10 LinkedIn Follow-Up Message Templates That Convert

Want to turn LinkedIn connections into real opportunities? Here's how to nail your follow-ups:

1. Follow up within 24-48 hours

2. Keep messages short (75-100 words)

3. Add value with each message

4. Personalize your approach

5. Be persistent but not pushy

This guide covers 10 proven templates for:

• First messages after connecting

• Offering help

• Post-meeting follow-ups

• Sharing content

• Mentioning mutual connections

• No-reply situations

• Post-event outreach

• Partnership proposals

• Sharing resources

• Final follow-ups

Key takeaways: • Personalize each message • Focus on building relationships, not selling • Track your results and keep improving

Use these templates as a starting point, but always customize for your specific situation. With the right approach, you can boost your response rates and turn LinkedIn connections into valuable professional relationships.

Related video from YouTube

How to Plan Your LinkedIn Follow-ups

Want to build meaningful connections on LinkedIn? Here's how to plan your follow-ups without being a pest:

Nail the Timing

Follow up within 24 hours of your first contact. It shows you're on the ball and keeps you fresh in their mind. After that, space it out:

• Day 1: First contact

• Day 3: Follow-up #1

• Day 10: Follow-up #2

• Day 17: Follow-up #3

This schedule hits the sweet spot between being persistent and patient. But remember, your mileage may vary depending on your industry.

Make It Personal

Generic messages? Yawn. Do your homework and tailor your message. Check out:

• Their recent posts or articles

• Shared connections or interests

• Company news

Steli Efti, CEO of Close, puts it bluntly:

"Personalization is essential to successful follow-ups."

Bring Something to the Table

Don't just check in. Offer something useful with each message:

• Industry insights

• Helpful resources

• Introductions to other pros

• A pat on the back for recent wins

Switch It Up

Don't just stick to LinkedIn messages. Mix in:

• Emails

• Phone calls

• Comments on their posts

• Engaging with their content elsewhere

Keep Tabs on Your Efforts

Track your outreach and results. It helps you avoid double-messaging and lets you fine-tune your approach. A simple spreadsheet or CRM can work wonders.

Know When to Back Off

Being persistent is good, but don't be a pain. Candyce Edelen, Founder of PropelGrowth, warns:

"Persistence is important, but it's essential to avoid coming off as pushy or damaging the potential relationship."

If you've followed up three times with no response, it might be time to cool it. You can always circle back later if something new comes up.

The 3x3x3 Rule

For a balanced approach:

• Follow up three times

• Wait three days between each

• Use three different channels

This keeps you on their radar without overwhelming them.

Types of Follow-up Messages

Let's break down the main types of LinkedIn follow-ups you'll need:

New Connection Follow-ups

Your first message sets the tone. Make it count:

"Hi [Name], Thanks for connecting! I see you're in [industry]. What's your take on [specific industry trend]? Would love to chat about it next week if you're free."

This shows you've done your homework and opens the door for a real conversation.

Post-Event Follow-ups

Turn that quick handshake into a lasting connection:

"Hey [Name], Great chatting at [event] yesterday. Your insights on [topic] really got me thinking. I found this article that digs deeper: [link]. Coffee next week to discuss?"

You're not just saying "nice to meet you" - you're adding value and suggesting next steps.

Sales Follow-ups

Don't be that pushy salesperson. Instead, try:

"Thanks for checking out [Product]. How do you think it could fit into your [specific process]? Happy to clarify any features if you need."

This keeps the focus on THEIR needs, not your pitch.

Content Engagement Follow-ups

Someone liked your post? Perfect time to chat:

"Hi [Name], Saw you liked my post on [topic]. What's been your experience with [related issue]? Always keen to hear different perspectives."

You're turning a passive like into an active discussion.

No-Response Follow-ups

For those times when your message gets lost in the shuffle:

"Hey [Name], Hope you're doing well. Just floating my message from last week back to the top of your inbox. No pressure - I know things get busy. Let me know if you want to chat about [topic] when you have a moment."

It's friendly, not pushy, and gives them an easy way to respond.

The secret sauce? Personalization. Tailor each message to the person and your previous interaction. As Dripify puts it:

"Your journey to career or business success starts with that next well-crafted message."

So craft away - your network is waiting.

1. First Message After Connecting

Your first LinkedIn message sets the tone. It's your chance to make an impression and kick off a real conversation. Here's how to nail it:

Use their name. It's simple, but it works. "Hey Sarah, thanks for connecting!"

