LinkedIn Connection Message Templates That Actually Work [2025]

Why Your Connection Message Matters

LinkedIn limits your connection requests to 100 per week, making each one valuable currency in your networking strategy. Yet most professionals squander this opportunity with generic messages like "I'd like to add you to my professional network" or-worse-no message at all.

The data is clear: personalized connection requests receive up to 85% higher acceptance rates compared to generic ones. However, there's a critical balance to strike. Your message must be:

• Personalized: Show you've taken time to understand who they are

• Authentic: Express genuine interest without being transactional

• Concise: Respect their time with brevity (300 character limit)

• Clear: Have a transparent reason for connecting

• Non-salesy: Focus on relationship-building, not immediate gain

This guide provides proven templates, real-world examples, and personalization strategies that generate higher acceptance rates while building the foundation for meaningful professional relationships.

The Anatomy of an Effective LinkedIn Connection Message

Before diving into templates, understand the four essential components of a successful connection request:

1. Personalized Opening

Begin with a specific detail that demonstrates you've viewed their profile or content. This immediately differentiates your request from automated messages.

2. Transparent Context

Clearly explain why you're reaching out and how you discovered them. This establishes legitimacy and reduces skepticism.

3. Value-Based Reasoning

Briefly articulate why connecting would be mutually beneficial, focusing on shared interests, not what you want from them.

4. Low-Pressure Close

End with a simple, no-obligation close that respects their decision either way.

Remember: LinkedIn limits connection messages to 300 characters, so every word must count.

Proven LinkedIn Connection Message Templates

1. The Shared Interest Template

When to use: When you genuinely share a professional interest, industry focus, or passion

Hi [Name], I noticed we're both [specific shared interest/industry connection]. Your recent [post/article/comment] about [specific topic] resonated with me. I'd love to connect to share insights on [relevant area] as we both navigate the [industry] landscape. Would you be open to connecting?

Real example:

Hi Samira, I noticed we're both passionate about sustainable architecture. Your recent post about biomimicry in urban design really resonated with me. I'd love to connect to share insights on green building practices as we both navigate the evolving sustainability landscape. Would you be open to connecting?

2. The Mutual Connection Template

When to use: When you share connections with someone and want to expand your network authentically

Hi [Name], I noticed we're both connected with [Mutual Connection] from [Company/Context]. I've been expanding my network of [industry/role] professionals, and your background in [specific aspect] caught my attention. I'd love to connect and perhaps exchange ideas sometime. Would that be okay?

Real example:

Hi David, I noticed we're both connected with Elena Sharma from TechForward. I've been expanding my network of product development professionals, and your background in user-centered design caught my attention. I'd love to connect and perhaps exchange ideas sometime. Would that be okay?

3. The Content Appreciation Template

When to use: After engaging with someone's post, article, or comment

Hi [Name], I just [read/watched/listened to] your [content type] about [specific topic] and found your perspective on [specific point] particularly insightful. I'm also interested in [related area] and would value having you in my professional network. Would you be open to connecting?

Real example:

Hi Jamal, I just read your article about marketing attribution models and found your perspective on multi-touch attribution particularly insightful. I'm also interested in data-driven marketing approaches and would value having you in my professional network. Would you be open to connecting?

4. The Event Follow-Up Template

When to use: After meeting someone at a conference, webinar, or industry event

Hi [Name], We briefly met at [event name] during the [specific session/moment]. I enjoyed our conversation about [topic discussed] and would like to stay connected. It would be great to continue our discussion on [relevant topic] sometime. Would you be open to connecting?

Real example:

Hi Priya, We briefly met at TechCrunch Disrupt during the AI ethics panel. I enjoyed our conversation about algorithmic transparency and would like to stay connected. It would be great to continue our discussion on responsible AI development sometime. Would you be open to connecting?

5. The Industry Colleague Template

When to use: When reaching out to someone in your industry you haven't met but would like to know

Hi [Name], As fellow professionals in [industry/field], I've been following your work on [specific project/topic]. I'm particularly interested in your approach to [specific aspect] and would value connecting to learn from each other's experiences in [industry]. Would you be open to that?

Real example:

Hi Marcus, As fellow professionals in healthcare IT, I've been following your work on interoperability solutions. I'm particularly interested in your approach to FHIR implementation and would value connecting to learn from each other's experiences in health data systems. Would you be open to that?

6. The Career Path Template

When to use: When connecting with someone whose career path you admire or are working to emulate

Hi [Name], I've been impressed by your career progression in [industry/field]. As someone also working in [related area], I'd love to connect and perhaps learn from your experience. I particularly admire [specific achievement or approach]. Would you be open to connecting?

Real example:

Hi Leila, I've been impressed by your career progression in renewable energy finance. As someone also working in sustainable investments, I'd love to connect and perhaps learn from your experience. I particularly admire your work bridging traditional finance with impact investing. Would you be open to connecting?

7. The Geographic Connection Template

When to use: When connecting with professionals in your local area

Hi [Name], I noticed we're both [industry] professionals in the [city/region] area. I'm looking to strengthen my local professional network, and your experience with [specific aspect] caught my attention. Would you be open to connecting to share local industry insights?

Real example:

Hi Carlos, I noticed we're both UX design professionals in the Portland area. I'm looking to strengthen my local professional network, and your experience with financial service applications caught my attention. Would you be open to connecting to share local industry insights?

8. The Alumni Connection Template

When to use: When connecting with someone from your school, university, or previous employer

Hi [Name], I noticed we share a [school/company] connection! I [graduated from/worked at] [institution] in [year/period]. I'd love to connect with a fellow [alumni/former colleague] who's also in [industry/field]. Would you be open to connecting?

