21 LinkedIn Connection Request Templates [70%+ acceptance rate]

This article is for you…

If you want to grow your LinkedIn network but don’t want to come across salesy.  

I know that the LinkedIn network is essential for every LinkedIn user today.

But it ain’t that easy to grow one.

Because people are selective about who they want to connect with. They just don’t accept any LinkedIn connection requests.

People only connect with those:

• Who seems like they’ll add value to their network.
• Who they are already familiar with.

And to be part of someone's quality network, you must send personalized LinkedIn connection requests.

And coming up with unique connection requests can be tough.

I guess it would be easier if you had a go-to template, right?

Well, today is your lucky day! We have 21 powerful LinkedIn connection request templates with examples (you can thank us later 😉).

Here’s what else we’ll cover in this blog:

• First, we’ll break down what a LinkedIn connection request message is—feel free to skip this if you’re already familiar with LinkedIn.
• Then, you’ll get a list of 5 common mistakes to avoid when sending a connection request.
• Finally, we answer, “Should you ever send a blank connection request?”

Let's start with the basic question…

What is a LinkedIn connection request message?

A LinkedIn connection request message is a note you can use to introduce yourself and explain why you want to connect.

If you are thinking, “Why bother?”

It gives the other person context and opens the door to a real conversation.

Here’s how to send a personalized connection request:   

1. Open up a 2nd-degree connection’s LinkedIn profile.  

2. Click "Connect," then click "Add note."  

3. Personalize it with a short message

Heads up, don’t cram your entire life story in there. Just use one of the templates below.

Before we dive into the templates. You need to avoid 5 big mistakes.

5 Things Not To Do When You Request A Connection On Linkedin

1. NEVER ask for favors right away. ❌  
2. NEVER use the canned LinkedIn template.❌  
3. NEVER send connection requests without a message. ❌  
4. NEVER overwhelm others with lengthy details about yourself.❌
5. NEVER pitch your product or service during the initial request.❌  

Instead, try this:

1. Build rapport first. ✅
2. Add a quick, thoughtful note. ✅
3. Start with genuine interest instead. ✅
4. Keep it short, simple, and to the point. ✅
5. Create a personalized message that stands out. ✅

And finally, here are the templates you’ll have been waiting for.

21 LinkedIn Connection Request Template

Below are the 21 LinkedIn templates.

Feel free to use them and go wild.

1. Connect with someone you met at a conference or event

Hi {Name}, it was great meeting you at {Event Name}. Our conversation about {Topic} was really insightful. I’d love to stay in touch and keep up with what you're working on!

2. Reach out to an industry influencer for a podcast

Hi {Name}, I’m starting a podcast in the {Industry} space called {Podcast Name}, and I’d love to have you as a guest.

3. Connect with an alumni

Hi {Name}, as a fellow {School Name} alumna working in {Industry}, I’d love to connect and discuss how we’re both solving challenges in our fields.

4. Send a connection request to a recruiter

Hi {Name}, I noticed you’re a recruiter in the {City} area. I’m a {Your Profession} with {X} years of experience and am currently seeking new opportunities. I’d love to discuss any potential openings.

5. Propose a collaboration to a potential partner

Hi {Name}, I see we both work in the {Industry} space. I’m interested in exploring how we might develop a mutually beneficial partnership.

6. Engage with someone whose LinkedIn content you admire

Hi {Name}, I recently read your {Article/Post/Video} about {Topic} and was blown away by your insights. I’d love to connect and keep up with your inspiring content.

7. Connect with a member of the same LinkedIn group

Hi {Name}, I noticed we’re both members of the {Group Name}. I’ve enjoyed your posts, especially your recent one about {Topic}. I’d love to connect and learn more about your work.

8. Reach out to an attendee from an event you attended

Hi {Name}, I saw that you also attended the {Event Name}. I found the session on {Topic} particularly useful. I’d love to connect and exchange feedback on the event.

9. Add a current colleague to your LinkedIn network

Hi {Name}, congratulations on your recent {Achievement}. I’m {Your Name} from the {Department} team, and I’d love to connect!

