Ever wondered how to write LinkedIn messages that actually get read? well, that’s a dilemma that surrounds most people.
In business networking, it’s all about who you know—but knowing the right people requires getting their attention first.
That’s why one of the best ways to network is through direct messaging on LinkedIn.
It’s a great way to make meaningful connections with other professionals in your industry—but how do you make sure that your message stands out from the crowd?
The truth is, many LinkedIn messages go unread, and for a good reason: generic templates and impersonal introductions don’t do much to grab someone’s attention.
In this article, we’ll discuss the key elements of crafting a message that will get noticed—and, hopefully, get you the connection you’re looking for.
We’ll also be providing advice on how to write persuasive LinkedIn messages that will get read and make a lasting impression.
LinkedIn Message Ad vs. Conversation Ad
Do you ever find yourself cringing at the thought of sending a LinkedIn message? You’re not alone!
You will need more than just writing a generic advertisement to make a meaningful connection.
Instead, you need to craft messages that reflect your personality and engage the other person in an actual conversation.
Start by creating an attention-grabbing subject line. Make sure it’s personalized and relevant to the user’s profession or interests; just one short sentence will do!
Then, focus on writing a concise body copy that keeps their interest while addressing what they need—and how you can help. Finally, end with a great call-to-action that will prompt them to respond.
No matter your goal for the message, introduce yourself and ask for advice or pitch a business idea.
Remember that engaging messages are always conversational: ask questions, share information, or provide exciting facts or stats from recent news stories.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting LinkedIn messages that stand out from the crowd!
How to Write LinkedIn Messages That Actually Get Read
Here are some useful tips on how to create LinkedIn messages that grab attention and get read:
1. Craft an Engaging Subject Line
Crafting a good subject line is essential to getting your message read. Think of it as the equivalent of a headline on an article or blog post.
It needs to grab attention and make someone want to open and read your message.
If you’re messaging a professional you’ve never met, make it sound exciting and personal.
Use their name, and ensure the subject line conveys why they should care about your words.
It should be short, sweet, and to the point. Do not fall into the hole of being too generic; instead, think about how your message benefits the recipient.
Moreover, avoid words like “urgent” or “help” in your subject line — those tend to trigger spam filters, so your well-crafted message may never get read by its intended recipient.
2. Personalize Your Message
A significant part of writing a compelling LinkedIn message is personalizing it.
The person you’re sending it to likely receives dozens of messages daily, most not tailored to them directly.
Play around with different subject lines until you develop something that combines personalization with intriguing value for the reader.
3. Make It All About the Recipient
You’ll instantly stand out if you make your message about the recipient. Research your target’s interests, achievements, and career goals.
Utilize this info to show that you genuinely care about who they are and what they do, rather than just being after something from them.
4. Outline Your Own Goals
Include a brief description of why you’re reaching out and what goal or benefit you want from your connection.
Without sounding selfish and overly blunt, let them know what can come from communicating with each other—whether it be mentorship, advice on specific topics, or industry connections.
Personalizing your messages can be intimidating, but with a bit of research and careful thought, anyone can compose a compelling LinkedIn message that will have people genuinely wanting to connect with you.
Injecting personality into your messages will draw attention—now it’s up to you to hold their interest and make a lasting impression!
5. Show That You’ve Done Your Research
When you send out a LinkedIn message, it’s essential to show that you have taken the time to research your potential connection so that you can tailor your message directly to them.
Doing this will prove that you gave thought to your message and aren’t just firing off the same generic one to everyone. It also shows that they are worth investing your time in.
There are a few ways to make sure you’re doing adequate research before writing your message:
6. Look at their profile:
Take a few minutes to read through the person’s profile and take notes on anything that stands out.
This could be recent promotions or job changes, any interesting articles they’ve posted, or courses they’ve taken.
7. Find common connections:
Look at the people they are connected with and their professional backgrounds to see if you can reference any common connections or interests in the message.
Check for recent updates: Did they recently post about hobbies, professional accomplishments, or aspirations?
Did they join any new groups or participate in any events? Taking notice of these things will help personalize your message even more.
Research before writing LinkedIn messages shows that you’re crafting thoughtful messages tailored directly to each person instead of sending generic ‘copy and paste’ messages — something every busy professional appreciates!
8. Keep It Short and Sweet
The fifth key thing to remember when crafting LinkedIn messages is to keep them short and sweet.
You want to send only short-winded emails that go on and on endlessly; that’s a surefire way to get ignored!
Your message should get to the point and be 250 words or less. It is essential, as it shows you value their time and that you’re not wasting it.
A short, well-crafted message will grab their attention, while too many words will make them skip over your email.
You should also avoid making assumptions about what the person you’re messaging knows or doesn’t know.
So, keep any industry jargon minimal and don’t assume they know what you’re talking about. Stick to the basics and explain anything complex in simpler terms.
Finally, keep your message polite and respectful throughout– politeness goes a long way! If your message is too aggressive or overly confident, the person may choose not to respond.
9. Make Sure you Follow Up Politely and Professionally.
When it comes to LinkedIn messages, politeness, and professionalism are key; even if you don’t expect to hear back from someone, courteously them up.
An important rule of thumb is to send one follow-up message about two weeks after the first one was sent.
Here are some rules to follow;
Address the Person by Name
Using a person’s first name in your follow-up is a great way to show respect and make them feel acknowledged. It adds an element of personalization that they are sure to appreciate.
Don’t Beg
It’s tempting to be persistent with your follow-ups but come off more relaxed and eager for a response. Remain polite and professional, and be clear but concise in your message.
Respect Their Time
Remember that people are busy, and their time is valuable, so keep your message short and sweet.
Include only the necessary information for them to get back to you and keep it easy for them to quickly find what they need from the email.
Be Courteous and Polite
Finally, pay attention to the tone of your message. Ensure you remain courteous throughout, even if you’re following up for the third time!
This will help ensure that your recipient takes you seriously and takes the time to respond thoughtfully when possible.
Conclusion
As the job market and networking scene become increasingly digital, you must hone your LinkedIn skills to ensure the messages you write and send are read.
A great way to ensure you’re crafting a compelling, memorable message is to start personal, keep it short and sweet, and offer a call to action.
No matter what you’re looking for – a job, connection, or advice – it’s crucial to be mindful of user etiquette and follow the basic rules of LinkedIn message composition.
By crafting the perfect message and paying attention to the tricks that get people to respond, you could be on your way to finding more success in the digital job market.
