LinkedIn is a professional social networking platform used by over 700 million members worldwide. When connecting with new contacts on LinkedIn, it’s important to send a warm and friendly introductory message to start the relationship off on the right foot.
Why Send a Welcome Message?
Sending a welcome message when connecting with someone new on LinkedIn serves several purposes:
- It’s polite and shows you want to actively engage with your new connection.
- It allows you to introduce yourself and explain why you wanted to connect.
- It opens up the lines of communication so you can start networking and exploring opportunities.
- It makes your outreach more personal and human compared to just sending an anonymous connection request.
Overall, a welcome message strengthens your new LinkedIn connection by building rapport and setting the stage for further conversations. Taking a minute to craft a warm, professional greeting shows that you truly value growing your network.
How to Craft an Effective Welcome Message
When writing a welcome message on LinkedIn, there are a few best practices to follow:
- Keep it short and sweet – 2-4 sentences is ideal.
- Refer to how you met or why you wanted to connect.
- Highlight common interests, experiences, or contacts.
- Ask an open-ended question to spark conversation.
- Stay positive and friendly but professional.
- Avoid overt sales pitches or solicitations.
- Add a nice closing line and your name.
You want your message to feel natural, not stuffed with keywords or generically copied and pasted. Taking a minute to customize your message based on the person’s profile makes a great impression.
Sample Welcome Messages
Here are a few example welcome messages you can use as templates when connecting with new contacts on LinkedIn:
Basic Introduction
Hi [name], I wanted to connect with you here on LinkedIn because [explain connection]. I look forward to networking and getting to know you better! Have a great rest of your week, [your name].
Referencing Shared Contacts or Companies
Hi [name], I see we’re both connected to [shared contact] and have experience working at [shared company]. I’d love to connect so we can expand our networks. Hope you’re having a great start to your week!
Message for Someone You Met In-Person
It was great meeting you at [event] last week. Let’s stay in touch here on LinkedIn as we build our professional networks. I’m looking forward to seeing where your career takes you next!
Message for Someone You Admire
Hello [name], I came across your profile and am thoroughly impressed by your background in [field]. I would love to connect here and learn more about your career journey so far. Wishing you continued success!
Message with a Question
Hi [name], thanks for connecting! I see you have experience in [field] – I would love any advice you have for someone looking to break into that industry. What do you enjoy most about that line of work? Hope to chat more soon, [your name].
Tips for an Engaging LinkedIn Welcome Message
Here are some additional tips to make your LinkedIn welcome message more engaging and effective:
| Tips | Examples |
|---|---|
| Research the person’s profile | Hi Jane, I noticed on your LinkedIn profile that you led XYZ project at Company ABC. That sounds like an impressive accomplishment! |
| Look for shared interests | Hi John, Looks like we’re both big fans of the Chicago Bulls! I’d enjoy networking with a fellow basketball enthusiast. |
| Reference current events | Hi Sue, With the new year just around the corner, it seemed like perfect timing to connect on LinkedIn. |
| Compliment their work | Hello Alex, I’ve followed your work at Tech Company X and am truly impressed by your innovative product designs. |
| Be specific | Hi Michelle, I saw that you graduated from the University of Michigan in 2018 – I was there from 2015-2019, small world! |
Taking the time to make your welcome message specific and personal goes a long way. Do your research and find thoughtful ways to engage the other person right off the bat.
Common LinkedIn Welcome Message Mistakes to Avoid
While crafting your introductory message, there are a few pitfalls you’ll want to avoid:
- Sending the exact same generic message to every connection.
- Making it too long or formal.
- Getting too salesy or promotional.
- Asking for too much too soon (favors, introductions, etc).
- Making it just about yourself and your accomplishments.
- Not personalizing the message at all.
- Waiting too long to send the initial message.
Strive for balance – personal yet professional, warm yet concise. With practice, you’ll get the hang of sending welcome messages that make a great first impression.
Conclusion
A thoughtful, friendly welcome message sets the tone for a mutually beneficial connection on LinkedIn. Take the time to craft a personalized, engaging greeting that shows you genuinely want to build the relationship. Ask questions, look for commonalities, and show interest in who they are as a professional. With effort, your welcome message can turn a new contact into a valuable networking opportunity down the line.
