The Brutal Truths About Warm Messaging vs Cold Messaging on LinkedIn

Most of us hate receiving cold messages, but many of us still send them.

In this article, I will explain the key differences between cold and warm messaging, why you should conduct as much warm outreach as possible, and how you can, in practical terms, make your messages warmer.

Cold vs Warm Messaging – A Comparison

Cold messaging is when someone contacts someone else without any prior interaction or connection. We all receive them: connection messages, messages that are massive and untargeted, and InMails from people looking to sell. They’re like meeting someone for the first time and asking them to get married.

Warm messaging, on the other hand, is messages that build on existing relationships or interactions.

Cold Messaging:

• Unsolicited and unexpected
• No prior relationship or interaction
• Often perceived as intrusive
• Higher risk of being ignored, disconnected or reported

Warm Messaging:

• Based on previous engagement
• Builds on existing relationship
• Personalised and relevant
• Higher likelihood of response and engagement

Why Focus on Warm Messaging?

Warm messaging offers many advantages that make it a more effective strategy for LinkedIn outreach.

Looking at this from a business perspective:

1. Higher Response Rates

There are various stats on cold vs warm messaging, ranging from x10 to x100 times better response rates. Whichever stat you believe, or see for yourself, the brutal truth is that warm messaging outperforms cold messaging hands down.?

2. Improved Conversion Rates

Not only will you be spending your time more wisely, but warm messaging also leads to higher-quality interactions. This should result in better conversion rates, whether your goal is scheduling meetings or closing deals.

3. Higher ROI

With higher response and conversion rates, warm messaging typically yields a better return on investment compared to cold outreach strategies.

4. Best Use of Time

By focusing on warm leads, you are spending your time and resources more wisely on people who are more likely to convert. This improves overall sales efficiency and productivity.

Sales stats and money are one thing, but the human element is also important.

5. Your Reputation

It takes a lifetime to build a reputation and a second to destroy it. When you message someone, you are not sending it on behalf of your company; you are sending it on behalf of yourself. What you send will affect your reputation now and in the future.

6. Burning Leads

On LinkedIn (and in business in general), many enter into short-termism thinking. “So what if I send this unsolicited message or email? It won’t matter.” It will matter because that contact will likely not engage with you again. Some will disconnect from you or report you. In terms of email, over time, your domain reputation gets destroyed. People are quick to judge and do remember.

7. Relationship Building

Warm messaging builds stronger professional relationships. They allow for more natural, personalised conversations that can lead to long-term friendships and partnerships.

8. Trust and Credibility

Warm messaging breeds familiarity and helps establish trust more quickly, making recipients more receptive to your message and the value that you offer.

Best Practices for Warm Messaging on LinkedIn

In order to make the most of warm messaging, consider the following:

1. Improved Targeting

The first thing to consider is who you are reaching out to. Make sure the people you plan to send a message to are the best recipients. Invest an appropriate amount of time and resources in identifying the best audience to focus on.

2. Use Insights

Warm messaging should apply to target prospects who have already shown interest in you, what you offer, your content, your company or some other piece of sales intelligence you have. Use segmentation to help you organise your outreach.

3. More Personalised Approach

With warm messaging, you have context to craft more relevant and personalised messages. This increases the chances of engaging your recipient, starting meaningful conversations and building relationships.

4. Engage with Their Content

Your target prospects' content is an opportunity to build relationships. Commenting on your prospect's posts before reaching out provides context for part of your message and creates a warm feeling. Everyone likes it when others pay attention to us and what we’re doing.

5. Find Common Ground

Not everyone is active on LinkedIn, so find common ground to include in messaging. Research their profile. What shared interests or experiences do they have? Common ground helps establish rapport and makes your message more relatable.

6. Keep Messages Concise and Valuable

Keep your messages short, focused, and offer clear value. Messages that are too long or aren’t relevant and valuable get poor response rates.

7. Be Human

The most important thing is to respect your recipient and act like a normal human being. Be friendly and conversational, and avoid being pushy or overly persistent. Put yourself in the recipient’s shoes. Would you respond to your message?

In Summary

Focusing on truly warm messaging can significantly improve your LinkedIn outreach results, both from a business and a personal perspective. Both matter.

Messaging outreach on LinkedIn is about building relationships, not just sending messages. Remember, the goal is to start warm conversations with people whom you can genuinely help, not to pitch to close deals immediately.

LinkedIn is a relationship-building platform. Warm messaging respects the recipients while maximising opportunities and business growth.

Switch to sending warm messages today.

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