How to Write a LinkedIn Introduction Message: Templates & Examples for 2026

A great LinkedIn introduction message can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and professional relationships. Yet most people send generic messages that get ignored. Here's how to write introductions that actually get responses.

Quick Answer: LinkedIn Introduction Best Practices

Types of LinkedIn Introduction Messages

Connection Request Messages

When sending a connection request, you have 300 characters to make an impression.

What to Include:

• How you found them or what you have in common
• Why you want to connect (genuine reason)
• Optional: A brief mention of value you can offer

Template:

Hi [Name], I came across your post about [topic] and found your insights on [specific point] really valuable. I'm also working in [industry/role] and would love to connect to learn from your experience.

Networking Introduction Messages

For building professional relationships without an immediate agenda.

Template:

Hi [Name], I've been following your work at [Company] and admire how you've [specific achievement]. I'm [your role] at [your company], and I'd love to connect with fellow professionals in [industry]. No pitch—just genuinely interested in expanding my network with people doing interesting work.

Job Seeker Introduction Messages

When reaching out to recruiters, hiring managers, or potential referrals.

Template for Hiring Managers:

Hi [Name], I saw [Company] is hiring for [Position] and I'm very interested. I have [X years] experience in [relevant area] and recently [relevant achievement]. I'd love to learn more about what you're looking for in this role. Would you be open to a brief conversation?

Template for Potential Referrals:

Hi [Name], I noticed you work at [Company] where I've applied for [Position]. I have [relevant experience/skills] and am excited about [specific thing about company]. If you have a moment, I'd appreciate any insights about the role or team. Happy to share my background if helpful.

Sales/Business Development Messages

For outreach without being pushy.

Template:

Hi [Name], I noticed [Company] has been [specific achievement or news]. At [Your Company], we help similar businesses [solve specific problem]. I'm not trying to sell you anything—just curious if [challenge related to your service] is something on your radar? Either way, happy to connect.

Mutual Connection Introduction

Leveraging shared connections for warmer outreach.

Template:

Hi [Name], I see we're both connected with [Mutual Connection]—[he/she] has spoken highly of your work in [area]. I'm [brief intro] and I'd love to connect. [Optional: specific reason for reaching out]

Industry Expert/Thought Leader Introduction

When reaching out to someone you admire professionally.

Template:

Hi [Name], I've been following your content on [topic] for a while—your post about [specific content] really changed how I think about [concept]. I'm [your role] working on [relevant project/area]. Would love to connect and continue learning from your insights.

What Makes a Great LinkedIn Introduction

1. Personalization That Shows You Did Your Research

How to Research:

• Read their recent posts and articles
• Check their work history and achievements
• Look at shared connections or groups
• Review their company's recent news

2. Clear Value Proposition

Answer the question: "What's in it for them?"

Examples of Value:

• Shared knowledge in their industry
• Potential collaboration opportunities
• Relevant introductions you can make
• Insights from your experience they might find useful

3. Brevity

Important: Free LinkedIn users are limited to 5-20 personalized connection notes per month. After hitting this limit, you can only send requests without notes—making each personalized message count even more.

4. Authentic Tone

Write like you're talking to a person, not sending a mass email. Avoid corporate jargon and overly formal language.

Too Formal: "I am reaching out to explore potential synergies between our organizations."

Natural: "I think there might be some interesting overlap between what our teams are working on."

5. Easy-to-Answer Call to Action

Make responding simple and low-commitment.

Hard to Respond To: "I'd love to pick your brain about your career journey."

Easy to Respond To: "Would you be open to a 15-minute call next week?" or "Is [specific topic] something you'd be interested in discussing?"

LinkedIn Introduction Message Templates by Goal

Template 1: General Networking

Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [industry/topic] leaders, and your experience at [Company] caught my attention. I'm [your role] at [your company], focusing on [relevant area]. Would love to connect and exchange insights on [shared interest].

Template 2: Asking for Advice

Hi [Name], I'm [your role] considering a transition into [their field/industry]. Your career path from [their previous role] to [current role] is exactly what I'm hoping to learn from. Would you be open to a brief chat about how you made that transition? Happy to work around your schedule.

Template 3: Conference/Event Follow-Up

Hi [Name], Great meeting you at [Event Name]! I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic discussed]. I'd love to stay connected and continue the discussion. Let me know if you'd like to grab coffee sometime.

Template 4: Content Engagement to Connection

Hi [Name], I've been engaging with your posts about [topic] for a while—your perspective on [specific insight] really resonated with me. I'm [brief intro] and would love to officially connect. Always enjoy learning from thoughtful content creators.

Template 5: Alumni Connection

Hi [Name], Fellow [University/Company] alum here! I noticed you're now at [Company] working on [their focus area]. I'm [your role] in [your area], and I'd love to connect with other [school/company] people in our industry.

Template 6: Requesting an Introduction

Hi [Name], I hope this isn't too forward—I noticed you're connected with [Person's Name] at [Company]. I'm exploring opportunities in [their field] and would love to connect with [him/her]. If you feel comfortable making an introduction, I'd really appreciate it. If not, totally understand!

