Crafting the perfect LinkedIn connection request can be a challenge. You want to come across as professional and genuine, while also making it clear why you want to connect.

To help you out, we’ve put together a list of LinkedIn connection request message templates that you can use as a starting point. Whether you’re looking to connect with someone you met at a conference or hoping to establish a relationship with a potential client, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s Start with What Not to Do

One common mistake that people often make is to assume that people should connect with you just because you want them to. 

Don’t do that. 

People are busy, and most of the time, they are not excited to hear from random strangers. And they definitely don’t want to have a call with you just because you “noticed their impressive career accomplishments”. 

Instead, if you’re successful in connecting with someone, try to think about how you can add value for them — without expecting anything in return. Do this a few times, and then maybe you’ll have earned some of their time.

Crafting Your Message

To make a connection on LinkedIn, it is essential to make a great first impression. Personalization  and using the right tone and language that will help you create a message that stands out and increases your chances of getting a response.

Personalization Techniques

Personalizing your message is crucial to make a connection request stand out. Start by addressing the person by their name and mentioning something specific about their profile or experience. This shows that you have taken the time to research and understand their background.

Here’s an example template:

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile and was impressed with your experience in [specific industry or skill]. I would love to connect and learn more about your work in this area.

Best, [Your Name]

While this is better than a cold outreach, it could be improved because it doesn’t give the person who you’re looking to connect with any reason to connect with you. A better approach is to mention a mutual connection or interest. This can create a sense of familiarity and increase the likelihood of acceptance.

Here’s a better example:

Hi [Name],

Thanks for connecting! I noticed on your profile that you have experience in [industry/skill], which is something I’m also interested in. I recently found this blog post which touches on that subject and gives an outlook for next year that I think is pretty interesting. I’d be curious what you think about it if you have time to take a look.

Best, [Your Name]

2. Be Patient

It’s important to remember that not everyone checks their LinkedIn messages regularly, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive a response right away — or at all. 

3. Stay Engaged

Once you’ve established a connection, it’s important to stay engaged with your network. This can include liking and commenting on their posts, sharing relevant articles or resources, or even sending occasional messages to check in and see how they’re doing. By staying top of mind and showing that you value the relationship, you’ll be more likely to receive support and opportunities in the future.

Example Message Template:

Hi [Name],

I saw your recent post about [topic] and wanted to let you know that I found it really interesting. Here are some recent projects that we’re working on that I thought might be of interest. Take a look if you have time — and if you’re interested in chatting I’d love to connect.

Best, [Your Name]

By following these best practices, you can turn your LinkedIn connections into valuable professional relationships that can help you grow your career and achieve your goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When sending a LinkedIn connection request, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid. These mistakes can make your request seem spammy or unprofessional, and may decrease the likelihood of a successful connection. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Sending Generic Connection Requests

Sending a generic connection request is one of the most common mistakes that people make on LinkedIn. Instead of sending a standard message, take the time to personalize your request. Mention something that you have in common or explain why you want to connect. This will make your request more memorable and increase the chances of a positive response.

Asking to Get Something Before you Give Something

If someone accepts your request, that doesn’t mean that they want to speak with you. Don’t ask them for a call! Instead try to deliver some value over time. If you or your company have produced an annual or quarterly report on their industry, send it to them. If you have a case study about a company that is similar to theirs, share it with them. Ask them to get in touch with you if they are interested in discussing. Give something before you expect to get anything.

Failing to Introduce Yourself

When sending a LinkedIn connection request, it’s important to introduce yourself and explain why you want to connect. If you don’t provide any context, the recipient may be hesitant to accept your request. Make sure to include a brief introduction and explain why you’re interested in connecting.

Starting with Your Sales Pitch

LinkedIn users are bombarded with sales pitches disguised with connection requests, so they can easily identify and ignore them. Avoid sending connection requests that are overly promotional or sales-focused. Instead, focus on building genuine relationships.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase the chances of a successful connection on LinkedIn. Remember to personalize your requests, introduce yourself, and focus on building genuine relationships with other professionals.

Optimizing Your Profile for Connections

Before sending LinkedIn connection requests, the first thing you need to do is ensure that your profile is optimized for connections. This means having a complete and professional-looking profile that clearly communicates who you are and what you do. Here are a few tips to help you optimize your profile for connections:

1. Add a Professional Headshot

Your profile photo is the first thing people will see when they receive your connection request. Make sure it’s a professional-looking headshot that accurately represents you and your brand. Avoid using selfies or casual photos, as these can give off the wrong impression. This doesn’t mean that you have to pay for a professional photo shoot — simply that you use a photo that captures you as you’d want to be seen in a work setting.

