Summary

• Personalized LinkedIn outreach can increase response rates by 30%, yet most messages fail by being too long, generic, or pitching too early.

• This guide provides 15 field-tested templates for sales, recruiting, and networking that focus on value-first communication and clear calls-to-action.

• Learn how to save these templates as reusable Snippets with a tool like Kondo, enabling you to send highly personalized messages at scale and manage responses efficiently.

Let's be honest: most LinkedIn outreach is terrible. Your inbox is likely filled with generic, long-winded messages that you instantly delete. You can smell a template from a mile away, and so can your prospects.

But here's the problem: writing a unique, personalized message for every single LinkedIn contact is impossible if you need to reach a meaningful number of prospects, candidates, or partners.

So what's the solution? Smart templates combined with an efficient workflow.

This article provides 15 field-tested LinkedIn message templates, but with a crucial twist: we'll show you how to save them as reusable Snippets in Kondo, allowing you to send highly personalized messages in seconds, not minutes.

Research shows that properly personalized outreach can lead to a 30% higher response rate - but only if you can balance quality and efficiency.

Why Most LinkedIn Messages Fail (And How to Fix It)

Before diving into the templates, let's understand why most LinkedIn messages get ignored:

1. They're too long - Research shows candidates and prospects don't have time to read lengthy messages

2. They're obviously generic - People can instantly spot copy-pasted templates

3. They lack a clear CTA - Many messages don't make it clear what the next step should be

4. They pitch too early - Jumping straight to a sales pitch without building rapport

The templates in this guide address all these issues, focusing on brevity, personalization, value-first approaches, and relationship building.

The Ultimate Workflow: How to Set Up LinkedIn Snippets in Kondo

First, let's understand how to create a snippet in Kondo - a tool that transforms the cluttered LinkedIn inbox into a "Superhuman for LinkedIn" experience:

1. In any Kondo conversation, type the shortcut ; to open the Snippets menu

2. Click "Create new snippet"

3. Give your snippet a memorable name (e.g., connect-mutual or recruiting-initial) - this will be your shortcut

4. Paste your template text into the body, using variables like {firstName}, {currentCompany}, or {jobTitle}

5. Click "Save"

To use your snippet: In a LinkedIn message, simply type ; followed by your snippet's name (e.g., ;connect-mutual) and press Enter. The personalized message appears instantly!

For more details, check Kondo's Snippets documentation.

Now, let's explore our 15 templates:

15 LinkedIn Message Templates That Get Responses

Category 1: Making the First Connection

1. Connecting Through Kondo's Snippets Feature (For Maximum Efficiency)

Template:

Hi {firstName},

I noticed you're also in the {industry} industry and we share an interest in {common interest}. I've been using Kondo to manage my LinkedIn messages more efficiently, and it's been a game-changer for staying organized.

Would love to connect and share insights about {industry topic}!

Why It Works: This template establishes common ground immediately while introducing a valuable tool. It's brief yet personalized, showing you've taken time to review their profile while offering something of value in return.

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: connect-kondo

• Instructions: Follow the setup guide above, replacing {industry} and {common interest} for each connection.

2. Connecting Through a Mutual Connection

Template:

Hey {firstName},

I saw that we're both connected with {mutualConnection}. I'm also in the {yourIndustry} space and am always looking to connect with other professionals.

Would be great to connect.

Why It Works: This is a classic warm outreach technique. Mentioning a mutual connection immediately builds trust and context, moving you from stranger to friend-of-a-friend. It's concise with a simple, low-friction CTA.

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: connect-mutual

3. Connecting with Someone in the Same LinkedIn Group

Template:

Hi {firstName},

I'm also in the {Group Name} LinkedIn group and I've really enjoyed reading your posts. The piece you shared last week about {topic} was thought-provoking.

I'd love to keep in touch and learn more about your work.

Why It Works: Similar to a mutual connection, a shared group provides common ground. Referencing a specific post shows you've done your homework and aren't just spamming every group member, which is key for getting a response.

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: connect-group

Category 2: Sales & Business Development

4. Sharing Valuable Content (No Pitch)

Template:

Hey {firstName}, thanks for connecting.

I saw on your profile you're focused on {area of focus}. My team just published a deep-dive on {relevant topic} that I thought you might find useful.

Here's the link: {link}

No strings attached, just thought it might be helpful!

Why It Works: This is a value-first approach. You're giving before asking for anything. This builds rapport and positions you as a helpful expert, not a pushy salesperson. It's all about building rapport before pitching.

