LinkedIn’s Connect messaging feature allows you to reach out directly to other members and start conversations. On the LinkedIn mobile app, sending Connect messages is easy and straightforward. In this article, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process for sending Connect messages on LinkedIn mobile.
Prerequisites for Sending Connect Messages
Before you can send a Connect message on LinkedIn mobile, there are a few requirements you need to fulfill:
- You must have the LinkedIn mobile app installed on your device (available for both iOS and Android)
- You need to be logged into your LinkedIn account in the mobile app
- Your LinkedIn account must be set up completely, including your profile photo
- You need to have existing connections in your LinkedIn network
- The person you want to message must be a 1st-degree connection in your network
As long as you meet these prerequisites, you can follow the steps below to send Connect messages through the LinkedIn mobile app.
Steps to Send a Connect Message
Here are the detailed steps for sending a Connect message on LinkedIn mobile:
- Open the LinkedIn app on your mobile device
- From your homepage (news feed), tap on “My Network” at the bottom
- This will bring you to your connections page. Find the profile of the person you want to message.
- Tap on their profile picture or name to open their profile
- On their profile page, tap on the “Message” button near the top
- A messaging window will open. Type your message in the text box at the bottom.
- When ready, hit the paper airplane button on the right to send your message.
And that’s it! The Connect message will now be sent directly to the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox. They will receive a notification that they have a new message.
Tips for Sending Effective Connect Messages
Now that you know how to send Connect messages through LinkedIn’s mobile app, here are some tips to make sure your messages are well-received:
- Personalize the message with their name and make it specific to them.
- Keep the message professional but friendly.
- Make it clear why you are reaching out and what you are asking for.
- Follow up if you don’t receive a response after a few days.
- Avoid sending spammy messages – only message those you have a genuine reason to connect with.
Following these best practices will give you the highest chance of getting a response to your Connect outreach.
Connect Message FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about LinkedIn’s Connect messaging feature:
Can I message someone who is not a 1st degree connection?
No, Connect messaging is only available for direct connections in your network. To message a 2nd or 3rd degree connection, or someone outside your network, you would need to send them an invite to connect first.
Is there a limit to how many Connect messages I can send?
Yes, to prevent spamming, LinkedIn does limit the number of messages you can send per day/week/month. The exact limits are not publicly disclosed, but sending hundreds per day would likely trigger limits.
Can I retract a sent message?
No, there is no way to delete or retract a message after you’ve sent it. So double check your messages before hitting send!
Can I see when my message is read?
LinkedIn does not have read receipts for Connect messages like other messaging apps. You can see when your message is delivered, but not if/when it is read by the recipient.
Can I send attachments or images in my messages?
No, LinkedIn does not currently support sending attachments or images within Connect messages on mobile or desktop.
Connect Messaging on Desktop
In addition to mobile, you can also send Connect messages through the LinkedIn website:
- Login to your LinkedIn account on desktop
- Find the profile of the connection you want to message
- Click the “More” button below their profile photo and select “Send message”
- Type your message in the text box and click “Send”
The process is very similar and the message will reach the recipient’s inbox just the same.
Conclusion
Sending Connect messages through LinkedIn mobile is a simple and easy way to directly engage your network. Follow the steps outlined above, personalize your messages, and apply best practices to increase your chances of getting responses. With some practice, you’ll be leveraging Connect messaging to build stronger relationships.
| Platform | Steps to Send Connect Message |
|---|---|
| LinkedIn Mobile App |
|
| LinkedIn Website |
|
This table summarizes and compares the steps for sending Connect messages on mobile vs. desktop. The overall process is very similar on both platforms.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Connect Message | A private direct message sent to a 1st degree connection in your LinkedIn network. |
| 1st-degree connection | Someone who is directly connected to you on LinkedIn. |
| 2nd-degree connection | Someone connected to your 1st-degree connections. |
| 3rd-degree connection | Someone connected to your 2nd-degree connections. |
This table defines some of the key terms related to LinkedIn connections and messaging.
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform with over 722 million users worldwide. Connect messaging allows you to leverage your network and directly engage your connections.
Here are some key LinkedIn user statistics as of October 2022 (source: Oberlo):
- 722+ million registered members
- 303 million monthly active users
- 33.7% of users check LinkedIn daily
- New members joining at rate of 2 members per second
- Most popular among those age 25 to 34
With over 700 million users, LinkedIn continues to be a powerful platform for professional networking and engagement. Connect messaging is an essential tool for communicating within your network.
By following the steps in this guide, you can quickly master sending Connect messages through LinkedIn mobile or desktop. Keep your messages friendly, professional, and personalized to boost response rates.
Use Connect messaging to strengthen relationships, spark productive conversations, and advance your career opportunities. With practice, it can become a simple and effective way to engage your broad professional network on LinkedIn.
Here is a recap of some of the key takeaways:
- Connect messaging lets you directly contact 1st degree connections
- Personalize your messages and make them specific to the recipient
- Focus on quality over quantity – don’t spam connections
- Similar steps to send messages on mobile and desktop
- Follow best practices for networking communication
Following this how-to guide, you should now feel confident in leveraging Connect messaging through the LinkedIn platform. Apply these tips to keep the conversations going and expand your professional network.