How to Send a Note on LinkedIn

Sending a LinkedIn connection request without a personal note is like walking into a networking event and silently handing out business cards - it's functional, but it misses the entire point. A well-crafted note transforms a generic request into a personal introduction, an olive branch for a genuine professional relationship. This guide breaks down exactly how to send a custom note, what to say, and provides templates you can use to start building your network more effectively today.

Why Bother Sending a Note? (Spoiler: It’s Everything)

In a sea of connection spam and emotionless requests, a short, personalized note is your beacon of authenticity. It communicates respect, forethought, and genuine interest. For professionals, entrepreneurs, and marketers trying to build a brand, this small step is the foundation of effective digital networking. Think of it this way: the default "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn" message says absolutely nothing about you or why you're reaching out. It's the social media equivalent of junk mail.

Here’s why putting in that thirty seconds of effort makes all the difference:

• It dramatically increases your acceptance rate. People are far more likely to accept a request from someone who took the time to explain their reason for connecting. It removes the suspicion that you're just another salesperson preparing to slide into their DMs with an unsolicited pitch, helping you get more connections on LinkedIn.
• It sets the tone for a real conversation. Your connection note is the first line of dialogue. A great note can lead directly to further conversation, while a generic request often leads to a silent, stagnant connection that benefits no one.
• It provides context. How do you know this person? Why are you connecting now? A note answers these questions immediately, jogging their memory if you've met before or providing a compelling reason to connect if you haven't. It builds a bridge from "stranger" to "recognized professional."
• It shows respect for their time and network. Top professionals are protective of their network. A personal note acknowledges that you understand their connections are curated, and you believe you can add value to their professional circle, rather than just cluttering it.

Ultimately, your goal on LinkedIn shouldn’t be to just collect contacts. It should be to build relationships. Every strong relationship, in business or in life, starts with a proper introduction. Your connection note is exactly that.

The Mechanics: How to Add a Personalized Note on Desktop and Mobile

LinkedIn makes it easy to add a note, but the option can be easy to miss if you're quickly clicking through profiles. The process is slightly different depending on whether you’re using your computer or your phone. Let’s walk through both scenarios so you never miss the opportunity to personalize an invite again to connect with someone on LinkedIn.

On the Desktop Website:

Connecting via the LinkedIn website on your computer gives you the space to type and think clearly. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Go to the person's profile. Use the search bar at the top of the page to find the individual you want to connect with and click on their name to visit their profile page.
2. Click the "Connect" button. This button is usually located right below their name and headline, to the right of their profile picture.
3. Select "Add a note." A pop-up window will appear after you click "Connect." Most people just click "Send" here, but this is the critical step. Instead, click the button that says "Add a note."
4. Write your personalized message. A text box will appear, letting you know you have up to 300 characters to compose your message. This is your chance to shine. Make every character count!
5. Click "Send." Once you’ve written and proofread your note, click the "Send" button. Your personalized invitation is now on its way.

On the Mobile App (iOS & Android):

The process on the mobile app is just as simple, though the buttons are in slightly different places. It's ideal for sending a request right after you've met someone at an event.

1. Open the person's profile. Navigate to their profile using the search function or by tapping their name from a post or comment.
2. Tap the "Connect" button. Same as on desktop, this is located directly on their profile page near their name.
3. Tap "Personalize invite." Once you tap "Connect," a final confirmation pop-up will appear. Do not tap "Send invite" yet. Instead, tap the "Personalize invite" or "Add a note" option. The wording can vary slightly between app versions.
4. Craft your note. The screen will open a text box for you to write your 300-character message.
5. Send the invitation. After you've written your note, tap the "Send" or "Send invite" button at the top or bottom of the screen to complete the process.

That’s it. In just five simple steps on either platform, you can elevate your connection request from a generic to a remarkable.

Beyond 'Hello': Crafting a Connection Request Note That Gets Accepted

Now that you know the mechanics, let's talk strategy. What do you actually write in that 300-character box? The perfect connection note is a blend of professionalism, brevity, and authentic human connection. It's not about complex prose - it's about being clear, respectful, and relevant.

1. Start with Context and Familiarity

Ground your request in reality. Why this person? Why now? Mentioning how you found them immediately breaks down the "stranger" barrier.

• Mention a mutual connection: "Hi Jane, I see you're connected with John Doe. He's a former colleague of mine!"
• Reference an event: "Hi David, it was great to meet you at the marketing conference last week. I enjoyed your insights on SEO."
• Acknowledge a group: "Hey Sarah, I saw your comment in the Social Media Managers group and completely agreed with your take on creator-led campaigns."

