12 LinkedIn Message Templates with 30%+ Response Rates (Plus Voice & Video Scripts)
TL;DR
Most LinkedIn messages fail because they're about the sender, not the recipient. These 12 templates flip that. Each one is built around a specific situation, leads with the prospect's context, and makes a low-friction ask. The voice and video scripts at the end can triple your response rates when text messages plateau. Use Outly to run these at scale without losing the personal touch.
Why Most LinkedIn Messages Get Ignored
The average LinkedIn user gets dozens of connection requests and messages every week. Most of them follow the same pattern: a generic opener, a paragraph about the sender's company, and a request for 30 minutes of the recipient's time.
People have learned to ignore this pattern on sight.
The messages that break through share three traits. They reference something specific about the recipient. They're short enough to read in 10 seconds. And they ask for something small, not a full sales call.
That's the framework behind every template below.
12 Proven LinkedIn Message Templates
Template 1: The Ask for Feedback
Best for: Warming up a cold prospect by positioning yourself as curious, not salesy.
Hi [Name], I've been building something for [their industry] and I'd genuinely value your perspective. You've been in [specific area] for a while and I think your take would be more useful than most.
Would you be open to 10 minutes? I'm not pitching anything — just want to hear from someone who actually lives this problem.
Why it works: Asking for feedback is disarming. It signals humility and positions the prospect as the expert. The "not pitching" line removes the most common objection before it forms.
Template 2: The "Right Person?" Approach
Best for: Navigating large organizations where you're not sure who owns the problem.
Hi [Name], I'm trying to figure out who at [company] handles [specific function]. You might be exactly the right person, or you might be able to point me in the right direction.
Either way, I'd appreciate a quick reply.
Why it works: It's honest, low-pressure, and gives the recipient an easy way to help you even if they're not the decision-maker. People like being helpful when the ask is small.
Template 3: The Comment Engagement
Best for: Following up after you've commented on someone's post.
Hi [Name], I left a comment on your post about [topic] earlier this week. Your point about [specific thing they said] really resonated — it's something I've been thinking about a lot in my own work.
Would love to connect and continue the conversation.
Why it works: Warm context transforms cold outreach. You're not a stranger — you're someone who engaged with their thinking. The specific reference to what they said proves you actually read it.
Template 4: The Pain Point Approach
Best for: Reaching out to prospects who are likely experiencing a specific, known problem.
Hi [Name], I've been talking to a lot of [job title]s at [company type] lately, and the same challenge keeps coming up: [specific pain point].
I have some thoughts on how teams are solving it. Would it be worth a quick conversation?
Why it works: Naming a real pain point signals that you understand their world. The "I've been talking to others like you" framing adds social proof without being pushy.
Template 5: The Job Posting Hook
Best for: Reaching out to companies that are actively hiring for roles related to your product.
Hi [Name], I noticed [company] is hiring a [role]. That usually means [related challenge] is becoming a priority.
We've helped a few companies in similar situations. Would it make sense to compare notes?
Why it works: Job postings are public buying signals. Referencing one shows you've done your homework and connects your outreach to something they're already thinking about.
Template 6: The Value-First
Best for: Cold outreach where you want to lead with something genuinely useful.
Hi [Name], I put together a short breakdown of [relevant topic] that I think would be useful for someone in your role. Happy to share it — no strings attached.
Would that be helpful?
Why it works: Giving before asking builds goodwill. The "no strings attached" line removes the transactional feeling. Even if they don't respond, you've made a positive impression.
Template 7: The Coffee Chat
Best for: Networking and relationship-building without a sales agenda.
Hi [Name], I've been following your work on [topic] for a while. Your perspective on [specific thing] is one of the more original takes I've seen.
I'd love to grab a virtual coffee sometime — no agenda, just a conversation between two people who care about [shared interest].
Why it works: Genuine admiration is rare and recognizable. The "no agenda" framing removes the pressure that makes most networking feel transactional.
Template 8: The Permission Ask
Best for: Situations where you want to share something but don't want to seem presumptuous.
Hi [Name], I have something that might be relevant to what you're working on at [company] — but I don't want to assume.
Would it be okay if I shared it?
Why it works: Asking permission before sharing content is counterintuitively effective. It signals respect for their time and makes them curious about what you're holding back.
Template 9: LinkedIn Referral Message for Professional Networking
Best for: Reaching out to someone through a mutual connection.
Hi [Name], [Mutual connection] suggested I reach out. They thought our work on [topic] might be relevant to what you're doing at [company].
Would you be open to a quick conversation?
Why it works: A mutual connection reference is the closest thing to a warm introduction in cold outreach. It borrows trust from an existing relationship.
Template 10: LinkedIn Message for Job Seekers
Best for: Reaching out to someone at a company you want to work for.