2. Write a Compelling Headline

Your headline is another important element of your profile that can help you attract more connections. Use it to clearly communicate your professional title and what you do. Avoid using generic headlines like “Marketing Professional” or “Sales Manager.” Instead, be specific and use keywords that are relevant to your industry.

3. Customize Your URL

Customizing your LinkedIn URL can help you appear more professional and make it easier for people to find you. Use your full name or a variation of it as your URL, and avoid using numbers or special characters.

4. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Make sure your profile includes a detailed summary of your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Use bullet points and bold text to make your profile easy to read and scan. Be sure to include any relevant keywords that are specific to your industry.

Looking for your next sales role? Find it on RepVue.

Hi [Name], 

I noticed that we share some mutual connections and thought it would be great to connect. I’d really appreciate the opportunity to expand my network and learn from others in my industry. Looking forward to connecting with you!

Sales Outreach

If you’re reaching out to potential clients or customers, find something that the individual has in common with another customer of yours, and try using a message like this:

Hi [Name], 

We recently helped [similar company or connection] with [relevant problem] via our[product/service]. Our solution has helped many businesses in [industry/field] improve their [specific metric]. Would love to connect and discuss further if you’re interested.

Remember, the key to a successful connection request message is to make it personalized, concise, and professional. Use these templates as a starting point and customize them to fit your specific situation. Good luck!

How does your compensation compare with other sellers?

Best Practices for Follow-Up

Follow-up is key to maintaining those connections and turning them into valuable relationships. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Personalize Your Follow-Up Message

After someone accepts your connection request, it’s a good idea to follow up with a personalized message. This can be a great opportunity to introduce yourself, thank them for connecting, and perhaps even suggest ways you could collaborate or help each other in your professional endeavors. Make sure to reference something specific from their profile or your previous conversation to show that you’re paying attention and genuinely interested in building a relationship.  

Be careful not to be too aggressive in asking this person for something — especially if they have never heard of you before they got your request.  Instead, try offering value first. If you don’t give someone anything of value, they’re likely not going to want to engage with you just for the sake of talking.

Example Message Template:

Hi [Name],

Thanks for connecting! I noticed on your profile that you have experience in [industry/skill], which is something I’m also interested in. I recently found this blog post which touches on that subject and gives an outlook for next year that I think is pretty interesting. I’d be curious what you think about it if you have time to take a look.

Best, [Your Name]

2. Be Patient

It’s important to remember that not everyone checks their LinkedIn messages regularly, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive a response right away — or at all. 

3. Stay Engaged

Once you’ve established a connection, it’s important to stay engaged with your network. This can include liking and commenting on their posts, sharing relevant articles or resources, or even sending occasional messages to check in and see how they’re doing. By staying top of mind and showing that you value the relationship, you’ll be more likely to receive support and opportunities in the future.

Example Message Template:

Hi [Name],

I saw your recent post about [topic] and wanted to let you know that I found it really interesting. Here are some recent projects that we’re working on that I thought might be of interest. Take a look if you have time — and if you’re interested in chatting I’d love to connect.

Best, [Your Name]

By following these best practices, you can turn your LinkedIn connections into valuable professional relationships that can help you grow your career and achieve your goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When sending a LinkedIn connection request, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid. These mistakes can make your request seem spammy or unprofessional, and may decrease the likelihood of a successful connection. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Sending Generic Connection Requests

Sending a generic connection request is one of the most common mistakes that people make on LinkedIn. Instead of sending a standard message, take the time to personalize your request. Mention something that you have in common or explain why you want to connect. This will make your request more memorable and increase the chances of a positive response.

Asking to Get Something Before you Give Something

If someone accepts your request, that doesn’t mean that they want to speak with you. Don’t ask them for a call! Instead try to deliver some value over time. If you or your company have produced an annual or quarterly report on their industry, send it to them. If you have a case study about a company that is similar to theirs, share it with them. Ask them to get in touch with you if they are interested in discussing. Give something before you expect to get anything.

Failing to Introduce Yourself

When sending a LinkedIn connection request, it’s important to introduce yourself and explain why you want to connect. If you don’t provide any context, the recipient may be hesitant to accept your request. Make sure to include a brief introduction and explain why you’re interested in connecting.

