SDR LinkedIn message examples: four templates
A LinkedIn message is read on a phone, in a few seconds. Keep each one under 50 words, name one reason and ask one question.
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Four templates
Connection request: "Hi Sam, I work with finance leads on supplier payment approvals. Your team's growth caught my eye. Happy to connect."
First message after they accept: "Thanks for connecting, Sam. Many finance teams tell me approvals slow down as they add offices. Is that true at Acme?"
Follow-up after a week: "Sam, one more note. If approvals are not a priority this quarter, tell me and I'll stop there. If they are, I can share how two teams cut the delay."
Reply to a question: "Good question. In short, we connect to your accounts system and route approvals by amount. Happy to show it in 15 minutes. Does Thursday work?"
Claim only results you can prove. Swap "two teams" for your real number.
What to avoid
- A pitch in the connection request.
- Long paragraphs and attachments.
- Copying the same text to every buyer.
- Pretending to know the buyer personally.
See inside
Fit it into a sequence
Use LinkedIn between calls and emails, not instead of them. The outreach cadence templates show a sequence, and the subject line guide covers the email side.
Check your own
- Print five sent messages.
- Count the words and the questions in each.
- Cross out any line that could go to any buyer.
Next step: track replies and meetings with the free SDR KPI cheat sheet.
Questions
How long should an SDR LinkedIn message be?
Under 50 words. Short messages are easier to read on a phone.
Should an SDR pitch in the connection request?
No. Give one reason to connect and save the ask for the next message.
How many follow-ups should an SDR send?
One or two, a week apart. Then stop and move to another channel.
Also: account research checklist.
Related guides
Cold outreach cadence templates
Four SDR cadences with timing, openers and exit rules.
SDR cold email subject lines
Four styles with examples and a one-change-a-week test.
SDR follow-up email after a call
Three short templates for no answer, a chat and a booked meeting.
Turn this into a programme you can run
14 Notion modules and 6 working trackers for SDR leaders. KPI library, comp calculator, cadence builder, interview scorecard, tool scorecard and a 90-day roadmap. £29, one payment, plus VAT for UK and EU buyers.
Treat benchmarks as starting points. Tune them to your market, deal size and sales cycle. Every figure shows its source and year.