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LinkedIn message and connection request templates

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Copyable connection notes, follow-ups, event, referral, recruiting and InMail templates. Client-campaign templates for lead gen agencies come first. Every connection note fits LinkedIn's 200-character free limit as written.

Before you copy

How should you use these LinkedIn templates?

Treat each template as a structure, not a script. Replace every [bracketed] blank with something true about the prospect, let LinkedCamp fill the {{variables}} for each lead, keep connection notes under 200 characters on a free account or 300 on Premium once filled, and save the offer for the message after they accept.

LinkedCamp variables
  • {{firstName}}Prospect's first name
  • {{lastName}}Prospect's last name
  • {{companyName}}Prospect's company
  • {{industry}}Prospect's industry
  • {{designation}}Prospect's job title
  • {{senderName}}Your name (the sending account)
  • {{signature}}Your email signature · email only

[bracketed text] is a blank you fill in before saving, not a variable.

Lead gen agencies

Client campaign templates for lead gen agencies

Written in the client's voice, for agencies that send from a client's LinkedIn account. Swap [client offer] and [client proof] for something the client can stand behind, and get their sign-off before launch.

How agencies run client campaigns in LinkedCamp →

  • Connection note

    Connection note: shared niche

    Hi {{firstName}}, I work with [target role]s in {{industry}} on [problem area]. Your work at {{companyName}} came up while I was researching the space. Would be good to connect.

    When to use it: First touch from the client's account when the only link is the market you both work in.

    177 characters as written · under the 200 free limit before names are filledVariables: {{firstName}} {{industry}} {{companyName}}Fill in: [target role] [problem area]

  • Connection note

    Connection note: recent trigger

    Hi {{firstName}}, saw that {{companyName}} is [trigger event]. We help {{industry}} teams through that stage with [client offer]. Happy to connect either way.

    When to use it: When the list is built from a signal: hiring, funding, expansion, a new product or a leadership change.

    158 characters as written · under the 200 free limit before names are filledVariables: {{firstName}} {{companyName}} {{industry}}Fill in: [trigger event] [client offer]

  • Message

    First message after they accept

    Thanks for connecting, {{firstName}}. Quick context: [client name] helps [target role]s at companies like {{companyName}} with [client offer]. [client proof] Is [problem area] on your list this quarter, or is it handled for now?

    When to use it: One to two days after acceptance. One question, no calendar link yet.

    230 characters as writtenVariables: {{firstName}} {{companyName}}Fill in: [client name] [target role] [client offer] [client proof] [problem area]

  • Message

    Second follow-up: something useful

    Hi {{firstName}}, no pressure on my last note. I put together [resource] on how {{industry}} teams handle [problem area]. Want me to send it over?

    When to use it: Four to six days after the first message, when there's no reply. Only offer a resource the client actually has.

    146 characters as writtenVariables: {{firstName}} {{industry}}Fill in: [resource] [problem area]

  • Message

    Last message: close the loop

    Hi {{firstName}}, I'll stop here so I'm not crowding your inbox. If [problem area] becomes a priority later, reply here and I'll pick it up. Good luck with [current initiative].

    When to use it: The final step of the sequence. Leaves the door open without another ask.

    177 characters as writtenVariables: {{firstName}}Fill in: [problem area] [current initiative]

Lead gen agencies

Templates for winning new agency clients

For the agency's own pipeline: founders and sales leaders who might hire you to run outbound. Lead with the niche you serve and a concrete first step, not with "we generate leads".

  • Connection note

    Connection note: the niche you serve

    Hi {{firstName}}, I run outbound for [niche] companies selling to [buyer role]s. Noticed {{companyName}} sells into the same buyers. Would like to connect.

    When to use it: Agency founder's first touch to a founder or sales leader in a niche you already serve.

    155 characters as written · under the 200 free limit before names are filledVariables: {{firstName}} {{companyName}}Fill in: [niche] [buyer role]

  • Message

    Message: offer a short audit

    Thanks for connecting, {{firstName}}. I looked at how {{companyName}} shows up for [buyer role]s on LinkedIn: [observation]. If useful, I can send a one-page outline of the audience and first message I'd test for you. No call needed.

    When to use it: After acceptance, when you've done five minutes of real research on their company.

