LinkedIn messages after connecting

LinkedIn messages go only to people who accepted, so they're warmer than a cold email. Use that: be brief, be useful and lead with something for them.

First LinkedIn message after connecting

The first message is the highest-impact touch in the sequence. Use one of two opener structures, then one short CTA that gives rather than asks.

The "I help X do Y by Z" opener:

Hey {first_name}, I help [specific kind of company] [solve one specific problem] by [a very short differentiator].

Mind if I [make a quick intro / send a short sample / share a quick idea]?

The question opener, which needs something specific and true about them, usually from an AI Personalization field (here {recent_highlight}):

Hey {first_name}, {recent_highlight}.

[One question about it, such as: are you doing more of that this month?]

No "thanks for connecting" padding, no pitch and no meeting ask. See Openers that get replies for both structures with examples.

Second LinkedIn message

Give something more. If they didn't answer the first offer, make it again in a different form, or give the thing outright in a line or two: one idea that's working for companies like theirs, or a resource they can use without replying.

{first_name}, one thing that's working for [companies like theirs] right now: [the idea, in one line].

Happy to send [the give] if it's useful.

Last LinkedIn message

Keep the door open and leave the give on the table. Make it easy to say "later".

Last note from me, {first_name}. If the timing's off, no problem at all. The offer of [the give] stands whenever it's useful.

Reference email in a multichannel LinkedIn message

In an Email + LinkedIn sequence, the lead also gets your emails. Mention them, so the two channels read as one conversation instead of two strangers writing:

{first_name}, I sent you an email about [the give] as well. Easier to reply here if you prefer.

Every touch after the first should tie back to the other channel in a few words. See the multichannel starter.

LinkedIn message style

• Write like a person. Read it out loud; if it sounds like a brochure, rewrite it.
• Shorter is better on LinkedIn: two or three short lines.
• No bullets or bold. Use short paragraphs with blank lines between them.
• No links and no attachments. Offer the give in words; the Appointment Setter shares a link when the prospect asks for it.
• One AI Personalization field at most, and never two in one message.
• No slop: no em dashes, no "I came across your profile". See Slop.