When reaching out to connect with someone on LinkedIn, the message title is your first impression. It needs to catch their attention and make them want to open your message. An effective title is clear, concise, and relevant to the recipient. Avoid using generic titles like “Connecting on LinkedIn” or “Quick Question.” Instead, personalize it with their name and company and mention the specific reason for connecting. Here are some tips for writing effective LinkedIn message titles:
Use Their Name
Personalizing with their first name helps your request stand out from the many generic connection requests people get. For example:
“John from Acme Co. – Discussing growth opportunities”
Mention Your Connection
If you have a mutual connection, mention that person to establish familiarity and credibility. For example:
“Mary Jones suggested we connect”
State Your Purpose
Get straight to the point on why you want to connect. Be specific about the topic, industry, or company you want to discuss. For example:
“Discussing digital marketing opportunities at ABC Company”
Highlight Common Interests
If you share a university, past employer, or interest, feature that in the title. This helps create an instant connection. For example:
“Fellow University of Michigan alum”
How to Craft an Effective LinkedIn Message Title
Follow these steps when creating a title for your LinkedIn message:
1. Include Their First Name
Put their first name at the start of the title. This personal touch makes it feel like you’re reaching out directly to them rather than blasting generic requests.
2. Refer to Any Common Ground
If you’re connected through a mutual acquaintance, went to the same school, or share a group/interest, mention that next in the title. This shared connection gives your request more context.
3. Briefly State Your Purpose
In a few words, explain why you want to connect. Be specific about requesting advice, discussing a job opportunity, introducing yourself as a recent graduate, etc.
4. Add Their Company Name
Including where they work helps explain the professional relevancy of connecting. This gives your request more legitimacy.
5. Keep it Short and Scannable
Aim for 1-2 brief sentences that are easily digestible at a glance. You’ll flesh out details in the message body. The title just needs to spark their interest to open it.
6. Use a Question if Applicable
Asking a question related to your purpose helps engage the recipient. For example, “Quick question about UX design at Company X?”
Examples of Great LinkedIn Message Titles
Here are some real examples of strong titles for LinkedIn connection requests:
Referring to Shared School or Employer
– “Fellow Columbia MBA grad – Advice on switching to marketing?”
– “Intel colleague – Catching up”
Mentioning Mutual Contact
– “Kyle Evans suggested we connect – Discussing social media manager roles”
– “We’re connected via Joy Chen – Introducing myself”
Stating Networking Purpose
– “Expanding my financial advisor network – Coffee chat?”
– “Learning more about biotech VC – Can we connect?”
Relating to Their Industry or Company
– “Discussing UX design at Google”
– “Referral request for account manager role at Wells Fargo”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these common pitfalls when writing your LinkedIn message title:
Using Only Their Name
Simply putting their first name looks unprofessional and doesn’t provide context. Always include your specific purpose too.
Using Vague Language
Generic phrases like “Potential opportunity” or “Important topic” are ambiguous and may be ignored. Be more descriptive.
Making it Too Long
Don’t exceed 2-3 brief sentences. Lengthy titles appear salesy or get cut off in the inbox view.
Using Overly Casual Language
Avoid slang, abbreviations, or greetings like “Hey” or “Hi.” Keep it professional.
Requesting Too Much
Don’t ask for too many favors, like advice, referral, and meeting in one title. Focus on a single clear request.
Tips for Writing the Message Body
Once your title draws them in, follow up with an engaging message body:
Personalized Opening
Address them by name and mention something unique you admire about their background or work. This shows you took the time to view their profile.
Mutual Connection
If applicable, name drop your shared contact in the first sentence. This immediate connection puts them at ease.
Your Purpose
Explain who you are, your background, and why you want to connect. Provide details lacking in the concise title.
Call to Action
Include a specific request like meeting for coffee, advice via phone, referral for a position, etc. Make it easy for them to respond.
Appreciation
Thank them for their time and consideration. People like to feel valued. Gratitude increases the chance they’ll respond positively.
Sample LinkedIn Message Body
Here is an example message body template:
Hi [Name],
[Mutual connection] suggested I reach out. I noticed you work in [industry/company] as a [position]. Impressive! I’m currently finishing my marketing degree at [university] and am very interested in learning more about digital marketing roles at [company].
Would you have 15-20 minutes to chat over coffee or the phone? I would love to hear your insights on breaking into the field and gain advice on how to improve my resume and interview skills. As a fellow [university] grad, your guidance would be invaluable.
Let me know if you’re open to connecting! I really appreciate your time.
Best,
[Your name]
Following Up Politely
If they don’t respond within a week, follow up. Remind them of your initial request and restate why chatting would be so helpful for your career development. However, don’t harass them. Maximum 1 follow-up attempt.
You can say something like:
“Hi [Name], just wanted to follow up on my earlier message in case it got buried. I’m very interested in your career advice and insights into [industry]. Please let me know if you have any availability to connect. I know you’re busy, so I appreciate your time.”
If they ignore a second attempt, move on. Take the hint graciously. LinkedIn is about quality connections, not quantity.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key tips for an effective LinkedIn message title and body:
Title Tips:
- Include their first name
- Mention common ground
- State your purpose clearly
- Keep it concise
Message Body Tips:
- Personalized greeting
- Note mutual contacts
- Explain who you are and your goals
- Specific call to action
- Gracious appreciation
Invest time in crafting a thoughtful title and message. This will maximize your chance of getting a response and building meaningful connections on LinkedIn.
Conclusion
LinkedIn is a powerful platform for expanding your professional network. But simply collecting connections is not the goal. Focus on quality over quantity by personalizing your outreach. An engaging message title and body tailored specifically for the recipient makes all the difference. Apply the tips in this article to grab their attention the right way and improve your response rate when messaging new connections.