LinkedIn prospecting messages: 10 examples to copy

In short

A good LinkedIn prospecting message is two to four sentences long. Send the connection request without a note, or with a one-line note and no pitch. Once accepted, the first message asks a question about the prospect’s role or recent news. An InMail is more formal: it follows the structure of a short email, with a subject line.

The templates at a glance

Note or no note?

A request with no note works well when the prospect’s profile fits with yours: same industry, same world, a readable job title. It asks for nothing and sells nothing. Add a note when you have a specific reason to connect: a post, a new role, a shared event. Keep it to a sentence or two, with no sales pitch.

How long the note can be depends on the account type, and LinkedIn may limit the number of personalised notes on free accounts. The notes below stay under 200 characters once the variables are filled in, so they work everywhere.

Template 1 — Connection note: same industry

When to use it: you work with companies in their industry or region, and their profile is active.

Hi [First name], I regularly talk with [role] in [industry] across [region]. Would be glad to connect.

Why it works: it explains why you are connecting without asking for anything, which makes accepting the natural move.

Template 2 — Connection note: after a post

When to use it: the prospect recently posted or commented on a topic linked to your offer.

Hi [First name], your post on [topic] resonated, especially [specific point]. Would be glad to follow your next ones.

Why it works: you are reacting to an idea they expressed themselves. Quoting a specific point proves you read it.

Template 3 — Connection note: new role

When to use it: they just started a role that matches your persona (see the new decision-maker signal).

Hi [First name], congratulations on the new role as [title] at [Company]. I talk with a lot of [role] in the space, glad to connect.

Why it works: the congratulations are low-key and the note asks for nothing: they get a lot of requests in those weeks, and this one costs them nothing.

Template 4 — Connection note: shared event

When to use it: you attended the same trade show, webinar or conference.

Hi [First name], we were both at [event]. I enjoyed your take on [topic], would be glad to stay in touch.

Why it works: the shared context justifies the request, and people expect connection requests after an event.

Template 5 — First message after acceptance: a question

When to use it: in the days after they accept, when you have not written to them anywhere else yet.

Thanks for connecting, [First name].

Quick question, since you [role] at [Company]: how do you handle [topic linked to your offer] today? I see a lot of [industry] teams torn between [option A] and [option B].

Why it works: it opens a conversation about their job rather than a pitch. The two options show you know the subject and make it easy to answer.

Template 6 — First message after acceptance: tied to your email

When to use it: your sequence combines email and LinkedIn, and you have already emailed them.

Thanks for connecting, [First name].

I emailed you about [topic in a few words]. If LinkedIn is easier for you, happy to give you the short version here.

Why it works: the person sees one conversation across two channels and picks the one they prefer. That is the core rule of the multichannel sequence guide.

Template 7 — After a profile view

When to use it: a prospect in your target viewed your profile, often after a request, an email or a post.

Hi [First name], thanks for stopping by my profile.

I work with [role] in [industry] on [topic]. If that is on the table at [Company] right now, happy to talk; if not, glad to stay in touch here.

Why it works: a profile view is a faint sign of interest. The message acknowledges it without reading too much into it, and leaves a graceful way out.

Template 8 — After a like or comment

When to use it: the prospect liked or commented on one of your posts.

Thanks for reacting to my post on [topic], [First name].

Out of curiosity, is it something you run into at [Company]? I have a few more examples on [specific angle] if useful.

Why it works: you continue an interaction they started, on a topic they already care about. Offering examples gives value before any ask.

Template 9 — InMail

When to use it: the request was not accepted, or the prospect is outside your network. An InMail reads like a short email: it has a subject line and a slightly more formal tone.

Subject: [topic] at [Company]

Hi [First name],

[Specific observation about the company or the role].

At comparable [type of company], that is often when [concrete problem] shows up. We help [role] [outcome] without [usual constraint].

Is this on your list this year? If you’d rather I didn’t follow up, just say so.

[First name Last name]

Why it works: it reuses the structure of a good cold email, adapted to LinkedIn. InMail credits are limited: keep them for your most relevant prospects.

Template 10 — Last message

When to use it: after one or two messages with no reply, to close things properly.

I won’t keep chasing, [First name]. If [topic] comes back on the agenda at [Company], just message me here. All the best.

Why it works: it closes the door politely, leaves room to come back, and sometimes gets the reply that never came.

Mistakes to avoid

• Selling in the connection note: a sales note lowers acceptance and sets the tone for the whole relationship.
• Pitching right after acceptance: “Thanks for connecting! We offer…” is the most ignored message on LinkedIn.
• Long messages: on mobile, four lines is plenty. Beyond that, nobody reads.
• Sending the same message by email and LinkedIn: each channel has its role, and the prospect sees both.
• Over-reading a weak signal: a profile view or a like is not a meeting request.
• Chasing forever: two unanswered LinkedIn messages are enough; the sequence can continue by email.

What The Sales Engine does

The platform runs LinkedIn and email steps in a single sequence: profile visit, connection request with or without a note, message after acceptance, then email. The opening line is written by AI for each prospect from their record and their buying signal, you approve the prospect before anything is sent, and a reply on one channel stops the other. A request that is not accepted moves the rest of the sequence to email.

Frequently asked questions

Should I add a note to a LinkedIn connection request?

Not necessarily. Without a note, a request works well when your profile fits with the prospect’s. Add a one-line note when you have a specific reason: a post, a new role, a shared event.

When should I send the first message after acceptance?

In the following days, while your name is still familiar. There is no need to write within the minute: that gives away an automated send.

InMail or connection request?

The request first: it costs nothing and opens a lasting connection. Use InMail when the request goes nowhere, or for a particularly important prospect outside your network.

Read next

• B2B cold email templates: 8 examples you can copy
• Sales follow-up email templates: 10 examples to copy
• Prospecting messages built on buying signals: 6 templates
• How to build a multichannel email + LinkedIn sequence
• What does The Sales Engine do, from target to meeting?

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