LinkedIn is the largest network of professionals online today and is one of the best places to find valuable connections for your real estate business.
With so many people vying for attention on the platform, it can be tough to stand out and make a lasting impression. With this in mind, it is important to make your LinkedIn invites as irresistible as possible, to increase your chances of forming meaningful connections.
Instead of the same old, “I’d like to add you to my professional network,” type of LinkedIn message, why not make it more personalized and highlight your value?
Sending out bland connection requests on LinkedIn is the professional equivalent of showing up to a party with a plain bag of chips. It’s technically food, but it’s not really going to get anyone too excited.
Plus, getting your connection request approved is the first major hurdle you cross before being able to send your leads cold messages on LinkedIn, so it’s very important to your overall lead generation strategy.
Connection Messages, Why Does it Matter?
Connection request notifications show how your company uses LinkedIn for networking. It is the first thing your prospective lead will notice about you. The second impression is made when someone visits your LinkedIn page, and so the information there needs to showcase your best professional data.
Many businesses miss out on a great chance to introduce themselves by failing to craft engaging LinkedIn connection request messages. As these messages are the first impression that can prove worthy of turning prospects into leads, not even a well-polished LinkedIn profile can save you.
The likelihood that a connection request will be granted is automatically decreased when it is written as a robotic, cookie-cutter message. Personalize it!
Here are a few tips that will help you more easily get your message across.
5 Tips to Create a Standout LinkedIn Connection Request
- Personalize Your Message
Instead of sending the same generic message to everyone, take a few minutes to personalize your invite. You need to have a reason for connecting, and you need to state that reason clearly in your invite. Mention something you have in common, or specific why you’re interested in connecting with that person.
You can tell them how you found them and things you have in common, like living in the same area, having the same hobbies, or being a part of the same group. This can help you stand out and make a stronger impression.
- Keep It Conversational
Try to craft your invite in a conversational tone, as if you were introducing yourself to someone in person. Avoid using jargon or overly formal language, and be sure to use “you” more than “I” to keep the focus on the person you’re trying to connect with. Checking their profile before sending a LinkedIn invite can help a lot on this part.
Check on their videos, comments, and articles. Flattery is part of human nature, so there’s nothing wrong with sweetening them up a little, but don’t overdo it, make it sound sincere.
- Highlight Your Value
Explain why you think connecting with the person would be valuable for the both of you. Maybe you have similar professional interests, or you admire their work. Whatever it is, make it clear that you’re not just looking to add another name to your contacts list.
- Be Brief and Straight to The Point
LinkedIn has a limit of 300 characters, so keep your message short and directly address the topic you’re introducing, ideally in no more than a few sentences. People are more likely to accept your LinkedIn invite if they can quickly read and understand why you’re interested in connecting.
- End With a Clear Call to Action
Let the person know what you’d like them to do next, whether that’s accepting your invite, setting up a call, or simply responding to your message. This can help keep the conversation moving forward and will increase the chance of forming a lasting connection.
To sum it up, personalization is the key when sending connection requests, so be sure to keep it conversational, highlight the value of connecting with the person, and keep your message brief and to the point. To increase your chances of getting a response, it’s important to end your message with a clear call to action, letting the person know what you’d like them to do next.
Here are a few examples of how you can use these tips in your messages, but the best results will come when you personalize them to fit your unique message and tone.
10 Proven LinkedIn Connection Templates
1 –
Hi [Name],
I came across your profile and was impressed by your experience in [Industry/Field]. I would love to connect with you and learn more about your work. Looking forward to the possibility of collaborating with you.
2 –
Hi [Name],
I noticed that we have [Mutual Connection] in common and thought it would be great to connect with you. I am interested in learning more about your experience in [Industry/Field] and would appreciate the opportunity to connect and learn from you.
3 –
Hi [Name],
I saw your recent post on [Topic] and found it really interesting. In particular, [Specific Topic]. I would love to connect with you and discuss this topic a bit further.
4 –
Hi [Name],
I just read your recent blog post on [Topic] at [Source], and I was very impressed by your insights. I would love to connect with you and learn more about some of your experiences in [Industry/Field].
5 –
Hi [Name],
I recently made a transition to [Industry/Field], and I am looking to connect with people who have experience in this area. Your background in [Industry/Field] caught my attention, and I would love to learn from you, even if it’s just a few tips.
6 –
Hi [Name],
I saw that we are both alumni of [University/School], and also have [Interest] in common. I’d love to connect and hear about some of your thoughts and experiences!
7 –
Hi [Name],
I met you at [Conference/Meeting], and I was impressed by your insights on [Topic]. I wanted to connect with you here on LinkedIn to stay in touch and continue the conversation. Thanks!
8 –
Hi [Name],
I see that you are also a [Title/Position] like me. If you have a minute, I’d love to connect and hear your thoughts on the [Industry/Field].
There’s nothing wrong with adding some humor to your messages as well:
9 –
Hello [Name]!
I’m reaching out because I saw that we share a love for [insert niche hobby or interest here], which is a rare find on LinkedIn. Let’s connect and bond over our mutual obsession.
10 –
Hi [Name]!
I’m not going to lie, I’m only sending you this connection request so that I can boost my ego and say that I’m connected with someone as awesome as you. Let’s make each other look good on LinkedIn, deal?
Conclusion
Sending LinkedIn invites is usually the first step to expanding your network, so don’t limit yourself. The goal is to make warm connections with people you know and people you want to know, without getting lost in the shuffle of a hundred other connection requests.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make your invites compelling and attractive. When people see that you have taken the time to address them directly, they will often give you their time in return. Even if it’s just accepting your request, this will go a long way towards increasing your chances of forming meaningful and valuable connections on the platform.
