Most replies come from the message after the connection request, not the request itself. These templates cover the common moments. Change every one of them to sound like you, and replace the braces with something specific.
What a good follow-up does
- Opens with why you are writing, not with a greeting that could go to anyone.
- Asks one question that is easy to answer.
- Gives the reader something before it asks for anything.
- Is short enough to read on a phone without scrolling.
- Leaves them free to say no.
Six templates
| Moment | Message |
|---|---|
| Just after they accept | Thanks for connecting, {firstName}. I reached out because {specificReason}. Out of curiosity, how are you handling {topic} at {company} right now? |
| After a post of theirs | Thanks for connecting, {firstName}. Your post on {topic} stuck with me, especially {detail}. Did that come from something you tried at {company}? |
| No reply after a few days | Hi {firstName}, a quick follow-up in case my last note got buried. I have a short example of how {similarCompany} approached {topic}. Want me to send it? |
| Offering something useful | Hi {firstName}, I put together {resource} on {topic} and thought of you. No reply needed, but I'm happy to talk it through if useful. |
| After a call | Thanks for your time today, {firstName}. As promised, here is {thing}. The next step I would suggest is {nextStep}. Does {day} work to pick it up? |
| Last message | Hi {firstName}, I'll stop here so I don't clutter your inbox. If {topic} becomes a priority, I'm glad to help. Wishing you a good quarter. |
Habits that cost replies
- A pitch in the first message after acceptance.
- Five follow-ups in a row. One or two is enough.
- Copying the same text to hundreds of people. Readers notice.
- Asking for a call before you have given them a reason.
For notes on the connection request itself, see LinkedIn connection request message examples. If you are planning a whole workflow, read how to automate LinkedIn outreach and the safety guide first.
Questions
- How many follow-ups should I send?
- One or two. After that, a short closing note that says you will stop is usually enough.
- How long should the message be?
- Short enough to read on a phone without scrolling. Two to four sentences works for most follow-ups.