How do you get a total stranger to accept your LinkedIn Connection Request Message?
After sending over 1 million invite messages on LinkedIn for our clients — and testing thousands of templates — we’ve learned what works.
And in this post, you’ll not only get 60 message templates that consistently bring our clients 65+% connection rates…
…But you’ll also learn how to quickly personalize your LinkedIn invitation to make a strong first impression with decision-makers.
But first, let’s go over the best way to send a connection request.
How to send a connection request on LinkedIn
You can send an invite with Sales Navigator or LinkedIn.
However, even if you use Sales Navigator to find new opportunities, it’s best to send your invites using LinkedIn — this way all of your new connections can be found in one place (your LinkedIn network tab).
Here’s the exact process we use to send our connection requests:
1. Find your new connection on Sales Navigator (or LinkedIn basic search).
2. Visit their LinkedIn.com profile.
3. Click “More”, then “Connect”.
4. Click “Add a Note”, and write your invite message.
5. Click “Send”.
Easy, right?
The trick is sending the right message.
Tips for Writing The Perfect LinkedIn Connection Message
It’s easy to get someone you already know to accept your invite on LinkedIn. (Sending anything will work in this case because they’ll recognize your name.)
But what if you’re a total stranger?
Then you need to rely on some proven sales psychology to increase your invite acceptance rate.
Sales Tip: If you want high connection rates, sales psychology from Robert Cialdini says that “when you share something in common with someone, the greater influence you will have over them.”
So before you hit “Send”, ask yourself : What do you have in common with the person that you’re reaching out to?
Whenever possible, inject as many commonalities as possible into your connection requests to increase your acceptance rates.
As you will see in the examples below, we find these commonalities are effective in increasing outreach acceptance rates:
- Common industries
- Common locations
- Common job titles
- Common interests and goals
- Common LinkedIn groups
By using the right kinds of templates, you can be sure that many new opportunities will be flooding your inbox in no time at all.
So if your sales team isn’t getting replies from Linkedin, try some of these personalized connection request templates:
Customized Templates – Some Are Ultra-Personalized
1. Hey {{Name}}, since we’re both working in {{commercial real estate}} here in {{San Diego}}, I’d like to invite you to share my network here on LI.
2. {{Name}}, I’m looking to connect with like-minded professionals who are on the {{revenue-generating}} side of things. Let’s connect?
3. Hi {{Name}}, I’m looking to expand my network with fellow business owners in the {{HR Tech}} industry. Looking forward to learning more about what you do and see if there’s any way we can support each other.
4. Hi (Name) LinkedIn showed me your profile multiple times now, so I checked what you do. I really like your {{sales posts}} and would like to connect with you here.
5. Hey (Name) I hope your week is off to a great start, since we both work in the {{HR/Employee Experience}} field together, are you open to connecting?(My background is in employee retention, happy to share insights anytime.)
6. Listening to your podcast now & subscribed! Wanted to connect and say thank you for sharing your insights – I’m using them to help land a lead gen job. Cheers,{{Signature}}
7. {{Name}}, we’re looking for a {{law firm}} like yours to collaborate on an upcoming book. Would like to interview you based on your {{10}} years experience with {{AI law}}. Have 15 minutes to talk next week?
8. Hi {{Name}} I’m on a personal mission to connect with thought leaders in the {{B2B lead gen}} industry. I’m still relatively new to the field, but glad I found your {{podcast}}. Let’s connect?
9. Hoping to connect with a fellow {{hr director}}. If you’re looking to do some networking, I’m happy to introduce you to other HR professionals I know here on LI.
10. Hi (Name), saw your last {{corporate retreat}} in {{Chicago}}. Had a few {{travel management}} questions for you. Open to connecting and sharing a few insights?
Templates With a Subtle Pitch
Another way to make more leads with social selling is to slip your pitch into your Linkedin connection request. You can still personalize your messages, but add your sales pitch in.
This gets straight to the point, but be warned… These invite messages can backfire if they are too salesy.
Note: We’ve tested inviting people to our cold email outreach podcast with good results.
(You might want to copy and paste these examples into your own work. Don’t forget to bookmark this post for future reference.)
11. Hi (Name) ?? I’m looking to partner with (company name) in each neighborhood in (area) for some community marketing initiatives. The people I work with have seen 5XROI & 10X growth in their database. Are you interested in giving value to local & becoming a community leader? ?
12. We are experts in developing mobile apps, web applications and telehealth solutions for US-based medium to large-sized healthcare organizations and health businesses. Please keep me as a contact and consider us for your next project.
13. Hi (Name). The Ben Franklin effect – when we do a person a favor, we tend to like them more as a result. Anything I can do for you!?
