8 Actionable LinkedIn Message Templates for 2025

Stop sending generic connection requests that get ignored. The right message on LinkedIn can open doors to new clients, partners, and career opportunities, but success requires a strategic approach. This guide provides actionable frameworks, not just generic scripts.

We will dissect 8 proven sample LinkedIn message templates, breaking down the strategy behind each one. Our goal is to equip you with replicable frameworks you can adapt for any outreach scenario, ensuring your messages get responses. This guide delivers a tactical deep dive into the psychology of effective outreach, complete with best practices for personalization.

We will cover these critical outreach scenarios:

• The Personalized Connection Request

• The Value-First Introduction

• The Mutual Connection Introduction

• The Comment-Then-Message Technique

• The Problem-Solution Pitch

• The Ask-for-Advice Approach

• The Event or Content Hook

• The Newsletter or Content Subscription Invite

Whether you are a sales leader, founder, or lead generation expert, these templates are designed to be precise and effective. You will learn not just what to say, but why it works and how to tailor it for maximum impact. This is your playbook for building meaningful professional relationships and achieving your outreach goals with messages that connect.

1. The Personalized Connection Request Template

The personalized connection request is a foundational tactic for effective LinkedIn outreach. Unlike an empty request, this approach references a specific detail about the recipient to demonstrate genuine interest. This small step significantly increases your connection acceptance rate by showing you’ve done your homework.

This template's power lies in breaking the pattern of automated requests. By citing a recent article, a shared connection, or an achievement, you immediately establish a warm, relevant context. It signals respect for their time and expertise, making them more likely to accept and engage.

Actionable Examples

Here are three sample LinkedIn message templates that showcase this principle:

• Based on Recent Activity: "Hi [Name], I saw your recent post on AI in marketing, and your perspective on implementation challenges really resonated. Would love to connect and follow your work."

• Based on Group Interaction: "Hi [Name], I noticed we're both in the [Group Name] group. Your comment on [specific topic] was particularly insightful. It would be great to connect."

• Based on a Mutual Connection: "Hi [Name], our mutual connection, [Mutual Connection's Name], suggested I reach out. I'm impressed by your work in [specific area] at [Company] and would value the opportunity to connect."

Best Practices

To make this template work, your message must be authentic and relevant. Generic compliments fall flat, while specific observations build immediate rapport.

• Go Beyond the Job Title: Find a unique "hook" by looking for recent posts, comments, company news, or shared alumni networks. Deep personalization is key.

• Keep it Conversational: Write as you would speak. Avoid overly formal jargon. A friendly, professional tone is most effective.

• Focus on 'Them,' Not 'You': The initial message should be about their accomplishments or insights. Frame the connection as you wanting to learn from them.

• Never Pitch in the Request: This is a crucial mistake. The goal is simply to connect. The business conversation comes later, once rapport is established.

This method is ideal for any high-value outreach. For those looking to automate this level of personalization at scale, tools can help identify these engagement hooks. To see how technology can streamline this, explore the personalized outreach capabilities of platforms like Dexy. Mastering this simple template lays the groundwork for more productive professional relationships.

2. The Value-First Message Template

The value-first message template flips the traditional outreach script. Instead of starting with an "ask," this approach leads with a "give." By offering a genuinely useful resource or insight without expecting anything in return, you immediately position yourself as a helpful expert, not just another salesperson. This strategy is rooted in the principle of reciprocity; people are more inclined to help those who have first helped them.

This method's effectiveness comes from building trust from the first interaction. In a sea of self-serving pitches, a message that offers pure value stands out, making the recipient more receptive to future conversations. It demonstrates that you understand their challenges and are invested in their success.

Actionable Examples

Here are a few sample LinkedIn message templates that apply the value-first principle:

• Sharing a Relevant Resource: "Hi [Name], I was reading about trends in [their industry] and found this report on [relevant topic] that might be useful for your team at [Company]: [link]. Thought of you immediately."

• Providing a Tactical Insight: "Hi [Name], following your work in [field]. I noticed your focus on [specific goal], and I came across this case study on how [Another Company] tackled [similar challenge]—it might spark some ideas for you."

