DM Templates & Scripts That Actually Convert: A Complete Guide

Direct messaging has become one of the most effective outreach channels for B2B sales and marketing. Unlike emails that get buried in inboxes, DMs often land directly in someone's personal notification stream. But here's the challenge: most cold DM scripts feel robotic, spammy, or completely impersonal.

According to recent data from HubSpot, personalized outreach generates 3x higher response rates than generic templates. Yet 78% of sales teams still rely on overly generic scripts that hurt their credibility.

In this guide, we'll share proven DM templates and scripts across multiple platforms, complete with follow-up sequences and objection handling techniques that actually work. Whether you're using cold DM scripts on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter, these templates will save you time while maintaining the personalization that drives real conversations.

Why DM Templates Matter for Modern Outreach

Before we dive into specific templates, let's understand why having a structured approach to DMs is critical for your sales process.

Direct messages offer unique advantages:

• Higher open rates: DMs are opened at 2-5x the rate of cold emails
• More intimate: People check DMs more frequently and treat them as personal communication
• Lower competition: Most of your competitors are still relying on email
• Easier personalization: You can reference recent posts, projects, or achievements instantly

The problem? Without a system-using templates and scripts-you'll either spend hours crafting individual messages or default to generic copy that tanks your response rates. DM templates solve this by giving you a proven framework to customize quickly.

LinkedIn Cold DM Templates & Scripts

LinkedIn is where B2B decision-makers live. Here are proven templates for different scenarios:

Template 1: The Value-First Introduction

Best for: Initial outreach to prospects in your target industry

Hi [Name],

I've been following your work at [Company] for a bit. Specifically, loved your recent post about [specific topic/achievement]-showed some really innovative thinking around [industry challenge].

Quick context on us: We help companies like [similar company] reduce [pain point] by [X]% through [solution]. No pressure, but thought it might be relevant for your team.

Would be happy to send over a quick case study if you think it could be useful?

[Your name]

Why this works: It leads with genuine interest (not your pitch), references specific achievements, and ends with a low-commitment ask. The "no pressure" language removes friction.

Template 2: The Curiosity Gap

Best for: Getting responses from extremely busy executives

Hey [Name],

Quick question-in your role at [Company], have you noticed [specific pain point or trend]?

Asking because we've been working with teams in your space and there's an interesting pattern emerging. Thought you might find it useful.

5 min call next week if you're curious?

Why this works: It frames your message as research curiosity rather than a sales pitch. People respond to questions, especially ones that relate to their work.

LinkedIn Follow-Up Script (3-Day Rule)

If no response after 3 days:

Hey [Name],

Just wanted to follow up on my previous message. Know you're probably swamped, so I'll keep this short.

We've helped [similar company] achieve [specific result]. Wondering if this could be relevant for [Company]?

If now's not the right time, totally understand. Feel free to let me know if this is even on your radar.

Instagram DM Templates for E-Commerce & Creators

Instagram DMs require a different tone-more casual, personality-driven, less corporate.

Template 1: The Genuine Compliment

Best for: Influencer outreach and partnership inquiries

Hey [Name]! 🙌

Your recent post about [topic] was fire. The way you [specific thing they did] really stood out to me.

We just launched [product/service] and genuinely think your audience would vibe with it. No hard sell-just thought of you.

If you're open to collab ideas, would love to chat!

Why this works: Uses casual language, emoji, and specific praise. Mentions the audience fit without making it seem transactional.

Template 2: The Story-Driven Ask

Best for: Building relationships and getting DM engagement

Hey [Name]! Love your energy 😊

So I've been following for a while and noticed you talk a lot about [topic]. I actually just [related story or achievement].

Would love your thoughts if you have 2 mins?

Twitter/X DM Templates

Twitter conversations are faster, punchier, and usually more direct. Keep templates short and witty.

Template 1: The Direct Value Prop

Hey [Name],

Saw your tweet about [topic]. We built something that solves exactly that-[1 sentence description].

Thought you'd find it useful. Happy to share if interested.

Template 2: The Warm Introduction Request

Hey [Name],

Would love to pick your brain about [specific question related to their expertise].

No strings attached-just genuinely respect your perspective on this stuff.

Handling Objections in DM Scripts

Not every prospect will respond positively. Here are proven responses to common objections:

Objection 1: "Not interested"

Response:

No worries at all! Just curious-is it the timing, the solution itself, or just not a priority right now? Helps me understand better.

Why this works: Instead of pushing, you ask a diagnostic question. This often opens the door to real feedback.

Objection 2: "We already have a solution for that"

Response:

Got it! What tool/process are you using? Just asking because sometimes there's overlap we don't realize until we compare. Could be worth 5 mins to see if there's any quick wins.

Why this works: You acknowledge their current solution without backing off. You reframe the conversation around potential improvements or gaps.

Objection 3: "Looks like a sales pitch"

Response:

Ha, fair! I know cold DMs can feel that way. Honestly just thought your recent [specific achievement] showed you were tackling [problem] in an interesting way. Wanted to share something that might be relevant. If not, totally cool.

Why this works: You acknowledge their concern, show vulnerability, and pivot back to genuine interest.

Advanced Tactics for DM Template Success

The Multi-Platform Approach

Research shows that prospects respond better to being contacted across multiple platforms. Here's the sequence:

1. Day 1: Send LinkedIn DM with value-first message
2. Day 4: If no response, send Twitter/X mention (not a DM yet)
3. Day 7: LinkedIn follow-up with different angle
4. Day 10: Twitter DM with short, punchy message

This approach respects their time while increasing visibility across channels. Studies show multi-touch campaigns generate 36% higher conversion rates than single-channel outreach.

