What is LinkedIn cold outreach?
LinkedIn cold outreach means sending a first-time message or connection request to a prospect you haven't previously interacted with. Unlike "warm" outreach—where you might have a mutual friend or prior introduction—cold outreach relies on a compelling, personalized introduction to spark interest, build familiarity, and eventually start a business conversation.
This can take several forms:
- Connection Requests: A brief note sent with an invite to join your network.
- InMails: Direct messages sent to prospects outside your network (often requiring a Premium account).
- Message Requests: Messages sent to group members or event attendees you aren't connected with yet.
LinkedIn has become the easiest place to start conversations with prospects you would never reach by phone or generic email, with InMails achieving 10-25% response rates—300% higher than emails with the exact same content.
It lets you connect one-on-one, in real time, and on a channel where decision-makers are already paying attention.
Below you’ll find six proven tips I wish I’d known on day one of my sales career—each designed to make your very first cold message feel warm, personal, and impossible to ignore.
Once I started I got deep into it. Because I knew if I wanted to generate interesting outbound leads I needed to put myself out there. So without wasting time let’s get started.
So here are the few points to keep in mind while writing a Linkedin Cold Outreach Messages.
1. Find common ground
Finding common ground is essential for successful LinkedIn outreach. When you tailor your message based on what you share with a prospect, you build instant rapport and increase the likelihood of a response.
Before reaching out, review their profile for:
- Shared alma maters or academic backgrounds
- Mutual industry experience
- Common interests or professional groups
- Past employers or overlapping career paths
Reference one or two of these elements in your message to show genuine interest. Personalizing each outreach not only sets you apart but also leads to higher reply rates.
When there is something common between you and the potential lead, make sure that when your first text has been crafted to them, your first craft is targeted, personal, and correct. Each and every single lead should not be copy and pasted—InMails sent individually see response rates 15% higher than those sent in bulk. Despite this, you should use what you gained from their LinkedIn profile to send a message personally to each individual so that they know who actually showed interest in their profile.
2. Leverage a mutual connection
Leveraging a mutual connection on LinkedIn can significantly increase your chances of getting a response from your prospect—buyers are 5x more likely to engage when outreach comes through a shared connection. If you notice that you and your potential buyer share a connection, consider asking that mutual contact for an introduction. This not only adds credibility to your outreach but also makes the recipient more likely to engage.
If a direct introduction isn’t possible, simply mentioning your shared connection in your initial message can break the ice and foster trust. Here’s a ready-to-paste example you can use: “Hi [Name], I noticed we’re both connected to [Mutual Connection]. Thought I’d reach out and introduce myself.” For more LinkedIn message templates, explore proven formulas that work.
It is often not so complicated to strike up a communication with the unknown person if there is someone else who can vouch for you. Therefore, if you have mutual friends and prior coworkers (which makes you feel comfortable), keep asking one of your shared connections to introduce you. After doing so, you are able to message individually.
"Simply mentioning your mutual connection in your initial text is another efficient method.
You can commence your message by simply writing “Hi”(First name)Where do you know
[name of the mutual connection], anyway?"
3. Keep your message concise
Keep your LinkedIn outreach message under 300 characters to boost response rates, and always end with a clear call to action—like a simple question that invites engagement. Concise, targeted messages with a next step work best for busy professionals.
sending the full paragraphs of text when a few short sentences will do.
4. Save the selling for later
Asking for a sale in your first text is a deadly sin in the case of any cold outreach. If you are forcing the stranger to buy your product, then it sends the message that You are not successfully drawing in customers, and your product is of no use.
Your first goal is conversation, not conversion. Focus on building rapport and understanding their needs before discussing your solution.
5. Give them a reason to respond
When you get a text from a stranger, you probably would not be likely to respond unless they provide you a valuable reason, right? Your first motive should be to focus on generating a relationship rather than selling; you should include a few aspects of asking to keep the communication online.
Make it easy for them to reply by ending with a clear question, like:
- “Are you open to a quick chat this week?”
- “Would you like a resource on [topic]?”
- “Is this a priority for your team right now?”
6. Track outreach and follow up
You would not reach only one lead at a time on LinkedIn, so it is very necessary for you to keep track of the leads you reached out to and follow up with them if they don't reply instantly. (A CRM or inbox management tool helps you keep track of each person and the dates you reach out to, so don't forget to check it).
- Day 1: Send your initial personalized connection request.
- Day 3: Send a friendly follow-up (e.g., "Just wanted to see if you caught my last note?").
- Day 7: Share a helpful resource (such as a relevant article, a case study, or a whitepaper that solves a problem they face).
Final Thoughts
Cold outreach on LinkedIn isn’t a single-step activity—it’s a process. Success requires personalization, patience, persistence, and discipline. By following the 6 tips above and adding a systematic follow-up routine, you’ll dramatically improve your odds of turning connections into meaningful conversations—and eventually, qualified leads.
Ready to take your outreach to the next level? Start tracking today, and treat your LinkedIn network like the pipeline it really is. Consider automating your LinkedIn outreach to scale your efforts systematically.
Start 7 Days Free TrialFrequently asked questions
What is LinkedIn cold outreach?
LinkedIn cold outreach means sending a first-time message to someone you have no prior relationship with. The goal is to start a conversation, build trust, and see whether your product or service can help them.
How do I start a cold message on LinkedIn?
Keep it short—about 3–4 sentences. Start with a personal hook, such as a shared interest, mutual connection, or something they recently posted. Explain why you’re reaching out and end with a simple question that encourages a reply.
How long should a LinkedIn cold message be?
Aim for 300–400 characters (under 100 words). Messages this length are quick to read on mobile and tend to get higher reply rates.
How many follow-up messages should I send?
Send up to three polite follow-ups over one to two weeks. Each message should add value—like a tip, resource, or insight—not just “checking in.” If there’s still no response after the third follow-up, stop the sequence.
What is the 5-3-2 rule on LinkedIn?
The 5-3-2 rule is a content posting guideline: for every 10 posts, share 5 helpful pieces from others, publish 3 original posts, and include 2 personal or human stories. This balanced mix builds trust and makes people more open to your outreach messages.
Compliance Statement: All features are designed for professional, ethical use in accordance with LinkedIn’s policies.Editorial Standards: This content is reviewed monthly to ensure up-to-date, factual information and adherence to Meet Alfred’s guidelines.
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