LinkedIn InMail message prompts

Imagine having a brilliant sales copywriter, a data analyst, and a networking expert all collaborating to craft the perfect LinkedIn InMail for each of your prospects. Now, imagine achieving that level of personalization and impact at scale. That's the power of AI-driven InMail message generation. In this guide, you'll learn how to harness artificial intelligence to produce InMail messages that speak directly to your prospects' needs, challenges, and aspirations. By mastering the art of prompt engineering for LinkedIn outreach, you'll turn the world's largest professional network into your most powerful sales tool. Get ready to revolutionize your approach to social selling and watch your LinkedIn connections flourish into valuable business relationships.

Use Case: 
Outbound
Channel: 
Social
Play: 
Initial cold outreach

User prompt #1: Subject line

Think of a user prompt as a specific set of instructions you give your AI for how it should write a piece of content – in this case, the subject line of a LinkedIn InMail message.

For example, this type of user prompt should include directions for handling details like:

  • Whether the subject line should include the recipient’s name or not; 
  • The ideal length for a subject line; and,
  • What types of information to highlight in the subject line to generate curiosity, build trust, and encourage a response.

Ultimately, this kind of direction and guidance can help the AI craft high-quality subject lines that capture your prospects’ attention and drive engagement.

User prompt guidelines

  • Specify the context: Clearly state that this is for a LinkedIn InMail message.
  • Leverage LinkedIn connection: Ask the AI to incorporate any shared connections, groups, or interests you may have with the prospect on LinkedIn.
  • State the message's goal: Specify the desired outcome (e.g., schedule a call, start a conversation).
  • Set character limits: Typically, aim for 60 characters or less to ensure full visibility on all devices.
  • Request personalization: Ask for placeholders (e.g., {{FirstName}}, {{Company}}, or {{Industry}}) to be included for personalization.
  • Specify tone: Describe the desired tone (e.g., professional, friendly, engaging) to match your LinkedIn strategy.
  • Ask for action-oriented language: Request the use of strong verbs to create a sense of opportunity or connection.
  • Encourage curiosity: Instruct the AI to create subject lines that pique interest and prompt opening the message.
  • Emphasize relevance: Ask the AI to focus on the prospect's professional interests or challenges.
  • Include urgency (if appropriate): Request elements that create a sense of timeliness or exclusive opportunity.
  • Avoid spam triggers: Instruct the AI to avoid all caps, excessive punctuation, or commonly flagged spam words.
  • Encourage questions: Suggest the use of engaging questions in some variations to prompt a response.
  • Request multiple options: Ask for several variations to allow for A/B testing and different approaches (e.g., industry-focused, benefit-focused, curiosity-driven).
  • Incorporate social proof: If applicable, ask for the inclusion of mutual connections or shared groups to add credibility.
  • Specify industry focus: Mention the industry or niche to ensure relevance (e.g., SaaS, manufacturing).
  • Consider emoji use: If appropriate for your brand and the prospect, ask the AI to suggest versions with and without emojis.
  • Align with message content: Remind the AI to create subject lines that set accurate expectations for the InMail body.

Remember, the more specific and detailed your prompt is, the better the AI's output will be. Don't hesitate to iterate and refine your prompt based on the results you get. Prompt engineering is often an iterative process, and you'll improve with practice.

Prompt template: User prompt for an InMail message subject line

Create a LinkedIn InMail subject line for an initial outreach message. We're connecting about our AI-powered sales automation platform. Our goal is to engage the prospect and start a conversation. Use a professional yet friendly tone. The subject line should:

  • Be 40 characters or less
  • Include a personalization element (use {{FirstName}}, {{Company}}, or {{Industry}} as placeholders)
  • Reference a LinkedIn-specific element (e.g., shared connection, group, or interest)
  • Have a professional, approachable tone
  • Create a sense of relevance or value
  • Use action-oriented language

Avoid spam triggers and clickbait tactics. Focus on the prospect's professional interests and the unique value we can provide. If appropriate, include a question or hint at shared professional interests. Ensure each subject line is unique and test-worthy.

Examples of subject line outputs

“{{FirstName}}, let's connect on AI in {{Industry}}”

“Shared group: Boosting sales productivity at {{Company}}?”

“{{FirstName}}, your profile caught my eye. Quick chat?”

“AI sales trends in {{Industry}} - your thoughts?”