Give them a reason why you reached out. Maybe you liked something they wrote or did. For example:

"I read your article on solar panels. Your take on efficiency was eye-opening."

Ask them something. People love talking about their work. Try this:

"You've been in fintech for a while. What's the next big thing you see coming?"

Share something useful. If you've got info they might like, pass it along:

"Saw this study on AI in healthcare. Thought it might interest you: [link]"

Keep it short. LinkedIn says messages under 100 words get way more replies. Aim for 2-3 quick paragraphs.

End with a clear next step. Maybe suggest a call or ask a question:

"Want to hop on a quick call next week? I'd love to pick your brain about [topic]."

Here's a template that puts it all together:

"Hi [Name],

Thanks for connecting! Your work on [project] caught my eye. I'm dealing with similar stuff at [Your Company].

What's your take on [industry trend]? Want to chat about it next week?

Looking forward to talking more.

Cheers, [Your Name]"

The goal? Be real, show you've done your homework, and give them a reason to keep talking. As Mike Weiss, a LinkedIn pro, says:

"The best conversations are ones that elicit emotion."

2. Offering Help First

Want to build trust on LinkedIn? Don't start by asking for favors. Instead, focus on giving value first. This approach can seriously boost your chances of getting a "yes" when you need something later.

Here's how to nail the "help first" strategy:

Share Valuable Content

Don't just connect and disappear. Keep an eye out for stuff your new connection might find interesting. Found a cool article about their industry? Share it with a personal note:

"Hey [Name], check out this article on [topic]. It reminded me of our chat last week, especially the part about [specific point]. Thought you might find it useful!"

This shows you're paying attention and actually care about their work.

Offer Your Expertise

See a chance to help? Jump on it. If they post about a problem they're facing and you know your stuff, offer some quick advice:

"Hey [Name], saw your post about [problem]. In my experience, [brief solution] can be a game-changer. Want to chat more about it?"

Play Matchmaker

Know two people who could benefit from knowing each other? Make an intro:

"Hi [Name], noticed you're working on [project]. I know someone who's a pro at that stuff. Want me to introduce you?"

Invite to Cool Events

Hosting or going to an industry event? Invite them along:

"Morning [Name]! Hope you're doing well. I'm hosting a webinar about [topic] on [date and time]. Given your interest in [related area], I think you'll dig it. Here's the link if you want to check it out or RSVP: [LINK]. Hope to see you there!"

This template, shared by the Cognism Sales Team, is a great way to offer value while potentially nurturing a business relationship.

The Power of Giving

Remember, this isn't about keeping score. It's about genuinely helping others. As the saying goes, "Give some, get some." This principle of reciprocity is powerful in networking. When you consistently provide value, people naturally want to return the favor.

A study by Dripify found that "When you consistently provide value, it naturally encourages a more meaningful and sustained engagement." This approach not only builds trust but also sets the stage for more fruitful conversations down the line.

3. After Your Meeting

You've just wrapped up a LinkedIn meeting. What's next? The follow-up. It's your chance to solidify that connection and keep things rolling. Here's how to do it right:

Act Fast

Send your follow-up within 48 hours. Why? You're still on their radar. It shows you're proactive and respect their time.

Make It Personal

Ditch the cookie-cutter messages. Instead, bring up specific points from your chat:

"Hey Sarah,

Thanks for discussing AI in healthcare yesterday. Your take on predictive diagnostics was eye-opening. I found this study that backs up your point: [link]. Thought you'd find it interesting.

Want to dive deeper next week? Let me know if you're up for a quick call."

This approach proves you were tuned in and adds to the conversation.

Give Something Valuable

Don't just say thanks. Give them a reason to write back. Share a relevant article, offer to make an intro, or lend your expertise on a topic you covered.

Keep It Concise

Value their time. Stick to 2-3 short paragraphs. Get to the point and end with a clear next step or question.

Show Some Appreciation

A little thanks goes far. Maybe give them a LinkedIn endorsement or recommendation. As one LinkedIn pro puts it:

"I like to think of endorsements as a little thank you."

It's a small gesture that can make a big difference.

Propose What's Next

Don't leave things up in the air. Suggest a concrete next step:

"Given our chat about content marketing hurdles, I think you and my colleague John would click. He's tackled similar issues in SaaS. Want an intro?"

This keeps the ball rolling and adds value to your new connection.

4. Following Up on Shared Content

Sharing content on LinkedIn is just the first step. The real connection happens when you follow up. Here's how to do it right:

Wait 2-3 days after sharing before you reach out. This gives your connection time to check out what you sent.

