LinkedIn Cold Message Strategy for 2025 [+ 10 High-Converting Templates]

Introduction

Did you know omnichannel campaigns (combining LinkedIn, email, and phone) yield 40% higher engagement and 31% lower cost-per-lead than single-channel outreach (1)?

In 2025, relying on just one channel to reach B2B buyers is a recipe for missed opportunities. Meanwhile, LinkedIn has solidified itself as the #1 platform for outbound prospecting – accounting for 80% of high-quality B2B social media leads (2). 

The takeaway is clear: a successful LinkedIn cold message strategy must be part of a broader omnichannel playbook. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to combine LinkedIn cold messaging with email and phone outreach for maximum impact, and we’ll share 10 high-converting LinkedIn cold message templates (with personalization tips) that B2B sales teams can start using today. Let’s dive in!

The 2025 LinkedIn Cold Message Landscape

LinkedIn isn’t just a recruitment site – it’s the premier network for B2B sales outreach. Four out of five LinkedIn members drive business decisions, and the platform’s audience has twice the buying power of the average web audience (3). Little wonder 85% of B2B marketers rate LinkedIn as their most valuable social platform (4). For sales teams, this means your prospects – CEOs, VPs, directors – are actively scrolling LinkedIn for industry insights and solutions every day.

However, with this opportunity comes saturation. Decision-makers’ LinkedIn inboxes are flooded with generic cold pitches. Simply sending out mass connection requests or cookie-cutter messages won’t cut through the noise. 

The good news? Buyers are willing to engage if you approach them the right way. LinkedIn’s own data shows that a single, personalized message boosts response rates by 30% (12). And overall, LinkedIn messages average around a 10% response rate – roughly double the ~5% reply rate of cold emails (9). In short, cold messaging on LinkedIn can work extremely well, but only if it’s done thoughtfully.

Key LinkedIn Cold Outreach Facts (2025):

• High Stakes Audience: LinkedIn has over 310 million monthly active users (13), ~80% in decision-making roles (2). It’s the top social platform for B2B leads, far outpacing others.
  
• Strong Reply Rates: LinkedIn InMails/direct messages see ~10% reply rates on average (9), about 2× higher engagement than cold emails. No email spam filters here – your message actually reaches the prospect’s inbox.
  
• But… Lots of Noise: The flip side of no filters is that many spammy messages get through. Buyers have become adept at ignoring anything that feels automated or irrelevant.
  
• Quality over Quantity: There’s a weekly limit (~100) on connection requests, so you must prioritize quality targeting and personalization. Around 30% of connection requests get accepted on average, and this climbs significantly when you include a personalized note (3).
  
• Smart Buyers Expect More: Modern B2B buyers use 10+ channels to research vendors (5). They notice when outreach is relevant – and when it’s copy-pasted. The bar for cold messaging is higher than ever.
  

Bottom line: LinkedIn remains a goldmine for B2B outreach, but you must approach it with strategy, personalization, and integration with your other channels. That’s where an omnichannel outreach strategy comes in.

Why Omnichannel Outreach Beats Single-Channel

If you want to consistently book meetings with busy executives, don’t put all your eggs in one basket (or one platform). An omnichannel outreach approach – where you contact prospects via LinkedIn, email, and phone in a coordinated way – dramatically amplifies your chances of breaking through. Here’s why a multi-channel strategy is essential in 2025:

• Better Visibility & Recall: Prospects might ignore a lone LinkedIn message or miss an email, but seeing your name across multiple channels increases recognition. For example, you might send a LinkedIn connect request today, an email tomorrow, and give a quick call the next week. By the second or third touch, the prospect thinks, “Oh, I know this person.” Research confirms this impact: campaigns that synchronize LinkedIn, email, and phone outreach generate 40% higher prospect engagement than single-channel efforts (1).
  
• Higher Response Rates: Different people prefer different channels. Some decision-makers live on LinkedIn; others respond faster to email or appreciate a direct phone call. By covering all bases (in a polite, non-spammy way), you catch prospects on the channel they’re most comfortable with. In fact, 66.9% of outbound campaigns now use LinkedIn plus email, rather than LinkedIn alone (3), because this pairing lifts overall response rates. A LinkedIn DM might pique interest, while an email follow-up with more details seals the deal – or vice versa.
  
• Credibility through Consistency: An omnichannel approach, when done right, shows professionalism. If your LinkedIn message references the email you sent (“Hi Jane, I sent you an email yesterday and also wanted to reach out here on LinkedIn…”), it signals that you’re serious and organized. On the other hand, disconnected messages on different platforms can hurt you – 76% of buyers resent outreach that feels disjointed or repetitive (11). Coordinating your channels to tell one cohesive story builds trust. (It shows you’re paying attention, not blindly spamming.)
  
