LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 722 million users worldwide. When you view someone’s profile on LinkedIn, you will notice a ‘Message’ button instead of a ‘Connect’ button. This is an intentional design choice by LinkedIn for several reasons.
Differences between Messaging and Connecting
Messaging allows you to send a direct message to someone without needing to be connected. Connecting builds your professional network by linking you to other members.
Messaging is for conversations and short-term interactions. Connecting is for building relationships and keeping up with contacts long-term.
When you connect with someone, you can view their full profile, see mutual connections, get notified about their updates, and easily message them. Messaging without connecting has more limited capabilities.
Why Does LinkedIn Use a Message Button?
There are a few key reasons why LinkedIn chose to use a Message button rather than a Connect button when viewing other profiles:
1. Encourages Communication
The Message button makes it easy to start a conversation with anyone on LinkedIn, even if you are not connected. This facilitates more open communication between members.
2. Prevents Unwanted Connection Requests
Requiring a connection in order to message could lead to an influx of unwanted connection invites. The Message button reduces this friction and annoyance for users.
3. Flexibility
Messaging without connecting gives members more flexibility in how they interact on the platform. They can have conversations without making long-term commitments.
Benefits of Messaging Without Connecting First
Messaging without connecting enables light, casual interactions between LinkedIn members, without forcing a connection when it may not be appropriate. Some benefits include:
1. Starting Conversations Organically
You can spark conversations that develop relationships gradually, rather than starting with a formal connection request.
2. Reaching Out to Strangers
It’s less intimidating to message new people you don’t know versus asking to connect right away.
3. Making Time-Sensitive Inquiries
If you have a quick question for someone, you can send them a message without needing to connect first.
4. Broadening Network Reach
You can communicate beyond your direct contacts to grow your network in new directions.
5. Respecting Preferences
Some people are more selective about who they connect with. Messaging gives them more control.
Downsides of Messaging Without Connecting
However, there are also some disadvantages or risks to consider:
1. More Limited Interactions
Since you can’t see someone’s full profile, your conversations and ability to learn about them is restricted.
2. Higher Chance of Being Ignored
People you aren’t connected to are less likely to know or trust you, so may not respond to messages.
4. Spam and Abuse
The ease of messaging anyone could lead to more unsolicited outreach like spam, solicitation, or harassment.
5. Need to Reconnect Later
If you want to continue the relationship, you still need to send a connection request at some point.
Best Practices for Messaging
To use LinkedIn’s messaging capabilities effectively and appropriately, keep these tips in mind:
1. Personalize the Message
A generic message is easy to ignore. Mention something specific that makes it about them.
2. Introduce Yourself
Give context on who you are and why you want to get in touch. Don’t assume they know you.
3. Explain the Purpose
Be clear upfront about your reason for messaging so they understand your intent.
4. Be Direct but Friendly
Get to the point politely. Don’t beat around the bush or use overly formal language.
5. Avoid Aggressive Follow-Up
One or two follow-ups is reasonable if no reply. But don’t harass people who don’t respond.
6. Watch for Red Flags
Pay attention if they seem annoyed, uninterested, or wary. Don’t overstep boundaries.
7. Suggest Moving to Connect
If the conversation goes well, ask if they’d like to connect on LinkedIn.
Next Steps After Messaging
Once you’ve had an initial interaction via messaging, here are some next steps to consider:
1. Connect on LinkedIn
If there’s mutual interest, send a connection invitation to strengthen the relationship.
2. Continue Messaging
Keep nurturing the relationship through casual messaging conversations.
3. Move to Email or Phone
Take the conversation offline once you’ve built some rapport.
4. Meet in Person
Try to meet up face-to-face if possible, especially if local.
5. Explore Ways to Collaborate
Look for project opportunities, introductions, or other ways to work together.
6. Share Interesting Updates
Post updates your new connection would find valuable and engage with theirs too.
Pros of Connecting After Messaging
While messaging provides an easy way to start conversations, connecting on LinkedIn can add more value by:
1. Enabling the Full Profile View
You can learn much more about their background, interests, skills, and experience.
2. Seeing Mutual Connections
You can discover who you both know to strengthen the relationship.
3. Following Their Activity
Their updates and engagement will show in your feed once connected.
4. Expanding Your Network Reach
Connecting exposes you to their connections too for more opportunities.
5. Building an Ongoing Relationship
Connecting facilitates an ongoing professional relationship, not just a one-off interaction.
Cons of Connecting After Messaging
However, there are also a few potential downsides of connecting that are worth considering:
1. Appearing Too Forward
Some people may feel pressured if you try to connect too fast after minimal interaction.
2. Coming Off as Disingenuous
Quickly asking to connect can seem like you just want more connections, not a real relationship.
3. Violating Boundaries
For certain roles like sales, connecting too fast can violate professional boundaries.
4. Seeming Overly Familiar
Jumping right to a connection can implying a closer relationship than really exists.
5. Obligating Interaction
Some people may feel obligated to like and comment on your activities once connected.
Connecting Appropriately
To connect effectively after messaging, be sure to:
1. Build Rapport First
Have several messaging exchanges to establish a baseline relationship.
2. Consider Their Perspective
Think about how a connection request would come across to them.
3. Make the Request Genuine
Explain why you think connecting would be valuable for both parties.
4. Give Them Space
Don’t follow up repeatedly if they don’t respond or decline the request.
5. Respect Their Decision
If they decline, gracefully move on without questioning why.