“{{FirstName}}, [Mutual Connection] suggested we connect”

User prompt #2: InMail message body

Think of a user prompt as a specific set of instructions you give your AI for how it should write a piece of content – in this case, the body of a LinkedIn InMail message.

For example, this type of user prompt should include directions for handling details like:

  • The salutation and closing for the message;
  • What information should be conveyed in each paragraph; 
  • Any additional prospect-related information to reference in order to generate curiosity, build trust, and encourage a response; and,
  • What kind of CTA to include.

Ultimately, this kind of direction and guidance can help the AI craft high-quality InMail messages that capture your prospects’ attention and drive engagement.

User prompt guidelines

  • Provide section-by-section instructions: Break down the message structure and give specific guidance for each paragraph or section.
  • Personalize the approach: Provide specific details about the prospect's LinkedIn profile, shared connections, or groups.
  • Clarify the goal: Clearly articulate the message's objective, such as starting a conversation or introducing your solution.
  • Highlight LinkedIn-specific elements: Include guidance on how to prominently mention shared connections, groups, or interests.
  • Specify unique requirements: Mention any unique aspects of the LinkedIn outreach that should be addressed in the message.
  • Request value proposition: Ask the AI to clearly articulate the value you can offer, based on the prospect's LinkedIn profile or industry.
  • Leverage relevant insights: Include any insights gained from the prospect's LinkedIn activity or posts.
  • Set guidelines for handling potential objections: Instruct the AI on how to subtly address concerns the prospect might have about being contacted on LinkedIn.
  • Specify follow-up actions: Indicate any desired follow-up actions or next steps you want to be included in the message.
  • Request specific examples: Ask for the inclusion of case studies or specific product features that align with the prospect's industry or role.
  • Specify call-to-action details: Clearly state what action you want the recipient to take and how it should be presented in the message.
  • Request a P.S. or postscript: If it follows your brand tone and style, ask for a compelling P.S. that adds value, creates urgency, or reinforces the LinkedIn connection. If your brand’s style doesn’t call for postscripts, instruct the AI to not include one.

Remember, the more specific and detailed your prompt is, the better the AI's output will be. Don't hesitate to iterate and refine your prompt based on the results you get. Prompt engineering is often an iterative process, and you'll improve with practice.

Prompt template: User prompt for an InMail message body

Create a LinkedIn InMail message body for an initial outreach. We're connecting about our AI-powered sales automation platform. The message should aim to engage the prospect and start a meaningful conversation. 

Structure the message as follows:

  • **First Paragraph**:
    • Vary the beginning with phrases like "I saw," "I noticed," "I came across," "I read about," or "I heard about."
    • Mention a recent company event, something from their bio, or a company tweet.
    • Include a question asking how they plan to solve a persona-specific challenge related to the recipient's role. Reference {{pain points}} or {{value propositions}} that we can solve.
    • Example: "I saw your team's latest product launch. How are you planning to leverage AI while scaling your team?"
  • **Second Paragraph**:
    • Offer yourself as a resource without being overly promotional.
    • Vary the beginning with phrases like "Let me know if it would be helpful...", "Would it be useful to...", "Happy to share how...", "If you'd like, I can explain how...", or "It might be helpful to..."
    • Personalize the offer, referencing the recipient's industry or role.
    • Example: "Would it be useful to share how other tech companies are solving this?"

System prompt

Think of system prompts as the directions you give your AI regarding the specific format, structure, voice, and tone you want the AI to capture in your LinkedIn InMail messages. 

System prompts are typically set once and rarely changed, serving as the AI's constant frame of reference.

By providing this level of direction and detail, the AI will have the context it needs to be able to adjust its communication style so that it creates compelling and contextually appropriate messaging for each prospect.

