The Ultimate Guide to LinkedIn Outreach

Published on 01.06.2026 by Chizoba T

When creating an outstanding social media outreach program, one of the top platforms to consider is LinkedIn. This is especially true for B2B marketers hoping to connect with other businesses. With over 1.3 billion users and one of the highest message response rates, LinkedIn is one of the top networking and sales sites for brands. In this article, we guide you on how to network well on LinkedIn.

What is LinkedIn Outreach?

LinkedIn outreach involves initiating and nurturing relationships with professionals through the platform's engagement channels. It is a multifaceted approach that involves:

  • A personalized connection request. You need to create tailored invitations that align with each connection's interests and professional background. This can help illustrate a genuine interest in relationship-building rather than just increasing the numbers.
  • Strategic messaging. A LinkedIn strategy should also involve developing a conversion strategy that adds value to your prospects, builds trust, and positions you as an expert in the field. 
  • Content engagement. You need to take part in relevant discussions with thoughtful comments and share insights that illustrate your perspective and knowledge.
  • Better targeting. You can use the LinkedIn Sales Navigator to identify and filter your connections based on certain behaviors, patterns, and criteria. The new LinkedIn AI features also make outreach easier.
  • Better networking. You can use an InMail campaign to reach high-value prospects outside your immediate network, opening doors that would otherwise remain closed.

Benefits of the LinkedIn Approach

LinkedIn offers great value for the modern business development in different areas, such as:

Perfect for Lead Generation

LinkedIn will offer you an opportunity to create a list of prospects. You can easily reach the decision makers in the target organization on the platform and use mutual connections and social proof to get warmer leads. Therefore, you should consider using LinkedIn for B2B lead generation.

Network Development

As the top ecosystem for professionals, LinkedIn enables you to join with partners in your niche. You can use the platform to create helpful content that positions you as an industry authority.

Higher Conversion Rate

Compared to traditional cold outreach methods, LinkedIn's response rate is usually higher. With meaningful conversations, it can lead to better qualifications. By adding your professional profile to the platform, you can also increase the level of trust there.

Is LinkedIn the Right Option for Outreach?

If you go to LinkedIn with the intention to sell, your attempt will fall flat. That's why, before you can start selling to your LinkedIn audience, you should find and connect with the right prospects and leads. With over 65 million decision makers on LinkedIn, you have an opportunity to connect with a highly relevant target audience. When well done, LinkedIn outreach can help your sales team to:

  • Avoid having an overflowing email inbox.
  • Improve the response rates. 
  • Build meaningful connections with targeted professionals.

However, LinkedIn might not be a great option for all businesses. There are several factors you need to consider when considering if it's the right choice for your business. Here are some of the factors to consider:

  • Ability to nurture relationships. LinkedIn networking requires social selling skills, which means that before you connect with leads, you should consider your ability to find the right people, build their trust, and persist until their conversion. Consider your company's size, team, and sales outreach priorities. Does that offer a viable opportunity? If not, you can save your energy.
  • Selling B2B products. LinkedIn is a B2B networking platform and may, therefore, be unsuitable for brands targeting end consumers. To ensure an effective LinkedIn strategy, you need to target professionals.
  • Have an active LinkedIn target audience. While LinkedIn is great for B2B marketing, not all B2B businesses are on LinkedIn. Certain industries are more active on the platform, such as Saas and Tech Brands.

Top Methods of LinkedIn Outreach

Let us now look at the exact outreach messages that you need to consider:

Direct Messages

Sliding into a prospect's DM can be a powerful outreach method. However, this should apply only after you have built a relationship with the prospects. When sending a LinkedIn DM, follow these steps.

  • An opening conversation. Find an opportunity or a topic that connects you with the prospects. Your goal should be to first build rapport before sending an invitation to connect.
  • Use a conversational tone. While formal tones are great for emails, you need to use a brief, personal, and conversational tone. You don't have to sign off with Yours sincerely. Otherwise, words such as “Dear Sir” only serve to create an unnecessary gap and add little to no value.

A Connection Request

Before you can send a direct cold email, your connection request must be approved. That means this will be the biggest hurdle you will face. Consider using these tips:

  • Personalize the message. Use a personalized message instead of: “Hi, I would like to connect.”
  • Add a CTA. After creating a relevant and brief connection request message, add a CTA.

InMail Messages

LinkedIn InMails are a good way to reach people outside your immediate network. However, this is a paid feature that requires a LinkedIn Premium Sales Navigator Account. Remember that your InMail credits are limited, so don't use them for untargeted messaging. Some best practices of using InMail include:

  • Make it short and sweet. According to one study, an InMail message with fewer than 400 characters gets a 22% higher response rate than longer messages.
  • Personalize the message. Using targeted and relevant communication can work across the sales channel. Therefore, take time to hook your audience with a subject such as "Hey, from a fellow workout enthusiast."
  • Stick to Monday to Thursday. Studies indicate that the best time for catching prospects is usually during business days.

Message Request

If you're in the same LinkedIn group, you can send them a message request, but they can accept or decline the invitation. One of the best tips for sending the message request is to show your mutual interest. The fact that you are already in a group indicates that you share an interest. Therefore, use that mutual interest in the messaging. Stay brief, relevant, and personalized.

In Conclusion

LinkedIn has transformed professional networking, making it easier for professionals and brands to reach decision-makers. However, you need a good strategy to avoid your connection being seen as spam. Follow the tips above for your LinkedIn outreach.