Writing an Irresistible LinkedIn Connection Request

Apart from using a bad photo as your profile photo, sending connection requests with the default “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn” text, is one of the biggest mistakes anyone can make on LinkedIn. Doing this will greatly reduce the number of connections you can make on the platform.

This then begs the question, ‘What can you do to get more people on LinkedIn to connect to you or your brand?’ Well, the answer is surprisingly simple – writing an irresistible LinkedIn connection request. The good news is that you are at the right place, because we are about to give you some priceless tips to help you a connection request that people will not be able to ignore.

But before we get into that…

Let us look at 3 ways you can use to increase the size of your LinkedIn network.

1.    Connecting with people you already know

If you are just starting out on growing your LinkedIn network, starting with the people you know is a great way to get you off the ground. Because many people you know are most probably using LinkedIn, this stem is very easy.

Simply go to the Add Connections page by clicking on “Add Connections” menu item under “Connections”. Here LinkedIn will request for your email address from which you want to import contacts from. Even if you have already done this, it does not hurt to repeat it. You may find out that there are new potential connects since the last time you imported your contacts.

After this step, LinkedIn will ask you to select the people you want to connect to from the ones you know but are not connected to yet. Now all that is left is to click the ‘Add Connections’ button, right? Wrong!

 If you click to send the invites now, LinkedIn will only send its default connection request message, and that is now what we want. Please read on to find a better strategy of getting you more connects for your efforts.

Yes, some people you know will accept your connection request even with the boring default text. But you will most probably need a custom connection request for those people that you maybe don’t know that well.

If say for example, you have only communicated with someone via email a couple or times, it is possible that they do not remember you. While they potentially know you, this is not a convincing enough reason for them to simply accept your connection request. Some will even ignore or simply delete your request.

2.    Connecting with people you would like to know

When trying to create a meaningful leads network on LinkedIn, connecting to hundreds of random people can actually prove to be counteractive. Simply clicking on the ‘Connect’ button just because some algorithm has generated a list of people that you might know will add zero value to your network.

In fact, you could even get banned if enough people you have sent a generic connection request mark you as spam. While there is no public mention of the threshold, getting marked as spam by many people could actually lead LinkedIn to suspend your account – and that is the complete opposite of what we want.

So, while networking means reaching out to and connecting with people you do not know yet, you need a strategy to do it right. Sending generic connection requests is not the way to do it. We have written a great strategy article that will help you generate meaningful LinkedIn leads in 3 easy steps.

3.    Make people send connection requests to you

When people send you connection requests, it is up to you to choose whether to accept or decline their request. This way, you never have to worry about anyone reporting you as a spammer.

But to do this, at the very least, you need to have a killer LinkedIn profile that tells anyone that finds you via search exactly who you are, what your interests are, what you do, and why you will add value to their LinkedIn network.

How to write the perfect LinkedIn connection request

Ok, now let’s get back on track…

The perfect LinkedIn request, the one that will get people clicking on the ‘Connect’ button more times than they click on the ‘Decline’ button, must have the following:

1. Must be polite
2. Must be relevant
3. Must be personalized
4. Must be professional, and
5. Must be praiseful

Think of it this way. If someone approaches you and politely introduces themselves, already know who you are and even gives some words of praise about how you or your business helped them and only want to shake your hand, you’ll most probably shake their hands.

Now, back to LinkedIn, if you structure your request around these 5 pointers, even if someone chooses not to accept your connection request, it is highly unlikely that they are going to report you as spam.

1.    Create A Killer Profile

Before we even get started on writing that irresistible connection request on LinkedIn, we cannot stress enough the importance of a good profile. You may actually write a very good request, but when your prospective connection looks at your profile only to find a bad profile pic and skimpy information about you, chances of them adding you to their network will fly out the window.

 

Considering that your profile picture is one of the first elements that will be seen, make sure it is professional and of high quality. In addition to this, ensure all the relevant profile information is recent and up to date. Doing this make people take you more seriously and not see you as a spammer.

