LinkedIn Connection Request & Cold Message Templates (2026)
By Wingflow team · Updated · 2 min read
The rules before the templates
| Rule | Free | Premium | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note length | 200 characters | 300 characters | LinkedIn Help |
| Notes per month | 3 | Unlimited | LinkedIn Help |
| InMail body | — | 2,000 characters | LinkedIn Help |
LinkedIn's own advice for notes: "keep your message short and specific", mention how you found the person or what you have in common, say why you'd like to connect now, and keep a polite tone (LinkedIn Help). Its sales team is blunter: "Don't 'connect-and-pitch' on LinkedIn" (LinkedIn Sales Blog).
Replace anything in [brackets]. The notes are written to fit the 200-character free limit, so keep your fill-ins short. To check yours, paste it into our free LinkedIn text formatter and pick "Connection note".
Connection request notes
After a post they wrote
Hi [Name], your post on [topic] was spot on, especially [one detail]. I work on [area] too and would like to follow your thinking. Happy to connect?
Shared event or group
Hi [Name], I saw you're also in [group/event]. I help [type of company] with [outcome]. Would be good to connect.
Same role, peer to peer
Hi [Name], fellow [role] here. I'm connecting with people running [function] at [type of company] to swap notes. Open to connecting?
Mutual connection
Hi [Name], we both know [mutual]. I work with [type of company] on [area] and thought it'd be good to connect.
First message after they accept
Thanks for connecting, [Name]. Quick question: how are you handling [problem] at [Company] right now? Asking because [one-line reason it's relevant].
Thanks for accepting, [Name]. I noticed [Company] is [hiring for X / expanding into Y]. Is [related challenge] on your plate at the moment?
Follow-ups
3–4 days later, no reply
Hi [Name], no pressure at all. If [problem] isn't a priority right now, just say so and I won't chase.
A week later, add value
Thought this might be useful: [one practical tip or resource about their problem]. Happy to share how [similar company] approached it if helpful.
Last one
I'll leave it here, [Name]. If [outcome] becomes a priority later, my door's open.
Cold InMail (not connected)
Subject: [Their company] + [topic]
Hi [Name], I'm reaching out because [specific trigger: new role, funding, hiring]. We help [type of company] [outcome] without [common pain]. Worth a quick chat, or is the timing wrong?
What gets replies
- One reason, one question. Nobody reads a paragraph from a stranger.
- Be specific about them. A detail from their post or company beats any clever opener.
- Stop when they reply. Nothing kills trust faster than an automated follow-up after someone answered.
- Space follow-ups out by a few days, and send no more than three.
- Save your 3 free notes for people where you have a real reason. Send the rest blank and use the first message instead.
Questions
How long can a LinkedIn connection request note be?
200 characters on a free account and 300 on Premium. Free accounts can add a note to 3 requests a month.
Should I add a note to LinkedIn connection requests?
Only when you have a genuine reason, like a shared event, group or post. Otherwise a blank request followed by a good first message after they accept works well and saves your 3 free notes.
When should I send a follow-up on LinkedIn?
A first message a day or two after they accept, then one or two follow-ups a few days apart. Stop as soon as they reply.
Should I pitch in my first LinkedIn message?
No. LinkedIn's own sales team advises against connect-and-pitch. Start with a relevant question or observation.