By Jules MaregianoAn introduction to creating a LinkedIn message template
Growing your LinkedIn account will increase your content's visibility, YOUR visibility, and it will get you in touch with tons of potential leads.
Whether you have started a lead generation strategy based on LinkedIn or want to write better connection requests, this article is for you. You'll get a sense of the principles behind what makes a perfect opener.
Your LinkedIn connection requests will be smoother than a James Bond one-liner by the end of this article.
We'll also introduce you to the LinkedIn Search to Lead Connection Flow, a tool that can search for LinkedIn leads and send them personalized connection request messages on your behalf.
Creating a LinkedIn message template: The "Do's" and "Don't's"
Let's break down some best practices, plus things to avoid when creating a LinkedIn message template for your connection requests.
5 LinkedIn connection request messages that won't get results
Before we explore the components of a strong LinkedIn message template for your connection requests, let's identify some of the red flags to avoid.
1. Using a fake profile
This message is from a fake profile with a cartoon profile photo and nothing on their LinkedIn page. This generates ZERO trust and will get ZERO answers. Don't waste your time building a strategy with fake profiles.
2. Not saying anything
We all have busy lives and a limited amount of willpower. This is a high investment (in terms of time), low reward (finding out what this person wants) deal. The recipient will take the easy road and simply dismiss it.
3. Selling right off the bat
Well, at least there's a "hello" but avoid selling your product straight away. In this case, we don't work with this medium especially, not "motion design" ones, but this LinkedIn user is already sharing a quote...
4. Overly-familiar messages
Love can happen at work, sure. But using work as an excuse to send messages with smiley faces at 11 PM to a sales rep doesn't necessarily deliver a professional impression.
5. Me, me, me!
Self-centered messaging won't earn you many favors. Pronouns like "me", "we", "us" are interesting to you, but not to your prospects. Remember, you should solve their problems, not your own.
The traits of a good LinkedIn connection message
We've covered the bad stuff—now, on a happier note, let's explore the components of a strong LinkedIn message template for your connection requests.
We'll show you some examples, but first, let's talk about the common traits of a good connection request message.
1. Keep it brief and concise
You have 10 seconds (often less) of attention at your disposal. Each word counts. At the end of each sentence, the recipient will decide whether to keep reading.
Don't blabber around. For example, don't duplicate content that's already obvious. Saying, "I'm John Doe, from ACME Corp," isn't helpful when people can already see that in your sender information from their inbox. Be different.
2. Make a reference to common interests
A common trait is the ONLY way to start a discussion. What do you have in common? You're in the same solar system. Now, let's see how much more precise we can be: schools, industry, members of similar groups, connections in common, event attendees, political views, appreciation of something.
Picking one is good; picking one that other salespeople have not already picked is better; and picking multiple references is even better again.
3. Create a shared vision
Don't be overly focused on you, and don't make it exclusively about them. "Me, me, me" is bad. And speaking only about them shows that you have less tact. This conversation is here to build an "us". Focus on how you can work with the recipient to achieve something mutually beneficial for you both.
4. Include a call to action (CTA)
Are you aiming for a "Yes/No" answer? Or some information? In that case, what information and purpose will it have in your second message? Or any action? And why? The art of prospection messages is to have the whole flowchart in your mind while making it appear like each interaction is unique.
5. Share your personality
Call it as you wish: "soul", "vibe", "character", "personality". Stand out, be unconventional, be memorable. Don't be afraid of rejection; be afraid of being invisible.
Templates for LinkedIn messages that work
Now, let's explore how to create the perfect LinkedIn message template for your connection requests, using these examples for inspiration.
Referencing a previous positive interaction
This one is great because it says, "You already like what I do", making it much easier for us to comply. The "like/share" inquiry makes us want to thank him for sharing more.
Referencing a school in common
This one is great because it uses multiple levers of influence in a limited amount of characters:
Commonalities: Of course, because we did the same coding boot camp, Le Wagon.
Scarcity: Using language like "3 seats left", and "€400" instead of "€1990."
Urgency: The message was sent 1 week before the boot camp would start.
Social proof: "I was part of batch #1"; this signals authority and expertise.
Authenticity: The typos make it feel more like a real message.
Clear CTA: "Are u IN?" We understand what he wants us to do.
Referencing an influencer you both like
Sharing things in common is a great way to set the tone for future conversations and establish a rapport with your audience.
A little bit of flattery goes a long way
Tell people how amazing they are and how you love what they do. They might like it. Who would have thought?
Name-dropping an event you both attended
Again, identifying things you have in common is a great way to get noticed and build a connection.
Be authentic
Corny as it sounds, people have a wonderful ability to spot fakeness. Be your true self, and you'll be surprised what you can get away with. A few days ago while doing a webinar, we improvised and this is the connection message we sent to 10 people. 9 of them answered positively!
How to send a LinkedIn connection request message with PhantomBuster
If you want to create a tailored LinkedIn messaging strategy that you can automate, sign up for a free PhantomBuster plan in seconds.
You can then search for potential connections on LinkedIn, send them a request with a message, and track the results, all on autopilot.
All you have to do is:
Connect to LinkedIn, using PhantomBuster's browser extension
Copy/ paste your LinkedIn search or group URL to extract profiles from
Write and customize your connection request message, then launch the Flow
The LinkedIn Search to Lead Connection Flow will extract profiles from your URL and send connection requests to them using your LinkedIn message template.
Set it to run repeatedly so that you can grow your LinkedIn network without lifting a finger.
Conclusion
We hope this LinkedIn message template article gave you some ideas. LinkedIn is part of your professional world, but it is also a social network. A nice middle ground exists between stiff corporate verbosity and showing your personality.
The good news? The world is big enough for you to practice and find your style.
What are your best messages? What's the worst you've ever received? Special thanks to Benoît Dubos for taking the time to help me with some message ideas and data to prove their quality.