Starting with Your Sales Pitch

LinkedIn users are bombarded with sales pitches disguised with connection requests, so they can easily identify and ignore them. Avoid sending connection requests that are overly promotional or sales-focused. Instead, focus on building genuine relationships.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase the chances of a successful connection on LinkedIn. Remember to personalize your requests, introduce yourself, and focus on building genuine relationships with other professionals.

Optimizing Your Profile for Connections

Before sending LinkedIn connection requests, the first thing you need to do is ensure that your profile is optimized for connections. This means having a complete and professional-looking profile that clearly communicates who you are and what you do. Here are a few tips to help you optimize your profile for connections:

1. Add a Professional Headshot

Your profile photo is the first thing people will see when they receive your connection request. Make sure it’s a professional-looking headshot that accurately represents you and your brand. Avoid using selfies or casual photos, as these can give off the wrong impression. This doesn’t mean that you have to pay for a professional photo shoot — simply that you use a photo that captures you as you’d want to be seen in a work setting.

2. Write a Compelling Headline

Your headline is another important element of your profile that can help you attract more connections. Use it to clearly communicate your professional title and what you do. Avoid using generic headlines like “Marketing Professional” or “Sales Manager.” Instead, be specific and use keywords that are relevant to your industry.

3. Customize Your URL

Customizing your LinkedIn URL can help you appear more professional and make it easier for people to find you. Use your full name or a variation of it as your URL, and avoid using numbers or special characters.

4. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Make sure your profile includes a detailed summary of your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Use bullet points and bold text to make your profile easy to read and scan. Be sure to include any relevant keywords that are specific to your industry.

Looking for your next sales role? Find it on RepVue.

Hi [Name], 

I’m researching the [industry] to identify successful people in the space who I might be able to learn from.I’m currently seeking opportunities in [industry/field] and would love to connect with you to learn more about your experience and any advice you may have. Thank you for your consideration!

Networking

If you’re looking to expand your professional network, consider using a message like this:

Hi [Name], 

I noticed that we share some mutual connections and thought it would be great to connect. I’d really appreciate the opportunity to expand my network and learn from others in my industry. Looking forward to connecting with you!

Sales Outreach

If you’re reaching out to potential clients or customers, find something that the individual has in common with another customer of yours, and try using a message like this:

Hi [Name], 

We recently helped [similar company or connection] with [relevant problem] via our[product/service]. Our solution has helped many businesses in [industry/field] improve their [specific metric]. Would love to connect and discuss further if you’re interested.

Remember, the key to a successful connection request message is to make it personalized, concise, and professional. Use these templates as a starting point and customize them to fit your specific situation. Good luck!

How does your compensation compare with other sellers?

Best Practices for Follow-Up

Follow-up is key to maintaining those connections and turning them into valuable relationships. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Personalize Your Follow-Up Message

After someone accepts your connection request, it’s a good idea to follow up with a personalized message. This can be a great opportunity to introduce yourself, thank them for connecting, and perhaps even suggest ways you could collaborate or help each other in your professional endeavors. Make sure to reference something specific from their profile or your previous conversation to show that you’re paying attention and genuinely interested in building a relationship.  

Be careful not to be too aggressive in asking this person for something — especially if they have never heard of you before they got your request.  Instead, try offering value first. If you don’t give someone anything of value, they’re likely not going to want to engage with you just for the sake of talking.

Example Message Template:

Hi [Name],

Thanks for connecting! I noticed on your profile that you have experience in [industry/skill], which is something I’m also interested in. I recently found this blog post which touches on that subject and gives an outlook for next year that I think is pretty interesting. I’d be curious what you think about it if you have time to take a look.

Best, [Your Name]

2. Be Patient

It’s important to remember that not everyone checks their LinkedIn messages regularly, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive a response right away — or at all. 

3. Stay Engaged

Once you’ve established a connection, it’s important to stay engaged with your network. This can include liking and commenting on their posts, sharing relevant articles or resources, or even sending occasional messages to check in and see how they’re doing. By staying top of mind and showing that you value the relationship, you’ll be more likely to receive support and opportunities in the future.

Example Message Template:

Hi [Name],

I saw your recent post about [topic] and wanted to let you know that I found it really interesting. Here are some recent projects that we’re working on that I thought might be of interest. Take a look if you have time — and if you’re interested in chatting I’d love to connect.

