How to write cold DMs that actually get replies — without sounding like LinkedIn AI.
Your DMs sound like ChatGPT wrote them.
Let’s be real.
Most cold DMs I see from EU founders sound like this:
“Hi [Name], I came across your profile and was impressed with your background. I’d love to connect and explore synergies!” LOLLL.
Zero soul.
Zero insight.
Zero chance.
The second I read that, I know two things:
You don’t know me.
You don’t know how I think.
And if your first message screams “copy/paste,”
you’re done.
So let’s fix that.
Here’s how to write cold DMs Americans actually reply to — and want to talk to you after.
Rule #1: You’re not selling. You’re showing up.
Don’t pitch. Don’t push. Don’t ask for 30 minutes.
Just start a conversation.
Think:
“How would I talk to this person if we sat next to each other on a plane?”
Would you launch into a deck?
Or would you ask something interesting and personal?
That’s the vibe your DM should carry.
Rule #2: Be weirdly specific
Most DMs fail because they’re too vague.
“Saw your startup and thought there might be overlap.”
Nope.
Instead:
“Saw you just hired a U.S. AE and launched your first product-led plan — how’s the conversion from free to paid looking so far?”
See the difference?
Now I know you’ve done your homework.
Now I’m curious.
And that’s all you need to spark a reply.
Rule #3: Respect the scroll
Don’t write an essay.
Don’t introduce your company in paragraph one.
Don’t say “just 15 minutes.”
Instead, write like a text.
Here’s the exact structure that lands:
First line: Show them you know them
“Loved your post about onboarding pain — felt too real lol.”
Second line: Drop context + curiosity
“We helped another SaaS lead cut onboarding time in half — made me actually think of you guys.”
Third line: Low-friction CTA
“Want me to shoot over a short a Loom?”
No friction.
No fluff.
No corporate cringe.
Just a clean, specific, human message.
You’re not selling the call.
You’re selling interest in the conversation.
Bonus: What if they don’t reply?
Wait 2 days. Then send this:
“Zero pressure if this missed — just figured it might hit close to home based on where you’re headed. Anyway, i’ma bet my mortgage on the Bears this weekend if I don’t hear for ya”
That line works like magic.
It removes ego, adds relevance, has some casual fun and reopens the door.
The DMs that win in the U.S. don’t feel like outreach.
They feel like a sharp person saying something you actually want to hear.
That’s who you need to be.
Not the founder with 1,000 automated messages.
The one who knows how to show up and spark a real convo.
—
Paulius
Founder, Exported