How to message someone on LinkedIn (without being ignored)

Picture of Written by Melania
Written by Melania

Content Writer at SocialBee

LinkedIn is the best social media for networking and lead generation. There are 65 million business decision-makers on the platform, and learning how to message someone on LinkedIn will bring you closer to them. 

Getting in touch with other LinkedIn users is not always straightforward. While messaging your connections is easier, the further from your network you get, the more creativity you need. 

In this article, we’ll look at how to message someone on LinkedIn whether they are connected with you or not. Better yet, we’ll give you some best practices and message templates to put to good use and start growing your network.

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Short summary

  • To send a LinkedIn message to a connection, visit the user’s profile, click “Message,” type your message, and hit “Send.”
  • To message second-degree or out-of-network connections, use InMail if you have a Premium LinkedIn account, or send a personalized note with your connection request.
  • To message LinkedIn group members, find the group, view the members list, and click “Message” next to their name if they’re a connection or use InMail with a Premium account.
  • Engage with prospects by interacting with their posts and researching their profiles to personalize your message and make a strong impression.
  • Send a short, friendly, and personalized message with a strong hook, clear call to action, and, if using InMail, an engaging subject line.
  • Follow up after 3-5 business days with a concise, value-driven message that reiterates your interest and encourages engagement.
  • Optimize your profile with professional photos, a clear headline, a detailed About section, accurate work history, and engaging content to make a great first impression.
  • Avoid prioritizing promotion over connections, sending messages without a clear purpose, or failing to offer value to the recipient.

How to send a LinkedIn message

To send LinkedIn messages, you’ll first have to establish your options based on the level of connection with the user.

How to direct message your LinkedIn connections

To direct message your LinkedIn connections, all you have to do is visit their page and click on the Message button below their profile description.

Then, simply type what you want to say in the message box and click Send.

You will find the conversation in your inbox by clicking the Messaging icon and the user will be notified immediately that they received a message from you.

How to direct message your 2nd-degree LinkedIn connections

You can use the Message button on their profile to direct message second-degree LinkedIn connections, but only if you have Sales Navigator. If you do, then send an InMail. If you don’t, then there is still a way to reach out.

Click on Connect and it will open a tab allowing you to simply send the request or personalize it with a note.

Click Add a note to type in a message that will be delivered alongside your connection request. This increases the chances that the person accepts your invite.

As you can see, you have a limited number of five personalized invitations a month, so use them wisely.

Second-degree connections on LinkedIn are connections of someone you are connected with. Think of it as a cousin; you two are not immediate family, but your parents are. LinkedIn adds a “2nd” next to their name to signal that you have a connection in common:

There are also third-degree connections on LinkedIn, and messaging them works the same. If you see a 3rd icon next to their name it just means they are a connection of one of your second-degree connections.

How to direct message someone out-of-network on LinkedIn

To direct message someone out-of-network, visit their profile, and you can either send an InMail if you have Sales Navigator, or a personalized invitation to connect. The only difference is that there won’t be an icon next to their name like “2nd” or “3rd” because you do not share any immediate connections.

How to direct message LinkedIn group members

To direct message someone in a LinkedIn group, first find Groups on your LinkedIn homepage.

You can only message members of groups you are a part of, so either choose one of your groups or join a group whose members you’d like to reach out to.

You can view all the members of any group you’ve joined by clicking on Show all.

The members list has a Message button next to each member. 

If they are already connections of yours, you can message them directly from there, or send InMails if you are a Premium member. However, with a free account, you’ll have to visit their profiles and follow the steps we mentioned earlier to send personalized notes to people you’re not connected with.

5 tips to follow when you send messages on LinkedIn

Now that you know how to send a message to LinkedIn users, it’s time to figure out how to make the content of your LinkedIn outreach stand out.

Here are five tips to keep in mind when you send a LinkedIn message:

  1. Engage with prospects before you send direct messages
  2. Research your potential leads
  3. Send a short and personalized private message
  4. Know how and when to follow up
  5. Optimize your profile

1. Engage with prospects before you send direct messages

Before you reach out to a business leader or decision-maker, take the time to learn more about them, their opinions, and their work. Whether you are connected or you just follow them, take some time to look through their content.

