LinkedIn Connection Request Message Generator
Write a LinkedIn connection request people accept: their first name, one specific reason you are reaching out and what you have in common, within LinkedIn’s 200-character limit for free accounts or 300 for Premium. Switch to a first message or an InMail, start from wording for five reasons to connect and check it before you send. Free.
Choose the format and why you are reaching out, enter their first name, then pick starter sentences and make them specific to the person. The character counter follows LinkedIn’s limits. Copy the message into LinkedIn when every check passes.
LinkedIn connection request message example
Hi Priya, I enjoyed your post on cutting ramp time for new sales reps from 90 to 45 days. We are working on the same problem at Northwind. Would be great to connect.
The note has 165 of 200 characters, so it fits a free account, and passes all four checks.
LinkedIn message limits
| Message | Limit |
|---|---|
| Note, free account | 200 characters |
| Note, Premium | 300 characters |
| InMail subject | 200 characters |
| InMail body | 1,900 characters |
Five reasons to connect
- Their post or article: name what you liked about it.
- A mutual connection: say who and how you know them.
- The same event or group: suggest meeting there.
- News about them: a new role, funding or a launch.
- The same role or industry: offer to swap notes.
After they accept
Send a short first message that refers back to your reason and asks one easy question — switch the format above to “First message”. If they prefer email, use the cold email template, follow up politely with the follow-up email template, and prepare the first call with the cold call script.
Frequently asked questions
What should I write in a LinkedIn connection request?
Use their first name, give one specific reason you are reaching out — their post, a mutual connection, an event or news about their company — and say what you have in common. End with a simple line such as “Would be great to connect.” Leave the sales pitch for later.
How many characters can a LinkedIn connection note have?
According to LinkedIn Help, a personalised invitation note can be up to 200 characters on a free account and 300 characters with Premium. Free accounts can also add a note to only a few invitations a month, so save notes for the people who matter most.
How long can a LinkedIn InMail be?
LinkedIn Help gives up to 200 characters for the subject line and 1,900 characters for the body in Sales Navigator and Recruiter (2,000 on the general help page). A shorter InMail is easier to read on a phone; this tool flags anything over 120 words.
Should I pitch in a LinkedIn connection request?
No. A pitch in the invitation makes it look like spam and is more likely to be ignored. Connect first with a genuine reason, then send a short message after they accept, ending with one easy question.
What do I send after someone accepts my request?
Thank them for connecting, refer back to the reason you reached out, offer something useful — an idea, a resource or an introduction — and ask one easy question. Keep it under about 120 words and do not paste your whole pitch.
Is what I type stored or sent anywhere?
No. The message is built in your browser and the draft is saved only in this browser so you can come back to it. Nothing you type is sent to SalesBond, LinkedIn or anyone else, and no AI reads it. Click Start over to clear it.
Related tools: cold email template, follow-up email template, cold call script. More on sales and running a sales team on the SalesBond blog and the home page.
Official sources
- LinkedIn Help: InMail messages and personalised invitations — invitation notes: 200 characters free, 300 with Premium.
- LinkedIn Help: Send an InMail message — InMail subject and body limits.
- LinkedIn Help: Compose an InMail message in Sales Navigator — 1,900-character InMail body.
Updated on Nov 7, 2026. This calculator is for information only and is not tax, legal or payroll advice. LinkedIn changes its limits from time to time; the composer’s own counter is final. Follow LinkedIn’s User Agreement and Professional Community Policies when you reach out.