Best, (Your name)
14. Hello (Name) We created a candidate matching engine and job board exclusively for our Partners. The Talent Bridge Matching Engine is a free platform with over 45,000 candidates and your company can post jobs. I noticed your company (you can add the company’s name in here) is not registered. Can I share more detail?
15. My Company (your company’s name) is a provider of advanced Digital Solutions and multi-platform full-stack development. Let’s connect and talk.
16. Hi (Name). I hope you are well. I’m (your name), with (your firm)… We offer $50K-$200M and because it is non-recourse, you only pay as you settle cases. If you want to chat, please give me your best cell and email and my executives will reach out as early as today.
17. Hi (Name). My name is (your name) with (your company’s name). We’re a lead arbitrage focused on a variety of pay-per-lead campaigns. I saw you specialized in lead gen so I wanted to reach out. Would you have time to schedule a call to discuss where there would be opportunities between our two companies?
18. Hi (Name) I am a Mind Mapping enthusiast and regularly post Mind Maps on self-development topics. We are in the same group related to Coaching as well. It would be great to have you as a connection.
Best Regards,
19. Hi, unsure why your website isn’t ranking better in the major search engines? As an SEO Strategist, I’ll help you find the issues. If this is something you are interested in, please share your email address and allow me to send you a ‘no obligation’ audit report.
Thanks
20. Hi (name). Wanted to reach out and see if you’d be open to a quick call around your telecom tools (contact center, video/chat, phone system). We’re running a fun promotion right now and I can send you a $100 Amazon gift card. Would you be open to a chat?
Remember, that you can adapt all of these templates to suit your needs. By personalizing your sales pitch, you will have new contacts in no time at all.
Templates Inviting Connections to a Webinar
21. (Name). It was great to meet you earlier today. I enjoyed the conversation. I look forward to having you at my webinar.
22. Hi (Name). I hope you’re doing well. I’m (your name), co-founder of (your company’s name) We’re looking for agency partners and it would be great to connect over a “virtual” coffee/chat and see what we can do together? (introduce webinar in the chat)
23. Hi (Name) Are you struggling with high employee turnover and looking for a great way to reduce it? We’ve developed a highly effective series of financial coaching programs that will have a dramatic impact on reducing your turnover. Would you be open to learning more about them? Please see our webinar here (Add link)
24. (Name), do you offer cold email services? Looking for feedback on a new tool to automatically write 3-500 cold email personalized intro lines per hour. I have a free webinar that shows exactly how it works. Would you be interested in taking a look?
25. Appreciate your time from our meeting last week! We are running a free webinar, would you be interested in taking a look?
PRO TIP:
Webinars are a great way to generate more leads and increase professional relationships. If you are planning on hosting a webinar, don’t forget to send out invites to your connections. These types of networking events can bring in a lot of new business, which is what we are always aiming for.
Common Connection Request Message Templates
You might also be able to send requests if you and your potential leads have connections in common. This might make it easier to find common ground, and personalize your message for success.
26. Hey (Name). I notice we share a mutual connection or two & would love to add you to my network of professionals.
If you’re open to that let’s connect!
27.Hi (Name) I see we have some mutual connections. I always like networking with new people, and thought this would be an easy way for us to introduce ourselves.
28. Hi (Name). Life is both long and short. We have quite a few mutual connections. I would like to invite you to join my network on the LinkedIn platform. Hopefully, our paths will cross professionally down the line. Until then, wishing you and yours an incredible 2021.
(Your Name)
29. Hi (Name). I saw you are into LeadGen and wonder if LinkedIn is a big part of it?. It seems that we are in a similar business. Over the last 3 years, we’ve run hundreds of LinkedIn campaigns for 43+ B2B customers. I’d love to explore a potential collaboration with you.
(Your Name)
30. Hi (Name). I noticed we have a common area of interests & would love to connect. I work with (companies name)We help companies to automate business processes & increase productivity through Artificial Intelligence. Looking to connect with you
Cheers
31. Hi (Name) I was looking at your profile and noticed we had a few shared connections. I thought it would be nice to reach out to connect with you and share our networks. Thank you and hope all is well!
Semi-personalized message templates
If you’re not too keen on sending super personalized message templates initially, you could always send semi-personalized message invites. You could add in the potential connections name, and mention one or two things in the connection request that might get their attention.
Have a look at the templates below:
32. Hi (Name). I hope you’re doing great! I’m on a personal mission to grow my connections on LinkedIn, especially in the field of B2B lead & demand gen. So even though we’re practically strangers, I’d love to connect with you.
Have a great day!
33. A friend pointed me your way for B2B lead gen – would love to connect.
34. Dear (Name). I would love to join your network to see if there’s a way to collaborate. Looking forward to connecting with you.
