12 LinkedIn Message Templates with 30%+ Response Rates (Plus Voice and Video Scripts That 3x Responses)
Most LinkedIn outreach gets ignored. Not because the product is bad or the opportunity isn't real — but because the message reads like every other message in the inbox.
The templates below are built around a simple principle: relevance beats volume. A message that feels written for one person will always outperform a blast sent to a thousand. These 12 templates are designed to feel personal even when you're sending at scale.
TL;DR:
- 30%+ response rates are achievable with the right targeting, personalization, and timing.
- The 12 templates cover every major outreach scenario: trigger events, mutual connections, pain points, job postings, referrals, and more.
- Voice and video messages can 3x your response rates compared to text alone.
- Automation tools like Outly let you scale these templates without losing the human feel.
Why Most LinkedIn Messages Suck (And How to Fix Yours)
A 30% response rate on LinkedIn outreach is achievable. The average is closer to 10-15%. The gap comes down to three things:
Targeting. Sending to the right people matters more than the message itself. A perfect message to the wrong person still gets ignored.
Personalization. One specific detail — a recent post, a shared connection, a relevant achievement — can double your response rate.
Timing. Messages sent Tuesday through Thursday, between 8am and 10am or 5pm and 6pm in the recipient's timezone, consistently outperform other windows.
Get all three right and 30% is a floor, not a ceiling.
12 Proven LinkedIn Message Templates
Template 1: The Ask for Feedback
Use when: You want to start a conversation without making a pitch.
Hi [Name], I'm working on [relevant product/service] and I'd love honest feedback from someone who actually deals with [relevant challenge] day-to-day. Your experience at [company] makes you exactly the right person to ask.
Would you be open to 15 minutes? I'll share what we're building and you can tell me if it's solving the right problem.
Why it works: Asking for feedback is flattering and low-stakes. It positions the conversation as collaborative rather than transactional.
Template 2: The "Right Person?" Approach
Use when: You're not sure who the right contact is and want to be routed to the right person.
Hi [Name], I'm trying to figure out who handles [specific function] at [company]. Are you the right person to talk to, or would you point me in the right direction?
Why it works: It's direct, respectful of their time, and gives them an easy way to help you even if they're not the right contact.
Template 3: The Comment Engagement
Use when: The recipient recently engaged with your content or a post in your industry.
Hi [Name], I noticed you [liked/commented on] [specific post or topic] recently. I work in [related area] and I've been thinking about [related question].
Would you be open to connecting? I'd love to hear your perspective.
Why it works: Warm context makes cold outreach not cold. Engagement signals interest — you're just following the signal.
Template 4: The Pain Point Approach
Use when: You have a clear hypothesis about a challenge the recipient is facing.
Hi [Name], I've been looking at how [their company] handles [specific process], and I noticed [specific observation — a gap, a pattern, a public signal].
We work with companies like [relevant peer] to [specific outcome]. I think there's a similar opportunity at [their company]. Worth 20 minutes to explore?
Why it works: Leading with their problem, not your product, shows you've done homework. It frames the conversation around value.
Template 5: The Job Posting Hook
Use when: The company is hiring for a role that signals a relevant pain point or initiative.
Hi [Name], I noticed [company] is hiring for [specific role]. That usually means [relevant inference about what they're working on or struggling with].
We help companies in exactly that situation [brief description]. Worth a quick conversation to see if there's a fit?
Why it works: Job postings are public signals of intent. They tell you what a company is prioritizing right now.
Template 6: The Value-First
Use when: You have something genuinely useful to share before asking for anything.
Hi [Name], I've been researching [their industry/function] and came across [specific insight, stat, or resource]. Given your role at [company], I thought it might be relevant.
[One or two sentences on the insight.]
We help [type of company] with [related problem]. Happy to share more context — or just take the insight and run with it. Either way.
Why it works: Giving before asking builds goodwill. It also positions you as someone worth talking to, not just someone who wants something.
Template 7: The Coffee Chat
Use when: You want to build a relationship without an immediate business agenda.
Hi [Name], I've been following your work on [specific topic] for a while. Your [article/post/talk] on [specific thing] genuinely changed how I think about [related topic].
I work in [your area] and I'd love to connect. No agenda — just admire your work and thought it was worth saying.
Why it works: The "no agenda" line removes the transactional feeling that makes most networking messages feel uncomfortable.
Template 8: The Permission Ask
Use when: You want to share something but want to check relevance first.
Hi [Name], I have [specific resource/insight/case study] that I think could be relevant to what you're working on at [company]. Would it be okay if I shared it?
Why it works: Asking permission before sharing creates a micro-commitment. When they say yes, they're more likely to actually engage with what you send.
Template 9: LinkedIn Referral Message Template for Professional Networking
Use when: You share a mutual connection with the recipient.
Hi [Name], I noticed we're both connected to [mutual connection]. I trust their judgment, so I wanted to reach out directly.
