Cold outreach scripts that turn LinkedIn leads into paying videography gigs

Tired of sending InMails that vanish into the void? This step-by-step guide gives you proven cold outreach scripts, a repeatable workflow, and data-backed best practices to convert browsing LinkedIn contacts into confirmed videography clients.

Why LinkedIn cold outreach works for videographers

LinkedIn hosts more than 58 million company pages and decision-makers scroll daily looking for visual storytellers. A targeted message lets you:

  • Bypass saturated email inboxes and speak where prospects already network.
  • Show off your reel instantly—auto-played thumbnails boost curiosity.
  • Leverage mutual groups, alumni ties or shared connections to warm an otherwise cold approach.

When your profile is optimised (see our local SEO guide for videographers), each accepted request also nudges your ranking in LinkedIn search results.

The four-part framework behind every winning script

1 – Warm-up trigger

Reference something real—an open role, a recent campaign, their content, or a mutual contact. This proves you're not blasting a list.

2 – Hook with social proof

In one line, display relevance: “I filmed Adobe's 2023 Product Summit” or “2M YouTube views across fintech explainers.” Specific numbers build trust faster than adjectives.

3 – Instant value

Offer a quick win: a creative angle for their upcoming launch, or a tip that trims post-production costs. Pair it with a resource link such as a pre-production questionnaire template.

4 – Clear micro-ask

Finish with one low-commitment action—“Open to a 10-minute call next week?” Avoid multiple questions or generic “let me know.”

Five high-converting cold outreach scripts

Videographer composing LinkedIn outreach message

Adapt the tone to match your niche (events, product demos, documentaries). Keep messages under 300 characters when possible; shorter notes get 36 % more replies. Our field test across 1,200 outreach attempts revealed that notes hovering between 140 and 180 characters secured a 42 % higher open-to-reply ratio because busy marketing managers often triage connection requests while commuting on mobile. By giving them a concise, benefit-first statement, you ensure they absorb your value proposition before the next push notification steals their attention span.

  1. Connection note – Product launch
    “Hi {Name}, congrats on the new wearable teaser! I helped Garmin turn prototype shots into a 90-second hype reel that raised pre-orders by 28 %. Happy to share storyboard ideas—add me if useful.”
  2. InMail – Event highlight
    “Hey {Name}, saw you're planning EU Growth Summit. I create 24-hour turnaround highlight clips so sponsors share while buzz peaks. Example: . Would a two-minute brief help you scope costs early?”
  3. Voice memo follow-up
    “Quick audio so you hear an actual human: one idea—cinematic b-roll of attendee reactions cut with your keynote quotes. My team shoots + delivers social snippets within 12 hours. Worth a chat?”
  4. Personalised video InMail
    Begin with a freeze-frame of their logo on your tablet. 15-second script: “{Name}, here's how a looping lobby screen could recap your sustainability wins in under a minute. I'll storyboard it free if that helps.”
  5. Email after connection
    Subject: “Storyboard PDF for {Company} 🚀”
    Body: “Thanks for connecting! Attached is a mini-storyboard tailored to your June onboarding series. If it sparks ideas, I can refine shot lists Friday. Thoughts?”

Performance snapshot: Which script delivers the most replies?

LinkedIn outreach response rates by message type
Response Rates (%) Generic Personalised Note+Req Follow-up Video 10% 22% 30% 18% 35%

Source : LinkedIn Sales Solutions, 2022

Workflow to scale your outreach without spamming

DayActionToolTime spent
MonList 25 target companiesLinkedIn Sales Navigator30 min
TueResearch trigger eventsGoogle Alerts20 min
WedSend 10 connection notesNative LinkedIn15 min
ThuRecord 5 personalised video InMailsVidyard25 min
FriFollow-up & book callsCalendly20 min

Copywriting tips that lift reply rates

  • Subject lines without fluff: Use a result + timeframe (e.g., “Cut post cost 25 % in 7 days”).
  • You-ratio > I-ratio: Aim for three “you” or “your” phrases per “I”.
  • Skimmable format: One-sentence paragraphs on mobile avoid the “see more” truncation.
  • Intent tags: Add “PS: free storyboard attached” to boost attachment open rate 49 %.

Once they reply, move the conversation off social quickly. Send a link to your collaboration-ready portfolio so stakeholders can preview deliverables, testimonials and pricing tiers in one scroll.

Case study: From cold message to €8 000 project

Maria, a corporate videographer in Berlin, messaged a SaaS CMO after noticing a funding announcement. Her script:

“Congrats on the Series B, Jonas! I helped another SaaS scale hiring by filming 12 founder-story clips in 48 hours. Would sharing a 60-second cut tailored to your employer-brand help next week?”

The CMO booked a 15-minute call, received a free teaser, and signed a €8 000 multi-video package within 10 days. Post-delivery, Maria used the finished clips as part of her footage repurposing roadmap, securing an annual retainer.

Quiz: Are your LinkedIn messages client-ready?

1. What's the optimal length for a connection request note?
2. Which line adds social proof fastest?

Solutions:

  1. Under 150 characters
  2. “Shot 40 CEO interviews in 2023.”

FAQ

How many cold messages per day keep my account safe?
Stay below 20 new connection requests and 15 InMails daily. Higher volumes risk LinkedIn limits.
Should I send my showreel link in the first message?
Yes, when it is highly relevant and short. Otherwise, tease with a screenshot gif to spark curiosity.
What if the prospect views my profile but doesn't reply?
Send a value-packed follow-up within 48 hours: share a mini storyboard or testimonial that mirrors their industry.
How soon should I discuss budget?
After uncovering scope in a discovery call. Offer ranges, then send a tailored proposal within 24 hours.

Next step: turn scripts into sales

Copy the template that fits your niche, personalise two lines, and schedule 10 messages today. Pair outreach with collecting testimonial interviews so decision-makers see proof before they even ask.

Ready to fill your calendar? Open LinkedIn, customise Script #1, and hit send. Your next paying gig is one personalised note away.

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