LinkedIn InMail still feels mysterious for a lot of sellers—which is why it’s often underused or wasted. That’s a missed opportunity.

LinkedIn’s own learning resources point to InMail seeing average response rates in the 18–25% range, compared to the ~3% many teams see with cold email alone. Used well, InMail can be one of the highest-leverage channels in your outbound mix.

At Outbound Contact, we see InMail work best as part of a multichannel sequence alongside LinkedIn connection requests, profile views, and smart email follow-ups. Below, you’ll find:

• What makes a strong LinkedIn InMail
• 8 re-usable InMail templates for common sales scenarios
• How to plug them into your Outbound Contact campaigns

What makes a good LinkedIn InMail?

1. Smart personalization (beyond “Hi {{firstName}}”)

Generic InMails feel like spam, even if the offer is relevant. Good personalization shows you’ve done your homework:

• Mention a recent post, role change, or shared context
• Tie your message to their role, company, or visible priorities
• Reference a pain point that clearly applies to them

The goal is to make it obvious: “You’re not just sending this to 500 people.”

2. Make it about them, not you

If the InMail reads like a brochure, you’ll lose them. Keep your intro short and focus on the problem they’re trying to solve and the outcomes they care about.

3. Subject lines that earn the open

No open = no reply. Strong subject lines are clear, specific, and about their world, not your product name.

4. Respect their time

Aim for 3–6 short paragraphs and a single, clear call to action. Your job is to start a conversation, not deliver a whitepaper.

Reach out to a potential collaborator or partner

When to use it: To explore a partnership, referral relationship, or co-marketing idea.

Subject line:
Still taking on {{type of collaboration}} projects?

Hey {{firstName}},

I’m working with {{your ICP type}} in {{industry}} and your work around {{specific thing they do / share}} really stood out.

Are you currently taking on {{service / collaboration type}} opportunities with teams like ours at {{yourCompany}}?

If yes, I’d love to compare notes and see if there’s a fit for {{brief outcome, e.g. “joint webinars” / “shared lead gen initiatives” / “referrals when we’re not the best fit”}}.

Sincerely,
{{yourName}}
{{title}}, {{yourCompany}}

Why it works: It’s specific, respectful, and clearly based on research—not a random “let’s partner” blast.

Invite a lead to your event or webinar

When to use it: You’re hosting a focused, role-relevant event.

Subject line:
Join us for {{event name}}?

Hi {{firstName}},

We’re hosting a live session on {{key topic}} for {{role/segment, e.g. “RevOps and Sales Leaders in B2B SaaS”}} on {{date}}.

A few things we’ll cover:
- {{Topic 1}}
- {{Topic 2}}
- {{Topic 3}}

Given your role as {{their title}} at {{company}}, I thought it might be useful—and a good chance to see how others are tackling {{shared challenge}}.

Details & registration: {{link}}

If it doesn’t look relevant, feel free to ignore—just didn’t want you to miss it if you’re working on this right now.

Thanks,
{{yourName}}

Why it works: Shows who it’s for, what they’ll get, and gives them an easy “no thanks” without pressure.

Offer your product or service to a decision-maker

When to use it: Classic outbound to someone who owns the problem you solve.

Subject line:
Need help with {{problem}}?

Hello {{firstName}},

We’re helping {{company type, e.g. “mid-market SaaS teams”}} {{outcome, e.g. “book more meetings without burning out their SDRs”}}.

I noticed you’re {{their role}} at {{company}}, so I thought this might be on your radar.

With Outbound Contact, teams are:
- {{Benefit 1}}
- {{Benefit 2}}
- {{Benefit 3}}

Would you be open to a 15-minute call to see if this could help with {{specific KPI or goal they own}} at {{company}}?

If not, no worries—happy to send a quick loom overview instead.

Kindly,
{{yourName}}

Why it works: Centers on their KPIs and offers two low-friction next steps.

Promote content based on what they asked

When to use it: They asked a question your content already answers.

Subject line:
Re: your question on {{topic}}

Hi {{firstName}},

I saw your comment on {{person / post / group}} asking about {{their question / topic}}.

