What is message request accepted in LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows users to connect with other professionals in their industry. One of the key features of LinkedIn is the ability to message other users directly through the platform. However, for privacy and spam prevention reasons, LinkedIn has some controls around who can message who.

Message Requests

When you try to message someone you are not connected to on LinkedIn, it will send them a “message request” rather than going directly to their inbox. This gives the recipient a chance to review the request and decide whether to accept it before opening a message thread with the sender.

If someone tries to message you on LinkedIn and you are not connected, you will receive a notification of a new message request. You can then choose to accept or ignore the request.

Why Message Requests Exist

LinkedIn implemented the message request system to:

• Prevent unwanted messages from strangers reaching users’ inboxes
• Give users control over who can message them on the platform
• Limit spam and abusive messages

Without message requests, anyone could message any LinkedIn member without their consent. This would likely lead to a proliferation of unsolicited outreach, spam, and harassment.

Accepting Message Requests

If you want to reply to someone who has sent you a message request, you must first accept the request. Accepting the request opens up a message thread between you and the sender.

To accept a message request on LinkedIn:

1. Go to your LinkedIn inbox and click on the Message Requests tab
2. Click on the message request you want to accept
3. Click the “Accept” button to start the message thread with this person

Once you accept the request, the person’s message will appear in your inbox and you can reply to it like any other LinkedIn message.

Ignoring Message Requests

If you receive a message request from someone you don’t want to hear from, you can simply ignore it by not accepting the request. This is similar to declining a connection request.

To ignore a message request:

• Go to the Message Requests tab in your LinkedIn inbox
• Hover over the message request and click the “Ignore” button

This will delete the request so it no longer appears in your inbox. The sender will not receive any notification that you ignored their request.

Turning Off Message Requests

Some LinkedIn users prefer to turn off message requests entirely. This means anyone can message you directly without a pending request.

To disable message requests on LinkedIn:

1. Go to your Settings page
2. Click on Communications
3. Uncheck the box next to “I would like to receive message requests”

With message requests disabled, your inbox visibility will be “open to anyone”. Keep in mind this may lead to more unsolicited messages.

Limits of Accepting Message Requests

Accepting a message request only creates a one-time open messaging channel. It does not:

• Add the person as a LinkedIn connection
• Allow them to message you again in the future if you block them
• Give them access to your full profile

Connections on LinkedIn have access to more profile data and the ability to message indefinitely. Accepting a message request simply removes the one-time barrier for that initial message.

Receiving Message Requests as a Business

LinkedIn business pages can also receive message requests from visitors. Page admins should monitor their message requests tab and respond appropriately.

However, businesses cannot ignore or block message requests. All requests to business pages will remain pending until accepted or deleted by the admin.

LinkedIn’s Rules Around Messaging

LinkedIn does enforce rules around messaging etiquette on their platform. Sending abusive or harassing messages will get you banned from sending future messages.

LinkedIn’s tips for appropriate messaging include:

• Be professional and polite in your messages
• Do not send unsolicited promotions or spam
• Do not harass other members
• Do not send messages to people who have ignored your requests

Following these common sense rules will help ensure your messaging privileges remain intact.

Best Practices for Sending Message Requests

To increase your chances of having a message request accepted, follow these best practices:

• Personalize each request by referring to the recipient’s profile and interests
• Be clear who you are and your reason for connecting in the message
• Make requests individually rather than bulk messaging
• Follow up no more than once if they ignore your initial request

Low quality, generic requests are likely to be ignored. Taking the time to customize your outreach makes acceptance more likely.

Conclusion

LinkedIn’s message request system strikes a balance between open messaging and privacy. By requiring recipients to opt-in before a conversation starts, it prevents unwanted spam and harassment. Understanding how to accept, ignore, and disable message requests gives users control over their LinkedIn messaging experience.

Following LinkedIn’s etiquette guidelines and sending customized, professional requests will lead to higher acceptance rates. While not every request will get a response, high quality outreach through message requests can help expand your LinkedIn network.