• Avoiding Channel Fatigue: Hitting a prospect 5 times a week on one channel (e.g. five LinkedIn messages in a row) will annoy them. But spreading 5-7 touches across LinkedIn, email, and phone over a few weeks is far more palatable. Each channel has its strengths: LinkedIn is great for a soft intro or sharing a common professional interest, email is ideal for a detailed value proposition or case study link, and phone is powerful for a real-time conversation. Used together, they create a cadence that keeps prospects engaged without overloading any single channel (avoiding “channel fatigue”) (1).
  
• Catching Warm Leads Sooner: Sometimes a prospect doesn’t respond on LinkedIn but opens your email and clicks a link – that’s a buying signal. If you’re only using LinkedIn, you’d miss it. With a multi-channel system, you can track engagement across platforms and react accordingly. For instance, if someone is unresponsive on LinkedIn but downloaded a whitepaper from your email, your next touch might be a phone call referencing that download. Omnichannel outreach lets you respond to any signal of interest from any channel. It’s like having multiple “nets” to catch a biting fish.
  
• Higher Overall Conversion: The ultimate goal is booked meetings and sales, not just replies. Here, omnichannel shines. One study found that well-orchestrated multi-touch campaigns (LinkedIn + email + calls) led to a 50%+ higher conversion rate compared to siloed outreach (6). Another report showed multi-channel efforts achieved 31% lower cost-per-lead than email-only campaigns (1). The evidence is overwhelming that an omnichannel strategy yields more bang for your buck.
  

Finally, consider the role of phone calls. Cold calling is far from dead – in fact, 78% of decision-makers have taken a meeting with a sales rep because of a cold call (7). Many deals still start or accelerate over the phone. A quick call can add a personal touch to your LinkedIn outreach (“Hi, we connected on LinkedIn last week and I wanted to follow up with a quick call…”). Even if you reach voicemail, leaving a friendly, brief message referencing your LinkedIn contact can set you apart from the noise. The key is to use calls strategically alongside your digital touches, not as a random afterthought.

In summary, LinkedIn cold outreach works best as part of an omnichannel playbook. By combining the strengths of social messaging, email, and phone, you multiply your touchpoints and build a more compelling, credible presence with prospects. Next, we’ll dive into how to execute this orchestrated approach.

Building an Omnichannel LinkedIn Outreach Playbook

How can you practically combine LinkedIn, email, and phone into one cohesive outreach strategy? In this section, we outline a step-by-step playbook to maximize your cold outreach results. Think of it as an omnichannel cadence blueprint – adapt it to your team’s style and your target buyers, but keep the core principles: coordination, personalization, and persistence.

1. Prepare a Unified Prospect List and CRM

Start with a clear Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and target list of prospects. Make sure you have or can find multiple contact points for each (their LinkedIn profile, email address, and maybe phone number). Use tools or an internal database to track all activity in one place. Whether it’s a spreadsheet or a CRM system, log when you send a LinkedIn invite, when you email, etc. This prevents mix-ups and ensures you can reference previous touches.

At Martal, we use our own AI-driven sales platform to centralize outreach data – every LinkedIn message, email open, and call attempt is logged in one timeline. This way, our team always knows what the last interaction was before making the next move.

Also, optimize your LinkedIn profile before you begin. Prospects will check who you are. Ensure your profile photo, headline, and summary establish credibility (e.g. “Helping {ICP} achieve {outcome}…” instead of just “Sales Rep at X”). A polished profile gives you instant legitimacy when your cold message piques their interest (3).

2. Craft a Multi-Channel Sequence (Timing Matters)

Map out a multi-channel outreach sequence that spans ~2-3 weeks with multiple touchpoints. Each step should provide value or reference the last interaction. For example, a proven cadence might be:

Day 1: Send a LinkedIn connection request with a brief, personalized note. (Example: “Hi Sarah, I noticed we’re both members of the SaaS Marketing group – I enjoyed your recent post on product-led growth. I’d love to connect and exchange ideas!”) This is a non-intrusive way to warm up the contact. About 30% of cold LinkedIn invites are accepted on average, and a tailored note improves those odds (3).

Day 2: If you have their work email, send a friendly introductory email in parallel. Mention you reached out on LinkedIn. For instance: “Subject: [Your Company] & LinkedIn Connection. Hi Sarah – I sent a connect request on LinkedIn after reading your post. I thought I’d also reach out here to share a quick idea on how companies like yours are improving {XYZ}. …” Keep it short, focused on them, and not a sales pitch. The dual touch (LinkedIn + email) within 24 hours reinforces your name in their memory (3).

Day 5: If no response/acceptance yet, send a polite follow-up email. Add value – maybe a link to a relevant article, case study, or insight. Example: “Hi Sarah, hope you’re well. I mentioned how {pain point} is something we’ve helped companies solve. Attaching a short success story with results we achieved for a peer in your industry – thought you might find it useful whether or not we ever work together. Enjoy!” By offering helpful content, you’re building goodwill, not just asking for a meeting out of the blue.

