Mastering an effective LinkedIn DM strategy shouldn’t feel like this much effort. Having conversations with them, sure! There should be at least a little effort involved in that. But just starting the conversation? It’s demotivating that most (if not every) DM you send is met with silence. Or, if you do get a response, it’s a complete shut down.
It makes you start questioning everything – your business, your offer – when the only thing you should be questioning is your LinkedIn DM strategy. You could be making such simple mistakes that won’t take a moment to fix.
Don’ts of an Effective LinkedIn DM Strategy
- Don’t use generic greetings like “Happy Monday”
- Don’t start with “Hi [First Name]”
- Don’t reach out without knowing the prospect’s background
- Don’t copy and paste messages that feel automated
- Don’t connect and pitch
- Don’t make the conversation only about you
Do’s for an Effective LinkedIn DM Strategy
- Do use details from their profile, posts or company content
- An effective LinkedIn DM strategy focuses on their interests, not your offer.
- Do create curiosity and keep the conversation relevant
- Do read the message out loud before sending (to test how natural it sounds)
- Do send messages to get to know the person, not to sell
Follow this DM Framework
We’ve already made it clear that your messages can’t feel automated. So, when we say to follow this framework, we mean to use it as a blueprint to create your own personalised messages.
Step 1: Curiosity
Only a small part of your message is going to preview in your prospect’s inbox. Those few words need to create enough curiosity for them to open the full message. That’s why generic ‘Happy Monday’ messages aren’t the most effective. Your prospects probably have inboxes full of those messages.
Stand out from the crowd with a unique, qualifying question or statement. Don’t go OTT with a promise you can’t deliver on but make sure your DM is one worth opening.
Step 2: Context
You don’t want to be writing email-length DMs but you also need to give your DMs a bit of context – the reason why you’re reaching out. This doesn’t mean sending a pitch or diving straight into your offer. It actually means sharing what brought you to their DMs in the first place.
Was it a post they shared or liked? A company or personal update? Keep things relevant to them and you won’t lose their interest.
Step 3: Clear next step
Again, don’t be pushy but also don’t waste anyone’s time. If someone is being responsive and engaging with you, get to the point. This still doesn’t mean sending a sales pitch, all you want to do is secure a meeting in the future.
You could even try double messaging people. In the first message, share why you’re reaching out and then use the second to propose a time and day to schedule a chat.
Building Rapport With Your LinkedIn DM Strategy
Implementing an effective LinkedIn DM strategy can feel like a fine art, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. But it doesn’t have to be this difficult. Don’t be afraid to be bold, just avoid being pushy. Guide people to the decision to work with you, don’t make them feel like they are being forced into it.
If you’re still unsure on the right DM etiquette to follow, get in touch with the PINAKL team.
For a more comprehensive guide on using LinkedIn to generate leads for your business, check out this resource.