16 LinkedIn Cold Message Templates (Copy and Paste)

Hi {firstName}, I noticed {observation} at {company}. We help {audience} {result}, usually by {method}. Would it be useful if I sent a two-minute overview? If the timing is wrong, no problem at all.

Why it works: Starts with something specific about their company, explains the value in one line and asks for something small.

Hi {firstName}, your post about {topic} stood out, especially the part about {detail}. A lot of {role}s we work with run into the same thing. I put together a short {resource} on how they handle it. Want me to send it over? Either way, thanks for sharing the post.

Why it works: Leads with their own content and offers a resource first, so the message gives before it asks.

Hi {firstName}, I work with {audience} in {location} on {service}. I saw that {company} {observation}, and thought it might be relevant. Would a 15-minute call {timeframe} be worth it? If not, I will not follow up more than once.

Why it works: Local and specific, with a clear time ask and an honest promise about follow-ups.

Hi {firstName}, quick question: how is {company} handling {problem} right now? I ask because {reason}. If it is already solved, ignore this. If not, I can show you what {similarCompany} changed in one short call.

Why it works: Opens with a direct question about a real problem and gives them an easy way to say it is not relevant.

Hi {firstName}, I lead {role} at {company}. We both serve {audience}, but from different angles: you focus on {theirFocus}, we focus on {ourFocus}. I have an idea for a {partnershipIdea} that could help both audiences. Open to a short call to see if it fits?

Why it works: Shows the overlap clearly and names a concrete idea, so the partnership feels thought through.

Hi {firstName}, I have been following your work on {topic} for a while. My clients often ask about {theirTopic}, which is your area, not mine. Would you be open to a referral swap or a {collabFormat} together? Happy to share more first if you want to see what I do.

Why it works: Admits the gap honestly and frames the partnership as a way to serve clients better.

Hi {firstName}, several of our customers use both {ourProduct} and {theirProduct}, and a few have asked if they could work together. Would you be open to a 20-minute call with our {role} to explore an integration? I can share the requests we have received first.

Why it works: Uses real customer demand as the reason, which makes the ask relevant rather than speculative.

Hi {firstName}, I am a {role} in {location}, and I often get asked for a {theirRole} I trust. I would like to learn how you work so I can refer people with confidence. Would you be up for a coffee or a short call {timeframe}?

Why it works: Offers referrals first and asks only to learn, which is easy to say yes to.

Hi {firstName}, I noticed {observation} on {company}'s {channel}. I am a freelance {role} and recently helped {pastClient} {result}. I have one idea that could help with {goal}. Would you like me to send it in a few lines? No call needed.

Why it works: Specific observation, one relevant result and a no-pressure offer to share an idea in writing.

Hi {firstName}, congrats on {news}. Teams at this stage often need extra help with {need}. I am a freelance {role} who works with {audience}, usually on {projectType}. If that ever comes up, I would be glad to help. Here is a short portfolio: {link}

Why it works: Ties the pitch to a real moment in their company and leaves the next step entirely to them.

Hi {firstName}, I am a freelance {role} who specializes in {niche}. I saw {company} is hiring for {jobPost}, and wondered if project-based help could cover part of it while you search. Would that be worth a short conversation?

Why it works: Offers a practical solution to a visible need (an open role) without competing with their hiring plans.

Hi {firstName}, I will keep this short. I help {audience} with {service}. My last project: {result} for {pastClient}. If you are planning anything like that {timeframe}, I would love to be considered. If not, no reply needed.

Why it works: Short, confident and honest; it shows one proof point and makes it clear no reply is required.

Hi {firstName}, I am {myName}, a recruiter at {company}. Your work on {project} caught my attention. We are hiring a {role} to {mission}, and your background looks like a strong match. Open to a 15-minute call {timeframe}? If you are not looking, I understand. Would you mind if I checked back in later?

Why it works: Mentions a specific piece of their work, explains the role in one line and respects that they may not be looking.

Hi {firstName}, we have not met, but I have been reading your posts on {topic}. I am {myName}, {role} at {company}. I am working on {project} and would value your view on {question}. Would you be open to sharing your take in a reply or a short call?

Why it works: Asks for an opinion instead of a sale, which is easier to answer and starts a real conversation.

Hi {firstName}, I am reaching out about a {role} opening at {company} in {location}. A few details: {detail1}, {detail2}, and a salary range of {salaryRange}. Based on your experience in {field}, I thought it might interest you. Would you like the full description?

Why it works: Shares key details like pay and location up front, so the candidate can decide quickly.

Hi {firstName}, I am a {role} interested in {company}'s {team} team. I am not asking about a specific opening. I would just value 15 minutes to learn how your team approaches {topic}. If you are too busy, I completely understand.

Why it works: A low-pressure ask for advice from a stranger, with a clear time limit and an easy out.