How to Write a LinkedIn DM That Gets a Reply
How to Write a LinkedIn DM That Gets a Reply
LinkedIn DMs are where leads go to die.
You've probably sent one that sounded polite, professional, and “helpful”—and still got no response.
You’re not alone.
Most messages fail because they’re:
- Too long
- Too vague
- Too self-centered
- Too templated
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Here’s how to write LinkedIn DMs that actually get replies—especially if you’re a founder, operator, or seller.
🧠 First, Understand the Default Mindset
The person you’re DMing is:
- Busy
- Jaded from pitch spam
- Deciding in 3 seconds if your message is worth their time
So your message must pass the 3-second scan:
- Is this relevant to me?
- Is this human?
- Is this short?
If not—you’re ignored.
✍️ Structure of a High-Response DM
1. Personal hook
Reference something they said, did, or care about.
2. Shared relevance
Explain how your message connects to their work, problem, or interest.
3. Light CTA
Invite conversation, don’t force a call.
📬 Example DM (Cold → Warm)
Hey Maria, saw your comment on async sales onboarding—super relevant. We've been working on a similar problem with early-stage B2B teams.
Would love to swap notes or hear how you're approaching it. Totally casual—no pitch.
✅ Short
✅ Specific
✅ Respectful
✅ Curious, not pushy
🚫 What to Avoid (And Why It Fails)
❌ “Hi, I’d love to connect and learn more about your work.”
→ Generic. There’s no reason to reply. Everyone says this.
❌ “Can I show you a quick demo of our platform that helps with [X]?”
→ Too soon. No trust yet. Feels like a pitch.
❌ “Let me know if you’re free for a 15-minute call.”
→ Heavy ask upfront. No value exchange.
💡 Better CTAs That Spark Replies
- “Curious how you're thinking about [X]...”
- “Mind if I share a quick idea we’ve seen work?”
- “Would love to swap notes if you’re exploring this too.”
- “Open to jamming on this for 10 mins sometime?”
Keep it light. Keep it optional. Let them lean in.
🔁 Timing + Follow-Up = Secret Sauce
- Best times to DM: Mid-morning or late afternoon (their local time)
- Follow up once after 3–5 days if no response
- In follow-up, be friendly, not needy:
Hey, just bumping this in case it got buried. No pressure—still curious to swap notes if useful.
🧰 Tools You Can Use (Ethically)
- Jerry: Surfaces leads who engage with your posts (warm DMs only)
- Clay/Apollo: To enrich data—but never automate blindly
- LinkedIn notes: Use them to track DM status without a spreadsheet
Automation kills trust.
Context earns replies.
🧠 One DM ≠ One Shot
Even if they don’t reply now:
- Keep engaging on their posts
- Comment genuinely
- Add value publicly
That way, when you DM again later, you’re not a stranger—you’re familiar.
TL;DR — DMs That Win Are Human, Not Hype
- Keep it short
- Lead with context
- Show you care
- Invite conversation
- Don’t push the pitch
Because the best DMs don’t sell.
They start conversations that earn permission.
P.S.
We built Jerry to help founders and B2B sellers reach out only when the timing’s right—based on who’s engaging, not guessing.
It even helps write the DM for you (without sounding like a template).