Day 7: Your LinkedIn request got accepted! (If it hasn’t by now, you might nudge via InMail, or continue with other channels.) Once connected on LinkedIn, send a thank-you + value message. For example: “Thanks for connecting, Sarah! As a thank-you, here’s a recent report on {industry trend} that your team might find valuable: [link]. Happy to discuss any insights if you’re interested.” This approach continues the value-first theme. It’s not a sales pitch – it’s starting a conversation around their interests.

Day 10: Attempt a phone call, especially if your emails have been opened or your LinkedIn messages read (many tools can alert you to this). Keep the call very light and consultative. Example: “Hi Sarah, this is John from Martal Group. We connected on LinkedIn last week – I’ve been sharing a couple of resources about {XYZ}. I know you’re busy, but I wanted to briefly hear if {pain point} is something you’re looking to address this quarter? If now is a bad time, I’m happy to send more info via email.” Even a voicemail that references your LinkedIn and email touches can make a personal impression. Remember, 78% of execs have taken meetings from cold calls (8), so a courteous call can be the touch that finally gets a live conversation.

Day 14: If still no meaningful response, send a LinkedIn follow-up message (or an InMail if not yet connected). This could be a simple check-in: “Hi Sarah, hope you saw the article I sent – did it resonate at all with what you’re focusing on? Happy to answer any questions or share more relevant info. Let me know if there’s a fit, and if not, no worries at all.” This is polite, acknowledges their agency, and invites a reply (even if it’s a “no thanks”). Data shows that adding a second follow-up message can boost response rates by a few percentage points (3) – often it’s that gentle nudge that prompts a busy prospect to reply.

Day 18+: One more optional touch – perhaps an email or call – as a final attempt (“breakup email” style, e.g. “I know timing might not be right, I’ll stop reaching out but feel free to connect in future…”) can sometimes elicit a response out of guilt or timing. But use sparingly. Generally, if by the third outreach attempt you get nothing, it’s wise to pause and perhaps revisit that contact in a few months. Overdoing it beyond 3-4 touches in a short span can do more harm than good (3).

This is just one example sequence. The key is spacing and context: don’t barrage the prospect on all channels in one day. Instead, alternate and spread out touches, always referencing the previous interaction (“as I mentioned in my LinkedIn message…” or “I emailed you last week about…”). This shows a cohesive approach rather than random spam.

3. Personalize Every Touch (The Omnichannel Personalization Mindset)

Personalization isn’t just inserting {FirstName} in your greeting. It’s demonstrating knowledge of and relevance to that specific prospect’s world. In 2025, buyers expect this across channels: 71% of B2B buyers anticipate personalized interactions on every platform (11). Here’s how to infuse personalization into your LinkedIn cold messages and your other touches:

• Leverage Profile Insights (LinkedIn): Before messaging on LinkedIn, scan the prospect’s profile for 2 minutes. Look for mutual connections, groups, recent posts, or anything you genuinely find interesting about their background. Then use that in your message. Example (LinkedIn note): “I saw you commented on a Gartner report about supply chains – it caught my eye because we’re seeing the same trend you mentioned…” This immediately signals “I did my homework.” It’s far more effective than a generic “We help companies like yours…” opener.
  
• Mirror the Tone and Language: People communicate differently on LinkedIn vs email vs phone. Match your tone accordingly but keep it professional. On LinkedIn, you can be slightly more conversational (emojis or a light-hearted comment are okay if appropriate), since it’s a social platform. In email, you might be a bit more formal or structured. If your prospect is especially formal on LinkedIn (e.g., very corporate language in posts), lean that way. If they’re more casual or humorous, a touch of that in your outreach can create rapport (“I loved your recent LinkedIn post – gave me a good laugh, thanks for that!”). Being relatable is a form of personalization. Just ensure the core message (your value prop or request) remains clear.
  
• Customize Value Propositions by Channel: On email, you have more room to expand on how you can help them – but make even that personal. For instance, mention a competitor or industry peer of theirs you’ve helped (if you have a relevant case study). “We helped [Similar Company] increase their webinar attendance by 30% – I suspect those insights could be useful for your team at [Prospect Company].” On LinkedIn, perhaps share a quick stat or question relevant to their industry. On a call, refer back to what you’ve learned from their LinkedIn or emails (“I noticed on LinkedIn that you’re expanding into Europe – are you facing [specific challenge] with that expansion?”). Every interaction should feel tailored to them, not a generic sales script.
  
