When you’re sending connections requests, there’s always a chance some of them will be declined.
To help you minimize this, here’s our guide to how to write a good LinkedIn connection request.
How to Write LinkedIn Connection Requests that Will Never Get Declined
If you’re sending out loads of connection requests, only to find them all being declined, it could be that your message is ineffective. But, how to write a good LinkedIn connection request?
Using a poorly crafted or default connection request message can seriously limit how many connections you are able to get. And with the new LinkedIn limitation on the number of connection requests, it is looks like a problem.
Think of it this way: many users are becoming swamped with people using LinkedIn to sell to them. They’re expecting lots of spam messages. It is important to know what to say in a LinkedIn connection request to stand out. So, if you’re initial message comes across too salesly or impersonal, they’re much more likely to reject it altogether.
Some of the most common LinkedIn mistakes people make when creating their messages include:
- Talking too much about themselves or their business;
- Diving straight into talking about products, offers, or promotions;
- Using a very standard template with no personal or thoughtful details;
- Sending requests saying “I’ve read your profile” when they have not.
These issues will raise alarm bells for your potential prospects. This is mostly because, a lot of the time, these prospects are being approached by loads of sellers who’ve done no research and just want a quick sale. Eventually, buyers will catch on!
And that’s why it’s so important to take the time to really think about the messages you’re sending.
Just a small amount of time and effort can make such a big difference to your results.
What to Write in a LinkedIn Connection Request Tips
So, what to write in a LinkedIn Connection Request?
You’re connecting with someone you know, or someone you don’t know right now but would like to, make sure that you’re not using LinkedIn’s default message or your own standard template.
In addition to this, make sure that you’re not just clicking “connect” on lots of people’s profiles. If you do this, they might mark it as spam. And if you get too many spam marks, LinkedIn might suspend your profile altogether.
Instead, you need to develop a strategy to help you connect with people and build genuine relationships them.
To do this, you should always ensure that:
- Your request is polite and professional at all times;
- You introduce yourself and include some personal information;
- Try and offer some praise, for example, how the person’s product or service has helped you personally;
- Make sure you research the prospect and include thoughtful insights in your message;
- Use unbiased questions to spark curiosity in the prospect.
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Effective LinkedIn Connection Message Templates
Here are LinkedIn connect message examples and templates that you can use for any purpose. But, let’s check a few examples of messages you can send in different scenarios, right now. Remember to personalize them for each individual request!
A Colleague
Hi (first name),
I know we’ve never had the chance to work together directly, but I’ve heard great things about your skills and achievements. I hope we’ll get the chance to work together soon!
Until then, hopefully, we can catch up on our coffee break.
All the best,
(First name).
A New Colleague
Hi [first name]
I’m very excited that I’ve been given the opportunity to join your team. I’m very much looking forward to working alongside such a dynamic, talented group of people.
See you around the office soon, and hopefully, we can catch up!
Best wishes,
[Your first name].
A Former Co-worker
Hi [first name],
It was great working to you at xxx company back in 2014. It really wouldn’t have been the same without you helping me out with xxx project.
How’s your new position at xxx going? It’d be great to catch up sometime!
All the best,
[Your first name].
Someone You Want to Work With
Hi [first name],
I’m a big fan of the work you’ve carried out for xxx agency. Your work is very interesting, and as my business uses similar strategies, I would love it if we could work together on my next project.
If it’s something you’re interested in, you can get in touch with me at (email address).
Looking forward to hearing from you,
[Your first name].
A Recruiter
Hi [first name],
I’ve just seen that you work with xxx recruitment agency. As a marketing professional, I’ve been working in the industry for several years.
If you get a chance, I’d love it if we could talk and see if you have any opportunities that are suitable for someone with my background.
Thanks in advance,
[Your first name].
Someone You Met at a Networking Event
Hi [first name],
It was great to meet you at xxx conference last week. Your upcoming book sounds so interesting, and I’d really like to stay up-to-date on your career in the future!
Thanks a lot,
[Your first name].
Someone You Know Casually
Hi [first name],
It was lovely to meet you at xxx event the other day. I’d love to keep in touch and hear more about the work you’re doing for xxx agency at the moment.
I hope to hear back from you soon, or whenever you get the chance!
Best wishes,
[Your first name].
Someone You Do Not Know Personally, but Admire
Hi [first name],
I’ve been following the work you’ve been doing for [Company name] in the last few months, and I’m very impressed with how much you’ve achieved in such a short time!
If you get the time, I would love to speak more about your work and how you got the opportunity to work on this kind of project.
All the best,
[Your first name].
Someone in the Same LinkedIn Group
Hi [first name],
We’re both a member of xxx group and I always enjoy reading your posts. I find them so helpful and interesting.
It’d be great if we could keep in touch so I can learn a bit more about your work.
Thanks,
[Your first name].
An Alumni
Hi [first name],
I can see from your profile that you also graduated from the university. I’m in my final year at the moment and can’t wait to get my degree!
As a fellow marketer, I’d love it if we could meet up and discuss your current role at xxx agency. It would be great to hear more about your role and what you do.
Best wishes,
[Your first name].
Conclusion
Now you know what to say in LinkedIn connection request. If you want to increase the number of quality connections you get on LinkedIn, being able to write an amazing connection request message is a great place to start.
Follow these tips and guidelines to boost your chances of successfully building your network on LinkedIn.