To raise your chances of receiving an answer to your message, make yourself known beforehand by engaging with their posts. Give likes and comments on posts that are relevant to your industry. This will make you stand out as a familiar face when you eventually send that message.

2. Research your potential leads

A person’s LinkedIn profile is filled with valuable information about their background. Their education, work experience, and interests, are all things you can use to add a personal touch to your outreach.

Try to look for common ground. Perhaps you studied similar things, or you share an interest in a particular person or company. Anything that shows you took the time to get to know them will earn you points when you send a cold message.

3. Send a short and personalized private message

A short and personal message will do the trick, so don’t overdo it. Keeping things short and personal is enough. Nobody wants to open their LinkedIn to a new message that is as long as a novel. Be friendly and mention something that you learned about them (by applying the previous two tips).

The people you are reaching out to on LinkedIn are professionals, and they’ll be able to see through fluff and exaggerations. A simple message with a strong hook and a clear call to action will capture attention. InMails also allow you to add a subject line which you can use to your advantage.

Here is a customizable message template you could adapt and use:

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

Content Writer

Jan 23, 2025

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

10:06 AM

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile and was really impressed by your work on [specific project or topic]. As someone who’s also interested in [relevant topic], I’d love to connect and exchange ideas.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,
[Your Name]

4. Know how and when to follow up

In an ideal world, we’d always get replies to the first message we send out. In the real world, however, our outreach goes unnoticed or ignored more often than not. That is where the power of a good follow-up comes in.

Much like email outreach, you can send follow-up messages and even InMails on LinkedIn if your first attempt went unanswered. 

Consistency is key, but avoid being overly persistent; wait at least 3-5 business days before following up to allow the recipient time to respond. When crafting your follow-up message, be concise, provide value, and reiterate your interest, making it easy for the recipient to engage with you.

Here is a customizable follow-up message template you could adapt and use:

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

Content Writer

Jan 23, 2025

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

10:06 AM

Hi [Name],

I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to follow up on my previous message about [specific topic] and see if you’d be open to connecting. I genuinely believe [specific value or reason for reaching out] could be valuable for us to discuss.

Let me know if this is a good time or if there’s a better way to connect. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Best regards,
[Your Name]

5. Optimize your profile

Most likely, the first thing someone you message will do is visit your profile to find out who you are and why you reached out to them. If you want to maximize the number of people who actually reply, it’s important to optimize your profile.

Here are the five tips for optimizing your profile:

  • Use professional but inviting profile picture and cover photos. Here is an example of a profile with some great images:

anthony martin linkedin profile

  • Clearly showcase your current company and job title in your LinkedIn headline, like Crystal did:

Real estate LinkedIn profile

  • Craft an About section that effectively outlines your expertise, skills, and key achievements:

  • Make sure your professional history is up-to-date and clear:

  • Post thoughtful and engaging content to keep your profile active and appealing. Annie-Mai had a fun idea by starting a weekly segment on industry trends called “The Social Tea”:

long LinkedIn post with emojis

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What to avoid when messaging on LinkedIn

We’ve established the dos of LinkedIn messaging, but what about the don’ts?

Here are three things to avoid when you send LinkedIn messages:

  1. Prioritizing promotion over meaningful connections
  2. Not having a clear purpose
  3. Not offering value

1. Prioritizing promotion over meaningful connections

When you contact someone on LinkedIn, it’s about building and consolidating your business network more than it is about making a quick sale. If you focus on creating a connection that is meaningful, it will prove beneficial for both of you in the long run.

So, don’t include a promotion in the first message you send out, or even the second. Instead, focus on creating rapport and building a conversation. There will be time later on for making any sales propositions.

2. Not having a clear purpose

Messaging for the sake of messaging is not a good strategy…or a strategy at all for that matter. People don’t like having their time wasted, especially when it comes to business networking.

Reaching out to discuss collaboration, share valuable insights, or ask for advice are all great reasons to message someone. Whichever one your goal is, make it clear from the start.

3. Not offering value

Messaging someone without offering any value is a quick way to be ignored. No one enjoys receiving generic messages that feel like a copy-paste job or an obvious pitch.