When you do follow up, make it personal. Mention specific points from the content. It shows you're not just going through the motions.

Here's a template that gets results:

"Hi [Name],

What did you think about that [topic] article? The part about [specific point] really got me thinking. I'd love to hear your take, especially with your background in [their work].

Looking forward to your thoughts!

[Your Name]"

This approach gets 35% more responses than generic messages, according to Dripify.

Don't stop there. Offer something extra:

• A related case study

• A different viewpoint

• An invite to a relevant webinar

You could say:

"By the way, there's a webinar next week on [related topic]. Want the details? Might be interesting for you."

End with an open door:

"If you're up for it, we could jump on a quick call next week to chat more. Your insights would be great to hear."

Remember, you're building a relationship, not making a sale. As Octopus CRM puts it:

"Sending thoughtful follow up messages on LinkedIn shows your professionalism and commitment to your connections."

Pro tip: Use Podify.io to schedule your follow-ups. It helps you stay consistent without bombarding your connections.

5. Mentioning Common Connections

Want to build trust fast on LinkedIn? Mention shared connections. It's like getting a friend to introduce you at a party - instant credibility boost.

Here's how to do it right:

Dig Into Their Profile

Before you hit send, check out who you both know. This gives you ammo for a killer first message.

Make It Personal

Found a mutual connection? Use it. Try something like this:

"Hey Sarah,

Saw we both know John from XYZ Corp. He raved about your digital marketing skills when we worked together last year. I'd love to hear about your AI campaign work.

Chat soon?

• [Your Name]"

This shows you did your homework and gives you an easy conversation starter.

Keep It Real

Don't just throw names around. Make sure there's a good reason to bring up your shared contact. As Octopus CRM puts it:

"Trust is business currency, and credibility is its foundation. Take the initiative to build both."

Offer Something Useful

After name-dropping, give them something valuable. Maybe an article, industry news, or event invite. For example:

"BTW, I'm running a webinar on AI in marketing next month. Thought it might be up your alley. Want the details?"

Don't Push It

Mentioning mutual connections can work wonders, but don't overdo it. Respect boundaries and don't assume anything about their relationship with your shared contact.

6. When You Get No Reply

No response to your LinkedIn message? It happens. The trick is to follow up without being annoying. Here's how:

Give it a few days. People are busy. Your message might've slipped through the cracks.

Keep your follow-up short. Aim for 75-100 words. Why? Messages this length get a 51% response rate.

Try this template:

"Hi [Name],

Just following up on my message about [topic]. I know things can get crazy. Still interested in chatting?

Thanks, [Your Name]"

Don't just repeat yourself. Add something new. Maybe share an interesting article. Show you're trying to help, not just bug them.

If email's not working, try something else. A LinkedIn message or phone call might do it. Fun fact: Follow-up emails often get opened and answered more than first emails.

Know when to quit. After 3-4 tries with no answer, it might be time to move on.

But don't give up too soon. Emails with at least one follow-up get a 27% reply rate. Those without? Only 16%.

Keep it friendly and professional. Following up is part of business. Approach it positively, and you're more likely to get that response.

7. After an Event

Networking events are gold for new connections. But the real magic? It's in your follow-up. A smart post-event message can turn a quick chat into a lasting professional bond. Here's how to crush your LinkedIn outreach after an event:

Act Fast

Don't drag your feet. Fire off that follow-up within 48 hours. It keeps you fresh in their mind and shows you mean business. As one LinkedIn pro puts it:

"A quick follow-up is key. It shows you value the connection and keeps the ball rolling."

Jog Their Memory

Events are a whirlwind. Help them remember you by mentioning specifics from your chat. Try this:

"Hey [Name],

Great meeting you at [Event] yesterday. Loved our talk about [topic]. Your take on [specific point] really got me thinking.

Want to grab a virtual coffee next week and dive deeper?

Cheers, [Your Name]"

This hits the spot - it's personal, specific, and suggests a clear next move.

Give Before You Get

Don't just ask for favors. Share something useful. Maybe an article or a resource related to your chat. For example:

"After our AI marketing talk, I stumbled on this case study. Right up your alley: [link]"

Keep It Snappy

Respect their time. Aim for 75-100 words. LinkedIn data shows these shorter messages get a 51% response rate - way better than long-winded ones.

Propose a Next Step

Don't leave things hanging. Suggest something concrete, like:

• A quick video call

• A brief chat about a shared interest

• An invite to an upcoming industry webinar

Link Up on LinkedIn

If you haven't already, send a personalized connection request. Mention the event and a key point from your chat. It reinforces your meeting and opens a digital line for future talks.

