LinkedIn Messaging Templates That Book Meetings: 15+ Sequences (2026)
Message templates with proven response rates. 15+ sequences for first touch, follow-ups, and re-engagement that book B2B sales meetings.
Shanjai Raj
Founder at Postking
If you're getting ignored in LinkedIn messages, you're not alone. The average LinkedIn message gets a 10-15% response rate—but the right sequence at the right time can push that to 40% or higher.
The difference? A strategic messaging approach that prioritizes value, timing, and personalization over aggressive pitching.
This guide provides 15+ proven LinkedIn messaging templates organized by use case, complete with response rate benchmarks, timing strategies, and optimization tips. Whether you're reaching out after a connection, following up with a cold prospect, or trying to re-engage someone who went dark, you'll find a template that works.
The 6-Touch LinkedIn Messaging Sequence
Before we dive into specific templates, let's establish the foundation: the 6-touch sequence. This is the gold standard for B2B sales outreach on LinkedIn.
The Framework
Touch 1: First message after connection (Day 0) Touch 2: Value-add follow-up (Day 3-4) Touch 3: Soft ask with social proof (Day 7-9) Touch 4: Direct meeting request (Day 14-16) Touch 5: Break-up or alternative value (Day 21-23) Touch 6: Final re-engagement attempt (Day 30-35)
Why 6 Touches?
Research shows that 80% of sales require 5+ follow-ups, yet 44% of salespeople give up after just one. The 6-touch sequence ensures persistence without being pushy, with each message providing incremental value.
Benchmark Response Rates:
- Touch 1: 15-25%
- Touch 2: 8-12%
- Touch 3: 5-8%
- Touch 4: 3-5%
- Touch 5: 2-4% (highest-quality responses)
- Touch 6: 1-3%
Now, let's break down the templates for each stage.
First Message After Connection (Touch 1)
These templates are designed for immediately after someone accepts your connection request. The goal is to start a conversation, not pitch.
Template 1: The Genuine Thank You
Hey [First Name],
Thanks for connecting! I noticed you're working on [specific initiative/role detail from their profile].
We're seeing a lot of [industry] leaders tackle [related challenge]—curious if that's on your radar too?
Either way, happy to be connected.
Best,
[Your Name]
Why it works: Low-pressure, shows you did research, opens a natural conversation. Response rate: 22-28% Best for: New connections in your ICP
Template 2: The Shared Interest
[First Name],
Saw you're also following [industry thought leader/group]. Their recent post on [topic] really resonated with me.
I'm connecting with folks in [industry] who are thinking about [relevant challenge]. Would love to hear your take if you have a minute.
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Why it works: Builds rapport through commonality before any business talk. Response rate: 18-24% Best for: Prospects with active LinkedIn presence
Template 3: The Direct Value Drop
Hey [First Name],
Quick note—saw you recently posted about [their content/challenge].
I just came across [resource/article/tool] that speaks directly to this. Thought you might find it useful: [link]
No strings attached, just thought it was relevant.
[Your Name]
Why it works: Gives before asking, establishes you as a resource. Response rate: 20-26% Best for: Prospects who share content regularly
Follow-Up Sequences (Touches 2-4)
Most salespeople stop after the first message. The follow-up sequence is where real opportunities happen.
Template 4: The Value-Add Follow-Up (Touch 2 - Day 3-4)
[First Name],
Following up on my last message. I know you're busy, so I wanted to share something I think you'll actually find useful.
We just published a breakdown of how [similar company] reduced [metric] by [percentage] using [approach]. Here's the case study: [link]
Even if we never work together, figured you might get some ideas from it.
Thoughts?
[Your Name]
Why it works: Continues to add value without asking for anything. Response rate: 10-14% Best for: Engaged prospects who haven't responded yet
Template 5: The Social Proof Follow-Up (Touch 3 - Day 7-9)
Hey [First Name],
Not sure if this is a priority for you right now, but wanted to circle back.
