LinkedIn messages allow you to directly connect with other professionals on the platform. However, it’s important to follow best practices when sending messages to build relationships and avoid coming across as spammy. Here are some top tips for effectively using LinkedIn messages.
Be Personalized and Customized
One of the most important best practices for LinkedIn messages is to personalize and customize each one. Don’t just copy and paste the same generic message to every connection. Take the time to write an original message that relates specifically to the recipient and their profile.
Reference their work experience, education, skills, interests, shared connections, or anything else that shows you took the time to look at their profile. Using their name and making the message about them will make it stand out.
Keep it Brief but Not Too Short
You want your LinkedIn message to be a reasonable length – not crazy long but also not just a couple of sentences. Aim for 2-4 paragraphs or around 100-200 words.
Get to the point quickly and keep it focused. But have enough substance and details to spark interest and give them something to respond to. If it’s too short it can come across impersonal.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Asking questions is a great way to start a LinkedIn conversation and show interest in the recipient. Make sure to ask open-ended questions that spark discussion, rather than yes/no questions.
For example, ask about details of their career path, experiences in the industry, challenges they’ve faced, projects they’re working on, or advice they can share. This gives them something substantial to respond to.
Focus on Providing Value
Think about how you can provide value to the recipient through your message, rather than just asking for something. Offer advice, make connections, share an interesting article, or recommend something helpful.
People are much more responsive when you offer them something useful. Just make sure it’s still customized and not a generic message sent to everyone.
Proofread Carefully
Before hitting send, always proofread your LinkedIn messages carefully to fix any typos or grammatical errors. This helps prevent miscommunication and shows you took the time to polish your message.
Put yourself in the mindset of the recipient and read it from their perspective. Make sure your tone and messaging align with your relationship and their profile.
Follow Up but Don’t Badger
It’s fine and expected to follow up if you don’t receive a response to your initial message. But don’t badger someone who doesn’t respond. Send one or two follow up messages spaced out over a couple weeks.
If you still don’t hear back, politely move on. Not everyone will be interested in connecting for a variety of reasons.
Add a Professional Profile Photo
Make sure you have a profile photo of yourself on your LinkedIn account. Messages with no face behind them come across as less professional.
Use a high-quality headshot, professionally taken on a solid background. This gives your messages and outreach more credibility.
Customize Your Greeting
Rather than using a generic greeting like “Hi” or “Hello”, customize your greeting with the recipient’s first name or last name if you’re less familiar.
You can also use their full name if it feels appropriate based on your relationship. This extra touch of personalization helps your message make an impact.
Watch Your Tone
Carefully consider your tone when crafting LinkedIn messages. Even if you have an existing relationship, avoid being too casual or using slang/emojis unless you know the recipient well.
In most cases, maintain a polite, professional tone that still feels friendly and authentic. Don’t come across as stiff, but avoid being too casual.
Make Your Ask Clear
If your message has an “ask” or call to action, construct it carefully. State it clearly rather than beating around the bush.
For example, if you want to schedule a call to discuss job opportunities, say so directly. If you’d like them to share their perspective on something, explicitly request that.
Add Value Before Promoting
If you eventually want to discuss business opportunities or share promotions, build a relationship first. Provide value through genuine conversations.
Once you have an established relationship, it’s fine to share relevant promotions, job openings, events, and so on. But lead with value rather than promotions.
Align with Shared Interests
Look at the recipient’s profile to find any groups, interests, volunteering activities, or causes they are involved in. Mention these to establish common ground.
For example, if you both volunteer for the same organization or have joined the same LinkedIn groups, mention your shared interests.
Send Individual Messages
When reaching out to multiple people, avoid bulk messages or mass mail merges. Send each connection an individual, customized message speaking to their profile and relationship.
Mass messages get screened out as spam and ruin your reputation. Take the time to personalize each note.
Follow Up After Connecting
Once someone accepts your connection request, follow up with a message. Thank them for connecting and share why you’d like to stay in touch.
This helps move the relationship forward rather than just amassing connections. Maintain an open dialogue.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Don’t spam every LinkedIn connection with generic messages. Focus on quality conversations with the right people rather than sending low-quality messages at scale.
Target people you have something in common with and genuinely want to build a relationship with. Quality conversations lead to meaningful professional relationships.
Consider Your Objective
Think about the purpose of your message and what you hope to get from the interaction. Are you seeking advice, job opportunities, shared business insights, or something else?
Keeping the objective in mind will help shape an on-point message tailored to your goals. Know why you are reaching out before hitting send.
Make it Easy to Respond
Craft your message in a way that makes it simple for the recipient to respond if they want to connect. Ask questions, share ideas, or bring up topics they can easily chime in on.
Give them “hooks” to keep the conversation flowing. If you message is long-winded without clear ways to respond, you likely won’t hear back.
Use the Right Medium
Consider the message length and content when deciding between InMail and regular LinkedIn messaging. InMail is best for more formal outreach and initial contact.
Once you have an established connection, you can communicate through standard messaging. Pick the right medium for each purpose.
Personalize Connection Requests
When sending connection invitations, customize the note rather than just sending the default text. Share why you want to connect with them specifically.
A personalized invite makes people much more likely to accept and engage. It’s less likely to seem like spam.
Say Thanks
Always close your messages with an expression of thanks and appreciation, even if you’re hoping for further dialogue. “Thank you for your time” or “Thanks in advance for your insights” go a long way.
Gratitude for someone taking the time to read your note keeps conversations positive. People want to feel acknowledged.
Check LinkedIn Profiles
Before reaching out, check that the person has been active on LinkedIn recently. Focus on profiles that show regular activity to increase the chance they’ll notice your message.
Pay attention to how often they post, share, comment and update their profile. Inactive accounts likely won’t respond.
Follow Trending Topics
Look at trending topics and hashtags on LinkedIn to identify relevant themes and inclusion opportunities. This provides fodder for initial messages.
You can weave trending topics and content into customized notes to show you’re plugged into larger conversations. It also gives the other person something topical to respond to.
Use Current Events
Tying your messages to major events, news, or cultural moments makes them timely and relevant. But make sure not to force it if it doesn’t fit.
For example, wishing someone happy holidays or referencing a major business conference are light touch ways to incorporate current events.
Check Their Company Page
Research the recipient’s company before messaging them by looking at their Company Page on LinkedIn. This provides insights into projects, initiatives, and achievements to reference.
Use what you learn about their company’s priorities and work to craft relevant, personalized messages catered to their role and contributions.
Conclusion
Using LinkedIn to make meaningful connections starts with sending purposeful, valuable messages. Avoid spamming and put time into building relationships through high-quality conversations and engagement tailored to each recipient.
With the right approach, LinkedIn messaging can be an invaluable tool for expanding your professional network and opportunities in a personal way.