Hi [Name], I've been researching [company] and your background in [area] stood out. I'm exploring opportunities in [field] and I'd love to hear about your experience there.
Would you be open to a 15-minute call? I'll come with specific questions and respect your time completely.
Why it works: It's honest about intent without being desperate. The "specific questions" line signals preparation and genuine interest, not just a generic networking request.
Template 11: The Recruiting Approach
Best for: Reaching out to passive candidates about open roles.
Hi [Name], your background in [specific area] caught my attention — particularly your work at [previous company].
I'm building a team at [company] focused on [relevant area] and I think your experience would translate really well. Would you be open to a 20-minute conversation to explore whether there's a fit?
Why it works: The specific reference to their background signals you actually reviewed their profile. The "explore whether there's a fit" framing makes it feel collaborative, not like a hard sell.
Template 12: The Direct Value
Best for: Prospects who are senior, busy, and respond better to directness than to warm-up sequences.
Hi [Name], I'll be direct: we help [type of company] achieve [specific outcome]. Based on what I can see about [their company], I think there's a real opportunity here.
Worth 15 minutes to find out?
Why it works: Senior buyers often appreciate directness. This template skips the warm-up and gets straight to the point. It works best when you have strong evidence of fit.
How Voice and Video Messages Can 3x Your Response Rates
Text messages are easy to ignore. Voice and video messages are not. They're personal, they're rare, and they create a human connection that text simply can't replicate.
When your text message response rates plateau, adding voice and video to your sequences can dramatically change the numbers.
Voice Script 1: The Quick Introduction
"Hey [Name], this is [your name]. I know a voice message is a bit unusual, but I wanted to reach out personally rather than send another text message you'd have to read. I work with [type of company] on [specific challenge], and based on what I've seen about [their company], I think there might be something worth talking about. I'll keep this short — if you're open to it, just reply here or send me a message. No pressure either way. Thanks."
Keep it under 60 seconds. The goal is to sound like a real person, not a scripted pitch.
Voice Script 2: The Ask For Advice
"Hi [Name], I'm [your name]. I'm working on something in [their industry] and I'd genuinely value your perspective. You've been in this space long enough to have a real point of view, and I'd rather hear from someone who's lived it than read another report. If you have 10 minutes sometime this week, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks for listening."
Voice Script 3: The Mutual Connection
"Hey [Name], [Mutual connection] suggested I reach out to you directly. I didn't want to just send a text — felt more natural to actually say hello. I'm [your name], and I work on [relevant area]. [Mutual connection] thought our work might be relevant to what you're doing. Happy to share more if you're curious. Thanks."
Video Message Scripts
Video messages have the highest response rates of any LinkedIn outreach format. They're personal, they're memorable, and almost nobody sends them — which means yours will stand out.
Keep video messages under 90 seconds. Look at the camera, not the screen. Smile. Be yourself.
Video Script 1: The Authentic Introduction
"Hey [Name], I'm [your name] — I wanted to reach out personally rather than send a generic message. I've been following [their company]'s work on [specific thing] and I'm genuinely impressed. I work with [type of company] on [relevant challenge], and I think there might be something worth exploring together. If you're open to it, I'd love to connect. Thanks for watching."
Video Script 2: The Value Share
"Hi [Name], I put together a quick breakdown of [relevant topic] that I think would be useful for someone in your role. I could have just sent a link, but I wanted to give you some context first. [Briefly explain the value.] Happy to share the full thing if you're interested. Just reply here."
Video Script 3: The Curiosity Hook
"Hey [Name], I have a question for you — and I'm genuinely curious about your answer. [Ask a specific, thought-provoking question related to their work.] I've been thinking about this a lot lately and I'd love to hear your perspective. No agenda — just a question I think you'd have an interesting answer to."
How to Scale This With LinkedIn Outreach Automation
These templates work one-to-one. They also work at volume — if you personalize them properly.
The challenge is that real personalization takes time. Researching each prospect, finding the right hook, writing a message that feels specific to them — that's 5-10 minutes per person. At 50 prospects per week, that's hours of work.
Outly solves this. The AI analyzes each prospect's LinkedIn profile, recent posts, and company activity, then drafts a personalized version of your chosen template. You review and approve before anything sends. The result is outreach that reads like it was written for one person — because the final message always goes through a human.
Outly's plans start at $39.99/month (Starter), $79.99/month (Pro), and custom pricing for Enterprise teams.
The Bottom Line
The best LinkedIn messages feel like they were written for one person. That's the standard, whether you're sending 10 messages a week or 500.
Pick the template that fits your situation. Personalize the specific details. Follow up more than feels comfortable. And when text messages plateau, add a voice or video message to the sequence.
The response rates are there. You just have to earn them.
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