Darren’s approach

Darren McKee has sent over 12,000 DMs on LinkedIn without using any automation.

He believes this personal touch is why his presence on the platform continues to grow.

Why it works:

→ Most people grow and then automate or outsource.

→ Darren’s hands-on approach makes him stand out.

Types of DMs Darren sends:

1. New engagement DMs: Reaching out to those who recently engaged with his content.

2. Content-related DMs: Complimenting someone on their post after liking and commenting on it.

3. Prospecting DMs: Aiming to book meetings with potential clients.

4. Profile view DMs: Messaging people who visited his profile.

5. In your city DMs: Connecting with people in cities he’s traveling to.

6. Friend DMs: Keeping in touch with his community and frequent contacts.

Advice:

→ Darren coaches many leaders on growing their presence, but most send fewer than 10 DMs per week.

→ Consistent effort is key. Putting in the work will eventually bring opportunities to you.

Meaningful LinkedIn outreach

Mandy McEwen advises making LinkedIn connection requests stand out by personalizing them to avoid the common pitfall of being too generic. Here’s how to make yours effective:

Personalize everything: Reference something meaningful about the recipient. Avoid generic messages that blend into inbox clutter.

Use specific templates:

1. When they've posted something: Mention their post and highlight a specific point you appreciated.

2. When they've engaged with content: Note their interaction with someone else’s post and express your shared interest.

3. When you follow someone they know: Mention the mutual connection and your appreciation for their content.

4. When they are tagged in a post: Reference the tag and discuss the topic to show genuine interest.

Engagement is key: Engaging with someone's content boosts their post in the algorithm and helps build a genuine relationship.

Craft unique messages: Make your outreach stand out by being genuinely interested and strategic in your follow-ups.

Stand out with DMs

In a recent episode of The Social Selling Podcast, Daniel Disney shares five specific tips to improve LinkedIn DMs and get more replies:

Personalize your messages

Go beyond using just names and job titles. Mention the recipient's recent content or company activities to make your message more engaging.

Show real ROI

Include examples of real, relevant results that similar companies have achieved. Focus on potential gains rather than just product features to capture decision-makers' interest.

Use audio voice notes

These are rarely used on LinkedIn but can add a personal touch. They help convey tone and enthusiasm, making your message stand out.

Send video messages

Videos combine text, audio, and visuals, allowing recipients to see your body language and energy. This makes interactions feel more personal and engaging.

Reach out during off-hours

Send messages early in the morning, late in the evening, or on weekends. Senior decision-makers are often busy during regular hours, so this timing can be more effective.

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