Messaging Etiquette
To ensure you use LinkedIn’s messaging feature appropriately, keep these etiquette tips in mind:
1. Be Professional
Avoid overly casual language and use proper grammar/punctuation.
2. Be Concise
Don’t overload people with excessively long messages.
3. Avoid Spamming
Only message people who are likely to welcome the contact.
4. Respect Boundaries
If someone seems unreceptive, don’t overstep.
5. Credit Sources
If providing information, cite sources appropriately.
6. Abide by the Rules
Don’t use messaging features in ways that violate LinkedIn’s policies.
7. Be Patient
Understand people are busy and may not respond right away.
8. Say Thank You
Express gratitude when people respond helpfully to your messages.
Rules and Policies Around Messaging
LinkedIn has some rules and restrictions around the messaging functionality:
1. Don’t Send Spam
You cannot use messaging to send unsolicited promotions or ads.
2. No Harassment
Messages cannot contain threats, harassing content, or reveal private information.
3. Avoid Misrepresentation
Don’t use misleading info to convince people to message you.
4. Don’t Ask for Passwords
Requesting someone’s password is strictly prohibited.
5. No Adult Content
Explicit sexual or offensive messages are forbidden.
6. No Automated Messaging
You can’t use bots or automated tools to deliver bulk messages.
7. Follow Opt-Out Requests
Respect if someone asks you to stop messaging them.
8. Limit Frequency
Too many messages in a short time can be flagged as spam.
What to Do If You Violate the Rules
If you do happen to violate LinkedIn’s messaging policies, here are some recommended steps:
1. Stop the Prohibited Behavior
Immediately cease any messaging activity that breaks LinkedIn’s rules.
2. Review the Policies
Carefully read through LinkedIn’s rules again so you understand what is not permitted.
3. Consider Deleting the Messages
You may want to delete any concerning messages you have sent.
4. Reflect on Your Actions
Think about what led you to send inappropriate messages and how to avoid it.
5. Apologize If Needed
If you made someone uncomfortable, sincerely apologize to them.
6. Accept Any Consequences
If LinkedIn restricts your account, learn from the experience.
7. Consult Customer Service
If unsure about your account status, politely contact LinkedIn support.
8. Adjust Your Behavior Going Forward
Use this as a learning experience to improve your messaging habits.
Why Connecting is Still Important
While messaging without connecting gives LinkedIn members more options, connecting is still an important part of building relationships:
1. Develops Deeper Ties
Connecting leads to richer, more engaged relationships versus just messaging.
2. Broadens Your Reach
Connections expand your network significantly for more opportunities.
3. Provides More Context
Full profiles give you a much deeper view into someone’s background and expertise.
4. Enables Ongoing Contact
Connections facilitate ongoing conversations over time versus one-off messages.
5. Shows Mutual Interest
Connecting signifies both parties want to strengthen the relationship.
6. Makes Conversations Easier
There’s less friction once connected since you can message freely.
Tips for Asking to Connect
Here are some tips to effectively ask someone to connect on LinkedIn:
1. Personalize the Request
Make it meaningful by mentioning how you relate to them or know each other.
2. Send a Note With the Request
Introduce yourself if needed and share why you want to connect.
3. Be Understand if They Decline
Not everyone accepts connection invites, so don’t take it personally if they don’t.
4. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Seek meaningful connections, not just the highest number possible.
5. Connect Within Your Industry
Connecting with others in your field can be especially beneficial.
6. Follow Up After Connecting
Send a message to start a conversation once they’ve accepted your request.
7. Watch for Red Flags
Take note if someone seems hesitant, uninterested, or suspicious of your motives.
8. Make Your Intentions Clear
Articulate what value you think the connection could bring when making the request.
Common Concerns Around Connecting
Some people have reservations about connecting on LinkedIn. Common concerns include:
1. Getting Spammed with Messages
However, you can control notifications and who you get messages from.
2. Wasting Time on Superficial Linkages
Focus on making authentic connections in your niche versus random links.
3. Linking to Competitors or Strangers
But some connections outside your immediate circles can expose you to valuable new perspectives and opportunities.
4. Getting Business Solicitations
Many find collaborations, clients, and business deals via new connections. But you can politely ignore unwanted outreach.
5. Having to Manage a Large Network
Tools like LinkedIn groups and social listening filters make this manageable. curate your connections.
6. Getting Political or Divisive Content
You can unfollow certain connections and tailor your feed preferences to avoid this.
Maintaining Professionalism
To keep communications on LinkedIn productive and professional:
1. Be Authentic and Personable
A warm but still professional tone tends to work best.
2. Keep it Clean from Profanity
Avoid foul language, sexist, racist or inappropriate comments.
3. Don’t Rant About Work or Bosses
Venting about colleagues or employers can damage your brand.
4. Be Careful with Humor
Sarcastic or edgy humor often doesn’t translate well in writing.
5. No Off-Topic Tangents
Stay focused on productive discussions relevant to members’ professional interests.
6. Specify Next Steps When Relevant
End conversations by clarifying intended follow-ups and action items when appropriate.
7. Watch Tone with Those Above Your Role
Be extra thoughtful about how you communicate with senior members.
8. Proofread Before Sending
Typos and grammatical errors diminish your professional image.
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn intentionally uses a Message button instead of a Connect button to facilitate more open communication on the platform. While connecting is still important for building deeper relationships, messaging without connecting first enables productive initial outreach. To leverage LinkedIn messaging effectively, focus on personalizing your messages, communicating professionally, and connecting thoughtfully when appropriate. With the right strategy, messaging can lead to fruitful new connections and opportunities.