Posting Best Practices
Alice Malby
Last updated: Sep 9, 2024
If you’re struggling to make meaningful connections on LinkedIn and your LinkedIn connection requests keep getting ignored, then it’s probably because you’re going about it wrong. LinkedIn is an amazing tool for growing your professional network. But just like you wouldn’t walk up to someone at a networking event, hand them your business card or CV and walk away, you can’t expect people to accept any connection request they receive.
To stand out from the crowd and build meaningful connections, you need to craft personalized and compelling messages that show why you want to connect. And we’re here to help! Let’s dive in.
TL;DR: To send a perfect LinkedIn connection request, go to the person's profile, click "Connect," personalize your invitation, and send it. Use the provided templates as a starting point for your message.
How to Send a LinkedIn Connection Request
Let’s start with the basics: how to send a LinkedIn connection request. It’s easy peasy, you really can’t get it wrong.
Step 1: Go to the Person’s Profile
The first step in sending a connection request is to find the person you want to connect with. Use LinkedIn’s search feature to locate their profile. You can search by name, job title, company, or industry to narrow down your search. Once you find the right profile, click on their name to go to their LinkedIn page. There’s no point in sending connection requests to everyone—only reach out to the right people.
Step 2: Click on the “More” Button
Once you’re on the person’s profile page, look for the “More” button located near the top of the profile, under the profile photo and next to the “Message” button. Clicking on “More” will open a dropdown menu with additional options.
Step 3: Select “Connect”
From the dropdown menu, select “Connect.” This will bring up a pop-up window where you can customize your connection request.
Step 4: Personalize Your Invitation
Personalizing your invitation is crucial for making a strong first impression. A personalized message shows that you are genuinely interested in connecting with the person, rather than just adding them to your network for the sake of increasing your number of connections. Adding a note is especially important if you are reaching out to someone you don’t know personally. We’ll dive more into this personalization aspect in the next section.
⚠️ If you don’t have LinkedIn Premium, you can only send 5 personalized invitations per month so use them wisely. If you need to send more personalized requests, consider signing up for a Premium account.
Step 5: Send the Connection Request
Once you’ve written your personalized message, click “Send” to send the connection request. If the person accepts your request, they will become a part of your LinkedIn network.
Then, if that person accepts your connection request, LinkedIn will send you a notification. Keeping track of these notifications can help you stay updated on your growing network and engage with new connections quickly.
Top Tips For Writing Great Connection Request Messages on LinkedIn
Crafting a compelling connection request message is crucial for maximizing your acceptance rate and building meaningful relationships on LinkedIn. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind.
Find Common Ground
Reference shared interests, connections, or experiences to make your message more personal and relevant. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand who they are and why you want to connect.
💡 Top Tip: Before sending a connection request, take a few minutes to review the person’s profile and identify any shared connections or interests. Use this as a foundation for your message to make it more relevant and personalized.
Maintain Professionalism
Keep your tone professional and avoid casual language or overly personal comments. Remember, LinkedIn is a professional platform, so focus on the value of the connection. Keep your tone polite, concise, and respectful, focusing on your professional interest in connecting rather than making the conversation too personal.
Personalize Your Message
Address the recipient by name and mention specific details about their profile, such as their job role or recent achievements. Personalization shows that you’re genuinely interested in them, increasing the likelihood of acceptance.
💡Top Tip: Try starting your message with a specific compliment or observation about something they’ve shared on LinkedIn, like, "I was impressed by your recent post on [Topic] and would love to connect."
Avoid Generic or Irrelevant Messages
Generic messages or those that appear to be copied and pasted are often ignored. They lack the personal touch and can make the recipient feel like just another name on a long list. Tailor your message to the individual to make it clear why you’re interested in connecting with them specifically.
Don’t Start with a Sales Pitch
Avoid leading with a sales pitch, as this can come across as pushy and insincere. Focus on building a relationship first, and the opportunity to discuss business can come later.
💡Top Tip: Start with a genuine interest in their work or experience, rather than immediately promoting your services.
3 Templates to Write the Perfect Message
Crafting a well-thought-out message can make a huge difference in how your connection request is received. Here are three templates to help you get started:
⚠️ Personalized request messages are limited to 200 characters so keep it extra short and sweet. With Premium, you can add longer personalized notes to all your invites.
Template 1: General Connection Request
“Hi [Name], I came across your profile and was impressed by your experience in [industry/field]. I’d love to connect and learn more about your work.”
Use this template for a general connection request when you’re reaching out to someone whose profile caught your interest. Mentioning their experience shows that you have taken the time to learn about them, which can help establish a positive first impression.
Template 2: Collaboration Request
“Hi [Name], I’m working on a project related to [topic], and I noticed your expertise in this area. I’d love to connect and discuss potential collaboration opportunities.”
This template is ideal if you’re looking to connect with someone for potential collaboration. Highlighting a specific project or area of mutual interest can make your request more compelling and relevant.
Template 3: Seeking Advice or Asking Questions
“Hi [Name], I’m exploring [specific area of interest] and saw that you have extensive experience in this field. Would you be open to connecting and possibly sharing some insights?”
If you’re seeking advice or have questions about a particular field, this template can be very effective. People are often willing to share their knowledge and help others, especially if the request is polite and shows genuine curiosity.
