There are many reasons why people may not respond to messages they receive on LinkedIn. Here are some of the most common ones:
They didn’t see the message
With the high volume of messages and notifications people get on LinkedIn, it’s easy for some to slip through the cracks unnoticed. Unlike email which lands directly in the inbox, LinkedIn messages go into the ‘Messages’ section which not everyone checks regularly. If they only occasionally log into LinkedIn, they may have missed seeing your message.
They wanted to but forgot
We’ve all been there – you see a message and think “I’ll reply to that later” but then it slips your mind. Out of sight, out of mind. With busy work schedules, people often don’t prioritize replying to LinkedIn messages. Unless it’s urgent, they put it off and forget. Send a friendly follow up message after a week or so if you haven’t heard back.
They didn’t know how to respond
Some LinkedIn messages require more thought than others to craft a response. If you asked multiple questions or posed an open-ended request, the recipient may feel overwhelmed or not know where to start. Make your initial ask clear and concise. If they need clarification, they can always follow up.
It wasn’t a priority
LinkedIn messages are often treated as lower priority than email or other communications. With only 24 hours in a day, people triage what requires immediate attention. Unless your message was timely or critical, it may not have made the cut. Follow up indicating any time sensitivity or importance if you need a more urgent response.
They wanted to connect in real life instead
Some people prefer to take conversations offline and connect in person or over the phone. They may not want potentially sensitive information transmitted over LinkedIn messaging. Suggest switching to email or meeting for coffee in your next note if you don’t hear back.
It was lost in the shuffle of connection requests
When you send a LinkedIn connection request along with a message, it can inadvertently get grouped in with all the other connection notices. Some people accept connection requests in bulk without reading the messages. Try to make the subject line compelling and personalized so it stands out.
They felt uncomfortable declining
Replying with a “no” or “not interested” takes effort so it’s easier to just not reply. Whether it’s a sales pitch, job opportunity, or request for time, people often don’t respond if they want to avoid an awkward refusal. Don’t take it personally.
It was an accidental click
Sometimes the LinkedIn mobile app makes it too easy to inadvertently send a connection request or message with a mis-tap. If someone fat-fingered your message, they may have no idea it was even sent in the first place.
They wanted to vet you first
Savvy LinkedIn users will do some due diligence before responding. They’ll check out your profile and see if you have any connections in common. If they don’t know you and nothing looks familiar, they may not respond due to wariness.
They were annoyed by your message
Generic copy-and-pasted messages and pushy sales overtures are often ignored or even flagged as spam. While it’s rare, some people take offense to overly familiar greetings from strangers or unsolicited advice. Avoid Anything that might come across as abrasive or irritating.
They have message filters on
To cut down on unwanted outreach, some people put filters on their LinkedIn messages, like blocking anyone outside their network. If your message came from an account they don’t recognize, it may have gone straight to trash.
You messaged the wrong person
Mistaken identity happens, especially with common names. If you addressed them in a way that indicates you think they are someone else, they likely won’t bother responding. Double check you’ve got the right profile before hitting send.
They only use LinkedIn sparingly
Don’t assume everyone utilizes LinkedIn to the same extent you do. Some people check it only occasionally for professional contacts but otherwise rarely log in or check messages. They may not notice or prioritize replies.
Your message wasn’t compelling
In order for someone to take time to open, read, and respond to your message, it needs to grab their attention quickly. Make sure the subject line and first sentence clearly convey why they should care to reply.
They had a technical issue
Bugs happen. Occasionally notifications don’t go through, messages land in spam, or other tech glitches prevent a response. If it’s important, try other methods of communication before giving up.
You’re not in their network
Most LinkedIn members are unlikely to reply to messages from complete strangers or anyone more than a 2nd or 3rd degree connection. Relationship distance matters. Introductions through mutual connections warm leads.
It was just bad timing
We all have busy and slow periods in our schedules. You may have messaged during a hectic time with a major deadline or while they were on vacation. Try following up in a week or two in case it was just bad timing.
They didn’t feel you were worth their time
This brutal truth hurts, but some people view unknown message senders as not worth their effort to respond to. They prioritize replies to existing clients, colleagues, or promising opportunities. Build your reputation and network.
You were too aggressive
Overly assertive messages demanding someone’s time or help often end up ignored. Use a soft ask approach indicating you’d appreciate a reply at their convenience if they’re open to connecting. Don’t be pushy.
They have privacy concerns
Some professionals are cautious about revealing too much on public platforms like LinkedIn. They may hesitate to respond to certain requests or engage in sensitive topics where others could see the conversation.
The conversation fizzled out naturally
Some message exchanges run their course and don’t require a formal sign-off. If neither party has messaged for a few weeks, they may have assumed the back-and-forth ended naturally.
They want to vet your intent before responding
When approached by a stranger, people understandably want to better understand your motives before expending effort on a reply. Clearly explain who you are, your reasons for connecting, and expected outcomes upfront.
Don’t take it personally
At the end of the day, a lack of response usually isn’t about you – it’s about them. People’s attention is pulled in many directions. Focus your energy on those who do proactively engage. Persistence and patience pay off.