Method 2 — Founder / Hiring
Manager Direct Outreach

The biggest difference in this method: you don't wait for a vacancy. You go directly to the person who can make a hiring decision. Especially useful for SaaS companies, AI startups, marketing agencies, and small-to-mid-size companies.

You don't wait for a vacancy — you directly reach the person who can make the hiring decision.
🏆 Company Lead Score Calculator

Score this company as a potential target. Higher score = reach out first.

Lead Score
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⚪ Low Priority

1. Complete Process

Target Company Find
Company Research
Founder / Hiring Manager Find
LinkedIn Profile Research
Personalization Point Find
Connection Request
Connection Accepted
Personalized Pitch
Portfolio
Follow-up #1
Follow-up #2
Conversation / Interview

2. Which Companies to Target

You don't have to contact every company. Your ideal target:

🥇 B2B SaaS Companies

CRMProject management softwareHR software Marketing softwareSales softwareAI SaaS Productivity toolsFinTech SaaSDeveloper tools Analytics platforms

🥈 Marketing Agencies

SEO agenciesDigital marketing agenciesContent agencies Performance marketing agenciesWeb development agencies Branding agenciesSaaS marketing agencies

🥉 Startups

Especially ones that:

  • Have 10–200 employees
  • Have a founder active on LinkedIn
  • Are a growing company
  • Are doing content marketing
  • Have a blog / resources on the website
  • Post regularly on LinkedIn

3. Correct Company-Size Target

In the beginning, don't make very large companies your primary target.

Best range10–200 employees

Why? Because in small companies the distance is short:

FounderMarketing HeadContent Team

While in a large company it could be many more layers. So founder outreach is more practical at smaller organizations.

4. How to Find Target Companies

Search on LinkedIn — click any to copy:

SaaS companies B2B SaaS AI SaaS Marketing agency SEO agency Content marketing agency

You can also search on Google:

B2B SaaS companies hiring content writer SaaS startups India AI startups hiring content
ImportantBut once you find a company, it's essential to identify the decision-maker on LinkedIn.

5. How to Qualify a Company

Before outreaching, spend 2–3 minutes researching. Check these 7 things:

CheckGood sign
WebsiteProfessional
BlogActive
LinkedInRegular content
Company size10–200
GrowthHiring / expansion
ContentContent-heavy
FounderLinkedIn active
Lower priorityIf a company's website is poor, there's no content, and the founder is also inactive — lower its priority.

6. The Most Powerful Signal

You are looking for a content / copywriting opportunity, so find companies that already have:

BlogLanding pagesProduct pages LinkedIn contentCase studiesEmail marketing Lead magnetsResources
MeaningThe company already believes in content. It's easier to convince such a company that it needs a copywriter.

7. How to Find the Founder

Open the company's LinkedIn page. Then go to People, or search on LinkedIn:

[Company Name] founder [Company Name] CEO

8. Besides the Founder, Whom to Target

For SaaS

  • Founder / Co-founder
  • CEO
  • Head of Marketing
  • VP Marketing
  • Marketing Director
  • Content Marketing Manager
  • Head of Content
  • Growth Marketing Manager

For Agency

  • Founder
  • Co-founder
  • CEO
  • Managing Director
  • Head of Content
  • Content Director
  • Marketing Director

9. Whom to Contact First

Small company — 10–50 employees

Founder / Co-founder — first priority.

Medium company — 50–200

Head of Marketing / Content Manager — first priority. You can also do founder outreach as secondary.

200+ employees

Instead of founder outreach, prioritize Hiring Manager / Marketing Head / Recruiter.

10. Founder Profile Research

Open the founder's LinkedIn profile. Look at:

Recent postsCompany announcementProduct launch FundingHiringNew market New featureContent strategyWebsite changes Marketing activity
Keep it simpleYou only need one personalization point.

11. The Easiest Personalization Formula

FormulaI noticed X → This made me think Y → I can help with Z
Example
I noticed you're expanding your content around AI automation. I thought there may be an opportunity to strengthen the website and conversion-focused content around those topics.

This is far better than the generic "I love your company".

12. First Message to the Founder

Don't put a big pitch in the connection request.

Copy-Paste · Connection Request
Hi [Name], I came across [Company] while researching B2B SaaS companies and really liked what you're building around [specific product/problem]. I work in content and copywriting, so I'd love to connect.

13. If the Connection Is Accepted

Don't send the pitch immediately. If possible, message after a few hours or the next day.

Main Pitch Template
Hi [Name],

Thanks for connecting.

I was looking through [Company]'s website and noticed [specific observation].

I work in content/copywriting, particularly around website copy, landing pages, SaaS content and conversion-focused messaging.