Best, [Your Name]

By following these best practices, you can turn your LinkedIn connections into valuable professional relationships that can help you grow your career and achieve your goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When sending a LinkedIn connection request, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid. These mistakes can make your request seem spammy or unprofessional, and may decrease the likelihood of a successful connection. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Sending Generic Connection Requests

Sending a generic connection request is one of the most common mistakes that people make on LinkedIn. Instead of sending a standard message, take the time to personalize your request. Mention something that you have in common or explain why you want to connect. This will make your request more memorable and increase the chances of a positive response.

Asking to Get Something Before you Give Something

If someone accepts your request, that doesn’t mean that they want to speak with you. Don’t ask them for a call! Instead try to deliver some value over time. If you or your company have produced an annual or quarterly report on their industry, send it to them. If you have a case study about a company that is similar to theirs, share it with them. Ask them to get in touch with you if they are interested in discussing. Give something before you expect to get anything.

Failing to Introduce Yourself

When sending a LinkedIn connection request, it’s important to introduce yourself and explain why you want to connect. If you don’t provide any context, the recipient may be hesitant to accept your request. Make sure to include a brief introduction and explain why you’re interested in connecting.

Starting with Your Sales Pitch

LinkedIn users are bombarded with sales pitches disguised with connection requests, so they can easily identify and ignore them. Avoid sending connection requests that are overly promotional or sales-focused. Instead, focus on building genuine relationships.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase the chances of a successful connection on LinkedIn. Remember to personalize your requests, introduce yourself, and focus on building genuine relationships with other professionals.

Optimizing Your Profile for Connections

Before sending LinkedIn connection requests, the first thing you need to do is ensure that your profile is optimized for connections. This means having a complete and professional-looking profile that clearly communicates who you are and what you do. Here are a few tips to help you optimize your profile for connections:

1. Add a Professional Headshot

Your profile photo is the first thing people will see when they receive your connection request. Make sure it’s a professional-looking headshot that accurately represents you and your brand. Avoid using selfies or casual photos, as these can give off the wrong impression. This doesn’t mean that you have to pay for a professional photo shoot — simply that you use a photo that captures you as you’d want to be seen in a work setting.

2. Write a Compelling Headline

Your headline is another important element of your profile that can help you attract more connections. Use it to clearly communicate your professional title and what you do. Avoid using generic headlines like “Marketing Professional” or “Sales Manager.” Instead, be specific and use keywords that are relevant to your industry.

3. Customize Your URL

Customizing your LinkedIn URL can help you appear more professional and make it easier for people to find you. Use your full name or a variation of it as your URL, and avoid using numbers or special characters.

4. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Make sure your profile includes a detailed summary of your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Use bullet points and bold text to make your profile easy to read and scan. Be sure to include any relevant keywords that are specific to your industry.

Looking for your next sales role? Find it on RepVue.

Hi [Name],

I noticed that we share a connection with [mutual connection’s name] and thought it would be great to connect. I’m also interested in [specific industry or skill] and would love to learn more about your experience in this area.

Best, [Your Name]

Tone and Language

The tone and language of your message should be professional yet friendly. Avoid using jargon or overly formal language, as this can come across as impersonal. Instead, use a conversational tone that shows your personality and enthusiasm.

Finally, keep your message concise and to the point. LinkedIn connection request messages have a 300-character limit, so make every word count.

By using these personalization techniques and adopting a friendly yet professional tone, you can increase the chances of getting a response to your LinkedIn connection request message.

Templates for Different Scenarios

When sending a LinkedIn connection request, it’s important to tailor your message to the specific scenario. Here are some example LinkedIn message templates for different scenarios:

Job Inquiry

If you’re interested in a job opportunity or want to connect with someone in your desired industry, try using a message like this:

Hi [Name], 

I’m researching the [industry] to identify successful people in the space who I might be able to learn from.I’m currently seeking opportunities in [industry/field] and would love to connect with you to learn more about your experience and any advice you may have. Thank you for your consideration!

Networking

If you’re looking to expand your professional network, consider using a message like this:

Hi [Name], 

I noticed that we share some mutual connections and thought it would be great to connect. I’d really appreciate the opportunity to expand my network and learn from others in my industry. Looking forward to connecting with you!

Sales Outreach

If you’re reaching out to potential clients or customers, find something that the individual has in common with another customer of yours, and try using a message like this:

Hi [Name], 

We recently helped [similar company or connection] with [relevant problem] via our[product/service]. Our solution has helped many businesses in [industry/field] improve their [specific metric]. Would love to connect and discuss further if you’re interested.

Remember, the key to a successful connection request message is to make it personalized, concise, and professional. Use these templates as a starting point and customize them to fit your specific situation. Good luck!

How does your compensation compare with other sellers?

