Introduction: The Power of Effective Messaging
In today's fast-paced digital world, personalized outreach is essential for standing out in a crowded inbox or LinkedIn feed. Crafting effective, concise messages is key to starting meaningful conversations and building strong business relationships. This article will walk you through best practices for writing LinkedIn connection requests, follow-up messages, and email outreach.
Looking to learn how to build a comprehensive outreach strategy across multiple channels? Check out our guide on Optimizing Your Multi-Channel Outreach Strategy.
Step 1: LinkedIn Connection Requests
The first step in outreach is getting your foot in the door—sending a connection request on LinkedIn. Your message should spark curiosity and demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to understand the recipient's role or interests.
Key Tips:
Be brief: Keep it under 285 characters to avoid overwhelming the recipient.
Personalize: Reference their profile, company, or shared connections/interests.
Focus on them: Avoid diving into your product or service too soon.
Example Connection Requests:
Example 1:
"Hi {{firstName}}, I noticed we both share an interest in [specific industry/topic]. I'd love to connect and see if there’s a chance for collaboration down the road!"
Example 2:
"Hi {{firstName}}, I came across your post on [topic] and found it insightful. I’d love to connect and hear more about your thoughts on [specific area]."
Step 2: Following Up on LinkedIn
Once your connection request is accepted, it’s important to follow up quickly while your profile and message are still fresh in the recipient’s mind. Here, you should offer value, either by asking an engaging question or sharing useful insights.
Key Tips:
Keep it short and personal: Tailor your message to their challenges or interests.
Lead with value: Share a resource, ask a question, or offer insight.
Be conversational: Make it feel more like a dialogue than a pitch.
Example Follow-Up Messages:
Example 1:
"Hi {{firstName}}, thanks for connecting! I’d love to hear how your team is tackling [specific challenge] these days—let me know if you’d like to exchange thoughts!"
Example 2:
"{{FirstName}}, if you haven’t checked out [book/resource], it’s been a game changer for me on [topic]. I’d be happy to share more if you’re interested!"
Step 3: Email Outreach - Crafting Your First Email
If your prospect hasn’t responded to your LinkedIn messages, it’s time to switch to email. Email outreach should be personalized, concise, and focused on their challenges, with a clear call to action.
Key Tips:
Reference LinkedIn: Mention your attempt to connect on LinkedIn for continuity.
Highlight their challenges: Start with a pain point or opportunity relevant to their industry.
Include a clear CTA: Make the next step easy and actionable (e.g., schedule a call or respond).
Example Email 1:
Subject Line: "Improving your [specific process] at [Company Name]"
"Hi {{firstName}},
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to follow up on my recent LinkedIn request and introduce myself properly. I’ve been following [Company Name], and I think there’s an opportunity to enhance [specific process]—especially with the recent changes in [industry trend].
I’d love to schedule a quick 15-minute call to share how we’ve helped companies like yours with this. Would next Tuesday at 2 PM work for you?
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
Step 4: Follow-Up Email – Nurturing the Relationship
If you don’t hear back after your first email, send a gentle follow-up. This email should add value by referencing a relevant case study or client success story.
Key Tips:
Acknowledge their busy schedule: Be empathetic and understanding.
Provide new value: Share a success story or relevant insight.
Offer a clear CTA: Suggest scheduling a call or next steps.
Example Email 2:
Subject Line: "Helping [Company Name] improve [specific process]"
"Hi {{firstName}},
Just a quick follow-up! I know your inbox is probably busy, but I wanted to mention we recently helped [Client Name] achieve [specific result], and I think your team could benefit from a similar approach.
Could we set up a time next week for a quick chat? I’d love to learn more about your goals and challenges.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
Step 5: Final Email - The FOMO Approach
For your last outreach attempt, use a more passive tone to create a sense of urgency. This email should tap into the fear of missing out (FOMO) without being pushy. It’s your final opportunity to prompt action, so offer a simple out, like redirecting you to the right person.
Key Tips:
Acknowledge their busy schedule: Show empathy and avoid a hard sell.
Include a light CTA: Make it easy for them to either respond or forward you to someone else.
Use FOMO: Position it as a last attempt to help them before closing the conversation.
Example Email 3:
Subject Line: "Last chance to discuss [specific benefit] for [Company Name]"
"Hi {{firstName}},
I know this may not be a priority right now, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to help [Company Name] tackle [specific challenge]. If this isn’t your area of focus, could you connect me with the right person?
Either way, I wish you the best with your projects and would love to keep the door open for future collaboration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
Conclusion: Focus on Value, Not Selling
The key to effective outreach messaging—whether on LinkedIn or through email—is focusing on the prospect’s needs and interests rather than pushing your own agenda. Personalization and value-driven communication are the foundation of building strong, professional relationships that lead to conversions.
For more tips on creating an effective multi-channel outreach strategy that goes beyond just messaging, read our article on Optimizing Your Multi-Channel Outreach Strategy.