• Use Technology to Scale Personalization (Carefully): With many prospects to reach, you might leverage tools – and that’s okay! Sales engagement platforms (including Martal’s AI Sales Platform) can automate sending connection requests or emails, and even suggest initial message templates. In fact, 85% of salespeople are now using some form of AI or automation in their outreach (9). The trick is to use these tools to augment, not replace, the human touch. For example, you might use an AI tool to draft a LinkedIn message based on the prospect’s profile, but then edit it manually to ensure it sounds authentic and includes specific details only a human would know. Automation can handle the grunt work (scheduling messages, follow-up reminders) so that you can focus on personalizing the content. Our approach is: automate the tedious, humanize the meaningful (3).
  
• Maintain Cross-Channel Context: This is crucial for an omnichannel marketing strategy. If a prospect replies on LinkedIn (“Sure, send me more info”), don’t then email them as if you never spoke – reference that LinkedIn conversation in your email (“Following up on our LinkedIn chat, here’s the case study I promised…”). Consistency shows professionalism. Likewise, if they respond via email first, you might pause LinkedIn outreach or adjust it (“I just replied to your email as well, but wanted to connect here on LinkedIn in case that’s easier for you.”). Prospects should feel like every message or call is part of one continuous conversation, not separate siloed pitches. A unified view (CRM or even a simple notes doc) helps you keep track so nothing falls through the cracks.
  

4. Test, Learn, and Iterate

Even with a great plan, outreach is part art, part science. Track your metrics: LinkedIn connection acceptance rate, message reply rate, email open and reply rates, call pickup rates, etc. Treat your outreach like experiments – A/B test different message approaches and note what works best. For instance, you might try two versions of your cold LinkedIn message template: one that leads with a question vs. one that leads with a bold statement. After a few dozen sends, see which got more replies and refine accordingly.

Be especially attuned to feedback signals: If many prospects never respond on LinkedIn but tend to reply via email, maybe your LinkedIn approach needs tweaking or you should lead with email more often. If you keep hearing the same objection (“not a priority right now” or “we already have a provider”), consider how to pre-empt that in your messaging (maybe by highlighting how you’re different or how you complement their current solution).

Importantly, share learnings across your team. If you have multiple SDR and BDRs doing outreach, have regular debriefs. What LinkedIn connection note is getting the best acceptance this month? Which email subject lines are crushing it? This continuous improvement mindset will keep your playbook effective as markets evolve.

(At Martal, we continuously refine our omnichannel cadences based on data from hundreds of campaigns. Our sales-as-a-service model means we’ve seen what works across industries, and we fold those insights back into our strategy for each client. For example, when we noticed prospects in the fintech sector respond better to LinkedIn messages that mention compliance challenges, we updated our templates accordingly. This testing and learning never stops.)

By following these steps – centralized data, a smart multi-touch cadence, deep personalization, and constant iteration – you’ll build an omnichannel outreach machine that consistently opens doors. Now, let’s get to the fun part: high-converting LinkedIn cold message templates you can adapt and use as part of this strategy.

10 High-Converting LinkedIn Cold Message Templates (and How to Personalize Them)

Crafting a great cold LinkedIn message is as much art as science. To help you hit the ground running, we’ve compiled 10 proven LinkedIn cold message templates for various scenarios. These templates have elements that B2B prospects respond to: personalized hooks, value-focused content, and clear but non-pushy calls-to-action. We’ll explain when to use each one and how to customize it for your target.

Remember: these templates are starting points. The magic happens when you personalize them for each recipient – by plugging in specifics about the person, their company, or industry. Use the placeholder cues (like [First Name], [Company], etc.) and the notes on personalization for guidance. With a bit of research and tweaking, these templates can become your own high-performing outreach messages.

Why personalize? Because, as noted earlier, tailored messages significantly outperform generic blasts – prospects can smell a template a mile away. One LinkedIn outreach study found personalized messages increased response rates by ~30% (12). Always take the time to customize before hitting send!

LinkedIn Cold Message Template #1: The Connection Icebreaker (Common Ground)

Use Case: First touch – sending a connection request with a note, especially when you’ve identified a point of commonality (mutual group, interest, or industry). This template warms the prospect up by establishing rapport rather than pitching.

Template:

Hi [First Name] – I noticed we’re both involved in [mention common group or interest]. I really enjoyed your recent post on [specific topic they posted about, or a comment they made] – it resonated with challenges I’m seeing too. I’d love to connect and keep in touch, as we’re both passionate about [industry/field] trends. Looking forward to learning from your updates!

Why It Works & Personalization Tips: This message is all about them and shared interests. It immediately shows you’re not a random spammer by referencing something specific (a post, group, or interest). Make sure the highlighted topic is genuine and relevant. Did they comment in a LinkedIn Group you’re in? Mention that. Do you share a professional certification or alma mater? Note it. The key is the prospect should think, “Oh, this person is like me / appreciates my work,” which is a great basis for connection. There’s no sales pitch here – which is intentional. Early on, focus on building the relationship. Once they accept your invite, you’ve earned the right to a follow-up message, which can be a bit more business-oriented.