Best Practices for Follow-Up

Follow-up is key to maintaining those connections and turning them into valuable relationships. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Personalize Your Follow-Up Message

After someone accepts your connection request, it’s a good idea to follow up with a personalized message. This can be a great opportunity to introduce yourself, thank them for connecting, and perhaps even suggest ways you could collaborate or help each other in your professional endeavors. Make sure to reference something specific from their profile or your previous conversation to show that you’re paying attention and genuinely interested in building a relationship.  

Be careful not to be too aggressive in asking this person for something — especially if they have never heard of you before they got your request.  Instead, try offering value first. If you don’t give someone anything of value, they’re likely not going to want to engage with you just for the sake of talking.

Example Message Template:

Hi [Name],

Thanks for connecting! I noticed on your profile that you have experience in [industry/skill], which is something I’m also interested in. I recently found this blog post which touches on that subject and gives an outlook for next year that I think is pretty interesting. I’d be curious what you think about it if you have time to take a look.

Best, [Your Name]

2. Be Patient

It’s important to remember that not everyone checks their LinkedIn messages regularly, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive a response right away — or at all. 

3. Stay Engaged

Once you’ve established a connection, it’s important to stay engaged with your network. This can include liking and commenting on their posts, sharing relevant articles or resources, or even sending occasional messages to check in and see how they’re doing. By staying top of mind and showing that you value the relationship, you’ll be more likely to receive support and opportunities in the future.

Example Message Template:

Hi [Name],

I saw your recent post about [topic] and wanted to let you know that I found it really interesting. Here are some recent projects that we’re working on that I thought might be of interest. Take a look if you have time — and if you’re interested in chatting I’d love to connect.

Best, [Your Name]

By following these best practices, you can turn your LinkedIn connections into valuable professional relationships that can help you grow your career and achieve your goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When sending a LinkedIn connection request, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid. These mistakes can make your request seem spammy or unprofessional, and may decrease the likelihood of a successful connection. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Sending Generic Connection Requests

Sending a generic connection request is one of the most common mistakes that people make on LinkedIn. Instead of sending a standard message, take the time to personalize your request. Mention something that you have in common or explain why you want to connect. This will make your request more memorable and increase the chances of a positive response.

Asking to Get Something Before you Give Something

If someone accepts your request, that doesn’t mean that they want to speak with you. Don’t ask them for a call! Instead try to deliver some value over time. If you or your company have produced an annual or quarterly report on their industry, send it to them. If you have a case study about a company that is similar to theirs, share it with them. Ask them to get in touch with you if they are interested in discussing. Give something before you expect to get anything.

Failing to Introduce Yourself

When sending a LinkedIn connection request, it’s important to introduce yourself and explain why you want to connect. If you don’t provide any context, the recipient may be hesitant to accept your request. Make sure to include a brief introduction and explain why you’re interested in connecting.

Starting with Your Sales Pitch

LinkedIn users are bombarded with sales pitches disguised with connection requests, so they can easily identify and ignore them. Avoid sending connection requests that are overly promotional or sales-focused. Instead, focus on building genuine relationships.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase the chances of a successful connection on LinkedIn. Remember to personalize your requests, introduce yourself, and focus on building genuine relationships with other professionals.

Optimizing Your Profile for Connections

Before sending LinkedIn connection requests, the first thing you need to do is ensure that your profile is optimized for connections. This means having a complete and professional-looking profile that clearly communicates who you are and what you do. Here are a few tips to help you optimize your profile for connections:

1. Add a Professional Headshot

Your profile photo is the first thing people will see when they receive your connection request. Make sure it’s a professional-looking headshot that accurately represents you and your brand. Avoid using selfies or casual photos, as these can give off the wrong impression. This doesn’t mean that you have to pay for a professional photo shoot — simply that you use a photo that captures you as you’d want to be seen in a work setting.

2. Write a Compelling Headline

Your headline is another important element of your profile that can help you attract more connections. Use it to clearly communicate your professional title and what you do. Avoid using generic headlines like “Marketing Professional” or “Sales Manager.” Instead, be specific and use keywords that are relevant to your industry.

3. Customize Your URL

Customizing your LinkedIn URL can help you appear more professional and make it easier for people to find you. Use your full name or a variation of it as your URL, and avoid using numbers or special characters.

4. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Make sure your profile includes a detailed summary of your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Use bullet points and bold text to make your profile easy to read and scan. Be sure to include any relevant keywords that are specific to your industry.

Looking for your next sales role? Find it on RepVue.