• Offering a Helpful Tool (No Strings Attached): "Hi [Name], no ask here—just wanted to share this tool that helped my team with [relevant challenge]. Based on your recent posts, I thought it could be valuable for you too."

Best Practices

To succeed with this template, the value you offer must be authentic and directly relevant to the recipient. Self-promotional content disguised as a resource will be ignored.

• Provide Genuine, Unbiased Value: The resource should not be your own blog post or lead magnet. Share third-party articles, industry reports, or tools that are genuinely helpful.

• Make the Value Immediately Apparent: Clearly state what the resource is and why it's relevant to them. Avoid vague statements like "I have something interesting for you."

• Be Patient with the 'Ask': This message is to give, not get. Wait for a response or follow up a week later with a separate message that transitions to a conversation.

• Connect it to Their Context: Briefly explain why you thought of them. Mentioning a recent post, a project, or their company's goals shows you've done your research.

This approach is perfect for building relationships with high-value prospects or industry influencers where a long-term connection is more important than a quick win. By leading with generosity, you transform a cold outreach into a warm introduction, dramatically increasing your chances of a positive response.

3. The Mutual Connection Introduction Template

Leveraging a mutual connection is one of the most powerful LinkedIn outreach tactics. This approach taps into social proof and trust. Instead of a cold introduction, you arrive with a warm endorsement from someone the recipient already knows, instantly differentiating your message.

This template's strength is its ability to borrow credibility. The pre-existing relationship between your prospect and the mutual connection transfers a degree of trust to you, significantly lowering the barrier to entry. It is a direct shortcut to establishing rapport and signals that you are a vetted contact, making it one of the highest-converting sample LinkedIn message templates.

Actionable Examples

Here are three ways to frame an introduction through a shared contact:

• The Direct Recommendation: "Hi [Name], [Mutual Connection's Name] and I were discussing [specific topic], and they suggested I reach out. They mentioned your expertise in [relevant area] at [Company]. I would love to connect."

• The Value-Oriented Intro: "Hi [Name], our mutual connection, [Mutual Connection's Name], mentioned you were exploring solutions for [specific challenge]. Given my background in [your expertise], they thought a conversation might be valuable. It would be great to connect."

• The Casual Introduction: "Hi [Name], I see we’re both connected with [Mutual Connection's Name]. They've spoken highly of your work in the [Industry] space. I'm always keen to connect with respected professionals in the field."

Best Practices

To execute this template successfully, your approach must be built on genuine relationships and professional courtesy. Borrowed trust can be easily broken if the message feels forced.

• Get Permission First (Non-Negotiable): Always ask your mutual connection for their blessing before using their name. This respects their relationship and ensures they aren’t caught off guard.

• Be Specific and Contextual: Don't just name-drop. Explain why the mutual connection suggested you connect. This context adds purpose and relevance.

• Keep it Brief: The mutual connection does most of the heavy lifting. Your message doesn't need a long-winded explanation. The goal is to open the door.

• Thank Your Connector: After sending the message, circle back to thank your mutual connection. This maintains a strong professional relationship and makes them more likely to help you again.

This template is ideal for high-stakes outreach, such as targeting executive buyers, seeking strategic partnerships, or connecting with influential figures. It transforms a cold outreach into a warm referral.

4. The Comment-Then-Message Template

The comment-then-message template is a two-step strategy that uses social engagement to warm up a cold connection. First, you interact with the prospect's content by leaving a thoughtful, value-adding comment. This initial engagement creates familiarity and establishes a non-intrusive reason to send a direct message later.

This method’s effectiveness comes from its natural, non-transactional feel. It positions you as an engaged peer rather than just another salesperson. By referencing your previous interaction, your subsequent message lands with context, breaking through the noise of generic outreach and demonstrating that you appreciate their professional contributions.

Actionable Examples

Here are sample LinkedIn message templates that illustrate this two-step approach:

• Referencing a Specific Insight: "Hi [Name], I enjoyed your recent post on go-to-market strategies. Your point about product-led growth vs. sales-led was insightful. It's a topic I'm focused on, and I'd love to connect."