LinkedIn Cold Message Template #2: “Mutual Connection” Name-Drop

Use Case: First touch or connection note when you have a mutual connection or referral in common (or even a shared LinkedIn group or event). By mentioning someone or something familiar, you increase trust.

Template:

Hi [First Name], we’re both connected with [Mutual Connection’s Name], and I saw you both are involved in [industry or LinkedIn group]. [Mutual Connection] has spoken highly of the work at your company – I’m always looking to connect with fellow [industry] professionals doing interesting things. Would love to add you to my network and perhaps exchange insights on [specific relevant topic]. Thanks!

Why It Works & Personalization Tips: Name-dropping (in a positive, relevant way) leverages social proof. If John Doe is a mutual contact, the prospect subconsciously thinks, “Well, if I know John and John knows this person, they’re probably legitimate.” Always ensure the mutual connection is actually someone who would be viewed favorably and ideally somewhat relevant to the prospect’s context. If you don’t have a mutual acquaintance, mentioning a shared LinkedIn Group or association can be an alternative (“we’re both members of the SaaS Marketers Network”). The personal touch here is highlighting that common thread. Again, no selling in this initial outreach. The goal is a accepted connection and to open a door for future dialogue.

LinkedIn Cold Message Template #3: The Value Proposition Intro (Straight Shooter)

Use Case: A direct cold outreach message (could be an InMail or message after connecting) where you quickly pitch a specific value proposition or solution you offer, tailored to the prospect. This is a bit “colder” approach – useful if you have a strong hunch your solution addresses a pain they have, or you lack any obvious personal common ground.

Template:

Hello [First Name], I’ll be brief: I’ve been researching [Prospect’s Company] and noticed something – [mention a potential pain point or opportunity]. My company, [Your Company], specializes in [your solution] for [industry] businesses like yours. We recently helped [name-drop a similar or local company] achieve [tangible result]% in that area. If [pain point] is on your radar, I’d love to connect and share what we did for them. Either way, thanks for reading and have a great day!

Why It Works & Personalization Tips: This template gets to the point but still personalizes by showing you did your homework on their company. The opening line should prove you’ve researched them – e.g. “noticed you’re hiring a lot of engineers – which usually means a scaling challenge in X,” or “saw your CEO’s interview about improving customer retention.” Then you succinctly introduce how you can help with that specific thing. The credibility kicker is referencing a relevant client success (“we helped a similar company get Y result”). Always try to choose a client name the prospect will recognize (same industry, or a known brand, or at least similar size). The CTA here is subtle – it’s basically “if this issue is a priority, I’m here to chat.” This lets the prospect self-select if they’re interested. It’s a respectful way to pitch: tailored, value-focused, and not assuming too much. Just be sure your “noticed X about your company” is accurate and meaningful – that’s the personalization that makes this more effective than a typical copy-paste pitch.

LinkedIn Cold Message Template #4: Sharing Valuable Content

Use Case: After connecting (or as an initial InMail), you want to provide value upfront by sharing a piece of content (article, report, webinar) relevant to the prospect. This positions you as a helpful resource, not just a salesperson.

Template:

Hi [Name], I saw your posts about [topic] and thought you might appreciate an article we just published on [very closely related topic]. It includes some fresh research on [mention one interesting insight] – something not widely available yet. Here’s the link: [insert link]. Hope it provides value in your work! If you have any feedback or want to discuss, I’m all ears. Enjoy the read!

Why It Works & Personalization Tips: This message is all give, no ask. You’re effectively saying, “I respect your expertise in X, and here’s something that might be useful to you.” By doing so, you’re building goodwill and positioning yourself as a knowledgeable peer. Critical personalization elements: the content must be highly relevant. Don’t send generic marketing fluff – choose or create something that addresses a real issue or interest the prospect has. It could even be a third-party article (doesn’t always have to be your content, though if it’s your company’s content, even better to subtly showcase your expertise). The key is the brief explanation of why it’s relevant to them (“includes insights on [something they care about]”). This shows you didn’t just spam everyone with the same link. Many prospects will respond positively to this (“Thanks for sharing!”), which opens the door for a follow-up conversation about that topic and how you might help further. Even if they don’t respond immediately, you’ve differentiated yourself from the typical cold message by not asking for anything and providing value instead.

LinkedIn Cold Message Template #5: The Compliment + Connect

Use Case: As a connection request note or first message, when the prospect has an impressive achievement or recent news you can compliment. Flattery (sincere and specific) can warm a cold outreach considerably, as long as it’s professional.

Template:

Hello [Name], I hope you’re doing well. I came across your profile and was really impressed by your [specific achievement or role] – especially the part about [detail from their bio or a project]. It’s not every day you see someone who [compliment that shows you recognize their expertise]. I’m always looking to connect with top leaders in our field, so I’d be excited to add you to my network. Perhaps we can exchange ideas on [relevant topic] sometime. Thank you, and congrats on all your success!

