When doing LinkedIn outreach, your patience plays a key role. Let’s be honest: people are busy, and not everyone will respond to you right away. Luckily, a polite follow-up message after two to three days can help. However, keep it light to avoid sounding spammy. You don’t want to kill your chances.
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Your message should be short and to the point
Needless to say, keep your messages to the point. Just like you’d ignore long texts, professionals on LinkedIn have little time to go through fluff. Value their time and get straight to the point within 2-3 sentences. Ultimately, shorter messages = a higher response rate.
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Optimize your profile
Before you even reach out, ensure your LinkedIn profile is optimized. This includes adding a professional photo, a clear professional summary, and, of course, a catchy headline. Most people will check your profile to decide if you’re a good match. So, make it count!
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Use a personalized subject line
If you’re using LinkedIn InMail, your subject line matters more than you think. It’s your chance to hook the prospects right away, so keep it clear and relevant. The more intriguing and personal it sounds, the better. This increases open rates and helps you achieve your goals faster.
LinkedIn Connection Request Message Template
When aiming to reach out to a potential client, fine-tuning your LinkedIn outreach strategy is non-negotiable. Luckily, there are smart templates to follow to make your requests worth approving. Check out our templates to breeze through the process:
Mention a Mutual Connection
Here’s how to approach someone if you happen to share a mutual connection:
Template:
Hi [Name], I noticed we both know [Mutual Connection’s name]. I’d love to connect to learn more about your expertise in the industry!
Reach out to a potential job candidate (for recruiters)
When reaching out to top talents on LinkedIn, keep it inviting yet simple. Here’s how you can go about it:
Template:
Hello [Name], I just came across your profile and was really intrigued by your achievements in [the relevant industry.] As a talent acquisition specialist in [your company], I’m seeking top talent for [the relevant position]. I’d love to see if it aligns with your career goals!
Reaching out to a recruiter (as a job seeker)
If you’re looking to land a job, play it smart. The secret to success lies in letting recruiters see your value firsthand. Clearly state your intent without sounding too desperate. The following template might help:
Template:
Hi [Name], I noticed you’re hiring for [the relevant role and industry]. With 5+ years of experience serving in the industry, I’d love to connect with you to explore my potential. Looking forward to staying in touch.
Intro to a Collaboration Proposal
Here’s how to effectively initiate a proposal to maximize your chances of connecting:
Template:
Hi [Name], I admire the work you’re doing at [company] and building a strong presence in [the relevant industry]. I specialize in [your areas of work] and believe we can work together toward professional excellence. Let’s chat!
Wrapping Up
A smart, polished, yet strategically made LinkedIn outreach strategy is the secret to thriving on the platform. No matter who you’re reaching out to, your approach can make all the difference. Personalize your messages, keep them short, and follow up timely – and you’ve won half the battle already!
