When sending connection requests on LinkedIn, you can include a message.
While this can add a personal touch, it’s not always necessary. The effectiveness of a connection message depends on various factors, including your target audience and engagement rates.
Below, we’ll explore when to use a message, best practices for keeping it concise, and when to adjust your approach.
Do You Achieve Good Results Without a Message?
Many users see strong acceptance rates without including a message. If your connection acceptance rate is above 33%, your outreach performs well, and you may not need to add a message.
A blank request often feels more organic and less like a sales pitch, making prospects more likely to accept.
However, if you include a message, keep it short and natural.
Keep It Short and Simple
If you decide to add a message, brevity is key. The goal is to spark interest without overwhelming the recipient. A message should feel authentic, not like a sales pitch.
Effective Examples:
✅ “Hi [First Name], I came across your profile and thought I’d reach out. Looking forward to connecting!”
✅ “Hey [First Name], saw we’re in the same industry and thought it’d be great to connect!”
✅ “Hi [First Name], I noticed we have mutual connections—thought I’d say hello!”
These messages are casual, non-intrusive, and don’t push for anything upfront.
Avoid Selling in the Connection Message
Turning a connection request into a sales pitch is one of the biggest mistakes. Messages that immediately promote a service or request a meeting often reduce acceptance rates.
Instead, focus on building the connection first, then engage in a conversation once they’ve accepted.
❌ Avoid messages like:
“Hi [First Name], we are the No.1 Agency in the USA for Digital Marketing. Let’s connect so I can tell you more!”
“Hey [First Name], I’d love to tell you about our services. When would be a good time to chat?”
These messages often feel transactional and may lead to lower acceptance rates.
Getting Less Than 33% Acceptance? Time to Adjust!
If your acceptance rate is below 33%, it may be time to test a different approach:
✔ Try removing the message entirely and see if your rate improves.
✔ If keeping a message, shorten it and make it more conversational.
✔ Test different variations to see what resonates best with your audience.
✔ Test different audiences. Your prospects might not be the best fit for your messaging.
🚀 Success! Optimizing your approach will help you build stronger connections and improve your acceptance rates.