LinkedIn is the best channel for B2B outreach, but let’s be real—most DMs on the platform are ignored. Why? Because they read like spam, or worse, like they were copied straight from a sales script.

The good news is that there are LinkedIn DM templates that actually work. With the right structure, personalization, and timing, you can start conversations that lead to real business opportunities. In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The do’s and don’ts of LinkedIn outreach
• How to write messages that feel human, not robotic
• 10 copy-paste LinkedIn DM templates that consistently convert
• How automation can save you time without sacrificing personalization

Try Friendli to Automate Your LinkedIn Outreach

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The Do’s of LinkedIn DMs

Insert Image: A professional LinkedIn DM exchange with personalization highlighted

When you send a DM, your goal is to start a conversation—not close a deal immediately. Here are the golden rules:

• Keep it short: 50–75 words max.
• Personalize: Reference their role, company, or recent post.
• Add value first: Don’t pitch right away; share something helpful.
• Ask one question: Simple questions get faster replies.
• Be casual, not corporate: Write like you’d text a colleague.

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The Don’ts of LinkedIn DMs

Just as important as what you should do is what you should avoid.

• Don’t copy-paste spam: “We help companies like yours 10x revenue…” will get ignored.
• Don’t over-explain: Long paragraphs = instant skip.
• Don’t pitch too soon: Wait until after some rapport is built.
• Don’t use jargon: Clear, simple words always perform better.
• Don’t send without context: A blank pitch feels like a cold call.

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Tips for Writing LinkedIn DMs That Get Replies

Personalization hacks:

• Mention their recent LinkedIn post or comment.
• Call out a mutual connection or group.
• Reference their company’s growth, funding, or news.

Timing strategies:

• Best times: mornings (8–10am) or mid-afternoon (2–4pm).
• Avoid weekends unless it’s casual networking.
• Follow up after 3–5 days if no reply.

Automation tips:

• Use a tool like Friendli to schedule follow-ups.
• Create multiple campaign tracks (accepted vs. unaccepted connections).
• Always insert custom variables (first name, company, role).

Try Friendli to Automate Your LinkedIn Outreach

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10 LinkedIn DM Templates That Actually Work

Here are real-world tested templates you can adapt to your audience.

Template 1: Connection Warm-Up “Hey [First Name], saw you’re in [Industry]. Curious—how are you approaching [pain point/challenge] right now?”

Template 2: Value Drop “Hi [First Name], I put together a resource on [topic]. Thought it might help since you’re in [role/industry]. Want me to send it over?”

Template 3: Compliment & Question “Really liked your recent post about [topic]. Do you think that trend will change how [industry] operates over the next year?”

Template 4: Mutual Interest “Hey [First Name], noticed we’re both connected to [mutual connection] and active in [group/industry]. How’s [company] approaching [topic]?”

Template 5: Straightforward Ask “Quick question, [First Name]—are you the person handling [function, e.g., partnerships/sales ops] at [company]?”

Template 6: Soft Pitch “Hi [First Name], we help [role/industry] solve [problem] without [pain point]. Would you be open to a quick chat to see if it’s relevant?”

Template 7: Follow-Up Reminder “Hey [First Name], just circling back. Did you get a chance to check my last note?”

Template 8: Event/Content Hook “Hi [First Name], I’m hosting a short webinar on [topic]. Based on your role at [company], I thought it might be useful. Want the link?”

Template 9: Case Study Tease “Hey [First Name], we recently helped [similar company] [achieve result]. Curious if you’re facing something similar at [company]?”

Template 10: Quick Win Offer “Hi [First Name], I’ve got an idea that could help [company] with [specific outcome]. Would you be open to me sharing the details?”

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How to Personalize These Templates for Maximum Impact

The templates above are starting points—but personalization is what makes them land.

Ways to tweak:

• Add a line about their company news.
• Mention something from their profile headline.
• Adjust tone depending on industry (more casual for startups, more professional for enterprise).

Pro tip: Write your first draft without automation—then scale it using Friendli once you’ve tested what works.

Try Friendli to Automate Your LinkedIn Outreach

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Final Thoughts & Next Steps

LinkedIn DMs can either make you stand out—or bury you in the spam pile. The difference comes down to personalization, brevity, and timing. With these 10 LinkedIn DM templates that actually work, you’ve got proven scripts to start booking more meetings.

But doing this at scale? That’s where automation comes in. Friendli helps you automate LinkedIn outreach while still keeping it personal, so you can connect with more prospects without burning out or breaking LinkedIn’s limits.

If you’re serious about using LinkedIn to grow your business, the next step is simple:

Try Friendli to Automate Your LinkedIn Outreach