    235 characters as writtenVariables: {{firstName}} {{companyName}}Fill in: [buyer role] [observation]

  • Message

    Message: a relevant client story

    Hi {{firstName}}, one thing that might be relevant: we run outbound for [similar client type], selling to the same [buyer role]s as {{companyName}}. Happy to walk you through how we set it up if outbound is on your plate this quarter.

    When to use it: Follow-up when you have a comparable client you're allowed to describe.

    234 characters as writtenVariables: {{firstName}} {{companyName}}Fill in: [similar client type] [buyer role]

In-house teams

LinkedIn connection request templates

Short notes for sales teams and founders. Each one gives a real reason to connect and holds the pitch for later.

  • Connection note

    Their post or comment

    Hi {{firstName}}, your post on [topic] was a useful read, especially the point about [specific point]. I work on the same problem with [target role]s. Would be glad to connect.

    When to use it: When the prospect posts or comments on LinkedIn. Quote one specific point.

    176 characters as written · under the 200 free limit before names are filledVariables: {{firstName}}Fill in: [topic] [specific point] [target role]

  • Connection note

    Shared group or community

    Hi {{firstName}}, we're both in [community]. I'm connecting with other [target role]s there to compare notes on [topic]. Happy to connect.

    When to use it: Groups, Slack communities, alumni networks or associations you both belong to.

    138 characters as written · under the 200 free limit before names are filledVariables: {{firstName}}Fill in: [community] [target role] [topic]

  • Connection note

    Same customers, different product

    Hi {{firstName}}, we both sell to [buyer role]s, {{companyName}} with [their product] and us with [your product]. Always good to know people working the same market.

    When to use it: Potential partners or referral sources rather than buyers.

    165 characters as written · under the 200 free limit before names are filledVariables: {{firstName}} {{companyName}}Fill in: [buyer role] [their product] [your product]

  • Connection note

    They viewed your profile

    Hi {{firstName}}, thanks for stopping by my profile. I see you're {{designation}} at {{companyName}}. Happy to connect if it's useful.

    When to use it: Warm signal, low effort. Keep it light; they already know who you are.

    134 characters as written · under the 200 free limit before names are filledVariables: {{firstName}} {{designation}} {{companyName}}

  • Connection note

    Plain and direct

    Hi {{firstName}}, I work with [target role]s at {{industry}} companies on [problem area]. No pitch here, just building my network in the space.

    When to use it: When there's no shared context. Honest beats a made-up reason.

    143 characters as written · under the 200 free limit before names are filledVariables: {{firstName}} {{industry}}Fill in: [target role] [problem area]

In-house teams

LinkedIn follow-up message templates

Messages for after someone accepts. One idea per message, a question they can answer in a line, and a clear stop at the end.

  • Message

    First message: one question

    Thanks for connecting, {{firstName}}. Curious how {{companyName}} handles [problem area] today: in-house, with a tool, or not a priority right now?

    When to use it: The first message after acceptance. Gets a reply even from people who aren't buying.

    148 characters as writtenVariables: {{firstName}} {{companyName}}Fill in: [problem area]

  • Message

    Share a specific idea

    Hi {{firstName}}, one idea for {{companyName}}: [specific idea]. We've seen this matter for [target role]s when [situation]. Worth a closer look on your side?

    When to use it: When you can name an idea specific to their company, not a generic tip.

    158 characters as writtenVariables: {{firstName}} {{companyName}}Fill in: [specific idea] [target role] [situation]

  • Message

    Ask for a short call

    Hi {{firstName}}, if [problem area] is on your list, I'd suggest 20 minutes to show how [your product] handles [use case]. Does [day option 1] or [day option 2] work, or is a different week better?

    When to use it: After they've replied with interest. Offer two concrete times.

    197 characters as writtenVariables: {{firstName}}Fill in: [problem area] [your product] [use case] [day option 1] [day option 2]

  • Message

    Ask who owns it

    Hi {{firstName}}, I may have the wrong person. Who at {{companyName}} looks after [problem area]? Happy to reach out to them directly and mention you pointed me there, only if you're comfortable with that.

    When to use it: When the title fits loosely and you suspect someone else owns the problem.

    205 characters as writtenVariables: {{firstName}} {{companyName}}Fill in: [problem area]

  • Message

    Break-up message

    Hi {{firstName}}, I'll leave it here. If [problem area] comes up later, this thread will still be here. All the best with [current initiative].

    When to use it: The last step. Ending politely keeps the connection useful.

    143 characters as writtenVariables: {{firstName}}Fill in: [problem area] [current initiative]

In-house teams

Event and webinar templates

Before and after events, where the shared context does most of the work.

