When sending a business message on LinkedIn, you want to make a good first impression and clearly communicate your purpose. Here are some tips for writing effective LinkedIn messages:
Know your objective
Before writing your message, think about what you want to accomplish. Are you reaching out to someone for the first time to introduce yourself? Are you following up on a previous conversation or connection? Do you want to schedule a meeting, ask for career advice, or pitch a business opportunity? Having a clear objective in mind will help you craft an appropriate message.
Personalize the greeting
Avoid generic greetings like “Dear Sir/Madam.” Look at the recipient’s profile to find their name and position title. Use this to personalize your greeting, for example: “Dear [First Name],” or “Hi [First Name],” or “Good morning [Name],.” This extra effort shows you took the time to look at their profile.
Introduce yourself
Especially if this is your first time connecting, briefly introduce yourself. Mention your name, company, and position. You can also explain how you found them on LinkedIn or any common connections you share to provide context.
Get straight to the point
After the greeting, get right to the point and explain the purpose for your message. Say upfront what you’re asking for or what you’d like to discuss. The recipient will appreciate you being direct instead of beating around the bush.
Explain why you’re reaching out
Provide some background on why you want to connect with this person specifically. For example, “I saw on your profile that you work in ____ industry. My company is launching a new ____ and I thought I’d reach out to schedule a quick call to get your perspective on the market.” Help them understand why you thought of them.
Be clear and concise
Write short, easy-to-read sentences. Avoid overly formal or complex language. Use a friendly but professional tone. Get to the point quickly without unnecessary details. Aim to express your key message clearly and concisely.
Ask for what you want
After explaining your purpose, clearly state any request or call to action. For example: “Would you be open to a 15-minute phone call next Tuesday to discuss?” Or “If you have time, I’d love to take you out for coffee to get your advice on breaking into the industry.” Be direct in asking for what you want.
Suggest next steps
Guide the recipient toward responding by proposing specific next steps. Give options like: “If you’re interested, please let me know a few dates/times that work for you and I can send a calendar invite.” Or “If you’re open to connecting, I can send over some info for you to review before we schedule a call.”
Close with appreciation
Thank them for their time and consideration. Expressing gratitude leaves a positive final impression. End with something like: “Thank you in advance for your time, I look forward to hearing from you soon.” Or “I appreciate you taking the time to discuss. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any other questions!”
Proofread before sending
Be sure to thoroughly proofread your message before hitting send. Check for typos, grammar errors, unclear phrasing, and any other mistakes. Read it aloud to catch anything you might have missed. An error-free message looks more professional.
Follow up if needed
If you don’t hear back within a week, consider sending a polite follow-up message. Reiterate your interest in connecting and ask if they got your previous message. But don’t pester someone who is clearly not responsive.
Customize for different recipients
While the above guidelines apply to most LinkedIn messages, you may need to customize your approach depending on the recipient. For example, use a more formal tone for senior executives versus a more casual voice for peers. Adjust messaging specifics based on their industry and your shared connections.
Consider other channels
Although LinkedIn messaging works for initial outreach, important conversations may be better suited for a phone or video call. Don’t try to pitch an extensive business opportunity solely through written messages. Suggest switching to a live discussion when appropriate.
Follow up after connecting
Once you do connect with someone, follow up to build the relationship. Share relevant articles, make introductions, or exchange ideas. Nurture the new connection by providing ongoing value.
Focus on quality over quantity
When reaching out to new connections, focus on a smaller number of meaningful messages instead of blasting generic invitations. Personalized messages show you’re selective about who you connect with.
By keeping these tips in mind when drafting LinkedIn messages, you can maximize your chances of getting a response. A well-crafted message helps you come across as professional, direct, and considerate of the recipient’s time. With practice, you’ll be able to write effective messages that lead to fruitful new business relationships.