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: sales-content

5. Investigating Their Current Solution (The "Pain Discovery" Message)

Template:

Hi {firstName}, thanks for connecting.

I see you're the {jobTitle} at {currentCompany}. I'm curious, how are you currently handling {the problem your product solves}? Many companies in your space struggle with {common pain point 1} and {common pain point 2}.

Is that something on your radar?

Why It Works: This message focuses entirely on them and their potential problems. It asks an open-ended question to start a conversation, not to push for a demo. It shows you understand their challenges and ICP (Ideal Customer Profile).

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: sales-discovery

6. The Post-Comment Follow-Up

Template:

Hey {firstName},

I saw your insightful comment on {Author}'s post about {topic}. I completely agree with your point on {specific point they made}.

It actually relates to what we're building at {yourCompany}. We help teams like yours solve {problem}.

Since you're clearly an expert in this space, I'd love to get your thoughts. Open to a brief chat next week?

Why It Works: This is signal-based outreach at its finest. They've publicly shown interest in a topic relevant to you. This is one of the warmest types of cold outreach you can do.

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: sales-comment

Category 3: Recruiting Outreach

7. The Direct & Transparent Recruiter Message

Template:

Hi {firstName}, I'm a recruiter at {Your Company}. We're hiring for a {Job Title} role that looks like a great match for your experience with {Skill 1} and {Skill 2}.

It's a {remote/hybrid/in-office} role in {Location} with a salary range of {$$$}.

Interested in seeing the full job description?

Why It Works: This template addresses what candidates consistently ask for. Research shows candidates respond better when key job details are provided upfront. The most successful messages include: Job title, Company, and Compensation. It's short, direct, and provides all the information needed for a "yes" or "no."

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: recruit-direct

8. The "Passive Candidate" Exploratory Message

Template:

Hi {firstName},

Your profile and experience in {field/skill} at {currentCompany} really stood out to me.

I'm building a pipeline of top talent for future {Job Title} roles at {Your Company}. I know you may not be actively looking, but would you be open to a brief, confidential chat to learn more about us for future consideration?

Why It Works: This is a low-pressure way to engage a passive or active candidate. It acknowledges they might not be looking, which shows respect and focuses on relationship building rather than a transactional hire.

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: recruit-passive

Category 4: Follow-Ups & Relationship Building

9. The Simple, Non-Pushy Follow-Up

Template:

Hi {firstName},

Just wanted to gently follow up on my previous message regarding {topic}.

Any thoughts? Happy to provide more info if needed.

Why It Works: It's polite, professional, and brief. It bumps the conversation to the top of their inbox without being annoying. This is where Kondo's Reminders (Snooze) feature shines—you can set a reminder to send this follow-up so you never forget.

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: followup-gentle

10. The Post-Meeting Follow-Up

Template:

Hi {firstName},

Thanks again for your time today. I really enjoyed our conversation about {specific topic discussed} and learning more about {currentCompany}'s goals.

As promised, here is {resource you promised to send}.

Looking forward to our next steps.

Why It Works: It reinforces the positive interaction, demonstrates you were listening, and moves the process forward by delivering on a promise. It's a crucial step in any sales or networking process.

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: followup-meeting

11. Reconnecting with a Former Colleague

Template:

Hi {firstName},

It's been a while! I was just thinking about our time working together at {Past Company} on the {project or team}. Hope you've been well.

I'd love to catch up sometime and hear about what you're up to in your new role at {currentCompany}. Let me know if you're free for a quick virtual coffee.

Why It Works: It's personal, warm, and references a shared past. This is an easy way to reactivate a dormant professional relationship.

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: network-reconnect

12. The Alumni Connection

Template:

Hi {firstName},

I found your profile and saw you also graduated from {University Name} - go {Mascot}!

I'm a current student / recent grad in {Major} and would be really grateful for the chance to hear about your career path and your work at {currentCompany}.

If you have 15 minutes to spare in the coming weeks, I'd love to ask a few questions.

Why It Works: The alumni bond is powerful. Most professionals are happy to help someone from their alma mater. It's a specific, respectful, and clear ask.

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: network-alumni

13. Inviting an Expert to Speak or Contribute

Template:

Hi {firstName},

I'm organizing a {webinar/podcast/roundup article} on {topic} for an audience of {audience description}. Given your expertise in {area of expertise}, I thought you would be a fantastic guest speaker/contributor.

Would you be open to hearing more about it?

Why It Works: This is a value exchange. You're offering them a platform to build their brand in exchange for their expertise. It's flattering and presents a clear opportunity.