Common LinkedIn Introduction Mistakes

Mistake 1: The Generic Request

Problem: "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn."

Why It Fails: Gives no reason to accept. Shows zero effort.

Fix: Always customize with at least one personalized element.

Mistake 2: The Immediate Pitch

Problem: "Hi, I sell [product]. Let me show you how it can help your business..."

Why It Fails: You haven't built any relationship or established relevance.

Fix: Connect first, provide value, then discuss business opportunities later.

Mistake 3: The Life Story

Problem: Three paragraphs about your entire career history before getting to the point.

Why It Fails: Busy people won't read it. Puts focus on you, not them.

Fix: Keep it concise. One or two sentences about yourself, max.

Mistake 4: The Fake Compliment

Problem: "I'm really impressed by your profile!" (without specifics)

Why It Fails: Feels insincere and templated.

Fix: Mention something specific you actually noticed or appreciated.

Mistake 5: The Vague Ask

Problem: "I'd love to pick your brain sometime."

Why It Fails: Too ambiguous. Requires them to figure out what you actually want.

Fix: Be specific: "I'd love to ask you about [specific topic]—would a 15-minute call work?"

How to Follow Up on LinkedIn

If They Accept But Don't Respond

Wait 2-3 days, then send a follow-up message:

Hi [Name], Thanks for connecting! As I mentioned, I'm really interested in [topic from original message]. If you're open to it, I'd love to [specific ask]. If now isn't a good time, no worries at all.

If They Don't Accept Your Request

• Don't send multiple requests
• Engage with their public content instead
• Try again in a few months with a different approach
• Consider if there's a mutual connection who could introduce you

After an Initial Conversation

Hi [Name], Really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. A few thoughts came to mind afterward: [brief insight or follow-up]. Let me know if you'd like to continue the discussion. Thanks again for your time!

LinkedIn Introduction Messages for Different Industries

Tech/Startup

Hi [Name], I saw your post about scaling engineering teams at [Company]—the part about technical debt resonated with challenges we're facing at [Your Company]. I'm [your role] building [relevant project]. Would love to connect with someone who's navigated similar growth.

Finance/Consulting

Hi [Name], Your background in [specific area] at [Company] is impressive. I'm [your role] working with [type of clients/projects], and I've been following [Company]'s approach to [specific topic]. Would be great to connect with someone in the space.

Healthcare

Hi [Name], I noticed your work on [specific project/initiative] at [Organization]. I'm [your role] focused on [relevant healthcare area], and I'm always looking to connect with professionals making an impact in healthcare innovation.

Creative/Marketing

Hi [Name], Your campaign for [Client/Project] was brilliant—especially [specific element]. I'm [your role] at [Agency/Company], and I'd love to connect with fellow marketers who think differently about [relevant topic].

Measuring Your LinkedIn Introduction Success

Track These Metrics

• Acceptance rate: Aim for 30%+ on personalized requests
• Response rate: 20%+ indicates good messaging
• Conversation-to-meeting rate: Tracks how many conversations lead to actual calls

Improve Based on Results

• A/B test different opening lines
• Note which personalization types get best responses
• Track response times (Tuesday-Thursday often best)
• Iterate on templates that work

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a LinkedIn introduction message be?

For connection requests, stay under 300 characters (LinkedIn's limit). For InMail or direct messages, keep it under 150 words. Short, personalized messages outperform longer ones.

Should I connect with people I don't know?

Yes, if you have a genuine reason to connect and personalize your request. Cold outreach is expected on LinkedIn when done professionally. Just make sure you're adding value, not spamming.

What's the best time to send LinkedIn messages?

Tuesday through Thursday, 8-10 AM or 5-6 PM in the recipient's timezone typically see best response rates. Avoid weekends and Monday mornings.

How do I introduce myself on LinkedIn without sounding salesy?

Focus on what you have in common or what you genuinely admire about their work. Lead with curiosity and value rather than what you want from them. Save any sales conversation for after you've built rapport.

Should I send a message with every connection request?

Yes, always. A personalized note significantly increases acceptance rates. The default "I'd like to connect" message is ignored by most professionals.

What if someone doesn't respond to my LinkedIn message?

Wait at least a week before following up once. If still no response, move on. Engage with their content occasionally to stay visible. You can try reaching out again in a few months with a different angle.

External Resources

• Evaboot: LinkedIn Limits Guide - Complete breakdown of connection limits
• Evaboot: LinkedIn Character Limits - All character limits by message type
• LeadLoft: LinkedIn Limits 2026 - Updated limit information

Related LinkedIn Guides

• Best Time to Post on LinkedIn - Optimize your posting schedule
• LinkedIn Demographics Guide - Understand the platform's audience
• LinkedIn Content Ideas - Generate engaging post topics

Free LinkedIn Tools

• LinkedIn Post Generator - Create engaging posts
• LinkedIn Caption Generator - Write compelling captions
• LinkedIn Headline Generator - Optimize your profile headline
• LinkedIn Character Counter - Stay within limits