Use the 'Would You Like a Link?' Soft-Ask DM Script

Use the 'Would You Like a Link?' Soft-Ask DM Script is a cold outreach tactic for getting your first users: After early campaigns hit 0% response, the script that converted name-dropped an account the person follows, admitted it was a little random to feel human, gave one line on the newsletter, and ended with a low-pressure 'would you like a link?' instead of a pitch.

It's a strong fit for Newsletters / media teams, and works especially well for any DM-based outreach. As a cold outreach play, plan for medium effort and expect results to arrive at a steady pace, all grounded in 1 linked primary source.

Cold outreachMedium effortMedium

Why does cold outreach work for this?

A permission-based ask feels personal and gets a reply where a blunt pitch gets ignored.

The exact steps (5)

The full step-by-step this founder ran, what they posted, where, and in what order, plus the watch-outs, is part of the library.

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Sources

Works for
Any / universalNewsletters / media

Frequently asked

What kind of products does the "Use the 'Would You Like a Link?' Soft-Ask DM Script" tactic work for?
It is a good fit for Newsletters / media — pick it when your product looks like that, since the play is shaped around how those users find new tools.
How is the "Use the 'Would You Like a Link?' Soft-Ask DM Script" tactic verified?
It is drawn from 1 primary source — a real founder write-up or interview, not generic advice. It is linked in the Sources section above so you can read the original account yourself.
How much effort is it and how fast are results?
It is medium effort, and results tend to be medium.
Where can I see the exact step-by-step?
The full step-by-step a founder ran, documented via Source — IndieHackers, is in the paid library.

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