There's a common feeling on LinkedIn that all Direct Messages (DMs) are salesy. I get it.
I've received pitch slaps many times and find them irritating.
I'm talking about messages that look like this:
"Hi there, are you looking for a graphic designer? Whether you need a flyer, website or business card, I'm here to help. Check out my website today: [insert website]. Keep me in mind."
Let's break down why this message sucks:
There's no customization and it could be copied and pasted a thousand times.
It's not clear why this service is relevant for me.
The service provider's expertise is general and therefore not memorable.
The call to action is dull and uninspiring.
When we're surrounded by messages like this, it's easy to understand why so many business owners think of DMs as being salesy.
However, I can assure you that there is a better way.
In fact, my client Avital Black, a small business owner, used my DM strategies to book 5 discovery calls just a few weeks ago.
Her DMs weren't previously getting responses, and she was ready to give up.
Here's what she said:
"I came up to Sara... to learn how to DM right. I didn't want to come off as spammy or pushy, but for people who might enjoy my service, to know I'm here. Sara taught me how to approach new leads, interact with existing connections, approach interested potential connections, and start a conversation with each one. It's only been two weeks but I have already heard back from 10 interested people, booked 5 meetings, and am about to start working with three!"
As Avital exemplified, when done the right way, DM conversations:
Get you discovery calls and clients
Reach people who are already dealing with the problem you solve
Lead with the intent to form relationships, not to sell (and even so, they STILL sell!)
Build long-lasting relationships, even if the potential client isn't ready to buy yet
Get the potential client excited about your solution so they want more information
Best of all, they feel fun to do, because you have a reliable tool to generate demand for your services (and get money in your pocket).
Some, like my client Jeremy Stern, even say this approach is life-changing!
Writing content on LinkedIn can bring occasional inbound messages, but it's not a reliable and scalable path to filling your client roster.
DMs, on the other hand, are a reliable and scalable way to bring in the right type of clients. In fact, when you do DM outreach, you get to pick your clients! And once you figure them out, they're a tool you'll have in your back pocket for life.
I teach small business owners how to use DMs to find potential clients. We follow my three-step process:
Identify your ideal client and referral partners and how to find them on LinkedIn
Figure out how to read and create signals that tell you who's a good candidate for direct outreach
Write compelling direct outreach messages that build relationships and result in sales
When you know how to DM the right way, you can generate demand any time you open your phone or computer. DM'ing also is the perfect complement to your existing posting cadence, as posting content generates signals (see step #2 above) that help us indicate who's interested in your work.
Ready to learn how to use DM outreach to generate demand for your services?
When I start working with a small business owner, we always start with optimizing your profile so that you clearly explain your credibility, who you serve, how you serve them, and what action the profile viewer should take.
Then, we create a custom LinkedIn strategy for you so that you can feel comfortable navigating LinkedIn and find right-fit clients for your business. We learn how to use DM outreach and content to bring the right clients into your orbit so you can consistently grow your business. And lastly, you implement the strategy with my support.
Learn more and get started here.
留言