Key Takeaway
Most people send LinkedIn messages that get ignored — not because their offer is bad, but because their message feels like a pitch, not a conversation. In this post, you’ll get real data from 347 LinkedIn messages I sent, what actually got replies, and the exact message structure that consistently worked.
Why Most LinkedIn Messages Get Ignored
Here’s the brutal truth: people don’t want to be pitched. Especially not on LinkedIn.
Messages fail for a few reasons:
- They’re too long
- They’re too generic
- They sound like everyone else
- They open with “I help businesses…” instead of showing real intent
When your first line sounds like a cold email, people will ignore it. Instead, focus on making the message feel like a real conversation. That shift alone can change your response rate.
My 347 Message Breakdown (Data)
I tested 3 different styles over 30 days:
- Style A: Direct & Professional
- Style B: Light & Friendly
- Style C: Insightful & Curious
Messages were sent to:
- Founders, Heads of Growth, and B2B SaaS leads
- Warmed up via post engagement (in most cases)
- Tracked using MyOutreach to monitor engagement, replies, and activity
As a result, this structure allowed for a consistent way to compare results and spot trends.
Why These LinkedIn Messages Got Replies
Out of 347 messages, 27 got real replies (not just a “thanks”). Here’s what the successful ones had in common:
- Short (under 4 lines)
- Specific compliment or context
- No pitch in the first message
- Clear but casual CTA (“Want me to send it over?”)
Example (that got a reply):
Hey Sarah — saw your post on scaling outbound. Loved the bit about intent-driven targeting.
Working with a few SaaS teams on that exact thing. Want me to send a quick idea that’s worked?
This example kept the tone light while demonstrating immediate relevance and value. Consequently, it stood out in a crowded inbox.
The Best Structure for LinkedIn Messages That Get Replies
What didn’t work was just as revealing:
- Messages that opened with “Hope you’re doing well”
- Pitches in the first DM
- No reference to the person’s content or role
- Overly formal tone
🚫 Avoid phrases like: “I’d love to show you how we help companies…”
They scream automation. Even if they’re true, they trigger delete.
By contrast, a more conversational approach created trust and increased engagement.
The 3-Line Message Formula That Converts
Use this if you want LinkedIn messages that get replies:
Line 1: Personal context or relevant comment
Line 2: Subtle value or curiosity
Line 3: Soft CTA (“Want me to send it over?”)
Template:
Hey [First Name] — saw your [post/comment/role change] and it caught my eye.
Working with similar folks on [outcome]. Might be useful.
Want me to send it over?
The Follow-Up Trick That Boosted Replies
Timing and tone matter. These three points helped boost reply rates:
- Best time to send: Tues–Thurs, 9–11am
- Best tone: Conversational, not pitchy
- Follow-up: Wait 2–3 days, then send a light nudge
Follow-Up Example:
Just circling back in case this got buried — happy to send the tip if you’re still curious!
Additionally, use tools like MyOutreach to:
- Automatically track who hasn’t replied
- Suggest your next move
- Move leads to the “Follow-Up” tab without manual effort
Templates You Can Steal Today
Friendly:
Hey [Name]! Loved your recent post on [topic].
Working with a few SaaS folks on that lately. Want a quick tip?
Direct:
Saw you’re hiring SDRs — we’ve seen reply rates jump from 9% to 32% with this tweak.
Want me to send it over?
Insightful:
Your comment on trial users = low intent really hit.
Curious if you’ve tried this angle on activation?
Each version speaks directly to a context or insight the recipient has recently shared. Therefore, it feels personal rather than promotional.
Final Thoughts
The takeaway? Most LinkedIn messages are ignored because they feel cold, templated, and robotic.
Instead, be short. Be relevant. Be human.
Track what works. Adjust what doesn’t. And follow up like a pro.