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: network-invite

14. The Mutual Connection Sales Intro

Template:

Hi {firstName},

{Mutual Connection} suggested I reach out. I was telling them about how we at {yourCompany} are helping businesses like {currentCompany} achieve {specific goal}.

Would you be open to a 15-minute call to see if this could be valuable for you as well?

Why It Works: This leverages social proof from a trusted source. It's a direct but highly effective approach that cuts through the noise.

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: sales-referral

15. The "I Admire Your Work" Connection

Template:

Dear {firstName},

I've been following your work on {project or topic} for a while, and I was particularly impressed by {specific achievement or article}.

If you're open to it, I'd love to connect and follow your work more closely.

Why It Works: Flattery, when genuine and specific, is highly effective. It shows you see them as an expert and value their contributions. This is perfect for warm outreach to industry leaders.

Kondo Snippet Setup:

• Name: connect-admire

Beyond Snippets: Build a Complete LinkedIn Productivity System

Templates are just one piece of the puzzle. Managing the responses is where opportunities are won or lost.

Here's how Kondo's other features create a full productivity system:

• Reminders (Snooze): Sent a follow-up? Don't clutter your brain trying to remember to check back. Just hit H in Kondo to snooze the conversation for 3 days. It will pop back to the top of your inbox automatically if they don't reply.

• Labels & Split Inboxes: When a hot lead replies, hit L and apply a 'Hot Lead' label. You can then view all your hot leads in a separate, focused inbox, ensuring you never miss a critical message.

• CRM & System Sync: For sales teams, this is a game-changer. Automatically push conversations and notes to HubSpot, Salesforce, or Google Sheets to keep your entire team in the loop without manual data entry.

This entire workflow supports an "Inbox Zero" methodology, allowing you to process your LinkedIn DMs like a to-do list and stay on top of every conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes a good LinkedIn outreach message?

A good LinkedIn outreach message is personalized, brief, provides value, and includes a clear, low-friction call-to-action (CTA). The most effective messages avoid generic templates and early sales pitches, focusing instead on building rapport by referencing common ground like a mutual connection, a shared group, or a recent post the person engaged with.

Why should I use message templates for LinkedIn?

You should use message templates to increase your efficiency and maintain consistency, not to send generic, spammy messages. The key is to use "smart templates" or "snippets" that include personalization variables (like {firstName} or {currentCompany}). This allows you to scale your outreach by quickly inserting a proven message structure while still customizing key details for each individual, balancing speed with quality.

How can I personalize LinkedIn messages at scale?

The best way to personalize LinkedIn messages at scale is by using a productivity tool that integrates with your workflow. Tools like Kondo allow you to save your best message templates as reusable "Snippets." You can then insert a fully-formed, personalized message into a conversation in seconds by typing a shortcut (e.g., ;connect-mutual). This eliminates repetitive typing while ensuring each message is tailored to the recipient.

What is the best way to follow up on LinkedIn without being annoying?

The best way to follow up is with a short, polite, and non-pushy message that gently bumps the conversation. A simple message like, "Hi {firstName}, just wanted to gently follow up on my previous message. Any thoughts?" works well. To manage this process effectively, use a tool with a "snooze" or "reminder" feature, like Kondo, to remind you to follow up at the right time so no opportunity slips through the cracks.

Is it safe to use third-party tools for LinkedIn messaging?

Yes, it is safe as long as the tool complies with LinkedIn's terms of service. Productivity tools like Kondo are safe because they are not automation platforms that send messages on your behalf. Instead, they act as a productivity layer on top of your inbox, helping you organize conversations, use templates, and set reminders to send messages manually but more efficiently. They enhance your workflow without automating actions that could risk your account.

How do I start a conversation on LinkedIn without being salesy?

To start a conversation without being salesy, lead with value or a genuine commonality. Instead of pitching your product immediately, share a helpful article, reference a comment they made on a post, mention a mutual connection, or bring up a shared interest from a LinkedIn group. This value-first approach builds rapport and establishes you as a helpful expert, making the recipient much more likely to engage.

Ready to Get More Replies on LinkedIn?

Stop choosing between slow personalization and spammy automation. The future of effective LinkedIn outreach is efficiency-driven personalization.

Proven templates are your foundation, but a tool like Kondo with Snippets, Reminders, and Labels is the system that lets you scale your efforts without sacrificing quality. It's a completely safe productivity layer that enhances your workflow without putting your account at risk.

Ready to stop wasting time in your LinkedIn inbox and start getting more responses? Get started with Kondo today—it's completely risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.