• Building on a Shared Topic: "Hi [Name], your post on the future of remote work sparked a great discussion. Your perspective on asynchronous communication is something we're actively implementing. Would be great to connect."

• Asking a Follow-up Question: "Hi [Name], following up on my comment on your post about AI adoption in finance. I was intrigued by the data you shared. Curious to hear if you see similar trends. Would be great to connect."

Best Practices

Success with this template hinges on the quality and timing of your initial engagement. A low-effort comment will yield low-effort results.

• Make Comments Substantive: Avoid generic phrases like "Great post!" Your comment should be at least two sentences, adding a new perspective, asking a thoughtful question, or sharing a related insight.

• Be Patient and Strategic: Do not message immediately after commenting. Wait 2-5 days. This feels more natural. Engaging with 2-3 of their posts over time is even more effective.

• Reference the Interaction Directly: Your connection request must explicitly mention the post or your comment (e.g., "Following up on my comment on your post about..."). This provides immediate context.

• Focus on Genuine Engagement: Find content that you genuinely find interesting. Authenticity is easy to spot, and a forced interaction can do more harm than good.

This approach is perfect for social sellers and B2B marketers who want to build relationships with thought leaders and key decision-makers. It turns a cold lead into a warm one by establishing rapport before the first direct message is sent.

5. The Problem-Solution Message Template

The problem-solution message template shifts the focus from introducing yourself to addressing a relevant business challenge the recipient likely faces. This consultative approach works by identifying a common pain point tied to their role or industry, then subtly positioning your expertise as a solution. It immediately frames you as a problem-solver.

This template is effective because it speaks directly to the business priorities of a decision-maker. Instead of asking for their time to discuss your product, you’re offering a conversation about a problem they are actively trying to solve. This demonstrates empathy and industry knowledge, building immediate credibility.

Actionable Examples

Here are sample LinkedIn message templates that use the problem-solution framework:

• Role-Based Problem: "Hi [Name], most [job title] at [company type] organizations struggle with [specific challenge] due to [reason]. I've helped teams solve this by [approach]. Would this be worth a brief conversation?"

• Industry Trend Problem: "[Name], I was reading how [industry trend] is affecting [their industry]. It's likely impacting your team's [specific metric]. I've worked with companies in your space on this exact issue. Open to a quick chat?"

• Data-Driven Problem: "Hi [Name], 73% of companies in [industry] cite [specific problem] as a top 3 challenge (per [source]). Curious if this is on your radar. I've successfully helped [company type] tackle this."

Best Practices

Success with this template hinges on deep research and relevance. Your hypothesis about their problem must be well-informed and accurate.

• Validate the Problem with Data: Use specific statistics or industry reports to lend credibility to your claim. A data point is far more compelling than a vague assumption.

• Be Hyper-Specific: Avoid broad generalizations like "improving ROI." Instead, focus on a precise issue like "reducing customer acquisition costs in a competitive SaaS market."

• Position the Solution Subtly: The goal is to start a conversation, not hard-sell. Frame your solution as an "approach" or "framework" you’ve used to help others, which invites curiosity.

• Ensure Role Relevance: The problem you highlight must be a core responsibility of the person you're contacting. A CFO cares about different problems than a Head of Marketing.

This method is highly effective for SDRs, consultants, and B2B strategists targeting experienced decision-makers. By adhering to a consultative framework, you align with established best practices for professional outreach. For more insight into these principles, see the guidelines within our terms of service. This approach turns a cold message into a warm consultation.

6. The Ask-for-Advice Template

The ask-for-advice template is a humble approach that taps into human psychology: people enjoy being seen as experts and are often willing to help. This method sidesteps the sales pitch entirely, framing the interaction as a quest for guidance, which is far less intimidating for the recipient.

This template's effectiveness lies in its ability to flatter the recipient by acknowledging their expertise. By requesting their perspective on a specific challenge, you build rapport based on respect and intellectual curiosity. It's an ideal strategy for opening doors with senior-level professionals, transforming a cold outreach into a warm, consultative conversation.

