LinkedIn connection message: 6 examples to make your own

These are illustrative messages, written for this guide. The names and situations are fictional. Adapt only the example that matches what actually happened.

Start with a real reason to connect

Our recommendation is to write the note in two parts: the context the recipient will recognise, followed by why you want to stay in touch.

A reusable LinkedIn message template is:

Hi [name], we [real shared context]. I'd like to connect to [specific reason to stay in touch].

Replace all three placeholders before sending. If the only detail you can add is someone's job title, look for a better reason to contact them. Use the LinkedIn prospecting guide to work through who belongs on your list first.

Six LinkedIn connection message examples

Each example below is under 200 characters as written, including spaces and punctuation. Recheck the length after adding your own details.

After a conversation at an event

Hi Maya, we spoke after the RevOps panel about discovery notes getting lost. I'd like to stay in touch and hear how your team changes that process.

Use the detail you discussed. Attending the same event is not evidence that you met.

After a webinar discussion

Hi Omar, we traded comments during the CRM webinar about keeping next steps visible. I'd like to connect and continue that discussion.

Name the exchange, rather than opening with a generic compliment about the session.

After an introduction

Hi Priya, Alex introduced us by email about sales notes. I'd like to connect here too so we can keep that conversation going.

Use this only after the introduction happened. A shared connection alone is not a referral.

After exchanging comments on a post

Hi Ben, thanks for discussing discovery notes with me on your post. Your point about recording the buyer's words stayed with me. I'd like to connect.

Refer to the part of the exchange you want to continue. Do not imply a discussion if you only read the post.

Reconnecting with a former colleague

Hi Lena, we worked together on the Northstar rollout. I'm now focused on sales operations and would like to reconnect and hear what you're working on.

Use the project or team you shared to help the person place you.

After the first sales conversation

Hi Daniel, thanks for today's discussion about your team's qualification process. I'd like to connect here as we work through the next steps we agreed.

Keep the specific next step in the conversation where you agreed it. The invitation does not need to repeat your proposal.

Connecting with someone you do not know

For a LinkedIn connection message to an unknown person, do not invent familiarity. LinkedIn recommends inviting people you know and trust. Its alternatives include following their posts, joining a relevant group or introducing yourself through InMail. LinkedIn Help: alternatives to invitations.

Our recommendation: start by reading their work. If you have something useful to add, contribute to the discussion. An actual exchange gives you a truthful starting point for a later invitation.

Keep notes short and check the allowance in your account

Checked 30 September 2026: LinkedIn's dedicated invitation guide lists three personalised requests per month and 200 characters per note. It says Premium removes the personalised-note quota, while connection-request limits can still apply. Personalise invitations.

Other official pages disagree. The invitation-limit page says five notes for free accounts; the InMail comparison says five free notes, 200 characters on free accounts and 300 on Premium. Check the counter and allowance shown in your account before sending. Invitation limits, InMail and invitation notes.

The examples here use fewer than 200 characters so you have room to personalise them. Premium's note allowance does not mean unlimited connection requests.

Add the note from the person's profile

On desktop, open the profile, select Connect, choose Add a note, write it and select Send invitation.

On mobile, open the profile, tap More, then Personalize Invite. Enter the note and tap Send Invitation. LinkedIn says invitations from People You May Know in the mobile app cannot include a personalised note. LinkedIn's instructions.

Before sending, check that the name, shared context and reason are accurate. Cut any claim you could not explain if the recipient asked about it.

Continue the conversation they recognise

After acceptance, our recommendation is to return to the topic you raised. For the event example, a possible follow-up is:

Thanks for connecting, Maya. At the panel you mentioned that discovery notes live in several places. Which details are hardest for the next rep to find?

This is an illustrative follow-up, not a second invitation template. Use it only if that was your conversation. Let the reply determine your next question.

If the exchange produces useful sales context, PortifyLead can turn it into an editable AI Sales Brief. Review and edit the details before confirming a save. A conversation is required for an AI Sales Brief; you can save contact details without one. PortifyLead does not send messages or run sequences.

Frequently asked questions

Choose one person you have a real reason to reconnect with. Write down that reason, trim the note and send it yourself.