Sending a connection request on LinkedIn to a current or potential client requires thought and care. Unlike connecting with a friend or colleague, connecting with a client on LinkedIn is an important business communication that represents your professional brand. This guide provides tips on how to craft an effective LinkedIn connection request message to a client.
Quick Tips for LinkedIn Connection Messages to Clients
Here are some quick tips for writing a strong LinkedIn connection request message to a client:
- Personalize the message by referring to your existing relationship or how you can help them.
- Be clear on why you want to connect but don’t make it all about you.
- Highlight the value for them in connecting on LinkedIn.
- Keep the message brief but meaningful.
- Use a professional but friendly tone.
- Proofread before sending.
Step 1: Personalize the Message
A LinkedIn connection request to a client should always be personalized. Generic outreach will likely be ignored or rejected. The best way to personalize a connection request is to:
- Reference your existing relationship. Remind them who you are and any past interactions you’ve had. This makes the request feel more natural.
- Note why you specifically want to connect with them. Explain how connecting would be mutually beneficial.
- Share insights into how you can help them. Outline what value you could provide by being connected.
Personalized messages demonstrate extra effort and show the client that connecting with them matters to you.
Step 2: Focus on the Client
While personalizing the message, be sure not to make it all about you. Many people write LinkedIn connection requests focused only on what they want. But it’s more effective to focus on the client and their needs. Explain how connecting on LinkedIn can help them:
- Receive helpful business insights and articles you share.
- Gain exposure to your network for marketing purposes.
- Communicate with you more easily via LinkedIn messaging.
- Leverage your expertise and advice on LinkedIn.
Put the emphasis on the value for them, not just the value for you in making the connection. This client-centric approach makes it more appealing to connect.
Step 3: Be Clear on Your Purpose
A LinkedIn connection request to a client needs to have a clear purpose. Vague outreach saying you’d like to connect for “professional reasons” or “to grow your network” can sound dubious and raise suspicions.
Be upfront why you want to establish the connection. Here are some purpose examples:
- “I’d love to connect so I can share industry news and helpful content with you.”
- “Connecting on LinkedIn would make it easier for us to communicate and collaborate.”
- “I’d like to connect so I can offer you my expertise on [area relevant to them].”
The purpose stated should align with the value you highlighted for them. This consistency and clarity will get your request approved, not ignored.
Step 4: Keep the Message Concise
While personalization and clarity are important in a LinkedIn connection request to a client, avoid writing an excessively long message. You want to be succinct and respect the client’s time.
Aim to cover these key points in 2-4 sentences:
- A reminder of who you are
- Why you want to connect with them specifically
- The value for them in connecting
- A clear purpose statement
Getting these core components across clearly and concisely will boost the odds of a positive response. Rambling messages are more likely to be ignored.
Step 5: Use a Professional But Friendly Tone
LinkedIn is a professional social media platform, so the tone of your connection request to a client needs to be professional. However, it also helps to be warm and friendly in your approach. Some guidelines on tone include:
- Avoid formal language like excessively long sentences or over the top flattery.
- Use conversational language, contracting words like don’t, can’t, etc.
- Incorporate friendliness using phrases like “It would be great to…” , “I’d appreciate the opportunity to…”
- Close politely with “Best regards” or “Sincerely” vs. a casual “Thanks”.
Finding the right balance between professionalism and approachability will make a positive impression on the client.
Step 6: Proofread Before Sending
With any important business communication, it’s critical to proofread before hitting send. Read the LinkedIn connection request message carefully checking for:
- Grammatical errors
- Odd autocorrects
- Unclear or awkward language
- Typos
- Accurate contact details
Fix any mistakes and rework confusing sections so that your message is polished. This prevents misunderstandings and demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.
Examples of Effective Connection Request Messages to Clients
To see the tips above in action, here are two example LinkedIn connection messages you could send to a client or potential client:
Example 1: Existing Client
Hi [Client’s First Name],
It was great connecting with you and the team on the [recent project/contract]. Now that our work together is ramping up, I’d love to continue our conversations on LinkedIn. Connecting would allow me to share industry insights relevant to [client’s business] more easily and give you access to my network. Please let me know if you’d be interested in connecting on LinkedIn.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Potential New Client
Dear [Potential Client’s Name],
Although we haven’t worked together yet, I think my expertise in [your area of expertise] could significantly benefit your business. I would appreciate the opportunity to connect on LinkedIn so I can start providing value by sharing content tailored to the challenges [their company] faces. Connecting now would also facilitate conversations about working together when the timing is right.
I hope you’re willing to connect on LinkedIn to start building our relationship. Looking forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Following Up on LinkedIn Connection Requests
If your original LinkedIn connection request to a client goes unanswered after about two weeks, consider sending a brief follow up message. Here are some tips on effectively following up:
- Resend your original customized request so they can review the context again.
- Be gracious, not pushy or demanding, about wanting to connect.
- Offer to answer any questions they may have about connecting.
- Suggest linking up over email or phone if they prefer to discuss further.
Avoid harassing the client with multiple connection requests. The goal is to find the right balance between showing ongoing interest and respecting their preference if they do not want to connect at this time.
What to Avoid When Messaging Clients on LinkedIn
There are also some things you should avoid when reaching out to clients via LinkedIn connection requests and messages:
- Using canned templates that aren’t personalized.
- Making it all about you and your needs vs. their needs.
- Vague messages that don’t communicate a purpose for connecting.
- Long messages that ramble on unnecessary details.
- Aggressive sales pitches or obvious upselling attempts.
- Overly formal or stilted language.
- Grammatical errors or typos that look unprofessional.
Avoiding these missteps will help ensure your outreach resonates and accomplishes your goals.
Connecting In Person First
If possible, try to meet a potential client in person first before attempting to connect on LinkedIn. This enables you to:
- Make a better first impression.
- Build initial rapport.
- Assess if there is a good fit.
- Explain why connecting on LinkedIn would be valuable.
- Follow-up a face-to-face meeting with a customized request.
Connecting in real life first results in a warmer request and higher acceptance rate versus cold outreach to someone you’ve never met.
Using LinkedIn’s TeamLink Feature
When connecting with a client company, explore using LinkedIn’s TeamLink feature if appropriate. This allows you to:
- Connect with multiple employees at a company.
- Show you want to build relationships broadly.
- Introduce yourself to key decision makers.
- Highlight services tailored to their needs.
TeamLink helps expand your client relationships beyond just one main point of contact.
Sending After Connecting
Once a client accepts your request, follow up with a thank you note or value-adding message. This could include:
- Appreciation for connecting.
- A relevant article or piece of content.
- An invitation to further discuss their needs.
- Congrats on recent news about their company.
Proactively maintaining communication reinforces the relationship-building process.
Key Takeaways
Connecting with clients on LinkedIn requires personalized, value-focused outreach and follow-through. By tailoring your request message, highlighting client benefits, and avoiding common mistakes, you can use LinkedIn to strengthen valuable business relationships.