Sincerely
35. Hope you’re having a great day (Name). I’d love to catch up and see what you are working on these days. Here is my calendar link if you would like to connect over the next few days via the phone.
36. Hi (Name). Let’s connect. I look forward to seeing how we can add value to each other.
Take care.
(Your Name)
37. Hi (Name), we’ve helped many orgs like ( person’s company name) with wellbeing, performance, engagement, and D&I. Not sure if (your company) would be a fit, but it’d be great to chat about your people and culture goals to explore if we can help you in a similar way.
38. Hello (Name). I am presently looking for a new opportunity. I spent my career in logistics and actually in pharmaceuticals for a good portion of that time. If you think a conversation might be beneficial please let me know.
Thank you.
39. Hi (Name) I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.
Industry-specific connection request message templates
Industry-specific invites can also go a long way, especially when it comes to creating a network of like-minded individuals, or if you would like to grow in a specific niche. Focus on inviting those in the same industry as you, as this will ensure that your requests are accepted; especially if you can add value to each other.
Have a look at these templates for industry-specific invites:
40. Hi (Name). With so many things on a plate for healthcare buyers like you, especially nowadays, having a connection like me, who represents US manufacturers of masks and soon-to-be gloves could be quite a handful. I’d like to get to know you as I would like to build a long-term relationship.
Cheers
41. Hi (Name). Your experience makes you a good fit for our Healthcare Executive MBA program. I’m the Director of Graduate Admissions at the Miami Herbert Business School. I’m looking to connect with professionals interested in advancing their careers.
(Your Name)
42. We are experts in developing mobile apps, web applications and telehealth solutions for US-based medium to large-sized healthcare organizations and health businesses. Please keep me as a contact and consider us for your next project.
43. Hey (Name). Came across your profile and saw you work in marketing. I’m reaching out to connect with other like-minded people. Would be happy to make your acquaintance.
Have a good day!
44. Hi (Name) I’m currently building a strong network of Realtors on LinkedIn and I found your profile very interesting. Can we connect here?
Thanks
45. (Name), always looking to connect with fellow veterans, if you are open to it, I would love to connect?
46. Hi (Name) Our company can provide translation in over 90 languages and we can get them to you fast—the same day if needed. Even better, we can integrate into your workflow software so those translations take place seamlessly. If you are looking to reach new language markets, let us know!
47. Hi (Name), always nice to connect with other local professionals. Best,
48. Hey (Name) This is (Your name) from (Your company’s name). We have specialized in XYZ for 20 years. I will send a catalog after you get your permission.
Any interest don’t hesitate to contact me
49. I produce xyz and I’m working on an assignment that will air in 2021 and my research suggests your story would fit this episode. Review my profile and learn about our show at (Add your link)
50. Hi, (Name) I’m (Your name) a Recruiter at (your company’s name) I noticed your profile and thought I would connect about any potential hiring needs for your company now or in the near term. We have a 10% direct hiring fee.
Are you available next week to chat?
Job-specific connection request message
51. Remote full-time Job opportunity for you. Job Title: Channel/ Alliances Manager. Please accept the connection if you or anyone you know might be interested.
Regards
(Your name)
52. Hi (Name). I was looking at your profile, I am currently growing my team, and I think it makes sense for us to connect.
53. Hi (Name) I think I could be of value to you and your business. I’d love to connect.
54. I’d love to join and add value to your professional network.
55. (Name), I’m a medical device professional who pivoted into an executive recruiting career. I talk to med devices execs every day. In these changing times, I would be happy to talk to you about what I am hearing from the industry. Let’s connect!
56. Hello (Name). I am presently looking for a new opportunity. I spent my career in logistics and actually in pharmaceuticals for a good portion of that time. If you think a conversation might be beneficial please let me know.
Thank you.
57. Dear (Name) I would love to join your network to see if there’s a way to collaborate. Looking forward to connecting with you.
58. Hello. I am looking for Lead Generation Remote work, I have great experience in the Data Science field.
Kindly help
59. Hi (Name) I’d like to add you to my network. We are currently looking for tele calling freelancers for business development based out of the US.
Would love to connect and discuss more
60. Hello (Name). This is (Your name), a Business Development Manager in Brainium. We are into web and app development. So, if you have any assignments for us then feel free to discuss it with me and we would be happy to work on the same for you. It would be great if we could connect.
Thanks
Some things to consider before you begin Linkedin campaigns…
Understanding how the Linkedin Algorithm works to get maximum invites accepted.
Before we get into the nitty gritties of creating templates that will get results, you need to understand how the Linkedin Algorithm works.
LinkedIn prioritizes two things:
- Engagement
- Relevant content
Linkedin’s new algorithm aims to give personal connections more weight. For example, you might follow some influencer, but chances are you don’t know them personally. To figure out which posts are related to their followers on a more personal level, it considers who you interact with daily. This is through shares, comments, and reactions.