  • Connection note

    Before the event

    Hi {{firstName}}, I see we're both going to [event name]. I'll be at [session or booth]. Would be good to connect beforehand and say hello there.

    When to use it: One to two weeks before an in-person event, using the attendee or speaker list.

    145 characters as written · under the 200 free limit before names are filledVariables: {{firstName}}Fill in: [event name] [session or booth]

  • Connection note

    After the event

    Hi {{firstName}}, good to be at [event name] this week. Your point on [topic] in [session] stuck with me. Let's stay connected.

    When to use it: Within a few days of the event, while it's fresh.

    127 characters as written · under the 200 free limit before names are filledVariables: {{firstName}}Fill in: [event name] [topic] [session]

  • Message

    Webinar follow-up message

    Thanks for joining [webinar title], {{firstName}}. The recording and slides are here: [link]. One question from the session I'd like your view on: [question]

    When to use it: To registrants who are already connections. Lead with what they signed up for.

    158 characters as writtenVariables: {{firstName}}Fill in: [webinar title] [link] [question]

In-house teams

Referral and mutual connection templates

Use only when the mutual connection is real and, ideally, has agreed to be mentioned.

  • Connection note

    Connection note: mutual connection

    Hi {{firstName}}, [mutual name] suggested I reach out since you both work on [topic]. Would be glad to connect.

    When to use it: When the mutual connection actually suggested it.

    111 characters as written · under the 200 free limit before names are filledVariables: {{firstName}}Fill in: [mutual name] [topic]

  • Message

    Asking a customer for an intro

    Hi {{firstName}}, thanks again for the kind words about [your product]. Is there anyone in your network who's dealing with [problem area] and might find it useful? Completely fine if not.

    When to use it: To happy customers who have said something positive recently.

    187 characters as writtenVariables: {{firstName}}Fill in: [your product] [problem area]

In-house teams

Recruiting outreach templates

For recruiters and hiring managers reaching passive candidates. Name the role and why this person, early.

  • Connection note

    Connection note: candidate

    Hi {{firstName}}, your work on [project or skill] at {{companyName}} stood out. We're hiring a [open role] at [hiring company] and I thought of you. Open to connecting?

    When to use it: Passive candidates where you can point to something specific they've done.

    168 characters as written · under the 200 free limit before names are filledVariables: {{firstName}} {{companyName}}Fill in: [project or skill] [open role] [hiring company]

  • Message

    Message: role details

    Thanks for connecting, {{firstName}}. The role: [open role] on the [hiring team] team at [hiring company], [location or remote]. You'd own [scope]. Salary range: [salary range]. Worth a 15-minute call, or not the right time?

    When to use it: After acceptance. Include the range if you can; it saves both sides time.

    226 characters as writtenVariables: {{firstName}}Fill in: [open role] [hiring team] [hiring company] [location or remote] [scope] [salary range]

In-house teams

InMail templates

For people you can't connect with first. InMail has room for more context, but short still reads better.

  • InMail

    Cold InMail with a reason

    Subject: {{companyName}} and [problem area] Hi {{firstName}}, I'm reaching out because [reason for reaching out]. We help [target role]s at companies like {{companyName}} with [your offer]. If that's relevant, would a short call in the next few weeks be useful? If not, no reply needed. {{senderName}}

    When to use it: Senior prospects who rarely accept invitations from strangers, or Open Profiles.

    305 characters as writtenVariables: {{companyName}} {{firstName}} {{senderName}}Fill in: [problem area] [reason for reaching out] [target role] [your offer]

Are these templates free to use?

Yes. Copy, edit and use them in any tool or by hand. They were written for this page, and you don't need a LinkedCamp account to use them.

How do the {{variables}} in these templates work?

In LinkedCamp, {{firstName}}, {{lastName}}, {{companyName}}, {{industry}}, {{designation}} and {{senderName}} are filled in for each lead; {{signature}} works in email steps only. Text in [brackets] is not a variable: write it in before you save the template. Check a few previews before launching.

Why are there no reply rates next to the templates?

Because we don't have data that would make a number honest. Results depend on your list, offer and profile far more than on wording. Track acceptance and reply rates for your own campaigns and keep what works for your audience.

Put a template into a sequence.

LinkedCamp fills the {{variables}} for each lead and sends from a dedicated IP within conservative limits. 14-day free trial, no credit card.