We recently helped [competitor/similar company] achieve [specific result]. Their [role title] mentioned they were dealing with [challenge]—wondering if that sounds familiar?
If it's relevant, happy to share what worked for them. If not, no worries at all.
Best,
[Your Name]
Why it works: Uses social proof and competitive angle without being pushy. Response rate: 6-9% Best for: Mid-funnel prospects who need validation
Template 6: The Direct Ask (Touch 4 - Day 14-16)
[First Name],
I'll be direct: I think there's a real opportunity for [Company] to [specific benefit related to their role].
Based on what I've seen from your LinkedIn (specifically [detail]), I believe we could help you [specific outcome].
Worth a 15-minute conversation? I have slots Tuesday at 2pm or Thursday at 10am.
If timing isn't right, just let me know.
[Your Name]
Why it works: Clear, confident, and specific with a time-bounded ask. Response rate: 4-7% Best for: Qualified prospects who've engaged with previous messages
Re-Engagement Templates (Cold Prospects)
These templates are for prospects who accepted your connection but never responded, or who went cold after initial engagement.
Template 7: The Pattern Interrupt
[First Name],
I'm going to assume one of three things:
1. You're swamped and this fell off your radar
2. This isn't a priority right now
3. I haven't made the value clear enough
If it's #1 or #3, I'd love another shot at this. If it's #2, totally understand—just let me know and I'll check back in Q3.
What's the reality?
[Your Name]
Why it works: Self-aware, humorous, and gives them an easy out. Response rate: 8-12% Best for: Cold prospects after 3-4 weeks of silence
Template 8: The Helpful Pivot
Hey [First Name],
Circling back one more time, but with a different angle.
Even if [your solution] isn't the right fit, I've helped dozens of [their role] at [industry] companies navigate [challenge].
Would you be open to a quick conversation—not about what we do, but about what's working in your space right now?
I promise to make it worth your time.
[Your Name]
Why it works: Removes sales pressure, positions you as advisor not vendor. Response rate: 5-8% Best for: Quality prospects worth one more attempt
Event-Based Templates
These templates leverage trigger events—job changes, company news, funding, etc.
Template 9: The Job Change Congratulations
[First Name],
Congrats on the new role at [Company]! Saw the announcement on LinkedIn.
I know the first 90 days in a [role] position are critical. One thing I've seen other [role titles] tackle early is [relevant challenge].
If you're thinking about that, I'd love to share what's worked for others making this transition.
Either way, best of luck in the new role!
[Your Name]
Why it works: Timely, relevant, and acknowledges their current priorities. Response rate: 25-35% (highest response rate) Best for: New decision-makers in your ICP
Template 10: The Company News Hook
Hey [First Name],
Saw that [Company] just [funding/product launch/expansion/award]. Congrats to you and the team!
With [event], I imagine [related challenge/opportunity] is going to be even more critical. We've helped companies in similar growth phases navigate exactly this.
Would love to share a few quick wins if you have 15 minutes in the next week or two.
Thoughts?
[Your Name]
Why it works: Shows you're paying attention and ties your solution to their moment. Response rate: 18-24% Best for: High-growth companies in expansion mode
Template 11: The Industry Event Follow-Up
[First Name],
Were you at [event/webinar] last week? I was there and [speaker's] point about [topic] really stuck with me.
It got me thinking about [their company/challenge]. Curious if you're seeing the same trends in your world?
Would love to compare notes if you're up for it.
[Your Name]
Why it works: Creates shared experience and natural conversation opener. Response rate: 15-20% Best for: Industry-active prospects
Referral Ask Templates
Sometimes the best outcome isn't a closed deal—it's a warm introduction.
Template 12: The Direct Referral Request
[First Name],
I'll be honest—after our last conversation, I don't think we're the right fit for [Company] right now.
That said, I'm trying to connect with more [role titles] in [industry] who are dealing with [challenge].
Anyone in your network you'd recommend I talk to? Happy to return the favor.