Real example:

Hi Taylor, I noticed we share a Northwestern connection! I graduated from the School of Communication in 2018. I'd love to connect with a fellow alumni who's also in digital marketing. Would you be open to connecting?

Personalization Strategies That Increase Acceptance Rates

Generic templates only work when personalized effectively. Here are proven strategies to customize your approach:

1. Reference Recent Activity

Before sending a request, check their:

• Recent posts (last 2-3)

• Comments on others' posts

• Articles or newsletters

• Shared content

Mentioning a specific insight from their recent activity demonstrates genuine interest and attention to detail.

Example: "Your recent comment about the challenges of remote onboarding resonated with me as our team is currently revamping our process."

2. Find Specific Commonalities

Look beyond generic similarities to find specific connection points:

• Niche industry subspecialties

• Specific tools or methodologies

• Unique career transitions

• Particular challenges relevant to both of you

Example: "I noticed we both transitioned from traditional marketing to growth roles at B2B SaaS companies."

3. Research Before Reaching Out

Take 2-3 minutes to research before connecting:

• LinkedIn profile (beyond the headline)

• Recent company news

• Professional achievements mentioned in their About section

• Their personal website or portfolio (if linked)

This minimal investment significantly increases acceptance probability.

Example: "Congratulations on your company's recent sustainability certification – I've been following your team's progress in this area."

4. Tailor Your Value Proposition

Customize how connecting benefits them based on their:

• Current role challenges

• Career stage

• Industry position

• Professional interests

Example: "As you're scaling your agency's content team, I thought my experience building content workflows for distributed teams might be relevant to exchange ideas about."

Common Connection Message Mistakes to Avoid

1. The Immediate Sales Pitch

Mistake: "Hi John, I noticed you're in charge of procurement. I'd like to connect to show you how our solution can save you 30% on operating costs."

Why it fails: Leads with self-interest and makes the connection transactional rather than relational.

Better approach: Connect first with a genuine reason, build rapport through engagement, and only later (after establishing a relationship) discuss potential business opportunities.

2. The Vague Request

Mistake: "Hi, I'd like to add you to my professional network to exchange ideas."

Why it fails: Generic approach shows no personalization or specific reason for connecting.

Better approach: Specify exactly which ideas or areas you'd like to exchange insights about based on their expertise or content.

3. The Novel-Length Message

Mistake: Writing a multi-paragraph message that gets cut off due to LinkedIn's 300-character limit.

Why it fails: Creates a poor first impression and demonstrates a lack of awareness about platform limitations.

Better approach: Be concise and focused. Save deeper conversations for after connecting.

A Note About InMail vs. Connection Requests

If you're using LinkedIn Premium or Sales Navigator, you might wonder whether to send an InMail or a connection request. Consider these guidelines:

Use connection requests when:

• You have legitimate common ground

• You've engaged with their content

• You share mutual connections

• You're in the same industry or professional community

Use InMail when:

• You have a specific, non-sales question

• You're reaching out about a job opportunity

• You need expertise they uniquely possess

• You have no clear connection points but have specific value to offer

Follow-Up Strategy After Connecting

The connection is just the beginning. Here's a simple 3-step follow-up process for turning connections into meaningful relationships:

Step 1: Send a Thank You Note (Day 1)

Once they accept, send a brief message expressing appreciation and perhaps asking a thoughtful question related to their work.

Example: "Thanks for connecting, Elena! I noticed you've been working with AI-driven content strategies. Have you found any particular approaches more effective than others in your experience?"

Step 2: Engage With Their Content (Weeks 1-2)

Like, comment, or share their posts with thoughtful additions. Quality matters more than quantity-one insightful comment is worth more than multiple generic likes.

Step 3: Share Relevant Value (Weeks 2-4)

Based on their interests or challenges, share a relevant resource without expectation:

• An article they might find useful

• An event they might be interested in

• A connection who might be valuable to them

• An insight related to a challenge they've mentioned

Example: "I saw this research paper on sustainable packaging innovations and immediately thought of your recent post. No response needed-just thought you might find it valuable: [link]"

LinkedIn Connection Message FAQ

How long should my connection message be?

Keep your message between 200-300 characters (LinkedIn's limit is 300). Focus on quality and specificity rather than length.

Should I connect with people I don't know?

Yes, if there's legitimate professional value in connecting. Always explain why you're reaching out and how there might be mutual benefit in connecting.

What acceptance rate should I aim for?

A personalized approach typically yields 70-80% acceptance rates, while generic messages average 30-40%. If your acceptance rate falls below 50%, review your approach.

Is it appropriate to mention sales in a connection request?

No. Connection requests should focus on relationship-building. Sales conversations should only occur after establishing rapport and understanding their needs.

How many connection requests should I send per week?

LinkedIn limits users to approximately 100 connection requests per week. Focus on quality over quantity, sending 15-20 highly personalized requests weekly rather than maxing out your limit with generic messages.

Related Resources

• LinkedIn Profile Checklist [2025]: Complete Optimization Guide

• LinkedIn About Section Template & Examples: How to Write a Summary That Converts

• How to Create a LinkedIn Strategy That 10X Your Inbound Leads: Building Funnels That Convert Connections to Clients

• Are There Any Limits on the Number of LinkedIn Invitations I Can Send?

• How to See Your Sent Invitations on LinkedIn

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This article is part of our 30-day Linkedin Roadmap. If you are just getting started on Linkedin, then let's start from the beginning:
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Also featured in Week 4: Linkedin Growth Systems: Building Sustainable Success