Free templates · 8 scripts
Cold DM scripts for freelancers
8 free cold DMs that don’t sound like spam: openers for LinkedIn, Instagram and X, follow-ups for when they go quiet, and what to say when they ask your price.
LinkedIn: comment-first opener
You’ve seen a recent post from them. Reference it so it’s clearly not a mass message.
DM version
Hi [Name], your post on [topic] stuck with me, especially [specific point]. I help [niche] teams get [result]. Open to a 15-min chat this week?
Instagram: compliment + idea
Small businesses and creators. Lead with something useful, not a pitch.
DM version
Hey [Name]! Loved your latest [post/reel] on [topic]. I had a quick idea to help you get [result]. Want me to send it over?
X: short and direct
Founders and indie hackers who like brevity.
DM version
Hey [Name], I help [niche] founders get [result]. Noticed [specific thing about their product]. Got a 2-line idea for it. Want it?
When you have no clients yet
No portfolio to point to? Offer a small, specific piece of value instead.
DM version
Hi [Name], I’m building my [service] portfolio and love what you’re doing with [business]. I’d like to [small specific task] for you. If you like it, we can talk about more. Interested?
Value-first: send the idea
Best when you can spot a quick win in 5 minutes of looking at their profile or site.
DM version
Hi [Name], quick one: I noticed [specific issue] on your [page/profile]. A simple fix is [one-line fix]. I help [niche] businesses with exactly this. Happy to share more if useful.
Follow-up: day 3
No reply after 3 days. Keep it short and give them an easy yes.
DM version
Hey [Name], floating this back up in case it got buried. Happy to send the idea for [business] first, no call needed. Want it?
Follow-up: day 7 (the last one)
Still nothing. Close the loop politely so the door stays open.
DM version
Hi [Name], I’ll stop nudging after this one! If [result] becomes a priority later, I’m here. Good luck with [their current project].
Reply to “How much?”
They ask your price before a call. Give a range and steer to a call.
DM version
Great question! Most [service] projects like this land between [low] and [high], depending on [main factor]. A 15-min call lets me give you an exact number. Does [day/time] work?
The 4-part cold DM
Every script above follows the same shape:
- Them first. Something specific: a post, a launch, a product.
- One line on what you do. “I help [niche] get [result].”
- A tiny, easy ask. A 15-min call, or “want me to send it?”
- Short. If it doesn’t fit on a phone screen without scrolling, cut it.
What gets cold DMs ignored
- Starting with “I” or your job title.
- Pasting your whole service list.
- Asking for a 1-hour call from a stranger.
- “Just following up” with nothing new.
How many to send
Quality beats volume. 10 properly personalised DMs a day will usually beat 100 generic ones, and won’t get your account flagged.
Cold DM FAQ
How do I write a cold DM that gets a reply?
Make it about them: reference something specific they posted or built, say what result you help with in one line, and end with an easy question. Keep it under 50 words.
How many times should I follow up on a cold DM?
Twice is plenty: once around day 3 and a polite last one around day 7. After that, move on.
Is it OK to send cold DMs on LinkedIn and Instagram?
Yes, if each message is personal and relevant. Sending the same copy-paste message to hundreds of people is what gets ignored or reported.
What if I have no portfolio yet?
Offer a small, specific piece of work or a free idea instead of pointing to past clients. It shows what you can do without claiming experience you don’t have.
Should I put my price in the first DM?
No. Lead with the result. If they ask, give a range and suggest a short call to get specific.