2.    Write A Personalized Invitation

The best invitations you can send on LinkedIn are those that are specifically customized for your target. From the start, make sure you address them in their name, and more importantly, that you spell it right! It will also be beneficial if you can let your connection know how you know them (if you were referred to them by someone, you can mention the one that recommended them to you), and also exactly why you would like to add them to your network. This not only makes them feel more relaxed and more likely to accept your connection request, but also opens the way for you if you want to talk or have a discussion with them in the future.

3.    Give Them Praise

When writing your invitation request, customize the message to include some praise of their strengths or achievements. Most of the time, all the information you need to do this is available on their profile. So spend some time and do some research and get to know them a little bit. Know what they are interested in, what they have achieved, notable things they’ve been part of, and the like.

This will work well for people you already know, but it can be just what you need to tip the odds in your favor when sending a request to people you don’t know. Making reference of their experience or strength shows that you are genuinely interested enough that you took time to have a look at their profile.

4.    Share Some Information About Yourself

Sharing a little background information about yourself with your target invitee goes a long way in helping you build a line of communication between you. After all, if they have gone through your connection request and they are still not sure of what you actually do, you don’t suppose they are just going to accept your invitation, right? So before parting ways with them, tell them a bit of who you are. While doing so, include some basic professional information like the career you are into, your title, as well as some skills and specialties.

If you are looking to build a working relationship with them, emphasize on how this relationship is going to benefit them. Explain why you are the best option for them. Making yourself stand out should be an important part of your invitations if you intend on making the best LinkedIn invitations.

Another really effective strategy employed by the best LinkedIn invitations is pointing out the things that you and your target invitee have in common. By simply checking out their profile, you will probably find at least one professional connection, interest, LinkedIn group or characteristic the you have in common. By pointing out this common ground, our target shark may feel more inclined to accept the invitation since this connection will feel a bit personal.

5.    Parting On Good Terms

 

Now that you have made it this far, finish off your message with a warm and friendly send off to leave your request on a positive note. If up to now you have not elaborated how they could benefit from a connection with you, then this is probably your last chance to convince them. Additionally, it would do your chances no harm if you sign off with some positive words about them or their company.

Finally, this is where you suggest the next course of action. Let it be known exactly what it is you would like to do going forward with the purpose of furthering your relationship. Do you want to schedule a phone call? Or have them to check your past work? How about meeting them and discussing more about their work? Feel free to add this information in the conclusion of your connection request since it is this information that gives them a clear idea of precisely what you are up to. If you want to get in touch with you further, then do not forget including essential contact information like an email address or a phone number.

Good examples of LinkedIn connection requests

To someone you admire

When sending a connection request, it is important to let people know who you are and why you are reaching out. To show them you are not only on a mission to increase your contact list by making specific references to some of their projects or achievements.

Dear Alice Caleb,

I have just finished by bachelor’s degree and interested in working in marketing. I have been following your work for Johnny Beard Inc. for several months now, and I have been really impressed. If you ever have 10 minutes to spare, I would love to hear how you got started in the field, and the skills that you think are most important in the profession.

Thank you

John Doe

To a Recruiter

Generally, contacting recruiters whom you share something in common increases your chances of being accepted. This could be having a mutual connection, being members of the same LinkedIn group, or participating in the same organization. If you have nothing in common, we recommend finding out which groups the recruiter is in and then join some of them.

Dear Samuel,

I came across your profile on xxx page and thought to reach out to you to discuss the potential of working together. I am a marketing strategist with 5 years of experience and currently looking for a new opportunity. I would appreciate it if we could chat about whether my background and experience would be a good fit for any openings you may have. I would also be happy to connect you to some professionals in my field.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Laura Bullock

Someone you’d like to work with

They most important thing here is being very clear about the kind of relationship you are looking for. It will potentially save you time because if they are not interested, you will know right away and move on to the next person.

Dear Luna,

I am very impressed by the social media marketing strategy you put together for Cloud 9 Safaris. I own a small business, and would like to hire you for a similar project. Please let me know if you are interested so we can set up a time to discuss the specifics of the project.

Looking forward to working with you.

Tim.