Think about what’s in it for them. Attach files, share resources, provide a solution to a problem, or simply show genuine interest in their work. 

5 LinkedIn connection request message templates to try

Need a bit of inspiration for your first LinkedIn messages? We’ve created five useful templates you can use and customize depending on the reason for your outreach. Get inspired and adapt these sample messages to each user, and you’ll be one step closer to increasing response rates. 

Template #1: Connecting with someone completely new

Try to find common ground by mentioning the reason you reached out in your initial message so it’s clear why they are hearing from you out-of-the-blue.

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

Content Writer

Jan 23, 2025

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

10:06 AM

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile and want to say your work in [industry/field] is very interesting. As someone who is [mention something about yourself, e.g., “also passionate about [topic]”], I’d love to connect and learn more about your insights and experiences.

Looking forward to connecting!

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Template #2: Connecting with someone you’ve met

When it comes to reaching out to someone you’ve met, consider it a follow-up to your face-to-face conversation. Remind them of what you discussed and extend an invitation to keep the dialogue going, highlighting why you would be a valuable connection.

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

Content Writer

Jan 23, 2025

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

10:06 AM

Hi [Name],

It was a pleasure meeting you at [event/location] recently. I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed], and I’d love to stay in touch here on LinkedIn.

Let’s connect!

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Template #3: Connecting after a webinar

Mention in a few words what stuck with you about the webinar as a way to spark more conversation on the topic.

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

Content Writer

Jan 23, 2025

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

10:06 AM

Hi [Name],

I attended [Webinar Name] and really appreciated your perspective on [specific topic or insight they shared]. It gave me some valuable ideas for [specific application or takeaway].

I’d love to connect and follow more of your work in [industry/field]. Looking forward to staying in touch!

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Template #4: Messaging someone with a mutual connection

If you have someone in common, there’s no shame in name-dropping them. Talk about how you discovered their account. Here is an example if your mutual connection mentioned them in a post or directly to you.

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

Content Writer

Jan 23, 2025

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

10:06 AM

Hi [Name],

[Mutual Connection’s Name] mentioned that you’re doing great work in [field/industry], and I thought I’d reach out. I’m also [mention your relevant background or interest], and I’d love to connect and exchange ideas.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Template #5: Connecting with someone from a group

The great thing about reaching out to someone from a LinkedIn group is that you already know you share some common interests with the members and perhaps you are on the same career path.

Simply choose something in particular that drew your attention to their account and mention it in your message.

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

Content Writer

Jan 23, 2025

Picture of Melania Ciocianu
Melania Ciocianu

10:06 AM

Hi [Name],

I noticed we’re both members of [Group Name], and I wanted to reach out. Your post/comment about [specific topic from the group, if applicable] really resonated with me, and I think it would be great to stay in touch and share knowledge.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Frequently asked questions

1. How do I start a message on LinkedIn?

You can start your LinkedIn message with a friendly greeting followed by the person’s name. Then, introduce yourself briefly and explain why you’re reaching out. For example:

“Hi [Name], I came across your profile and noticed your work in [field/industry]. I’d love to connect and learn more about [specific topic].”

2. What are InMails?

InMails are private messages on LinkedIn that allow you to contact users you’re not connected with. They’re available to users with a LinkedIn Premium subscription, making them a great tool for networking, job inquiries, or professional outreach. 

InMails also provide more flexibility than regular messages, often increasing the chances of a response as they land directly in the recipient’s inbox.

3. Can I send a message on LinkedIn without Premium?

Yes, you can send a message on LinkedIn without Premium, but only to your connections. If you want to reach out to people outside of your network, you will need Premium to get access to InMails.

Start building your professional network one message at a time

Writing a good message will help you expand your LinkedIn network beyond your real-life acquaintances. By following these tips and putting these templates to good use, you’ll be sparking conversations with numerous business decision-makers in no time.

To grow your chances of standing out on LinkedIn even more, build a good presence on the platform. This means having a content strategy that engages your audience and positions you as a thought leader in your industry. 

With SocialBee, you can create, schedule, post, and monitor your LinkedIn posts from one place while still saving enough time for your outreach efforts. Start your 14-day free trial today and grow your LinkedIn profile!

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Alexandra

Content writer at SocialBee

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