How to Write LinkedIn Connection Requests That Convert
The average LinkedIn connection request acceptance rate is 30%. With the right approach, you can hit 50-70%. Here's how to write requests people actually want to accept.
Try AI-Powered Outreach FreeWhy Most Connection Requests Fail
of connection requests are ignored or declined
average time spent reading a request
character limit for connection notes
Most people send the LinkedIn default or a generic pitch. Decision-makers receive dozens of these daily. To stand out, you need to give them a reason to connect — in under 300 characters.
The Psychology of Connection Acceptance
Why People Accept
- • They recognize you (event, content, mutual)
- • You seem relevant to their work/interests
- • You've given them something (insight, compliment)
- • Low risk — no immediate ask or pitch
- • Curiosity — you said something interesting
Why People Ignore
- • No personalization — feels like spam
- • Immediate pitch or ask
- • No clear reason to connect
- • Fake flattery ("love your profile!")
- • Too long or too corporate
Connection Requests That Get Ignored
"Hi, I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn."
Problem: LinkedIn's default — says nothing about why
"Hi [Name], I see you're in [Industry]. We help companies like yours increase revenue by 300%. Let's connect to discuss."
Problem: Immediate pitch, generic, salesy
"Hi! Love your profile! Would be great to connect!"
Problem: Fake enthusiasm, no specificity, feels automated
"I came across your profile and was impressed by your experience. I believe we could mutually benefit from connecting."
Problem: Vague, corporate-speak, no real reason
Connection Requests That Get Accepted
"Hi Sarah, your post on SDR burnout really resonated — especially the part about unrealistic quotas. Would love to connect and follow more of your insights."
Why it works: References specific content, shows genuine interest
"Hi Mark, noticed we're both connected to [Name] from [Company]. I'm also in B2B SaaS sales — would be great to connect."
Why it works: Common ground, relevant context, low pressure
"Hi Lisa, fellow VP Sales here. Building my network of sales leaders — your background at [Company] caught my eye. Connect?"
Why it works: Peer-to-peer, specific reason, casual tone
"Hi James, saw you at the SaaStr session on outbound. Your question about personalization was spot on. Would love to connect."
Why it works: Shared experience, specific reference, compliment
4 Connection Request Templates You Can Use Today
1. Content Engagement
Hi [Name], your [post/comment] about [topic] was [specific reaction]. [Optional: brief personal connection]. Would love to connect.
Example: "Hi Sarah, your post about cold email deliverability was eye-opening — especially the SPF/DKIM breakdown. Dealing with the same issues on our team. Would love to connect."
2. Mutual Connection
Hi [Name], we're both connected to [Mutual]. I'm [brief context about you]. Would be great to connect.
Example: "Hi Mark, we're both connected to David Chen. I'm also in RevOps — saw your post on attribution modeling. Would be great to connect."
3. Same Company/Industry
Hi [Name], fellow [role/industry] here. [Specific reason you noticed them]. Would love to connect.
Example: "Hi Lisa, fellow demand gen marketer here. Your campaign breakdown for the product launch was solid. Would love to connect."
4. Genuine Curiosity
Hi [Name], saw [something specific]. Curious about [genuine question]. Mind if I connect?
Example: "Hi James, saw you moved from Salesforce to a Series A startup. Curious how you're approaching outbound with a smaller team. Mind if I connect?"
For more message templates beyond connection requests, check our LinkedIn Outreach Templates guide.
Connection Request Best Practices
Do This
- ✓Reference something specific (post, company, event)
- ✓Keep it under 200 characters if possible
- ✓Give a clear reason for connecting
- ✓Be casual, not corporate
- ✓Engage with their content first when possible
Avoid This
- ✗Pitching in the connection request
- ✗Using LinkedIn's default message
- ✗Fake personalization that's obviously templated
- ✗Asking for something before connecting
- ✗Writing a wall of text
Pro Tips for Higher Acceptance Rates
Warm Up Before Connecting
Like or comment on their post before sending a request. They'll recognize your name and be more likely to accept.
Use Mobile for No Note
Sometimes no note is better than a bad note. Mobile makes it easy to send without a message — but only after warming up.
Timing Matters
Send requests during business hours in their timezone. Tuesday-Thursday typically has the highest acceptance rates.
Follow Up After Acceptance
Don't pitch immediately. Send a brief thank you or share something valuable. Build rapport before asking for anything.
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