Thanks either way,
[Your Name]
Why it works: Honest about fit, specific about ask, offers reciprocity. Response rate: 12-18% Best for: Disqualified prospects with good networks
Template 13: The Lateral Introduction
Hey [First Name],
Quick question: who owns [related function] at [Company]?
Based on our conversation, I think [solution] might be a better fit for their team than yours. Would you be comfortable making an intro?
No pressure if not—just thought it might be worth exploring.
[Your Name]
Why it works: Shows strategic thinking and expands your footprint in the account. Response rate: 20-28% Best for: Multi-stakeholder sales processes
Break-Up Messages (Touch 5-6)
The "break-up" message is your last attempt. Done right, it often gets the highest quality responses.
Template 14: The Assumptive Close-Out
[First Name],
I'm going to assume this isn't a priority right now and take you off my follow-up list.
If anything changes or if [specific trigger event] happens, feel free to reach out. I'll be here.
In the meantime, here's a resource you might find useful regardless: [link to valuable content]
Best of luck with [their initiative],
[Your Name]
Why it works: Takes pressure off, gives them control, ends on value. Response rate: 8-15% Best for: Long-term nurture prospects
Template 15: The Blunt Break-Up
[First Name],
Last message, I promise.
I've reached out a few times about [value proposition], but haven't heard back. That usually means one of two things:
1. It's not relevant
2. Timing isn't right
If it's #1, just let me know and I'll stop reaching out. If it's #2, when should I check back in?
Either way, appreciate the clarity.
[Your Name]
Why it works: Creates urgency through finality, forces a decision. Response rate: 10-18% Best for: Hot prospects who've gone silent
Template 16: The Permission-Based Follow-Up
Hey [First Name],
I'm cleaning up my outreach list and wanted to check: should I keep you on it?
If yes, I'll reach back out in [timeframe]. If no, I'll remove you—no hard feelings.
Just reply with "yes" or "no" and I'll take it from there.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Why it works: Simplest possible response, shows respect for their time. Response rate: 15-22% Best for: Large prospect lists that need qualification
Personalization Strategies That Actually Work
Templates are starting points, not scripts. Here's how to personalize at scale:
The 3-Layer Personalization Framework
Layer 1: Basic (Every Message)
- First name
- Company name
- Role/title
Layer 2: Profile Research (High-Value Prospects)
- Recent post/comment they made
- Shared connection or group
- Company news from last 30 days
- Educational background or location
Layer 3: Deep Research (Top 20% Prospects)
- Specific pain point from their content
- Competitive intelligence
- Technology stack analysis
- Recent interviews or podcast appearances
Personalization at Scale
Use this workflow to personalize efficiently:
- Segment prospects into tiers (A, B, C)
- Tier A (Top 20%): Layer 3 personalization, custom messages
- Tier B (Next 30%): Layer 2 personalization, template base
- Tier C (Remaining 50%): Layer 1 personalization, standard templates
This approach ensures you're spending time where it matters most while maintaining volume.
What to Avoid: The LinkedIn Messaging Sins
These mistakes kill response rates:
1. The Pitch Slap
Sending a sales pitch in your first message after connection. This destroys trust immediately and has a <5% response rate.
2. The Novel
Messages over 150 words rarely get read. Keep it concise—aim for 50-100 words per message.
3. The Generic Template
Using "Dear [First Name]" and nothing else personalized. Prospects can spot these instantly.
4. The Desperate Follow-Up
Sending daily follow-ups or multiple messages in the same day. Space messages 3-7 days apart minimum.
5. The Attachment Ambush
Sending PDFs, slide decks, or links to book meetings in your first message. Earn the right to share resources.
6. The Humble Brag
"We're the #1 provider of..." Nobody cares. Lead with their problems, not your accolades.