Actionable Examples

Here are sample LinkedIn message templates that demonstrate this principle:

• For Industry Insight: "Hi [Name], I've been following your work in [Field] and value your perspective. I'm navigating [specific challenge] and am curious how you've approached similar issues. Any brief thoughts would be immensely helpful."

• For a Specific Skillset: "[Name], your experience at [Company] implementing [relevant skill, e.g., product-led growth] is impressive. We're trying to solve [specific problem], and I would benefit from your insight on [specific question]. Would you have 15 minutes to share your thoughts next week?"

• Based on Their Content: "Hi [Name], I read your articles on [Topic] and found your analysis of [specific point] sharp. I'm working on [relevant project] and am stuck. Based on your expertise, what's your take on [thoughtful question]?"

Best Practices

To successfully deploy this template, sincerity and specificity are paramount. A vague request for a "brain-picking" session will be ignored.

• Ask a Specific, Thoughtful Question: Do not ask something you can Google. Your question should demonstrate you've done your homework and require their unique expertise.

• Show Why 'They' Are the Expert: Clearly state what about their background makes their advice uniquely valuable. This shows your request is not random.

• Make the Ask Time-Bound and Easy: Suggesting a "15-minute call" or asking for "a quick thought" removes friction and respects their busy schedule. Never ask for an open-ended meeting.

• Offer Value in Return (If Possible): While not mandatory, offering to share your findings or a relevant resource in return can make the exchange feel more reciprocal.

This approach is highly effective for business development professionals, founders seeking mentorship, and sales reps targeting C-suite executives. Platforms like Dexy can help identify the articles, posts, and career milestones that provide the perfect context for these advice-driven messages.

7. The Event or Content Hook Template

The event or content hook is a timely outreach method that leverages a specific event, report, or company announcement as a reason to connect. This approach creates an immediate, shared context that makes your message feel like a natural conversation starter. It demonstrates that you are paying attention to the recipient’s professional world.

This template's effectiveness comes from its "newsjacking" nature. By anchoring your message to a recent conference, webinar, or company milestone, you bypass the generic outreach filter. It shows you're actively engaged with the events and content that matter to your prospect, establishing instant credibility and relevance.

Actionable Examples

Here are sample LinkedIn message templates that capitalize on events or content:

• Based on a Conference: "Hi [Name], I saw you're speaking at [Conference Name] on [topic]. That's a fascinating area, especially your points on [specific detail]. Would love to connect before the event."

• Based on a Company Announcement: "Hi [Name], congratulations on [Company Name]'s recent announcement about [specific news, e.g., Series B funding]. This move into [new area] is interesting. It would be great to connect and follow your journey."

• Based on an Industry Report: "Hi [Name], I just read the new [Industry Report Name] and noticed your company was highlighted for its work in [specific area]. Your perspective on [specific finding] would be valuable. Are you open to connecting?"

Best Practices

To make this template successful, your timing and specificity are paramount. A vague reference won't work.

• Be Timely and Specific: Send your message within a few days of the event or content release. Reference a specific talk, a key finding, or a particular aspect of an announcement to prove authenticity.

• Connect it to Them: Don’t just mention the event. Connect it back to their role or a point of view they've shared. The goal is to make the hook feel personal.

• Show Genuine Curiosity: Frame your message around learning their perspective. Ask a question related to the event to encourage a response, such as, "What was your biggest takeaway from that keynote?"

• Set Up Alerts: Use tools like Google Alerts or industry news feeds to monitor target companies and keywords. This ensures you never miss a timely opportunity.

This strategy is perfect for sales teams trying to break into new accounts, PR professionals building media lists, and anyone looking to connect with industry leaders. For more advanced strategies on leveraging industry trends, explore the insights on the Dexy blog.

8. The Newsletter or Content Subscription Template

The content subscription template flips the traditional outreach script. Instead of asking for a meeting, you offer a continuous stream of value by inviting the recipient to subscribe to your newsletter or article series. This approach positions you as a knowledgeable resource and builds a relationship based on providing consistent insights.

This template's effectiveness comes from its long-term, value-first approach. By offering high-quality, free content tailored to their industry, you build trust and stay top-of-mind without being pushy. It’s a patient strategy that nurtures a connection over time, making any eventual "ask" feel natural and well-earned.

