LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 722 million members worldwide. Making connections on LinkedIn is a great way to grow your professional network and advance your career. However, sending connection requests manually can be time-consuming. That’s where automation comes in handy!
There are a few different ways to automatically send connection requests on LinkedIn to streamline networking and reduce the amount of manual work needed. This article will go over the main methods, including using built-in LinkedIn automation tools, third-party browser extensions and software, and automation through scripts. We’ll also provide tips on how to avoid getting banned when automating outreach.
Using LinkedIn’s Built-In Automation
LinkedIn offers some basic automation features to make sending connections easier:
Auto-Connection Request Setting
You can enable the auto-connection request setting in your LinkedIn account settings. This will automatically send connection requests when you visit someone’s profile.
To enable it:
- Go to your LinkedIn Settings
- Click on Communications
- Check the box next to “Auto-connect with people who visit my profile”
With this enabled, a connection request will be sent automatically anytime someone views your profile.
Bulk Adding Connections
LinkedIn allows you to bulk add connections by uploading a list of email addresses or LinkedIn member URLs.
To use this feature:
- Go to your LinkedIn Contacts page
- Click on “Add connections”
- Choose to upload a CSV file with email addresses or LinkedIn member URLs
- Check the box to send an invitation message
- Upload the file
This will send a connection invite to everyone on your list. You can upload up to 500 contacts at a time.
Using Browser Extensions
Browser extensions or add-ons provide another easy way to automate sending LinkedIn connection requests right from your browser.
Here are some top options:
Dux-Soup
Dux-Soup is a Chrome and Firefox extension that provides web scraping and automation capabilities for LinkedIn.
With it you can:
- Import a CSV of profiles
- Auto send connection requests
- Customize invitation messages
- Set delays between actions to mimic manual behavior
Dux-Soup costs $99 per year but offers a 14-day free trial.
LinkedAutoConnect
LinkedAutoConnect is a Chrome extension exclusively for automated LinkedIn connection requests.
Key features include:
- One-click connect from LinkedIn profiles
- Schedule bulk connection requests
- Customize connection invitation message
- Limits to avoid bot detection
Plans start at $12/month.
LinkAssistant
LinkAssistant is a popular Chrome extension for automating various LinkedIn activities.
For connections, it allows you to:
- Auto send connection invites
- Import profiles from CSV
- Customize invite message
- Set speed caps
LinkAssistant starts at $69 for a monthly plan.
Using Automation Software
In addition to browser extensions, desktop software provides robust automation capabilities for LinkedIn connection requests and other actions. Some top options include:
LinkedIn Automation Tool
LinkedIn Automation Tool (LIAT) is a desktop app exclusively for automating various LinkedIn marketing and growth tasks.
For connections, LIAT allows you to:
- Bulk upload profiles
- Auto send invites
- Personalize messages
- Schedule sending
- Limit daily activity
LIAT starts at $47/month for an annual plan.
Linked Helper
Linked Helper is another desktop automation tool with powerful functionality for LinkedIn growth.
Connection features include:
- Bulk import profiles via CSV
- Auto connect
- Customizable messages
- Connection limits
- Delay configurations
Linked Helper costs €47.62 for a monthly plan.
GMass
GMass is a Chrome extension and Windows app for automating a wide range of social media activities.
For LinkedIn, it provides options to:
- Import and auto connect with profiles
- Send customized invitations
- Schedule sending
- Set speed limits
GMass costs $39.95 for a monthly plan.
Automating with Scripts
For software developers, it’s possible to fully automate LinkedIn connection requests through web scraping scripts written in Python, JavaScript, PHP and other languages.
This involves:
- Logging into LinkedIn
- Locating the “Connect” button on a profile
- Clicking the button
- Processing any pop-up boxes
- Repeating for all desired profiles
Scripts allow for the highest degree of customization and automation of the connection process. However, they require strong coding skills. Most find browser extensions or software easier to implement for LinkedIn automation.
Tips to Avoid Getting Banned
When automating LinkedIn activity, it’s important to avoid triggering spam filters or bot detection systems. Here are some tips:
- Add delays between actions to mimic manual behavior patterns
- Keep your total daily activity reasonable (e.g. 100-200 connections per day max)
- Personalize connection invitation messages
- Don’t try to connect with the same person multiple times
- Rotate mix of IP addresses if possible
LinkedIn’s terms technically prohibit automation for sending invites and messages. However, limited automation done responsibly is unlikely to result in suspension. Moderation is key.
Conclusion
Automating LinkedIn connection requests can significantly speed up networking and relationship building. The main options are LinkedIn’s built-in tools, browser extensions, desktop software, and custom scripts.
To avoid issues, use sensible limits, customize messages, mimic human patterns, and don’t overdo it. Responsible automation can take your LinkedIn growth to the next level without risking your account.