Personalization at Scale Using Bracket Variables

You can use templates efficiently by including bracket variables that you populate based on research:

Example template structure:

[GREETING],

I've been following your work on [TOPIC]. [SPECIFIC_COMPLIMENT] really stood out.

We help [TARGET_COMPANIES] achieve [RESULT] through [METHOD].

[CALL_TO_ACTION]

Populate variables with:

• [GREETING]: "Hey [Name]" or "Hi [Name]"-use their first name only
• [TOPIC]: Recent post, company achievement, or industry trend
• [SPECIFIC_COMPLIMENT]: Quote one specific thing they did
• [TARGET_COMPANIES]: Name 1-2 similar companies
• [RESULT]: Specific metric ("reduce costs by 30%", "increase engagement by 45%")
• [METHOD]: Brief explanation of your approach
• [CALL_TO_ACTION]: Low-friction ask ("quick call?" or "send a case study?")

The Response Rate Sweet Spot

According to data from 1000+ B2B outreach campaigns, DM templates that include these elements have 2.8x higher response rates:

• ✓ Personalization (specific mention of their work)
• ✓ Clear value proposition (what's in it for them?)
• ✓ Social proof (mention of similar companies)
• ✓ Low commitment call-to-action
• ✓ Casual, conversational tone (no corporate jargon)

Tools to Automate DM Templates Safely

While you need templates, automation should feel natural. Gramfunnels allows you to schedule and personalize DMs across multiple platforms without sounding robotic. The key is building in pause points for real conversation.

Best practices for automating DM templates:

• Always include personalization layers (reference recent posts, achievements)
• Use randomization tools to vary opening lines and closing statements
• Set manual responses for replies-avoid auto-responding to DMs
• Space out sends throughout the day to avoid appearing spammy
• Monitor response rates and adjust templates based on performance

Measuring DM Template Performance

You should track these metrics for each template variant:

• Send rate: How many people received your DM (useful for filtering list quality)
• Open rate: Percentage who opened the DM
• Response rate: Percentage who responded (target: 8-15% is solid)
• Conversion rate: Percentage who booked a call or became a customer
• Reply quality: Are responses engagement-focused or just polite rejections?

Start with 50-100 outreach attempts per template variant. Once you have 30+ responses, you have enough data to confidently say whether a template works.

Common DM Template Mistakes to Avoid

Even with solid frameworks, these mistakes kill response rates:

1. Being Too Salesy Too Soon
❌ "We've developed an amazing SaaS solution that will revolutionize your workflow..."
✓ "Saw your post about workflow challenges. We've been thinking about this too."

2. Making Assumptions About Their Problems
❌ "I'm sure you're struggling with lead generation..."
✓ "Curious how you're currently approaching [specific challenge]?"

3. Writing Walls of Text
❌ 5-7 paragraph DMs
✓ 2-3 short paragraphs maximum (3-4 lines each)

4. No Clear Next Step
❌ Message ends with "Let me know if you'd like to chat"
✓ "Can I send you a quick case study?" or "Worth a 10-min call?"

5. Using Generic Phrases Like "Hope You're Well"
These are instant spam signals. Get to the point quickly.

Creating Your Own DM Template Library

Here's a framework for building a customized template library specific to your business:

Step 1: Identify Your Top 5 Prospect Persona Types
Example: VP of Marketing, Marketing Manager, Content Creator, Agency Owner, SaaS Founder

Step 2: Create 3 Template Variants Per Persona
- Value-first introduction
- Curiosity/question-based
- Social proof/case study focused

Step 3: Test With 50+ People Per Template
Track response rates and iterate

Step 4: Build a Follow-Up Sequence
- Day 3: First follow-up (different angle)
- Day 7: Second follow-up (case study or social proof)
- Day 14: Final follow-up (softer ask)

Step 5: Document What Works
Create a "swipe file" of your top-performing templates with notes on why they work

Real-World Example: The Gramfunnels Approach

Gramfunnels users see 40% improvement in DM response rates by combining templates with authentic follow-ups. Here's how one SaaS team used DM templates to generate $100K in pipeline:

Their strategy:

1. Researched 200 target prospects across LinkedIn and Twitter
2. Used 3 rotating LinkedIn templates (value-first, curiosity, social proof)
3. Manually replied to all responses within 2 hours
4. Set up automated follow-ups at Day 3 and Day 7 with different messaging
5. Tracked response rates and killed underperforming templates after 50 attempts

Results:
- 12% response rate on initial outreach (vs. industry avg of 5%)
- 32% of responders agreed to a call
- 18% closed as customers within 60 days
- Average customer value: $15,000

Key Takeaways: DM Templates That Work

The most effective DM templates share these characteristics:

• Personalized: Reference something specific about the prospect
• Value-focused: Lead with what's in it for them, not your pitch
• Conversational: Sound like a human, not a marketing automation tool
• Short: 2-3 short paragraphs maximum
• Clear CTA: Specific, low-friction next step
• Platform-appropriate: Match the tone and style of each platform

Start with the templates provided in this guide, customize them for your audience, and test relentlessly. After 100 outreach attempts, you'll know what resonates with your prospects. From there, you can scale with confidence.

Ready to implement DM templates at scale? Learn how to automate your outreach without sacrificing personalization while maintaining authentic engagement.