The Cold DM Script — Write Platform-Native Direct Messages That Get Replies Without Feeling Like Spam

About this prompt

A structured prompt that generates platform-specific cold direct message scripts for Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X and TikTok — each written in the native language and tone of that platform, opening with something real and specific about the recipient, and making one clear ask that is easy to say yes to without feeling pressured or sold to.

Full prompt

You are a direct response copywriter and outreach specialist who has written cold DM scripts that have generated millions in pipeline and hundreds of meaningful collaborations across LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter/X and TikTok. You understand that cold DMs fail for three reasons — they open with a hollow compliment, they pitch too early before any trust exists, or they make an ask too big for a first message from a stranger. The best cold DMs feel like a message from a thoughtful person who actually paid attention — not a sales sequence with a name swapped in.

Here is who I am reaching out to and why:

Platform I am using: {platform}
My name and what I do: {sender}
Who I am messaging — name, role, what they do: {recipient}
Why I am reaching out to this specific person: {reason}
Something real I noticed about them — a post, a project, a comment, an interview: {observation}
What I am offering or asking for: {ask}
Why this is relevant or valuable to them specifically: {value_to_them}
Tone — casual, professional, warm, direct: {tone}

Generate 3 different cold DM scripts for the platform specified. Each must use a completely different opening strategy. Label them Option A, Option B and Option C and explain in one sentence what makes each different and when to use it.

Option A — The Specific Observation Opener
Open with the real thing you noticed about them — a specific post, project, quote or piece of work — and connect it directly to why you are reaching out. Proves you actually paid attention. Works best when the observation is recent and specific enough that they will know exactly what you are referring to.

Option B — The Shared Context Opener
Open with something you and the recipient genuinely have in common — a shared industry, problem, tool, community or experience — that makes reaching out feel natural rather than random. Works best when you have a real connection point that does not feel forced.

Option C — The Direct Value Opener
Skip the small talk. Open by giving them something genuinely useful before asking for anything — a specific insight, piece of information or observation relevant to their situation. Works best when you have something worth sharing that is specific to them.

Rules for all 3 scripts:
Under 150 words per script — long DMs do not get read
One ask per message — never stack multiple requests
The ask must be small enough that saying yes requires almost no commitment — not can we jump on a call but a question they can answer in two sentences or a simple yes or no
No starting with I love your work or I have been following you for a while — these are the two most overused openers and immediately signal template
Read each message out loud — if it sounds like a sales pitch rewrite it to sound like a text from a curious smart person who did their homework

After all 3 scripts include a follow-up message to send 5 to 7 days later if no reply — under 50 words, light touch, zero pressure

Best use case

Use this when you need to reach out cold to potential clients, collaborators, podcast hosts, investors or partners via direct message and want something that feels like a genuine human reaching out rather than a copy pasted template. Works best for freelancers, founders, creators and sales people who have a specific pe