Actionable Examples

Here are sample LinkedIn message templates that illustrate this strategy:

• For a Niche Audience: "Hi [Name], I send a weekly digest on go-to-market strategies that B2B SaaS leaders find valuable—curated insights and practical tips. Would you like me to add you to the list?"

• For Personalized Content: "[Name], I write monthly on scaling sales teams. I think my recent piece on SDR compensation models aligns with your work at [Company]. Happy to share future posts if interested."

• The Low-Pressure Offer: "Hi [Name], no immediate ask, but I often share curated resources on demand generation for VPs of Marketing. Wanted to offer to include you. No spam, just value."

Best Practices

To make this template effective, the content you offer must be genuinely valuable and relevant. Authenticity is non-negotiable.

• Specify Frequency and Content: Be clear about what they're signing up for. "A weekly digest on AI in sales" is much more compelling than "my newsletter." This manages expectations.

• Deliver on Your Promise: If you offer high-value content, ensure every piece meets that standard. Inconsistent quality will quickly erode trust and lead to unsubscribes.

• Reference Their Interests: Personalize the invitation by connecting your content to a specific challenge, role, or interest you’ve observed on their profile.

• Make it Easy to Opt-Out: Explicitly state that unsubscribing is simple. This transparency builds trust and shows respect for their privacy, which you can learn more about by reviewing our approach to responsible communication practices.

This method is ideal for thought leaders, consultants, and marketers looking to build a dedicated audience and generate warm, inbound leads over time. It transforms cold outreach into a welcome source of information.

8 LinkedIn Message Templates: Quick Comparison

Final Thoughts

We've explored a powerful set of sample LinkedIn message templates, moving beyond generic scripts. The core lesson is clear: a template is a framework, not a crutch. It’s a starting point designed for adaptation. The true power of any template lies in deep personalization and strategic application.

The most successful outreach campaigns are built on a foundational understanding of the recipient's context and needs. The templates provided are simply vehicles to deliver a relevant, human-centric message. Ignoring this principle is the fastest way to get your messages ignored.

Key Strategic Pillars to Remember

To build a robust outreach system, you must internalize these core pillars:

• Personalization is Non-Negotiable: Every template must be infused with specific details from the prospect’s profile, recent activity, or company news. Generic compliments are transparent and ineffective.

• Context is King: The why behind your message is as important as the what. Reference a shared connection, a recent post, or a company milestone to create an immediate, relevant hook.

• Give Before You Ask: The most powerful messages lead with value. Offer a resource, an insight, or helpful advice with no immediate expectation of a return. This builds trust and positions you as a valuable resource.

• Clarity and Brevity Win: Professionals are time-poor. Your message must be scannable, easy to understand, and have a clear, low-friction call-to-action. Avoid long paragraphs and jargon.

Your Actionable Path Forward

Mastering LinkedIn outreach is an ongoing process of testing, learning, and refining. Use these sample LinkedIn message templates as a launchpad for your own experiments. Here are your next steps:

1. Select Two Templates: Choose two templates from this guide that best align with your current outreach goals.

2. Define Your Personalization Triggers: For each template, list three specific "triggers" you will look for on a prospect's profile (e.g., a recent promotion, a shared article, a company funding announcement).

3. Craft and Test: Send 10-15 personalized messages using each template over the next week. Meticulously track your connection acceptance and reply rates.

4. Analyze and Iterate: Review your results. Which opening line worked best? Which call-to-action received the most positive responses? Use these insights to refine your templates.

This iterative process of crafting, sending, and analyzing is what separates amateur outreach from professional, pipeline-building communication. By consistently applying these principles, you will transform LinkedIn from a passive networking site into your most powerful engine for building meaningful professional relationships and driving tangible business results.

Tired of manually personalizing every message? What if you could leverage the strategic frameworks in this guide at scale, without losing the human touch? DexyAI uses advanced AI to analyze LinkedIn profiles and craft hyper-personalized icebreakers and messages based on your chosen templates, allowing you to execute high-quality outreach in a fraction of the time. Supercharge your lead generation by visiting DexyAI and see how it can revolutionize your workflow.