Timing: When to Send Each Message
Timing affects response rates by up to 30%. Here's what works:
Best Days to Send
- Tuesday-Thursday: Highest response rates (15-20% above average)
- Monday: Avoid mornings, OK after 2pm
- Friday: Lower response rates, but decision-makers may be more relaxed
- Weekend: Depends on industry—avoid for traditional B2B
Best Times to Send
- 8-10am: Catching inbox attention at start of day
- 12-1pm: Lunch-break browsing
- 4-6pm: End-of-day wind-down
Sequence Timing
- Touch 1 → Touch 2: 3-4 days
- Touch 2 → Touch 3: 4-5 days
- Touch 3 → Touch 4: 7 days
- Touch 4 → Touch 5: 7-10 days
- Touch 5 → Touch 6: 10-14 days
Adjust based on buying cycle—longer for enterprise, shorter for SMB.
CRM Integration & Tracking
Manual outreach doesn't scale. Here's how to systemize:
Essential Tracking Metrics
Track these for every template:
- Send volume: Messages sent per template
- Response rate: Responses / sends
- Positive response rate: Interested responses / total responses
- Meeting book rate: Meetings booked / sends
- Time to response: Average days to first response
CRM Setup
Create custom fields in your CRM for:
- Last LinkedIn message date
- Touch number (1-6)
- Template used
- Response status (no response / positive / negative / meeting booked)
Automation Tools
Consider these platforms for scaling LinkedIn outreach:
- HubSpot Sales: Native LinkedIn integration
- Salesforce + LinkedIn Sales Navigator: Full integration
- Outreach/SalesLoft: Multi-channel sequences including LinkedIn
- Expandi/Dripify: LinkedIn-specific automation (use carefully to avoid restrictions)
Important: LinkedIn limits you to ~100-120 connection requests per week. Respect these limits to avoid account restrictions.
Optimization: Testing & Improving Templates
The best templates are constantly evolving. Here's how to optimize:
A/B Testing Framework
Test one variable at a time:
- Subject line variations (if using InMail)
- Opening line (question vs. statement vs. personalization)
- Call to action (direct ask vs. soft ask vs. resource share)
- Message length (50 words vs. 100 words vs. 150 words)
Run each test with minimum 50 sends per variant for statistical significance.
Template Refresh Cadence
- Review performance monthly
- Update underperforming templates (<10% response rate)
- Retire templates after 90 days if no improvement
- Create new variants quarterly based on market feedback
Response Analysis
Review your responses weekly and look for patterns:
- What objections come up repeatedly?
- Which value propositions resonate?
- What language do prospects use to describe their challenges?
Feed these insights back into your templates.
Putting It All Together: Your LinkedIn Messaging System
Here's how to implement these templates into a repeatable system:
Week 1: Setup
- Import these templates into your CRM or outreach tool
- Create A/B variants for your top 3 templates
- Set up tracking fields and metrics
- Build your 6-touch sequence cadence
Week 2-4: Test & Learn
- Send Touch 1 to 100 new connections
- Track response rates by template
- Advance responding prospects through sequence
- Document what's working
Month 2+: Scale & Optimize
- Double volume on best-performing templates
- A/B test new variants monthly
- Refine personalization layers
- Share learnings with team
Key Resources
To maximize your LinkedIn messaging strategy, combine these templates with:
- LinkedIn Lead Generation for Sales: Complete framework for B2B prospecting
- Connection Request Templates: Get higher acceptance rates before messaging
- LinkedIn Prospecting Workflow: Build a systematic outreach process
- Post Formatter Tool: Create engaging content that warms up prospects before outreach
Final Thoughts
LinkedIn messaging is not about sending more messages—it's about sending better messages at the right time with the right context.
These 15+ templates give you a proven foundation, but your success will come from personalization, persistence, and continuous optimization. Start with the 6-touch sequence, test what resonates with your audience, and refine based on real response data.
The prospects who book meetings aren't the ones who respond immediately—they're the ones who respond on touch 4, 5, or 6 because you provided value consistently without being pushy.
Now go book those meetings.
Ready to level up your LinkedIn strategy? Check out our complete guide to LinkedIn lead generation for sales teams and start converting connections into customers.
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Written by
Shanjai Raj
Founder at Postking
Building tools to help professionals grow on LinkedIn. Passionate about content strategy and personal branding.
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