Remember, you're not here to sell or ask for favors right off the bat. You're building a relationship. As Larry Sharpe from Neo-Sage puts it:

"Your first follow-up has one goal: get a reply."

8. Suggesting a Partnership

Want to propose a partnership on LinkedIn without sounding pushy? Here's how to do it right.

First, do your homework. Dig into the potential partner's business, goals, and recent wins. This shows you're serious and helps you craft a killer message.

When you write, focus on what's in it for both of you. Show them how teaming up could be a win-win. Here's a template that works:

"Hey [Name],

I've been checking out [Their Company]'s cool work in [industry]. Your [specific project] caught my eye.

At [Your Company], we've cooked up a [product/service] that fits perfectly with what you're doing. I think if we team up, we could [specific benefit for both].

Want to hop on a quick call next week to chat about it? I'm pumped about what we could do together.

Cheers, [Your Name]"

Don't be vague. Spell out exactly what you have in mind. Maybe it's:

• Creating content together

• Promoting each other's stuff

• Building a new product or service

• Throwing an industry shindig

For example, if you're in SaaS, you might say:

"I think if we combine your AI analytics with our easy-to-use dashboard, we could create something small businesses would love. We could start small, test it out with a specific group of customers."

Timing matters. If you've just liked their post or met them at an event, mention it. It's a natural way to start the conversation.

Remember, partnerships are a two-way street. As one pro puts it:

"Go into it with an open mind, real interest, and ready to bring something to the table."

Make sure that comes across in your message.

Lastly, use tools to your advantage. Platforms like Podify.io can help you write and schedule your partnership pitches. Their content tools can help you craft messages that hit the mark with potential partners.

9. Sharing Useful Resources

Want to boost your LinkedIn connections? Share valuable resources. It's a simple way to show you're helpful and know your stuff.

Here's how to do it right:

Pick the good stuff: Share things your contact actually needs. If they're struggling with SEO, don't send them a random marketing article. Find a solid SEO guide instead.

Make it personal: Don't just drop a link and run. Tell them why you're sharing it. Try this:

"Hey [Name],

Remember when we talked about [topic]? I found this [resource type] that might help with [specific issue].

Check it out: [URL]

What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[Your Name]"

Time it right: Share when it matters. If they just posted about a problem, that's your chance to help.

Check back: After a few days, ask if the resource was useful. It keeps the conversation going and shows you care.

Amy Franko, a sales expert, says it best: "Make it about your audience." Focus on what they need, not what you want to show off.

Remember, you're not just sharing info. You're starting conversations and building relationships. As LinkedIn pro John Nemo puts it: "The magic is in the follow-up."

Quick Tip: Use tools like Podify.io to organize your content. It'll help you find and share the right stuff faster.

10. Last Follow-up Message

Your final follow-up message is your last shot to make an impact. Here's how to do it right:

Keep it short. LinkedIn data shows 75-100 word messages get a 51% response rate. That's way better than long-winded ones.

Be clear and direct. Tell them it's your last outreach. Here's a template:

"Hi [Name],

This is my final message about [topic/offer]. We've added [new feature] that could help with [their challenge].

If you're not interested, no problem. I won't bother you again. But if you want to chat, I'm here.

Best, [Your Name]"

This template hits the sweet spot between persistence and respect.

Don't guilt-trip or pressure. Create urgency while keeping the door open for the future.

Katharine Fischer from HubSpot says breakup emails get a 33% response rate. That's a lot of potential connections you might miss.

Use tools like Podify.io to schedule these messages. It keeps you consistent without being pushy.

Always end positively. As Steli Efti from Close says:

"End your follow-up sequence professionally."

This keeps the relationship intact. You never know when things might change.

How to Edit These Templates

Customizing LinkedIn message templates is key for making real connections. Here's how to make these templates work for you:

Know who you're talking to. Check out their background and what they've been up to lately. This helps you make your message personal.

Start strong. Grab their attention right away. Like this:

"Hi Sarah, I saw your post about AI in healthcare. Your take on predictive diagnostics was spot-on."

This shows you've done your homework and opens the door for a good chat.

Speak their language. If you're messaging a tech startup founder, you might say:

"Saw TechCrunch featured your new product. Nice work on that 300% sign-up boost!"

Keep it short and sweet. LinkedIn says messages between 75-100 words get the best response. So, cut out anything that's not needed.

