Do you struggle to make meaningful connections with people on LinkedIn? Or do you constantly feel like you’re sending messages and getting nothing back? LinkedIn lead generation remains an uphill battle for many sales managers. Believe it or not, 61% of marketers cite lead generation as their biggest challenge.
On top of that, 20% of buyers still take more than 12 months to purchase 53% of marketers pour at least half their budget on lead generation. LinkedIn as a social platform for professionals is based on mutual trust, meaning reaching out to other users outside your network with a spontaneous LinkedIn connection request message may be met with hesitation or ignored altogether.
If you’re tired of draining your efforts on one-way street messages, we have some good news for you – it’s not all doom and gloom on LinkedIn. In this article, we’ve broken down a few ways to increase your chances for a positive response when reaching out to other users.Â
What is a LinkedIn Connection Message?
A LinkedIn connection message is a private message sent to a potential connection on LinkedIn with the intent of making initial contact.Â
A connection message should not be confused with a normal InMail, a LinkedIn premium feature that allows you to send a message directly to someone not yet on your LinkedIn network.Â
The intention of a LinkedIn connection message, however, is similar to an InMail in that it allows users to make initial contact and leave the perfect first impression.
What is the Positive Response Rate of LinkedIn Connection Messages, and Why is it Important to Improve It?
You’ve probably received a fair share of connection requests as a LinkedIn user. Some of these messages may have sounded generic in one way or another. Others grabbed your attention at first glance. What made a LinkedIn connection message worth looking at?
For starters, the default LinkedIn connection message “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn” no longer works as it used to. Nowadays, people prefer more personalized LinkedIn lead-generation messages highlighting the message’s intent at a glance.Â
That said, here are a few reasons why it’s important to improve your positive response rate for your LinkedIn connection message:
Growing Your Professional Network
Having a strong LinkedIn network makes it easier to:
- Land a job
- Forge new partnerships
- Promote your business
- Stay on top of emerging trends in your industry.
LinkedIn is a professional social media platform emphasises connecting with other professionals. It’s not simply a place for cat videos, memes, and general life updates like other social media platforms.Â
Users find new connections, opportunities, and jobs by expanding their network and connecting with fellow professionals, recruiters, and potential partners.
Recruitment and Hiring New Employees
42% of managers fear that they may not secure the right talent, while 75% of companies have reported difficulties in hiring and a talent shortage. As a result, managers have diversified from publishing newspaper job ads and turned to digital sources of talent, including social media.
LinkedIn is one of the most important sources of fresh talent today, with 93% of recruiters using the platform to scout for new employees. The platform provides access to a vast network of potential candidates you can engage with – and it all starts with your LinkedIn connection message.
LinkedIn also offers users advanced filtering features to scoop out the right candidates based on their work experience, location, mutual connection, availability for work, and other criteria. Once you’ve shortlisted the right candidates, you can take the conversation offline and follow up with them via call, text, or email.
Creating Brand Awareness and Visibility
A large network and a high connection response rate will help you improve your brand awareness and visibility. The more people know about your company, products, or services, the more likely you will make sales and find new customers.Â
When you actively send a LinkedIn connection request, you’re expanding your network and making it easier for others to learn about you and your brand. It’s important to focus on making your message targeted toward people who might be interested in what you have to offer.
Finding Business Partners
A large, relevant network and a high response rate for your connection messages can also help you find potential partners. The more relevant connections you have, the easier you find new business partners.