Our team at Outbound Contact recently put together a guide on {{content title or topic}} that walks through:
- {{Key insight 1}}
- {{Key insight 2}}

Here’s the link if you’d like to skim it: {{link}}

Either way, I thought it might save you some time. If you’d like, I can also share how we’re seeing {{similar companies}} apply this in practice.

Look forward to it.
{{yourName}}

Why it works: Ultra-relevant and value-first. You’re answering a question they already have.

Use a mutual connection as context

When to use it: You were referred or their name came up in a conversation.

Subject line:
{{mutualConnection}} suggested I reach out

Hi {{firstName}},

I was speaking with {{mutualConnection}} about {{topic}}, and your name came up as someone doing interesting work in {{their area of expertise}}.

I’d love to pick your brain on {{specific theme}} and share what we’re seeing other {{their role type}} do with Outbound Contact to {{outcome}}.

Would you be open to a quick chat sometime next week?

If now’s not ideal, I’m happy to send over a couple of notes instead.

Thank you,
{{yourName}}

Why it works: Warm intro, clear reason, and flexible call to action.

Invite them to a focused peer group

When to use it: You’re running a roundtable or community tailored to their role.

Subject line:
Quick invite for {{role}}s like you

Hello {{firstName}},

We’re hosting a small {{format, e.g. “virtual roundtable” / “Slack community”}} for {{role/ICP}} to share what’s working (and what isn’t) in outbound right now—sequences, messaging, and LinkedIn tactics included.

Given your role at {{company}}, I thought you might get a lot from the discussions. It’s intentionally small and practical, not a pitch fest.

If you’d like to check it out, here’s the link with details: {{link}}

Either way, I’d be curious what’s been working best for you on LinkedIn this quarter.

{{yourName}}

Why it works: Positions you as a connector, not just a seller, and leans into peer value.

Position yourself as a competitor alternative

When to use it: You know they’re using a competing solution.

Subject line:
{{competitor}} alternative you might like

Hey {{firstName}},

I saw that {{company}} is using {{competitor}} for {{main use case}}.

A lot of teams we talk to like {{competitor}} for {{what it’s good at}}, but end up switching to Outbound Contact when they need:
- {{USP 1}}
- {{USP 2}}
- {{USP 3}}

If you’re perfectly happy with {{competitor}}, ignore this. If you’re feeling any friction around {{problem}}, I’d be happy to share how others made the switch.

Open to a quick comparison chat?

Cheers,
{{yourName}}

Why it works: Respectful, specific, and focused on fit instead of generic “we’re better” claims.

Last-touch breakup InMail with a value gift

When to use it: You’ve already tried email + LinkedIn and haven’t heard back.

Subject line:
Did I overdo it?

Hey {{firstName}},

I’ve tried reaching you a couple of times about {{topic}}, and I get the feeling now might not be the right time. If so, totally fair.

As a parting gift, here’s a resource our team at Outbound Contact put together on {{value topic, e.g. “high-performing LinkedIn + email sequences”}} that you might find useful: {{link}}

I won’t chase you further, but if this sparks any ideas or you want a second opinion on your outbound strategy later, I’m just a message away.

Kind Regards,
{{yourName}}

Why it works: Ends the sequence gracefully, delivers value, and keeps the door open for later.

How to plug these InMails into Outbound Contact

These templates work best when they’re part of a sequence, not one-off shots.

With Outbound Contact, you can:

• Build multi-step flows that combine profile views, connection requests, InMails, and email
• Use dynamic tags ({{firstName}}, {{company}}, {{title}}, etc.) to keep messages personal at scale
• Track which InMail templates and sequences actually generate replies, meetings, and revenue

Start by:

1. Picking 2–3 templates that match your current motion (e.g. #3, #7, #8).
2. Turning them into reusable sequence steps in Outbound Contact.
3. A/B testing subject lines and small body tweaks to see what resonates with your ICP.

When you’re ready to turn LinkedIn and email into one cohesive outbound engine, Outbound Contact handles the heavy lifting—so your team can focus on talking to the right people, not chasing them manually.