Interaction is key when it comes to engagement on Linkedin. The more you engage and interact the greater success you will have on the platform.
Interaction is key when it comes to engagement on Linkedin. The more you engage and interact the greater success you will have on the platform.
So how do you beat the algorithm to keep up with engagement?
You do this by:
1. Relevant posts
Know your audience and post what they want to see. People also want to see videos and lots of images. According to Hootsuite, posts that have images are twice as likely to interact with the posts and videos are five times more likely to receive comments.
2. Encouraging engagement
When you encourage engagement on your posts, the Linkedin algorithm rewards this. Ask your audience questions or their opinion on certain issues.
3. Promote your posts
You can do this by adding in relevant hashtags or promote your post on other platforms with the link for others to see.
4. Choose your niche
People are interested in diving deep into specific niches. So choose your niche, stick to it and become an industry leader in the topic. By doing this, you will create a specific following on Linkedin. “Consistently we see more conversation around niche ideas” – Pete Davies from Linkedin
5. Personalization is crucial
When creating your brand voice, be as genuine as possible. When people are genuine and honest, it creates a greater following and better interaction. Be friendly, relatable, and approachable.
Send ultra personalized template messages for mutual connection
So when it comes to sending Linkedin connection requests, it’s no different. You will need a personalized marketing strategy to win over new contacts.
You might need to do a bit of research first to find the right prospects. Linkedin lead generation can be simple, but you need to have the know-how.
Firstly, have a look at the person’s LinkedIn profile.
What’s their name, what industry are they in, what is their company name, do they belong to any Linkedin groups, and have they perhaps listed any hobbies that they might have?
By a simple search, you could find quite a bit of personal information that you could use to write a personalized message.
(On a side note: You might also wonder if you should send these messages via Inmail or via LinkedIn messaging. We prefer our salespeople to use direct messaging as it is for free. You can also send as many messages as needed, and it makes sending personalized follow-up messages simple. With Inmail you need to pay a monthly rate, and this can be costly for only sending out a few messages at a time.)
What do stats show about personalization?
Numerous studies have shown that personalization works.
For example, an article in Forbes Magazine lists hundreds of stats showing that people want a personalized experience when it comes to most things. Online shopping, adverts, sales pitches, social media, and so on.
Salesbread finds that adding personalization increases the invite acceptance rate by 88%. Best of all, adding just the job title and industry is enough to significantly boost your acceptance rates. Segmenting is key.
Nothing is more frustrating than being bombarded daily with information from many different sources, that is irrelevant to what you need.
This is why personalization is crucial,
Studies have also shown that 84% of people feel that it is important to be treated like a person and not a number when it comes to winning over business. – Salesforece
Another interesting point to consider is that Linkedin has over 740 million users worldwide. If you want to build professional relationships, you’re going to need a game plan.
(Contact us if you would like a 15-minute free consultation on Linkedin Lead generation)
How many invites can you send per day?
If you are sending out hundreds of messages a day, you might get hit with this little message:
Linkedin does not take kindly to automation tools that spam people.
This is taken directly from Linkedin’s webpage on sending too many messages in a short period of time:
“Your LinkedIn account may be temporarily restricted from sending invitations to people for the following reasons:
- You’ve sent many invitations within a short amount of time.
- Many of your invitations have been ignored, left pending, or marked as spam by the recipients.
Note: To ensure an optimal site experience, the network size limit for LinkedIn members is a maximum of 30,000 1st-degree connections. We recommend that you only keep quality connections in your network. This would be connections that you would like to sell to.
To ensure that LinkedIn remains a safe community, we recommend that you only send invitations to people you know and trust, in accordance with LinkedIn’s User Agreement and Professional Community Policies.”
You don’t want to get blocked by Linkedin. Rather take the time and create personalized messages to people that you know. This will ensure genuine connection and real leads. You shouldn’t send more than 100 connection request invites per day though. 50 per day is ideal for a free account.
Should you ever send a blank request on Linkedin?
The answer is no.
It’s not okay to send a blank request on Linkedin.
Why?
You might come across as a total stranger or a spammer. If you would like to make genuine connections on LinkedIn, please send out engaging invites.
Remember that Linkedin is about connecting with people you know and those you would like to get to know. Put your best foot forward, and make a good first impression. There is so much opportunity on this platform, you should use it to your advantage.
If you would like a killer Linkedin outreach strategy, don’t hesitate to contact us…
As you can see there are many simple and easy-to-use templates that will create engagement. The key is simplicity, personalization, and genuine interest.
Please feel free to bookmark this article for all your LinkedIn connection request message needs.