I thought there may be an opportunity to help with [specific area — e.g. landing pages/blog/content/website messaging].

Here are a few relevant samples:
[Portfolio Link]

If you're planning to expand your content or marketing efforts, I'd be happy to discuss how I could contribute.

Best,
Mohit

14. An Even Stronger Version

If you've researched the company well, this approach is more powerful.

Strong Version
Hi [Name],

I was checking out [Company] and noticed that you're [specific observation — e.g. expanding into X / launching Y / publishing more content].

One thing that stood out to me was [specific website/content observation].

I work in content and copywriting, and I help with areas like website copy, landing pages, SaaS content and conversion-focused messaging.

I put together a few relevant samples here:
[Portfolio Link]

If content is something you're looking to strengthen, I'd be happy to explore whether I could help.

Best,
Mohit
Why it worksIt doesn't look like a generic job application. It looks like a business conversation.

15. If a Job Opening Is Visible, Change Strategy

If the founder's company already has a post like "We're hiring a Content Writer" — this becomes even easier.

Job-Opening Strategy Message
Hi [Name],

I saw your post about hiring a [Job Title] for [Company].

I've applied / am planning to apply for the role, and I also wanted to reach out directly because my background aligns closely with the work you're looking for.

I have experience with [2–3 relevant skills], and here are some relevant samples:
[Portfolio Link]

Would be happy to discuss the role if you think my background could be a fit.

Best,
Mohit

16. If There's No Vacancy

This is the biggest strength of this method. You won't say "Do you have any job?" — you'll say "I noticed an opportunity where I could help."

No-Vacancy Message
Hi [Name],

I came across [Company] while researching growing SaaS companies and spent some time looking through your website.

I noticed you're doing a lot around [specific area], and I think there may be an opportunity to strengthen [website copy / landing pages / SEO content / conversion messaging].

I work in content and copywriting and would be happy to support this kind of work.

Here are a few relevant samples:
[Portfolio Link]

If this is something you're considering, I'd be happy to have a quick conversation.

Best,
Mohit

17. The Most Important Rule — Don't Sell "I Need a Job"

Your message must not be "I need a job." Your positioning should be "I can solve a content/copy problem for your company."

WeakI'm looking for a content writing job.
StrongI noticed your landing page could communicate the product's value proposition more clearly. I work on conversion-focused website and SaaS copy and would be happy to help.

The difference is huge.

18. 10 Sources of Personalization

Before messaging a founder, find at least one of these:

Recent LinkedIn postNew productNew feature FundingNew marketNew landing page Blog activityHiring activity Product positioningCompany growth

19. Using a Founder's Recent Post

Suppose the founder wrote: "We're expanding into the US market." Your message:

Recent-Post Message
Hi [Name],

I saw your recent post about [Company]'s expansion into the US market.

As you expand, I imagine website messaging, landing pages and content will become increasingly important for communicating the product clearly to a new audience.

I work in content/copywriting with a focus on website, SaaS and conversion-focused copy.

Here are some relevant samples:
[Portfolio Link]

If content support becomes useful during the expansion, I'd be happy to help.
ResultThis is extremely personalized.

20. Follow-up #1

If no reply — after 4–5 business days:

Follow-up #1
Hi [Name], just wanted to follow up on my message regarding content/copywriting support for [Company].

I'd be happy to help with website copy, landing pages, SaaS content or other conversion-focused content if that's something you're currently working on.

Portfolio: [Link]

Thanks!

21. Follow-up #2

Still no reply — after 5–7 days:

Follow-up #2 · Final
Hi [Name],

One last follow-up from my side.

If content/copywriting support isn't a priority right now, no worries at all. I'd still be happy to stay connected and reconnect if the need comes up in the future.

Best,
Mohit
RuleAfter this, stop.

22. Founder Replies — "Send Me Your Resume"

Your Reply
Absolutely, [Name].

Here's my resume:
[Resume Link]

And here's my portfolio with relevant content/copywriting samples:
[Portfolio Link]

Happy to provide any additional samples if needed.

23. Founder Says — "Tell Me More"

This is a very good signal. Don't write a 5-paragraph story. Structure it:

Current experience
+
Relevant skills
+
Relevant result / work
+
Portfolio
+
Availability
Copy-Paste · Tell Me More
Sure.

I work in content and copywriting, with experience across website copy, landing pages, SEO/content and conversion-focused messaging.

My strongest interest is working with SaaS, technology and growth-focused companies where content directly supports acquisition and conversion.

Relevant samples:
[Portfolio Link]

I'm open to both full-time and long-term remote opportunities.