2. Show You’ve Done Your Homework

Nothing says "I'm genuinely interested" like referencing their recent work. This shows you're not just spamming connection requests to hundreds of people. A little bit of research goes a long way.

• "Hi Alex, I just finished reading your article on data visualization, and the point you made about storytelling was fantastic. Would love to connect and follow your work."
• "Hi Brenda, I was so impressed with the product launch campaign your team at Acme Corp just rolled out. Incredible execution."

3. Be Clear and Kind About Your Intentions

State your "why" without making a big ask. People appreciate transparency. This isn't the time to ask for a job or pitch your services. The goal is simply to open the door to a connection.

• Purely to connect: "I'm always looking to connect with other leaders in the B2B tech space here in Austin."
• To learn: "Your career journey is really inspiring. I'd love to connect here and learn from your posts."
• To offer value (cautiously): "I noticed you're recruiting for sales roles and wanted to connect, as my network is full of great talent in that area."

4. Focus on Them, Not You

Swap "I want" for "You've done." The best connection notes are centered on the recipient. Instead of saying, "I want to add you to my network," try something like, "Your content on leadership is always so valuable." Make the message about them, and they'll be far more inclined to accept.

Swipe and Deploy: 5 LinkedIn Note Templates for Any Situation

Need some inspiration? Feel free to adapt these field-tested templates for your own use. Just remember to always fill in the blanks with specific, genuine details.

1. The "We Just Met" Note

Use this after a conference, webinar, or in-person meeting. The key is to send it fast while the interaction is still fresh.
Template: "Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at [Event Name] earlier today. I really enjoyed our conversation about [Topic]. Would love to connect and keep in touch."

2. The "Fellow Professional" Note

Perfect for connecting with peers in your industry, alumni from your college, or members of the same professional group.
Template: "Hi [Name], your posts on [Topic] are always so insightful. As a fellow [Your Job Title], I'm always looking to connect with others who are passionate about our field. Hope you're open to connecting."

3. The "Admiration from Afar" Note

This is your "cold outreach" approach, but you warm it up by showing you’ve paid attention to their work or career.
Template: "Hi [Name], I've been following your work at [Company Name] for a while and was incredibly impressed by [Specific Project or Accomplishment]. It would be an honor to connect and follow you here on LinkedIn."

4. The "Mutual Connection" Introduction

Leveraging a shared connection is one of the most effective ways to get your request accepted. It provides instant social proof.
Template: "Hi [Name], I see we're both connected with [Mutual Connection's Name]. I work with them closely at [Company/Context]. They've spoken highly of your expertise in [Industry/Skill], and I'd welcome the chance to connect as well."

5. The "Seeking Advice" Note

Use this one sparingly and with sincerity. You're making a soft ask for help, so be extra respectful of their time.
Template: "Hi [Name], I came across your profile and your transition from [Old Field] to [New Field] is so inspiring. As someone hoping to make a similar move, I'd appreciate the chance to connect and learn from your experience through your content."

Red Flags: What Not to Do in Your Connection Request

Sometimes, what you don't do is just as important as what you do. Avoid these common mistakes that can get your request ignored or denied:

• The premature sales pitch. Never, ever sell in a connection request. Don’t mention your service, product, or demo. This is the single fastest way to get your request rejected. Build the relationship first.
• The immediate demand. "Can you look at my resume?" or "Can you introduce me to your boss?" are huge asks for a first interaction. Slow down. Networking is a long game.
• Typos and spelling errors. Your 300-character note is a reflection of your professional brand. Spelling their name or company wrong is a sign of sloppiness. Always take 5 seconds to proofread.
• Using overly casual or unprofessional language. Stick to a professional but friendly tone. "Yo!" might work with a close colleague, but it’s best to err on the side of professionalism.
• Making the message entirely about yourself. A note that reads "I am looking for a job and you should hire me" or "I think you would be a valuable connection for me" is self-serving. Flip the script and focus on what you admire about them.

Final Thoughts

Sending a personalized note on LinkedIn is a small habit that delivers oversized returns. It's not just a feature to use, it's a core strategy for building a high-quality, engaged professional network instead of just an inflated list of contacts. A few carefully chosen words show that you’re thoughtful, intentional, and see the person on the other end not as a number, but as a potential partner in your professional journey.

We know that building those relationships is an ongoing process that goes far beyond the first connection request - it requires staying engaged and sharing valuable content consistently. We've wrestled with scheduling tools that feel stuck in the past, making the simple act of planning and posting social content a challenge. With Postbase, we built a modern platform with a simple visual calendar that allows you to plan your entire content strategy across every platform, not just LinkedIn, so you can focus less on administrative headaches and more on what really matters: cultivating those meaningful connections.