LinkedIn Outreach Templates: 20+ Proven Messages 2026

Finding the right words for LinkedIn outreach is hard. Send something too salesy and you're ignored. Be too vague and there's no reason to respond.

This guide contains 20+ battle-tested LinkedIn outreach templates organized by purpose—from connection requests to sales conversations. Each template includes why it works and expected response rates.

Key Takeaways

• Personalized templates outperform generic ones by 50%+—customize at least 2-3 elements per message
• The best-performing messages are under 150 words and include a specific reference to the recipient
• Value-first messaging generates 3x more responses than pitch-first approaches
• Follow-up templates are essential—80% of positive responses come after the 2nd or 3rd message

Connection Request Templates

Template 1: Mutual Connection Reference

Hi [Name], I noticed we're both connected to [Mutual Connection Name].
I've been following your insights on [Topic] and would love to connect
and learn from your experience. Looking forward to staying in touch!

Response rate: 45-55% Why it works: Mutual connections provide instant credibility and context.

Template 2: Content Engagement

Hi [Name], Your post about [Topic] really resonated—especially
your point about [Specific Insight]. I'd love to connect and
continue following your content. Great work!

Response rate: 50-60% Why it works: Shows you've actually engaged with their content, not just scraped their profile.

Template 3: Same Industry Peer

Hi [Name], As a fellow [Role/Industry professional], I'm always
looking to expand my network with others tackling [Challenge/Topic].
Your work at [Company] caught my attention. Would be great to connect!

Response rate: 40-50% Why it works: Establishes common ground and professional interest.

Template 4: Event/Conference Connection

Hi [Name], I see we're both attending [Event Name]. I'm particularly
interested in [Topic] being covered. Would love to connect beforehand
and perhaps meet up during the event!

Response rate: 55-65% Why it works: Shared context plus a natural future touchpoint.

Template 5: Group Member

Hi [Name], I noticed we're both in [LinkedIn Group]. Your contributions
on [Topic] have been really insightful. Would love to connect and
continue the conversation. Thanks!

Response rate: 40-50% Why it works: Shared community membership creates instant rapport.

First Message Templates (After Connecting)

Template 6: The Thank You + Value Offer

Hi [Name],

Thanks for connecting! I really enjoyed your recent post about
[Topic]—particularly the insight about [Specific Point].

I actually put together a [guide/framework/resource] on [Related Topic]
that builds on some of those ideas. Would you find it helpful if I
shared it?

Either way, great to be connected!

[Your Name]

Response rate: 25-35% Why it works: Gratitude + value offer + permission-based sharing.

Template 7: The Genuine Question

Hi [Name],

Thanks for connecting! I've been following your work in [Area]
and have a quick question.

How did you approach [Specific Challenge] at [Company]? We're
facing something similar and I'm curious about your experience.

No pressure—just genuinely curious about your take.

[Your Name]

Response rate: 30-40% Why it works: People love sharing expertise, and questions are low-pressure.

Template 8: The Mutual Connection Introduction

Hi [Name],

[Mutual Connection] mentioned you're doing great work in [Area].
They thought we'd have a lot to discuss given our shared focus
on [Topic].

Would you be open to a quick virtual coffee sometime? I'd love
to learn about your approach to [Specific Challenge].

[Your Name]

Response rate: 40-50% Why it works: Referrals dramatically increase trust and response rates.

Sales Outreach Templates

Template 9: The Trigger Event Message

Hi [Name],

Congrats on [Recent News: promotion/funding/launch/milestone]!
That's a big deal for [Company].

Companies in your position often start looking at [Challenge your
product solves]. We helped [Similar Company] navigate that transition
with [Brief Result].

If that's on your radar, happy to share what we learned. If not,
just wanted to say congrats!

[Your Name]

Response rate: 20-30% Why it works: Timely, relevant, and ties your offering to their current situation.

Template 10: The Insight Share

Hi [Name],

I came across [Research/Report/Article] that directly relates to
[Challenge relevant to their role]. The finding about [Specific Insight]
was particularly eye-opening.

Here's the link: [URL]

Thought it might be useful given your focus on [Their Focus Area].
Let me know what you think!

[Your Name]

Response rate: 15-25% Why it works: Pure value with no ask, builds reciprocity.

Template 11: The Pain Point Message

Hi [Name],

I've been researching [Industry/Companies like theirs] and noticed
a common challenge: [Specific Pain Point].

We've helped [X] companies solve this by [Brief Approach]. One
client saw [Specific Result] within [Timeframe].

If this is something [Company] is dealing with, happy to share
the approach. If not, no worries at all!

[Your Name]

Response rate: 18-28% Why it works: Shows understanding of their challenges, offers proof.

Template 12: The Case Study Teaser

Hi [Name],

Just published a case study about how [Company in their industry]
tackled [Challenge your product solves]. They went from [Problem]
to [Result] in [Timeframe].

Given [Company]'s focus on [Their Priority], thought you might
find it interesting.

Want me to send it over?

[Your Name]

Response rate: 20-30% Why it works: Social proof + permission-based approach.

