How to Write LinkedIn Messages That Get Responses

Your LinkedIn inbox is probably a graveyard of generic messages: "I'd like to add you to my professional network" and "I came across your profile and wanted to connect."

You don't respond to those. Neither does anyone else.

But LinkedIn can be powerful for networking—if you know how to stand out. Here's how to write messages that actually get responses.

TL;DR:

Personalize with a specific observation
State clearly why you're reaching out
Keep it short (3-4 sentences max)
Make responding easy
Follow up once, then move on

Why Most LinkedIn Messages Fail

The default approach fails because it's:

Generic: Nothing specific about the recipient
Self-focused: All about what you want
Demanding: Asks for too much upfront
Long: Requires too much time to read and respond

The professionals you want to reach get dozens of these weekly. Standing out isn't about being clever—it's about being human and specific.

The Psychology of a Good Message

People respond to messages that:

Show you did your homework
Offer something of value (even just relevance)
Respect their time
Make next steps clear and easy

Let's build messages that hit all four.

The Structure That Works

A winning LinkedIn message has three parts:

1. The Hook (Personal & Specific)

Reference something specific: an article they wrote, a talk they gave, a project they worked on, or a genuine shared connection.

2. The Ask (Clear & Reasonable)

State exactly what you're looking for. Is it advice? A quick conversation? An introduction? Be specific.

3. The Easy Out (Respect Their Time)

Make it easy to say yes or no. Offer options. Don't demand.

Templates That Get Responses

Template 1: The Genuine Admirer

Hi [Name],

I read your article on [specific topic] and it really shifted my thinking on [specific point]. The insight about [detail] was exactly what I needed for a project I'm working on.

I'd love to ask you a quick question about [related topic] if you have 5 minutes sometime. If you're too busy, totally understand.

Thanks, [Your name]

Why it works: Specific praise + clear ask + easy out

Template 2: The Mutual Connection Leverager

Hi [Name],

[Mutual connection] mentioned you're the person to talk to about [specific topic]. I'm currently working on [brief context] and trying to figure out [specific challenge].

Would you be open to a 15-minute call sometime this month? Happy to work around your schedule.

Best, [Your name]

Why it works: Warm introduction + relevant challenge + time-boxed ask

Template 3: The Value-First Approach

Hi [Name],

I saw your post about [topic]. Thought you might find this interesting—[brief description of article/resource] relates directly to what you mentioned.

No ask here, just wanted to share. But if you ever want to chat about [topic], I'm always down to learn from someone with your experience.

[Your name]

Why it works: Leads with value, no pressure

Template 4: The Career Advice Seeker

Hi [Name],

I'm exploring a transition into [field/role], and your path from [previous role] to [current role] really resonates with mine.

Would you be open to a 15-minute call to share any advice for someone making a similar move? I've done my research and have specific questions—won't waste your time.

Thanks for considering, [Your name]

Why it works: Shows homework + specific transition + promises efficiency

Template 5: The Conference Follow-Up

Hi [Name],

We briefly met at [event] after your session on [topic]. Your point about [specific insight] stuck with me—I've already started applying it to [context].

I'd love to continue that conversation if you're open to it. Coffee on me next time you're in [city]?

[Your name]

Why it works: Reminds them of context + shows action + concrete offer

What to Avoid

Don't pitch immediately: Build rapport first Don't write paragraphs: Keep it under 100 words Don't use templates verbatim: Personalize every time Don't connect then disappear: Send a message with your request Don't follow up more than once: Respect the silence

The Follow-Up

If you don't hear back after a week, one follow-up is acceptable:

Hi [Name], just floating this back up in case it got buried. If you're too busy right now, no worries at all—happy to reconnect another time.

That's it. If they don't respond after that, move on. They're either not interested or genuinely too busy, and pestering won't help.

Connection Requests vs. Direct Messages

A quick note on strategy:

Connection request + note: Good for people you've met or have mutual connections with
InMail/direct message: Better for cold outreach to people outside your network

InMails get higher response rates because they signal investment (they cost money on some accounts).

The Long Game

The best LinkedIn networkers think in years, not days. They:

Engage with content regularly (comments, shares)
Offer help before asking for it
Maintain relationships, not just transactions
Connect people to each other

One genuine relationship beats 100 ignored connection requests.

The Bottom Line

Standing out on LinkedIn isn't about tricks—it's about being genuinely interested in other people and respectful of their time. Personalize, be specific, keep it short, and make responding easy.

The message that takes you 10 minutes to craft will outperform the template you send to 50 people. Quality over quantity wins every time.