A LinkedIn connection request is more than just an action—it’s an opportunity. It may not always be your first impression, but it establishes the tone for future interactions. Whether you include a note or not depends on your purpose, your audience, and your strategy for engaging with that person over time.
To make LinkedIn work for you, build a network that thrives, not just exists. Think of it as planting seeds; each connection can grow into something impactful. Let’s explore when a personalized note is effective and when your content can do the heavy lifting.
A personalized note is effective when:
You’ve Met Before: Reference where you met or how you know them to build immediate rapport.There’s Context for Connection: If you’re reaching out because of shared interests, mutual connections, or specific work they’ve done, a note provides clarity.
You’re Collaborating or Engaging Directly: If the connection is about an upcoming project, event, or opportunity, a quick note sets expectations.
Pro tip: Keep notes short, relevant, and specific. Personalization isn’t about length; it’s about showing genuine interest or relevance.
Sometimes, skipping a note is more effective, especially if you’re focused on broader audience-building:
General Audience Building: If your goal is to grow your network and convert followers through content, skipping a note might work better. Without an immediate personal connection, a note could lower acceptance rates. Let your profile and content establish trust after they accept.Obvious or Immediate Context: A note may not be necessary when the connection already makes sense without additional explanation.
Broad Professional Alignment: When connecting with those who share your professional interests but don’t know you personally, skipping the note avoids seeming forced. A strong profile headline and optimized profile can often make a lasting impression.
Some users rarely check LinkedIn or struggle to navigate it effectively. Notifications can get buried, and requests might be missed entirely. If a connection request goes unanswered, don’t take it personally. Adjust your strategy and explore other ways to engage.
Periodically withdraw unaccepted requests to follow LinkedIn’s guidelines. Use these moments to reflect: Are you targeting the right audience? Are your requests aligned with your goals?
Follow these steps to maximize your connection success:
Assess Engagement: Look at the person’s activity. Are they posting, commenting, or liking content? Active users are more likely to accept.Connection Count: A low number of connections (e.g., fewer than 200) could indicate infrequent use or a selective approach to LinkedIn. Sending many messages to those types of users can impact the number of connections you can send.
Relevance Over Templates: The most successful connection builders focus on understanding their audience instead of relying on generic outreach. By targeting hyper-relevant connections and avoiding templates, you build genuine relationships.
Be Patient and Consistent: Use your content to build familiarity and trust over time. A connection request is just the start; consistent, high-quality engagement strengthens relationships.
Review Previews: Check what each recipient saw. Did your message provide enough context, or was it too generic? Example: "[Name] would like to connect" offers little incentive to accept.
Identify Patterns: Spot commonalities in unaccepted requests. Were recipients inactive, were your messages too generic, or not the right target audience?
Adjust and Refine: Craft new, relevant messages based on what you learned. Include specifics about how you know the person or why connecting benefits both of you.
Test Improved Messaging: Use this blog’s strategies to craft better, personalized requests.
A LinkedIn connection request should align with your broader networking strategy. Leaders in connection-building prioritize relevance and effort over generic outreach. Whether you add a note or not, focus on building a network that reflects your goals and fosters meaningful engagement.
You'll create authentic, lasting professional connections by avoiding impersonal, lazy approaches and embracing hyper-targeted, intentional strategies.