Follow-Up Templates

Template 13: The Gentle Bump

Hi [Name],

Just wanted to bump this in case it got buried—I know how full
inboxes can get!

If the timing isn't right, no pressure at all. Just let me know
and I can reach back another time.

[Your Name]

Response rate: 15-25% Why it works: Respectful, gives them an easy out.

Template 14: The Value-Add Follow-Up

Hi [Name],

Following up on my earlier message. In the meantime, I came across
[New Resource/Article/Insight] that might be helpful for [Their
Challenge].

Here it is: [Link]

Still happy to chat about [Original Topic] when you have time!

[Your Name]

Response rate: 20-30% Why it works: Adds new value instead of just "checking in."

Template 15: The Final Close

Hi [Name],

I've reached out a couple of times and haven't heard back—totally
understand if [Topic] isn't a priority right now.

I'll close the loop on my end, but if things change, feel free
to reach out anytime. Always happy to help!

[Your Name]

Response rate: 10-20% Why it works: Creates urgency while remaining professional. Often triggers a response.

Networking Templates

Template 16: The Informational Interview Request

Hi [Name],

I've been following your career path from [Previous Role] to
[Current Role] and find it really inspiring.

I'm currently navigating a similar transition and would love
to learn from your experience. Would you have 15 minutes for
a quick virtual chat?

I'd really appreciate any insights you'd be willing to share.

[Your Name]

Response rate: 25-35% Why it works: Flattering, specific, and low time commitment.

Template 17: The Expertise Seeker

Hi [Name],

I'm researching [Topic] for [Project/Article/Presentation] and
your work at [Company] makes you one of the top experts in this
space.

Would you be open to a brief chat to share your perspective?
I'd be happy to share the final [Project] with you as a thank you.

[Your Name]

Response rate: 30-40% Why it works: Positions them as an expert, offers reciprocal value.

Job Seeker Templates

Template 18: The Hiring Manager Outreach

Hi [Name],

I recently applied for [Position] at [Company] and wanted to
reach out directly.

I'm particularly excited about [Specific aspect of role/company]
and believe my experience with [Relevant Experience] would be a
great fit.

Would you have a few minutes to chat about the role? I'd love
to learn more about your team's priorities.

[Your Name]

Response rate: 15-25% Why it works: Shows initiative and specific interest.

Template 19: The Internal Referral Request

Hi [Name],

I noticed you work at [Company]—I'm really interested in their
[Team/Product/Mission].

I've applied for [Position] and would love to learn more about
the culture and what makes someone successful there.

If you have a few minutes to chat, I'd really appreciate the
insider perspective. Happy to return the favor anytime!

[Your Name]

Response rate: 20-30% Why it works: Asks for information, not a favor—but often leads to referrals.

Recruiter Templates

Template 20: The Opportunity Share

Hi [Name],

I'm working with [Company] on a [Position] role that seems like
it could be a great fit based on your background in [Relevant Area].

The role offers [Key Benefit 1] and [Key Benefit 2].

Would you be open to learning more? Even if you're not looking,
I'd be happy to connect for future opportunities.

[Your Name]

Response rate: 20-30% Why it works: Leads with relevance and benefits, not just "I have a role."

Template Customization Tips

Every template above should be customized with:

1. Their name (obviously)
2. Something specific to them (post, company, achievement)
3. Your specific value or ask
4. Your name and signature

The 20-30-50 Rule:

• 20% of the message = their name and personalization
• 30% = context/value
• 50% = your specific reason for reaching out

The Inbound Alternative

The best outreach is the kind you don't have to send. When you build authority on LinkedIn, prospects message you first.

According to HubSpot, inbound leads convert at 14.6% vs 1.7% for outbound—an 8x improvement that no template can match.

ConnectSafely.ai helps you build the authority that attracts inbound leads at $39/month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best LinkedIn outreach template for sales?

The best sales templates lead with value, not pitches. Start with a trigger event template (Template 9) or insight share template (Template 10). Reference something specific about their company, offer genuine value, and ask permission before pitching. Learn more about LinkedIn sales messaging.

How long should a LinkedIn outreach message be?

Keep LinkedIn outreach messages under 150 words for optimal response rates. Messages over 300 words see 50% lower response rates. Your message should be scannable in 10 seconds—lead with the most important information and end with a clear, simple CTA.

How many times should I follow up on LinkedIn?

Follow up 2-3 times, spaced 3-7 days apart. Use the gentle bump (Template 13) for the first follow-up, value-add (Template 14) for the second, and final close (Template 15) if needed. Most positive responses come after the second or third touchpoint.

Should I personalize every LinkedIn outreach message?

Yes, always personalize at least 2-3 elements: their name, something specific about them (post, company news, mutual connection), and why you're reaching out to them specifically. Generic copy-paste messages are obvious and get ignored—personalized messages see 50%+ higher response rates.

What's better: LinkedIn outreach or inbound lead generation?

Inbound lead generation delivers significantly better results. According to HubSpot, inbound leads convert at 14.6% vs 1.7% for outbound. Building authority so prospects reach out to you is more effective than any outreach template.

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