I work with [type of company] on [relevant area] and I think there could be a fit with what you're doing at [their company]. Would you be open to a quick call?
Why it works: Social proof from a shared contact is the fastest trust-builder in cold outreach. Even a loose connection creates a bridge.
Template 10: LinkedIn Message Templates for Job Seekers
Use when: You're exploring opportunities and want to connect with someone at a target company.
Hi [Name], I've been researching [company] and your background in [area] caught my attention. I'm exploring a transition into [field/role] and I'd love to hear about your experience there.
Would you be open to a 20-minute call? I'll come with specific questions and respect your time completely.
Why it works: The "I'll come with specific questions" line signals you're prepared and won't waste their time.
Template 11: The Recruiting Approach
Use when: You're a recruiter reaching out to a potential candidate.
Hi [Name], I came across your profile and your background in [specific skill] caught my attention. I'm recruiting for a [role] at [company] and I think there could be a strong fit.
The role offers [brief compelling detail]. Would you be open to a quick conversation to explore?
Why it works: Specific, relevant, and low-commitment. It gives the candidate a reason to respond without feeling pressured.
Template 12: The Direct Value
Use when: You've done enough research to be confident there's a fit and want to cut to the chase.
Hi [Name], I'll be direct — I think there's a real fit between what you're working on at [company] and what we do.
[One sentence on what you do and why it's relevant to them.]
Would a 20-minute call this week make sense? If not, no worries at all.
Why it works: Some people appreciate directness. The "no worries at all" at the end removes pressure and actually increases response rates.
How Video and Voice Messages Can 3x Your Response Rates
Text messages are easy to ignore. A voice note or video message stands out in a sea of text and signals that you put in extra effort. Response rates on voice and video messages are consistently 2-3x higher than text alone.
Voice Script 1: The Quick Introduction
"Hey [Name], [Your name] here. I came across your profile and I'm genuinely impressed by [specific thing]. I work with [type of company] on [relevant area] and I think there could be something worth exploring. Would love to connect — feel free to message me back or just accept the request and we can go from there."
Voice Script 2: The Ask For Advice
"Hi [Name], I hope this finds you well. I've been following your work in [area] and I'm at a decision point with [specific challenge]. Your experience with [relevant thing] makes me think you'd have a useful perspective. Would you be open to a quick chat? No pressure at all — just genuinely curious about your take."
Voice Script 3: The Mutual Connection
"Hey [Name], [Your name] here. I noticed we're both connected to [mutual connection] — small world. I work in [relevant area] and I've been wanting to reach out for a while. Would love to connect and compare notes on [shared topic] sometime."
Video Message Scripts:
Video messages work best when they're short (under 60 seconds), personal, and reference something specific about the recipient.
Video Script 1: The Authentic Introduction
"Hey [Name], I'm [Your name] — I work with [type of company] on [relevant area]. I came across your profile and I was genuinely impressed by [specific thing you noticed]. I'd love to connect and learn more about what you're working on at [company]. Looking forward to it."
Video Script 2: The Value Share
"Hi [Name], quick video because I think this is worth 30 seconds of your time. I've been researching [their industry] and I came across [specific insight or data point] that I think is directly relevant to what you're doing at [company]. Happy to share the full context — just reply and I'll send it over."
Video Script 3: The Curiosity Hook
"Hey [Name], I have a question for you and I figured a video was better than a wall of text. I've been thinking about [specific challenge in their industry] and I'm curious how you're approaching it at [company]. Would love to hear your take — even a quick reply would be great."
How Do You Actually Scale This with LinkedIn Outreach Automation?
These templates are starting points. The personalization is what converts them.
Before sending any message, spend 60-90 seconds on the recipient's profile. Look for:
- A recent post or article they wrote
- A career milestone or job change
- A shared connection or alma mater
- A specific skill, project, or achievement
Drop one of those details into the first line. That's the personalization. One specific, genuine observation is enough to signal that you're not blasting a list.
If you're running outreach at volume, Outly lets you build personalized sequences, track response rates, and iterate on what's working. It pulls profile data for each prospect and generates personalized message drafts that you review before anything goes out. The goal is always to sound like a person who did their homework.
The follow-up cadence:
- Day 1: Initial message
- Day 5-6: First follow-up (add a new angle or piece of value)
- Day 12-14: Second follow-up
- Day 20-21: Breakup message ("I've reached out a few times and haven't heard back — I'll assume the timing isn't right. Best of luck with [specific thing from their profile].")
After three follow-ups with no response, stop. You've done your job. More than that damages your reputation.
The Bottom Line
The templates above are tools. The relationship is the goal.
Every message you send should be something you'd be comfortable sending individually. If you'd be embarrassed to send a particular message to someone you know, don't automate it to strangers.
That standard keeps your outreach quality high, your account safe, and your reputation intact.
Ready to Scale Your LinkedIn Outreach?
Outly automates LinkedIn connection requests and follow-up sequences with AI-powered personalization and human review before anything goes out. Starter plan from $39.99/mo.