Happy to discuss what you're currently looking for at [Company].

24. Founder Asks — "Freelance or Full-Time?"

Your Reply
I'm open to both.

My preference is a long-term full-time/remote role, but I'm also open to starting with a project or freelance engagement if that makes more sense for the company.

I'd be happy to discuss whichever arrangement works best for [Company].

25. If the Founder Says "We Aren't Hiring"

That doesn't mean the conversation is over.

Your Reply
Understood, thanks for letting me know, [Name].

I'd still love to stay connected. If you need support with website copy, landing pages, SaaS content or content strategy in the future, I'd be happy to help.

Best,
Mohit

Then maintain the connection.

26. Founder Pitch for an Agency

For agencies your angle should be different. Tell them:

Agency angle"I can help your team handle additional client content/copy workload."
Agency Pitch Template
Hi [Name],

I came across [Agency] while researching growing digital/marketing agencies.

I noticed you work with brands across [industry/service if relevant]. I work in content and copywriting, including website copy, landing pages, SEO content and conversion-focused messaging.

I thought I'd reach out because agencies often need reliable writing support when client workloads increase.

Here are some samples:
[Portfolio Link]

If you ever need an additional copy/content resource for client work, I'd be happy to connect.

Best,
Mohit

27. Pitch for a SaaS Founder

SaaS Pitch Template
Hi [Name],

I came across [Company] while researching B2B SaaS companies and spent some time looking through your website.

I noticed [specific observation].

I work in SaaS/content copywriting, particularly website copy, landing pages, product messaging and conversion-focused content.

I thought there could be an opportunity to support [Company] as you continue to grow your content and acquisition efforts.

Relevant samples:
[Portfolio Link]

Would be happy to connect if this is something you're working on.

28. How Many Founders Should You Contact?

Daily5–10 highly targeted people — that's it.
Don'tSending the same generic message to 100 founders will spoil this strategy.

29. Daily Workflow

TimeAction
30 minFind new companies
30 minResearch companies
20 minIdentify founder / hiring manager
30 minWrite personalized messages
10 minFollow-ups
TotalAbout 2 hours / day.

30. Weekly Target

Start with:

  • 25–40 companies / week
  • 25–40 decision-makers / week
NoteBut maintain quality.

31. Tracking Sheet

Keep a separate sheet for this method:

Tracking Sheet Columns
Date | Company | Website | Industry | Employees | Person | Role | LinkedIn | Observation | Message | Follow-up 1 | Follow-up 2 | Response | Status

Status

ResearchingReadyConnection Sent ConnectedMessage SentFollow-up 1 Follow-up 2RepliedInterested CallInterviewProject RejectedNot HiringFuture

32. Lead Scoring System

Score every company (use the tool above):

SignalScore
SaaS / Tech+2
10–200 employees+2
Active LinkedIn+1
Active blog+1
Hiring+2
Recent growth+1
Founder active+1
Content-heavy business+2
8–12 → 🔥 High Priority 5–7 → 🟡 Medium Priority 0–4 → ⚪ Low Priority

33. Who Are the Best Prospects?

An ideal prospect would look like this:

B2B SaaS
+
30–100 employees
+
Founder active on LinkedIn
+
Company growing
+
Active marketing
+
Website has content
+
No obvious large content team
Gold prospectThis is your gold prospect.

34. Whom NOT to Message

  • Random employees — avoid
  • Interns — avoid
  • Unrelated developers — avoid
  • Customer support — avoid
  • Sales representatives — avoid
  • People who clearly don't influence hiring — avoid
  • Founders of completely unrelated companies — avoid
PrincipleYour time should go to decision-makers.

35. The Biggest Mistake in Founder Outreach

GenericHi, I am a content writer looking for opportunities. Please let me know if you have any vacancy.
BetterI noticed you're expanding your SaaS product into X. I work on SaaS website and conversion copy and thought I could potentially help with that expansion.

The second message shows a problem solver, not a job seeker.

36. Golden Formula of This Method

FormulaResearch → Observe → Personalize → Offer Value → Portfolio → Follow-up

Not:

NotFind Founder → Ask for Job

37. Your Complete Founder Outreach Funnel

TARGET COMPANIES
Company Qualification
Founder / HM Find
Profile Research
Find Personalization
Connection Request
Accepted?
NO → Follow-up
YES → Personalized Pitch
Portfolio
Follow-up #1
Follow-up #2
Conversation / Call
Interview / Project
JOB
Daily5–10 good companies / people every day. For each person: Company Research → Founder/HM → Personalization → LinkedIn Outreach → Portfolio → Follow-up. That's the complete Method #2 system.
Method 1 Method 3 — Cold Email