How to Send Cold Messages Without Sounding Like Spam

Are you trying to grow your network? Direct Messaging doesn't have to feel salesy and robotic. Here are HiveNation's best practices for reaching out directly to grow your network without sounding like spam.

1. Research their Profile Beforehand
Researching prior to getting in touch will help you find the right targets and send the appropriate message. It can give you a better idea about how you can help someone and their business. Gather information that may come in handy when you are ready engage this person.

2. Aim to Genuinely Connect
People will respond best when you are looking to genuinely connect. Don't start off the conversation with what you're selling. Write in a professional, but still conversational tone. Remember--you are speaking to a real person! Begin by addressing them by their first name in a greeting and ask questions that hone in on what they may need. This will build trust and help you best understand how you can help.

Example:
Hi Jenny, I read (on your LinkedIn profile) that you are looking for ways to increase your social media presence. Are you looking for more engagement or followers?

3. Specificity Over General Message
Think about how you can provide value and what sets you apart. People are used to overlooking cold messages that feel quick or general. Consider how you can stand out in their inbox and capture their attention with a strong subject line if it's available. The unique things that you bring to your work are important to forming relationships with peers and potential clients.

Be specific with your language about what you can provide and what you are looking to gain from connecting with your target individual. Being too general or beating around the bush can leave people confused or uninterested in what you have to offer. Specificity and concision keep the conversation clear and direct.

Example:
SUBJECT LINE: Our last clothing retail client gained over 1000 followers in a week!
Hi Jenny, I read (on your LinkedIn profile) that you are looking for ways to increase your social media presence. Are you looking for more engagement or followers?
We got our last client over 1000 followers in a week. We work with hundreds of fashion influencers and can easily build your clothing line business. We already have 3 influencers who love your designs and are interested in getting started with you immediately.

4. Call to Action (CTA)
A call to action is important to keep the person dialed into your conversation. The last thing you want is to put your time and effort into reaching out to not receive a response in return. Asking a question at the end of your message will encourage the person to respond with an answer.

You can also use a strong verb that calls them to action. Accompany your CTA with where they can learn more about what you're offering, such as a link to a website or a social media page.

Example:
SUBJECT LINE: Our last clothing retail client gained over 1000 followers in a week!
Hi Jenny, I read (on your LinkedIn profile) that you are looking for ways to increase your social media presence. Are you looking for more engagement or followers?
We got our last client over 1000 followers in a week. We work with hundreds of fashion influencers and can easily build your clothing line business. We already have 3 influencers who love your designs and are interested in getting started with you immediately.
You can learn more from at company.com or message me directly. Would you like to get started?

5. Follow Up and Engage
Don't leave them hanging. Maintain your new connection by following up and continuing to engage with them after your initial contact. Regardless of the outcome of your message, this could be someone you interact with somehow in the future. You never know if this person could be your next client or coworker.

Example:
Hi Jenny, it’s been one week since I last reached out. I haven’t seen growth in your social presence. If that’s something you’re still looking for, we can get you to 1000 followers by next Monday! Message me to gain almost 150 followers today. Want to get started?

Building and maintaining your network is an investment that will continue to reward you throughout the life of your career. Don't hesitate to start using Direct Messaging as a tool to expand your network this year.

For any questions or more help, please message Jade Brandais or email her at community@hivenation.com.