10. Ask for an introduction

Hi {Name}, I noticed you’re connected with {2nd Degree Connection}. Would you be able to introduce us?

11. Asking for advice

Hi {Name}, I’m {Your Name}. I’m seeking some feedback on a product we’ve built. This isn’t a sales pitch; I genuinely value your insights. In return, I’d be happy to buy you coffee or offer an endorsement.

12. Invite relevant people to your  LinkedIn group (Make a LinkedIn Group first!)

Hi {Name}, great to e-meet you! I reviewed your profile and thought you might be interested in a free group for {Job Title}s. It’s all about building value for the {Industry} community. Interested in joining?

13. Contact an author of a LinkedIn article you enjoyed

Hi {Name}, I read your article about {Topic} and found it very relevant to my work. Would you be open to a quick conversation about it?

14. Use industry humor to break the ice with a new connection

Hi {Name}, here’s a joke for you: Have you heard of that new app that produces lotion? It’s called APP-OINTMENT! Okay feel free to reject this connection request now haha  

15. Invite to a webinar

Hi {Name}, I’m hosting a webinar on {Topic}, and I think you’d find it valuable. Let’s connect, and I’ll share the most powerful framework for {Their Title} to achieve {Result}.

16. Increase blog traffic

Hi {Name}, I recently wrote a blog on [ Title ]. Would you be interested in reading it? [Insert Link]

17. Find the right person at your target account and “warn” them about an incoming “cold call”

Hi {Name}, I’m trying to reach the person responsible for {Issue}. If I don’t hear back, I can have my team call you tomorrow.

18. Connect with local leaders in your area

Hi {Name}, it’s great to see a fellow {Area} resident on LinkedIn. How are you enjoying {Local Attraction/Custom/Weather}? I’d love to connect and learn more about your work at {Company}.

19. Send a connection request with free resource

Hi {Name}, great to e-meet you! I’m {Your Name} from {Company}. I’ve talked to many {Their Title}s who found this resource helpful. Check out our free {Lead Magnet} → {Link}. If you like it, we can book 15 minutes to chat about other ways we can help. Fair?

20. Retarget potential leads

Hi {Name}, as a member of the {Group Name} Community, I’d love to connect and offer some immediate value. {link}

21. Pattern disruption

Hi {Name}, pineapple on pizza? It’s vital to understand before we connect.

Should You Ever Send a Blank Connection Request?

I’ve seen gurus recommend sending blank connection requests. You probably have too.

Conflicting advice, right?‍

Here’s what I do and tell my clients to do:

ALWAYS personalize your connection request.

Only send a blank request if you truly have no reason to reach out—and even then, avoid generic messages because a generic message makes you look random or, worse, like a spammer.

LinkedIn is a powerful platform built for building professional relationships. Sure, it’s evolved with new use cases over time, but networking is still its core purpose.

And these personalized connection requests can boost your acceptance rate by up to 70%. Now, that’s worth the effort!

If these templates are working for you, why not scale up with an automation tool like SalesRobot?

SalesRobot is the safest LinkedIn automation tool that helps you automate connection requests and personalizes each message to suit the recipient.

With SalesRobot you don’t need to spend hours typing personalized connection requests manually. The tool does that for you.

Here’s how to automate writing personalized connection requests via LinkedIn:

1. Login to SalesRobot and add your LinkedIn account

2. Create a campaign

3. Select “I’m an Advanced user”

4. Select how you want to add prospects

(let’s say you want to reach out to everyone who attended an event)

5. Complete the next steps

6. Create a sequence “from scratch”

7. Click on “send connection request”

8. Personalize the request

Click on the AI-generated P.S. line, and voila, our bot will analyze their LinkedIn profile and give you multiple variables that you can use to personalize your message. And yes, you can edit the message.

And once you are done.

This way, you can run multiple campaigns and reach over 100 LinkedIn members in just one day—a task that would normally take 3-4 days if done manually!

If SalesRobot sounds interesting, you can't take the free for 14 days. No credit card required.