Why It Works & Personalization Tips: People seldom tire of being sincerely praised, especially for something they’re proud of (a promotion, award, published article, etc.). This template focuses entirely on the prospect’s accomplishments. Be specific: mention the award they won, the keynote they gave, or the growth their company achieved under their leadership (whatever you genuinely find noteworthy from their LinkedIn or news). The key is authenticity – don’t fabricate or exaggerate. The tone should remain professional and respectful. After the compliment, the ask is just to connect, which feels natural (“I want to network with other industry leaders like you”). This tends to get a high acceptance rate because it feels good to the recipient and doesn’t immediately scream “I want to sell you something.” It sets a positive tone for future engagement. When you follow up later, they’ll remember that you took the time to recognize their work.

LinkedIn Cold Message Template #6: “Look What We Achieved (Social Proof)”

Use Case: A message after connecting (or an InMail) that shares a mini case study or success story relevant to the prospect’s industry, to pique their interest in your solution. Best used when you know a specific result that would excite them (e.g., boosting ROI, cutting costs) and you have proof you’ve done it.

Template:

Hi [First Name], thanks for connecting. Quick share: we recently helped a company very similar to [Prospect’s Company] achieve [outcome]. They were struggling with [brief pain point], and over [timeframe] we managed to [specific result: e.g., “increase their demo conversion rate by 40%”]. I’m curious – are you seeing similar challenges around [pain point] at your organization? If yes, happy to share how we approached it (no sales pitch, just swapping notes). Let me know, and I can send over a couple of insights!

Why It Works & Personalization Tips: This template leans on social proof and FOMO – “a company like yours got this great result, wouldn’t you like the same?” It’s effective because it’s not hypothetical; it’s concrete. Personalization comes from tailoring the story to mirror the prospect. The company you reference should match in industry, size, or situation. If you can name-drop the company, do so (unless it’s sensitive; if you can’t name them, describe them: “a fellow fintech SaaS in the lending space”). The result should be something quantifiable and impressive but believable. And by phrasing it as “Are you seeing similar challenges? If so, I’m happy to share how we solved it,” you’re positioning it as a peer-to-peer knowledge share, not a hard sell. This often prompts the prospect to reply with, “Sure, I’m interested – what did you have in mind?” or even, “Actually we are facing that issue.” Now you’ve opened a conversation about their needs, which is exactly where you want to be. (Quick tip: This approach can also be delivered as a document or infographic via email after a LinkedIn touch – sometimes we at Martal use an omnichannel one-two punch: LinkedIn message hinting at a case study, then email the full case study if they express interest.)

LinkedIn Cold Message Template #7: Invitation to a Value Call (Soft Pitch)

Use Case: After some prior interaction (maybe they accepted your request or engaged with your content), you want to escalate to a phone or Zoom call under the premise of mutual idea exchange or networking, rather than a straight sales demo. This is a softer way to ask for a call.

Template:

Hello [First Name], glad we connected here on LinkedIn! I’ve really enjoyed your posts and our brief back-and-forth. One thing I love about LinkedIn is how it allows us to find and connect with like-minded professionals. In that spirit, would you be open to a quick 15-minute call sometime? I’d simply like to learn more about what you’re focused on at [Company] and share a bit of what I’m seeing in the [your industry or service area] space. No agenda, just a casual exchange – and if there’s a mutual opportunity to collaborate down the line, even better. I’ve attached my Calendly link here for convenience: [Scheduling Link]. Feel free to grab any time that works for you. Looking forward to chatting!

Why It Works & Personalization Tips: This template works because it frames the call as a networking opportunity and knowledge exchange, not a sales pitch. It’s important that prior to this, you have given the prospect some reason to trust you – maybe through insightful comments or content (hence using it after some interaction). The language “no agenda, just a casual exchange” helps lower the guard. Sharing a Calendly or scheduling link makes it easy, but also offer to work around their schedule if they prefer (you can add “or if you’d rather pick a time via email, that works too”). Personalize by referencing any prior conversation: e.g., “I appreciated your question on my post last week,” or “I noticed we both are exploring AI in sales – would love to discuss that more.” The goal is to position the meeting as mutually beneficial. Many executives are open to networking calls if it’s clear you’re not just going to dump a sales deck on them. Of course, on the call, you should indeed focus on understanding their needs and providing value; the sales opportunity will emerge naturally if there’s a fit. (This is very much aligned with Martal’s consultative approach – we often position initial meetings as “discovery sessions” to share market insights and learn about the prospect’s challenges, rather than a product pitch. It builds a relationship rather than just a transaction.)

LinkedIn Cold Message Template #8: Post-Event or Webinar Follow-Up

Use Case: You met the prospect briefly at an event, webinar, or LinkedIn Live session – or they at least attended one that you also did. Use this context to follow up while you’re still somewhat fresh in memory.

