How to Invite on LinkedIn

Sending a LinkedIn connection request is more than clicking a button, it’s an opportunity to build a meaningful professional relationship from the very first interaction. A thoughtful, personalized invitation stands out in a sea of generic messages and sets the foundation for a valuable connection. This guide walks you through the strategy, step-by-step process, and common pitfalls of inviting people on LinkedIn, so you can expand your network with purpose.

Why a Personalized LinkedIn Invitation Matters More Than Ever

Think about your own inbox. How many times have you received the default, “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn” invitation? It’s forgettable, impersonal, and gives you zero reason to accept, especially if you don’t recognize the sender’s name or face. In an age of algorithm-driven feeds and automated outreach, a touch of personalization goes a long way. It shows respect for the other person’s time and demonstrates genuine interest in connecting with them specifically.

Sending a generic request is like walking up to someone at a conference, handing them your business card without saying a word, and walking away. It’s awkward and ineffective. A personalized note, however, is like a proper handshake and a warm introduction. It provides context, establishes common ground, and kicks off a professional relationship on the right foot. Putting in that extra 30 seconds of effort signals that you’re a thoughtful connector, not just a collector of contacts.

The Anatomy of a Perfect LinkedIn Connection Request

Before you even think about writing your invitation, remember that the first thing anyone sees is your profile. A professional photo, a value-driven headline, and a completed profile are non-negotiable prerequisites. If your profile looks incomplete or unprofessional, even the best connection request will likely get ignored. Once your own house is in order, a great invitation comes down to one thing: a compelling personalized note.

Because you only have 300 characters, clarity is your best friend. A winning request typically contains three simple parts:

1. The Hook (Context): How do you know them, or why are you reaching out? This immediately answers the question going through their head: "Do I know this person?" Mention a mutual connection, a conference you both attended, an article they wrote, or a group you share.
2. The Why (Intent): What is your reason for connecting? Be specific and genuine. Do you admire their work? Do you want to learn more about a career they've built? Make it about them, not just about you.
3. The Call-to-Action (Soft): This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a gentle prompt to engage. It can be as simple as “I’d love to connect and follow your work” or “Hope to connect and exchange ideas.” It closes the loop without being demanding.

For example: “Hi Jane, I just read your article on sustainable marketing - your point about consumer psychology was brilliant. I’m also working in B2B marketing and would love to connect and follow your insights.”

This message is concise, establishes context, gives a genuine compliment, states a shared professional interest, and has a simple, low-pressure ask.

How to Send a LinkedIn Invitation (Step-by-Step)

The process for personalizing an invitation is straightforward on a desktop but can be a little hidden on the mobile app. Here’s how to do it on both.

On a Desktop Browser:

1. Navigate to the profile of the person you want to connect with.
2. Click the blue "Connect" button located in their introduction card.
3. A pop-up window will appear. It's really important to click the "Add a note" button here. If you just click “Send,” it will send the generic, default invitation.
4. A text box will appear. This is where you’ll type your personalized 300-character message.
5. Once you're happy with your message, click "Send."

On the LinkedIn Mobile App (iOS and Android):

The mobile app tries to streamline the process, which can make it easy to accidentally send a generic invite. Follow these steps to make sure you personalize it:

1. Go to the person’s profile on the LinkedIn app.
2. Instead of tapping the "Connect" button, tap the "More..." or three-dot menu icon (...) next to it.
3. A menu will appear from the bottom of the screen. Select "Personalize invite."
4. You'll now see the text box where you can write your message.
5. Type your personalized note and tap "Send invitation" at the top of the screen.

Making that small extra tap to find the "Personalize invite" option on mobile is the difference between a memorable introduction and just another notification.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending Connection Requests

Knowing what not to do is just as valuable as knowing what to do. Here are a few common mistakes that can get your invitation ignored or even flagged.

• Pitching Immediately: The absolute fastest way to get rejected is to sell something in your connection request. This is not the time to pitch your product, service, or request for a demo. You are trying to start a conversation, not close a deal. An invitation that reads, "Hi John, I see you are a manager and I sell software that helps managers" instantly goes into the trash.
• Being Vague or Dishonest: Don’t pretend you know someone if you don't. Messages like "We have spoken before" when you haven’t will break trust immediately. Be honest about why you want to connect. If you’re cold-connecting because you admire their career path, just say that. It’s professional and respectable.
• Asking for a Job or Favor Right Away: Building a relationship comes first. Don't make your initial outreach transactional. Instead of, "Hi, please review my resume for the open role," try something like, "Hi, I greatly admire the culture at [Company Name] and noticed you are a hiring manager there. I'd love to connect and learn more about the team's work."
• Using Flattery That Isn't Specific: Saying "You seem interesting" is weak. Saying "Your recent post on content distribution strategy was incredibly detailed and helpful" shows you've actually done your homework. Specificity signals sincerity.

Proven Templates You Can Adapt for Any Situation

Staring at a blank text box can be intimidating. Use these templates as a starting point and customize them with specifics to make them your own.

1. For Someone You Met at an Event (In-Person or Virtual)

"Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at the [Event Name] yesterday during the [Session Topic] session. I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic you discussed]. Would be great to connect and stay in touch."

2. For a Fellow Alumnus

"Hi [Name], I saw on your profile that we both went to [University Name]! I’m also working in the [Industry/Field] space and am really impressed by the work you’re doing at [Their Company]. Go [Mascot]!"

3. For Someone Whose Content You Admire

"Hi [Name], I've been following your work on LinkedIn for a while, and your latest article on [Article Topic] really hit home. The point you made about [Specific Insight] was fantastic. I'd enjoy connecting to continue learning from your posts."

4. For Someone in Your Industry or a Similar Role

"Hi [Name], I came across your profile and was impressed by your experience in [Their Skill or Area, e.g., product marketing for SaaS]. As a fellow [Your Role], I'm always looking to connect with other leaders in our space. Hope you're open to connecting."

5. For a Recruiter or Hiring Manager (Soft Approach)

"Hi [Name], I'm actively following opportunities at [Their Company Name] as I’m a huge admirer of the work your team does. My background in [Your Skill/Experience] aligns with the kinds of roles you recruit for, and I'd appreciate the chance to connect."

Beyond Invitations: Build Your Network Organically

Sending invitations isn't the only way to grow your network. Some of the best connections happen when someone comes to you. You can encourage this by being an active and valuable member of the LinkedIn community.

• Create Engaging Content: Share your own insights, career lessons, or helpful tips related to your industry. When people get value from your posts, they'll want to connect.
• Leave Thoughtful Comments: Don't just comment "Great post!" on other people's content. Add your own perspective or ask a meaningful question. This makes you visible to the original poster and everyone else in the comment thread.
• Participate in Groups: Join LinkedIn Groups relevant to your field, profession, or interests. Engage in discussions, answer questions, and provide value. You'll naturally connect with a community of peers.

By shifting your focus from simply "adding connections" to "building relationships," every action on LinkedIn becomes more intentional and ultimately more effective.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the art of the LinkedIn invitation comes down to one simple idea: put a little thought into it. A short, personalized note that provides context and shows genuine interest transforms a cold request into a warm introduction, laying the groundwork for a professional relationship built on respect, not just a click.

Once you’ve built a strong professional network, keeping it engaged is the next step. A big part of that is consistently sharing valuable content, which keeps you top of mind with your connections. We built Postbase because we knew that consistently planning and scheduling content - especially for platforms like LinkedIn - is a challenge. Using our visual calendar, you can map out your posts for weeks at a time, ensuring you always have a steady stream of professional updates and industry insights going live without the last-minute scramble.