Sending a proposal message on LinkedIn is a great way to introduce yourself to a potential client or employer. A well-crafted proposal message can help you land freelance gigs, find new clients for your business, or get hired for your dream job. Here’s how to write an effective LinkedIn proposal that stands out.
Do Your Research First
Before drafting your message, learn as much as you can about the recipient and their business needs. Study their LinkedIn profile and any websites they have. This will help you tailor the proposal to their specific requirements. Determine what problems they likely face that your skills, products or services could solve.
Craft an Attention-Grabbing Opening
You want your first sentence to spark interest and get them to read further. Mention something specific that shows you understand their business, like an achievement on their profile. Or reference a common connection who referred you. Start politely with “Hi [Name],” and introduce yourself right away.
Explain Why You’re Connecting
Get straight to the point after your opening. Explain that you saw [something specific] on their profile, and you wanted to reach out because you can help them [achieve a goal]. Keep this section brief, friendly and casual. Avoid formal language.
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications
This is your chance to showcase your experience, skills, accomplishments and expertise that map to their needs. Pick 2-3 of your strongest qualifications and explain briefly how they deliver value. Provide just enough detail to demonstrate you’re qualified without overwhelming them.
Describe How You Can Help Them
Now expand on the ways you can help them accomplish their goals or solve their problems. Focus this section on their needs rather than just boasting about your services. Use words like “you” and “your” to keep it centered on them. Offer one or two specific solutions or outcomes you could provide.
Include a Call to Action
Wrap up by suggesting next steps, like a phone call, meeting or demo. Say something like “I’d love to set up a quick call to discuss if this would be beneficial.” Give them an easy way to move forward if they’re interested. LinkedIn only allows 300 characters, so keep it brief.
Proofread Thoroughly
Before sending your proposal message, carefully proofread and tweak anything that could be clearer. Check for typos, unclear sentences, and overly salesy language. Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing. Ask a friend to review it with fresh eyes. A clean, polished message looks more professional.
Personalize Each Message
Avoid blasting out generic proposals. Take time to tailor each one using specific details from the recipient’s profile and needs. Reference their company, position, skills and interests. The more personalized your message is, the better chance it will get a response.
Follow Up Politely
If you don’t hear back within a week, follow up. Send a short message saying you wanted to check if they received your earlier note. Remind them politely what you discussed and restate your interest. Don’t get pushy or aggressive with follow-ups.
Focus on Providing Value
Show the recipient how working with you will make their professional life easier. Emphasize how you can save them time, make them look good, solve problems, improve their business, etc. Avoid talking about yourself too much. Highlight the value you bring them.
Be Authentic and Personable
Inject some personality into your proposal to humanize yourself. Share why you’re passionate about the industry or how past clients have benefitted. Don’t be afraid to be real while still staying professional. Avoid bland, generic language.
Set Expectations on Availability
If relevant, provide details on when you could start and your availability if you began working together. This helps them gauge logistics of potentially bringing you on. Just keep it simple like “I’m available to begin immediately” or “on a flexible schedule.”
Mention Any Other Relevant Details
Before your closing, concisely mention anything else that could influence their decision. This might include portfolio samples, client testimonials, awards, certifications, press mentions, case studies or demos. Only include your very strongest assets.
Express Enthusiasm
End your proposal on a positive note, expressing your interest in connecting further. You might say “I’m very excited about the possibility of working with you” or “I’m optimistic I could be a great fit for your needs.” Avoid sounding desperate or pushy though.
Keep it Concise
Long-winded messages are more likely to get ignored. Aim for no more than 300 characters which is LinkedIn’s limit. Hit just the key highlights. Focus on showing you understand their needs and how you can deliver value. Keep it skimmable.
With a thoughtful, tailored approach, your LinkedIn proposal messages can help you win your next client or job. Do your research, highlight your best assets and focus on value. Follow these tips to make your proposals stand out in a crowded inbox.