Template:

Hi [Name], it was great to [interact briefly at X event / see you attend our webinar on Y] last week. I remember you mentioned [personalized detail – e.g., you were looking into ABC solution, or you asked about XYZ during Q&A]. I was thinking about that and have a few ideas/resources that might help. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to share them or set up a short follow-up call to continue our conversation. In any case, I enjoyed connecting and hope you found the [event/webinar] valuable. Let’s definitely stay in touch here on LinkedIn!

Why It Works & Personalization Tips: Referencing a shared event or experience immediately establishes context – the prospect doesn’t feel like a random cold target, because you’ve actually crossed paths. The key personalization is recalling something specific they said or did. For instance, “you asked a great question about scaling outbound sales teams during the Q&A – it got me thinking…” or “you mentioned you’re expanding into APAC soon.” This shows you paid attention. By offering additional help/ideas, you provide value first. Even if they don’t take you up on a call, they’ll likely appreciate the gesture and respond out of goodwill (“Thanks for the note! Sure, send whatever you have.”). This template is situational – it shines when you genuinely have met or observed the person in a professional setting. The more immediate the follow-up (within a few days of the event), the better, while you’re still fresh in their mind. It transitions a real-world or virtual encounter into an ongoing LinkedIn relationship and potentially a sales conversation in a very natural way.

LinkedIn Cold Message Template #9: “Long-Time Connection, First Time Message”

Use Case: For those prospects who are already in your LinkedIn connections (perhaps added long ago with no conversation), and now you want to reach out cold. It acknowledges the lapse in interaction and rekindles the connection.

Template:

Hey [First Name], I realized we’ve been connected here on LinkedIn for a while but haven’t actually had a chance to chat. I’d like to change that! 😃 I’ve been following [Prospect’s Company]’s updates – really interesting stuff, especially [mention something recent: “your new product launch in AI-driven analytics”]. I work with companies on [brief mention of what you do, in context: “optimizing SaaS sales funnels”], and it occurred to me there might be some mutual insights we could share. No pressure, but would you be open to a brief conversation or at least swapping a few ideas via messages? It’s always great to turn a connection into a real connection. Either way, happy to be connected and wishing you success!

Why It Works & Personalization Tips: Many of us have dormant LinkedIn connections. This template reactivates them by being friendly, even a bit light-hearted (“long time, no talk” vibe with an emoji to set a warm tone). It reminds them how you’re connected (“I’ve been following your company’s news…”) which shows interest. The ask is framed as mutual – sharing insights – not “I want to sell you something now.” That mutual benefit angle can entice a response from someone who otherwise might ignore a cold outreach. It’s important to reference something specific and recent about them or their company, to show you’re not mass messaging all your contacts. Perhaps they posted an article, or their company made headlines, or even a personal note like they just had a work anniversary (“Congrats on 5 years at [Company] by the way!” can be added). This message should feel like one colleague reaching out to another out of genuine interest. If you do it right, it doesn’t come across as “cold” at all, since technically you’re already connected. It’s a nice way to tap into your existing network for new opportunities without seeming opportunistic.

LinkedIn Cold Message Template #10: Follow-Up on Their Engagement

Use Case: When a prospect has engaged with you in some way on LinkedIn – e.g., they liked or commented on your post, or viewed your profile – and you want to capitalize on that warm signal with a direct message.

Template:

Hi [First Name], I noticed you [liked/commented on my post about ______ / viewed my profile] – thanks for that! I’m glad the topic caught your interest. Your comment about [reference their comment] was spot-on. That’s actually something I encounter often in my work. It got me thinking – perhaps there’s an opportunity for us to chat more on that subject. I have some data/insights on [related topic] that might be useful to you at [Company]. If you’re open to it, I’d love to share and hear your perspective as well. Let me know if you’d be interested in a brief call or even just continuing the conversation here. And thanks again for engaging – it’s always nice to connect with professionals who are thinking about the same challenges.

Why It Works & Personalization Tips: When someone engages with your content or profile, they’ve essentially “raised their hand” and shown a touch of interest. Following up on that is not cold-calling, it’s responding to a buying signal. This template explicitly acknowledges their action, which immediately clarifies why you’re reaching out (“you liked my post, so I’m reaching out – not totally random!”). The personalization is built in: reference exactly what they reacted to. If they commented, quote a bit of their comment and agree or add to it. This shows you value their input. Then pivot to a one-on-one discussion offer, centered on that topic. It’s important that you propose sharing something of value (data, insights, a solution to the challenge discussed). The tone is collaborative: you’re two professionals continuing a discussion that started in public. This doesn’t feel like a cold pitch at all, because it’s contextually relevant. Often, prospects will appreciate you taking the initiative – many times a like or comment is a tentative way of engaging, and they’ll welcome a deeper dive if you facilitate it. Just be sure to respond promptly (within a day or two of the engagement) so the context is fresh.