System prompt guidelines

  • Define the AI's role: Clearly specify that the AI is acting as a professional sales expert specialized in crafting engaging LinkedIn InMail messages.
  • Define the context clearly: Specify that these are LinkedIn InMail messages; emphasize the importance of leveraging the professional network while providing value to the prospect.
  • Set the tone: Establish the overall tone as professional, friendly, and value-focused, balancing LinkedIn etiquette with business objectives.
  • Establish content standards: Set universal content parameters, like typical message length or required elements (e.g., personalization, call-to-action, clear reference to LinkedIn connection).
  • Ensure compliance: Outline compliance guidelines and any company-wide policies that should always be followed.
  • Structure the response: Specify the general structure for LinkedIn InMail messages, including standard sections or formatting.
  • Incorporate brand voice: Provide guidelines on how to incorporate your brand's unique voice and values into all communications.
  • Set language preferences: Specify preferred language choices, including any industry-specific terminology or phrases to use or avoid. Instruct the AI to emphasize the value of the LinkedIn connection and potential outcomes for the prospect.
  • Establish data handling protocols: Outline how sensitive prospect information should be handled and referenced in messages.
  • Define personalization depth: Set guidelines for how deeply the AI should attempt to personalize based on available LinkedIn profile information.
  • Outline follow-up strategy: Provide guidance on how this introductory message should set up potential future engagements on LinkedIn.

Prompt template: System prompt for a LinkedIn InMail message

You are a professional, friendly sales expert specialized in crafting engaging and effective LinkedIn InMail messages. You can create messages that leverage the LinkedIn platform while providing value to the prospect. You write at an 8th grade reading level for clarity, but maintain a confident and knowledgeable voice.

  • **Formatting**:
    • Keep the message under 150 characters with 2 paragraphs.
    • Use only the recipient's first name.
    • Keep the sentences short and choppy.
    • Do not use the subject in the body of the message.
    • Do not include DISC profile.
  • **Tone**
    • Be curious and conversational.
    • Don't be impressed by them, you are their peer.
    • Avoid overly formal language and make your message sound personable.
  • **Personalization**:
    • Tailor your InMail to the recipient's profile, referencing their recent activities or achievements.
    • Make the message relevant and specific to their interests.
  • **Clear Value Proposition**:
    • Articulate what you can offer the recipient and why they should respond.
    • Highlight the benefits of your product/service clearly.

Given JSON for content data, use fields from JSON to write the accurate content.

Strictly adhere to the following guidelines unless the user says otherwise:

  • Keep the message shorter than 90 words.
  • Do not use sentences starting with "I hope," "Hope," or "As a" and do not introduce yourself.
  • Prefer "hey" over hi, hello, or dear in the salutation.
  • Avoid introducing yourself.
  • Add a new line after the salutation.
  • Use only the first name in the salutation and sign-off.
  • Add a signature at the end of the InMail. Do not use the words "[Signature]" or "Signature" to label the signature.
  • Do not add the sender company's value proposition or slogan at the end of the signature.
  • If you are adding the company name in the signature, add it on a new line.
  • Do not add URLs in the signature.
  • In the signature, only use these keywords: "Best Regards," "Thanks," and "Regards."
  • Do not add a P.S. at the end of the InMail. Do not add the current date at the end of the InMail.
  • Include a blank line before the closing.
  • For closing, only use these keywords: "Best Regards," "Thanks," and "Regards." Make sure to switch up the closing instead of using the same one every time.
  • Do not include a blank line after closing.
  • Do not write the subject.
  • Do not make facts on your own. Use only the information that is provided.

Examples of LinkedIn InMail messages written by AI

To show you how this all works together, we used the sample user and system prompts we showed you earlier and plugged them into a Regie.ai AI Sales Agent. 

Below, you’ll find three examples of LinkedIn InMail messages Regie.ai created based on those prompts. (All names and company information were made up for the purposes of these examples.)

Subject line: Revolutionize FutureTech's sales strategy

Hey Jamie,

I heard about FutureTech's initiative to embrace cutting-edge technologies. How are you leveraging AI to stay ahead in your sales strategies?

It might be helpful to explore how our AI sales platform is driving significant ROI for companies in your sector.

Thanks, 

Morgan

SalesBoost AI

Sample InMail message #1

Subject line: Alex, scaling sales at TechCorp's pace?

Hey Alex,

I noticed TechCorp's recent expansion announcement. How are you planning to scale your sales team while maintaining efficiency?

Let me know if it would be helpful to share how other tech companies are leveraging AI to automate their sales processes.

Best regards, 

Sarah

‍SalesBoost AI

Sample InMail message #2

Subject line: Cracking the code on GlobalTech's outreach

Hey Jordan,

I came across your post about GlobalTech's ambitious growth targets. How are you addressing the challenge of maintaining personalized outreach at scale?

Happy to share insights on how AI is revolutionizing sales engagement for companies in your industry.

Thanks, 

Michael

SalesBoost AI

Sample InMail message #3

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