When sending messages on LinkedIn, one of the key things to consider is the length of your message. You want your message to be long enough to effectively communicate your intent, but not so long that the recipient gets overwhelmed or loses interest. So what is the ideal length for a LinkedIn message?
The general recommendation is to keep LinkedIn messages concise, usually around 2-4 paragraphs or 100-400 words. Here are some guidelines on ideal LinkedIn message length:
- For a basic introduction, aim for 2-3 sentences or around 30-60 words.
- When following up after connecting, 1-2 paragraphs or 50-100 words is sufficient.
- If you’re asking someone for advice or to meet, 3-4 paragraphs or 150-200 words gets the point across without being excessive.
- For pitching a potential client or sharing an extensive proposal, up to 400 words or 4-5 paragraphs is appropriate.
There are several reasons why you want to keep your LinkedIn messages on the shorter side:
- People are busy and more likely to fully read/respond to concise messages.
- Lengthy blocks of text can be visually unappealing.
- Your core message can get diluted or overlooked within a wordy message.
- You want to be respectful of the recipient’s time.
However, there are some cases where a longer message may be warranted:
- If you need to provide important background/context for your message.
- When responding to a detailed question or request from someone.
- If you are sharing a compelling personal story or testimonial.
- When providing a thorough proposal or pitch to a prospect.
Even in these cases, aim to be as concise as possible while still communicating what you need to. You can provide supplementary information through attachments or links as needed.
Here are some tips for keeping your LinkedIn messages focused:
- Know your purpose – What do you want to accomplish with this message? Get clear on your intent before writing.
- Highlight key info – Bold or bullet your most important points so they stand out.
- Avoid unnecessary details – Stick to info that directly supports your message.
- Edit ruthlessly – Remove filler words/phrases that don’t add value.
- Split into multiple messages – Break very long msgs into coherent, focused parts.
Additionally, your message length should take into account your relationship with the recipient. For example:
- Messages to close connections can be more casual and familiar.
- Initial outreach to strangers may need more formality and context.
- Decision makers at a company expect crisp, professional communication.
Choose your words carefully based on the situation and recipient.
It can also help to look at response rates. If your long messages are getting ignored, try tightening them up. If your short messages prompt clarifying questions, include more context.
Overall, well-crafted LinkedIn messages make their point in a focused, concise way while still humanizing the interaction. Aim for enough detail to personalize and contextualize your message, without belaboring the point or overwhelming your reader.
Here is a quick recap of ideal LinkedIn message length:
- 30-60 words for a basic introduction
- 50-100 words for a follow-up
- 150-200 words to request advice or meet up
- Up to 400 words for an extensive proposal or pitch
Keep your messages as tight as possible without sacrificing necessary rapport-building and details. Find the right balance for your situation, relationship and goals.
With practice, you’ll get a feel for the message lengths that work best for your needs and get positive engagement. LinkedIn messaging is a valuable tool when used strategically to build connections and advance your objectives.