Using These Templates: You can mix and match pieces of these templates to suit your style. As you implement them, track which ones get the best response for your audience. For instance, you might find that the Compliment (#5) gets you more initial replies in one industry, whereas the Value Proposition Intro (#3) works better in another. Always be tweaking the language to sound like you – authenticity is key. And regardless of template, always end messages in a way that makes it easy to respond (ask a question, invite their thoughts, or suggest a next step in a non-aggressive way).

One more tip: don’t forget to personalize your connection requests (even if you don’t use a full template note). A short, custom note can boost acceptance rates. Even just “Hi [Name], I saw your interview on [Podcast] – great insights. Would love to connect!” can make a big difference. LinkedIn limits how many invites you can send weekly, so make each one count (3).

By combining these high-converting LinkedIn cold message templates with a strategic omnichannel approach, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of turning cold prospects into warm leads. For best results, integrate these LinkedIn touches with supporting emails and maybe a timely call, as we outlined earlier.

Conclusion: Mastering LinkedIn Cold Outreach in an Omnichannel World

By now, it’s clear that a LinkedIn cold message strategy can be a powerful engine for outbound lead generation – especially when it’s woven into an omnichannel outreach playbook. In 2025, B2B buyers are inundated with messages, and the companies winning their attention are those that communicate strategically across multiple channels with personalized, value-driven touchpoints. A few closing thoughts to leave you with:

• LinkedIn is indispensable for B2B sales, but it works best in tandem with email and phone outreach. Using all three ensures you show up where your prospects are and present a consistent, credible story. Remember, multi-channel campaigns significantly outperform single-channel efforts in engagement and conversion (1).
  
• Personalization is your competitive edge. A cold LinkedIn message that feels genuinely tailored to the recipient’s profile or needs will stand out amid the generic copy-paste pitches. Taking the extra few minutes to customize each message (or each template version) can yield dramatically better results – your prospects can tell the difference. As we noted, even a single personalized detail can boost response rates by 30% or more (12).
  
• Follow-up (politely) and use multiple touches. Don’t be discouraged if your first message doesn’t get a reply. Professionals are busy. Often, a gentle follow-up on LinkedIn or a well-timed email nudge will do the trick. Data shows that adding a second or third touch (spread out over days or weeks) can considerably improve response rates (3). Just keep the tone helpful, not pushy.
  
• Leverage expertise and help, when needed. Executing an omnichannel outreach strategy can be resource-intensive. It requires tools, content assets, and consistent effort in personalization and follow-ups. If this sounds daunting, you’re not alone – many sales teams struggle to maintain such campaigns internally. In fact, over 57% of B2B companies outsource lead generation in some form to accelerate results (10). Partnering with experts – for example, a LinkedIn lead generation service or a cold outreach agency – can take the heavy lifting off your plate.
  

At Martal, we’ve built our approach around exactly what we’ve discussed in this blog. We combine LinkedIn, email, and phone outreach into unified campaigns, powered by an AI sales platform and guided by years of sales expertise. 

Our team (working as an extension of your team) crafts personalized messaging sequences, engages prospects on multiple fronts, and nurtures them until they’re ready for a sales conversation. We use real, senior-level profiles for LinkedIn outreach (no bots, no fake accounts) to ensure authenticity, and we integrate those efforts with targeted email drip campaigns and well-timed calls – all orchestrated through our platform for maximum efficiency. The result? More connections converted into qualified sales leads, and ultimately, more sales meetings on your calendar.

We’re proud of our omnichannel model because we’ve seen it deliver repeatable success across 50+ industries. Whether you need a scalable cold email service, a proven LinkedIn outreach strategy, or a fully managed sales-as-a-service partnership, our goal is the same: to help you fill your sales pipeline with ideal opportunities while you focus on closing deals.

Ready to elevate your LinkedIn outreach and overall sales prospecting? We invite you to reach out and book a consultation with our team. We’d be happy to discuss your current approach, share how Martal’s omnichannel strategies and AI-driven tools can plug in to amplify your results, and ultimately help you turn more cold messages into warm, productive business relationships. 

In an era where engaging the right prospects requires multiple touches and expert timing, having an experienced sales partner by your side can make all the difference. 

Let’s conquer LinkedIn (and beyond) together – your future clients are out there, and an omnichannel cold outreach playbook will ensure you connect with them in 2025 and beyond.

References

1. Martal Group – Top 10 Social Media Lead Generation Companies
2. LinkedIn Marketing Blog
3. Martal Group – LinkedIn Outreach Guide
4. Snov.io
5. Demand Gen Report
6. Lead Forensics
7. Martal Group – B2B Direct Marketing
8. HubSpot
9. Expandi – State of LinkedIn Outreach Report
10. Callbox Inc.
11. McKinsey & Co.
12. SalesBread
13. LinkedIn Pulse