Give them something useful. Maybe:

• A cool industry report

• An invite to a special event

• An intro to someone they'd like to meet

Make your ask fit them. For a marketing director, try:

"Want to hear how we bumped up our email open rates by 45% last quarter?"

Use tools like Podify.io to add names and company details automatically. It saves time but still feels personal.

Try different versions. Keep track of what works and what doesn't. Keep improving.

Remember:

"Good follow-ups are personal, professional, and offer something valuable."

That's the secret sauce for LinkedIn messages that get results.

Track Your Message Results

Want to boost your LinkedIn outreach? Track your follow-up messages. Here's how:

Monitor Key Metrics

Focus on these numbers:

1. Connection Request Acceptance Rate

• Great: 50%+

• Good: 40% to 50%

• Okay: 30% to 40%

• Poor: Below 30%

2. Message Reply Rate

• Great: 30%+

• Good: 20% to 30%

• Okay: 10% to 20%

• Poor: Below 10%

3. Positive Reply Rate

• Great: 40%+

• Good: 20% to 40%

• Okay: 10% to 20%

• Poor: Below 10%

Optimize Your Approach

Want better results? Try these:

Keep it short. LinkedIn says 75-100 word messages get 51% responses. That's WAY better than long ones.

Time it right. Skip Fridays and Saturdays. Saturdays see 8% fewer responses. Monday's your best bet.

Make it personal. Individual InMails get about 15% more responses than bulk ones.

Target smart. "Recommended Matches" or "Open to Work" folks are 35% more likely to respond.

Use Tools

LinkedIn Sales Navigator can boost your reply rates. It's got advanced search and InMail features.

Podify.io helps organize content and schedule follow-ups. Stay consistent without overwhelming connections.

Learn from the Pros

Stacy Zapar, a talent leader, says:

"Whatever stands out to me at first glance, that's what I talk about in my outreach."

This personal touch can REALLY bump up your responses.

Keep Improving

Don't just track once. Keep testing, analyzing, and tweaking. As Madeleine Johnson from Synup puts it:

"To garner trust, you need to present yourself as a knowledgeable, experienced, high-value individual."

So, keep at it. Your LinkedIn game will only get stronger.

Conclusion

LinkedIn follow-ups can turn connections into real relationships and boost your business. We've looked at 10 templates to help you network better and get more conversions.

Here's what matters most:

"You can make your LinkedIn marketing better by looking at the right numbers, changing your plan based on what you learn, and celebrating when things go well." - Rosemary O'Shaughnessy, LinkedIn expert

Let's recap the key points:

1. Follow up fast - within 1-2 days. This can make people 50% more likely to respond.

2. Keep it short - 75-100 words work best. LinkedIn says these get 51% of people to reply.

3. Give something useful - like articles or insights your contact will care about.

4. Don't give up - SalesBlink found that half of sales happen after the fifth follow-up.

5. Check how you're doing - Look at things like how many people accept your requests and reply to your messages.

To use these templates:

1. Know what you want from your follow-ups. More referrals? Repeat business?

2. Use a tool to keep track of your connections and when to follow up. Podify.io can help with this.

3. Group your connections based on what they need. This helps you write better messages.

4. Ask people what they think about your messages. As Kim Peterson Stone, CEO of Linkability, says:

"Sales start with trust, and you build trust by finding things in common."

5. Keep improving based on what you learn. What works for one person might not work for another.

FAQs

Is it okay to send a follow up message on LinkedIn?

Absolutely! Sending a follow-up message on LinkedIn is a smart move. Here's why:

It keeps your professional connections active. But there's a catch: you need to do it right.

First, timing matters. Aim to send your follow-up within a day or two after your initial chat. Why? Your connection is more likely to remember you and respond positively.

Next, keep it short and sweet. LinkedIn data shows messages between 75-100 words get the best response rates. So, cut to the chase.

But don't just say "hi" again. Add some value. Share an interesting article or offer a helpful tip. This shows you're not just reaching out for the sake of it.

And here's a pro tip: mention something specific from your last interaction. It shows you were paying attention.

Lissa Duty from Rocks Digital suggests this approach in her follow-up template:

"Thank you for the connection. I do look forward to learning about you."

She then adds a personal touch before briefly mentioning her professional role. It's all about connection, not selling.

Remember, follow-ups aren't just about growing your network. They're about building relationships. As one LinkedIn expert puts it:

"So get out there and start making those connections meaningful!"

So go ahead, hit that send button. Just make sure your message adds value and shows genuine interest.