Understanding LinkedIn Messaging

From crafting personalized and concise messages to choosing the right time to send them, these strategies will help you initiate meaningful conversations and build lasting connections on LinkedIn. Whether you’re reaching out for networking, business development, or career opportunities, these best practices will ensure your messages get the attention they deserve.

Keep It Short and Sweet

Your first LinkedIn message needs to be concise—keep it to three sentences or fewer. Why? Because LinkedIn’s messaging window is small, and people typically don’t have the time or patience to read a long, drawn-out message from someone they don’t know. A short and to-the-point message shows respect for their time while still making it clear that you’re interested in connecting.

The goal of the first message is simply to spark a conversation. Don’t try to sell anything right off the bat; first, establish a rapport. A quick introduction with a clear reason for reaching out is all you need. 

Here’s a sample:

"Hi [Name], I noticed that we share an interest in [Topic]. I’d love to connect and hear more about your experience with [Related Topic]."

By keeping things brief, you don’t overwhelm the recipient and leave room for them to engage in the conversation further.

Craft an Attention-Grabbing Subject Line

Many people overlook the importance of the subject line in LinkedIn messaging. But think of it as the headline of an article—you need something catchy enough to get the reader’s attention, yet clear enough to communicate the purpose of the message.

For example, rather than going for something vague like “Hello,” or “Connect with me,” try a subject line that piques curiosity while remaining professional:

• "Quick Question About [Shared Interest/Topic]"

• "[Name], Let's Chat About [Relevant Topic]"

• "Following Up on [Event Name/Mutual Connection]"

A subject line like this will stand out in the recipient’s inbox and increase the chances of them opening your message.

Personalize, Personalize, Personalize

This point can’t be stressed enough: personalization is key to effective LinkedIn messaging. Whether you’re trying to network, develop a business partnership, or even get advice, showing that you’ve taken the time to learn about the person will go a long way. Personalizing your messages helps create a sense of relevance, making your outreach feel more human and less transactional.

True personalization goes beyond just inserting variables like names or event titles. It requires real research into someone's background, interests, and current work. Instead of surface-level mentions, highlight specific insights they've shared or their recent work. This shows you value their expertise and fosters a genuine connection, not just a transactional one.

Also Read: How Can Personalization Be Maintained When Automating LinkedIn Outreach?

Advanced LinkedIn Messaging Strategies

To truly stand out and make a lasting impact with your LinkedIn outreach, you need to go beyond the basics. This section covers advanced messaging techniques that build deeper relationships, strategically use follow-ups, and leverage social proof to strengthen your connection. 

Building Relationships, Not Just Making Sales

While LinkedIn messaging can be a powerful tool for generating leads, it’s important to approach it with a mindset of building genuine relationships rather than rushing to make a sale. Successful outreach on LinkedIn starts with fostering a meaningful connection through personalization. People want to feel like you’re interested in them as a professional, not just as a potential customer.

Instead of jumping straight into your pitch, try starting a conversation by referencing something specific to their work, profile, or shared interests. Offer value in the form of advice, resources, or insights, rather than pushing a product or service. This approach helps build trust and shows that you’re genuinely interested in a mutually beneficial relationship.

Once the conversation is started, you can gradually introduce how your expertise or business offerings may align with their needs, but always maintain the human element of the interaction. LinkedIn messaging should be a way to connect, not just a sales funnel.

Using Follow-Up Messages Effectively

Sometimes, your initial message won’t get a response. That’s normal! In these cases, follow-up messages can be an effective way to gently remind your connection of your previous message while keeping the conversation going.

However, follow-ups need to be strategic. The key is to be polite, patient, and persistent without coming off as pushy. Wait a few days after your first message, and keep your follow-up short and to the point. A great follow-up message shows that you’re still interested in connecting and gives the recipient a reason to respond.

Example:
"Hi [Name], just wanted to follow up on my last message. I’d really love to hear your thoughts on [Topic], and I think we could have an interesting discussion around [Specific Subject]. Looking forward to hearing from you!"

Be sure to give the recipient an easy way to respond, whether that’s scheduling a quick chat or simply continuing the conversation in LinkedIn messages.

Leverage Social Proof & Value Propositions

Social proof is one of the most powerful tools in your LinkedIn messaging arsenal. By showcasing the successes and positive results you've had with other clients or projects, you’re giving your recipient proof that what you’re offering has real value.

Instead of going for a direct pitch, use social proof to highlight how your service or product has helped others achieve their goals. This not only builds trust but also makes it clear that real-world results back your outreach.

Example:
"Hi [Name], I’ve worked with companies like [Company Name] to help them increase their [Metric] by [X]%. I’d love to share some insights that could help you achieve similar results."

Pairing this with a solid value proposition—a clear, succinct statement of how you can help the recipient—makes your message even more compelling. Focus on how you can solve a pain point or add value to their work, and make sure it’s relevant to their specific role, industry, or needs.

Also Read: How Does Signal-Based Outbound Work on LinkedIn?