How to Reach Out to Someone on LinkedIn? [2025 Guide]

LinkedIn is a leading professional network with nearly 1 billion users globally.

However, connecting and reaching out to someone on LinkedIn can feel intimidating, especially when you don’t know them.

Imagine this:

An online space perfect for finding jobs, exploring business opportunities, and advancing your career.

But here’s the million-dollar question:

How to reach out to someone on LinkedIn like a pro and make a new connection?

So here is our guide to help you level up your LinkedIn Outreach and learn:

1. How to reach out to someone on LinkedIn
2. 3 Reasons why reach out to someone on LinkedIn
3. What not to say when reaching out to someone on LinkedIn
4. How to follow up on LinkedIn
5. How to find people to reach out to on LinkedIn

It’s time to learn how to reach out to people on LinkedIn and grow your professional network with confidence and intention!

How To Reach Out To Someone On LinkedIn?

Ever tried to extend a handshake through the digital platform of LinkedIn?

It starts with hitting the ‘connect button’ and crafting a LinkedIn connection request with a note.

It’s your golden ticket to slide into their professional world and tap into new opportunities.

But let’s face it: not all connection requests are crafted equally.

Wondering how to make yours pop and get that ‘Accept‘ response?

Here’s the strategy: The RABT formula.

1. Give a reason for outreach
2. Ask a question to qualify
3. Backup with data
4. Tease a solution

This will become your secret sauce for effective and impactful connection requests.

Let’s unpack this now.

1. Give a reason for outreach

Hit the ground running by serving up a solid reason for reaching out.

This initial hook is where you lay down the groundwork of ‘why you?’.

It can be a recent post they shared in one of the LinkedIn groups you follow or a mutual connection that suggested you reach out!

Consider dropping a line about:

• A shared contact or a warm referral
• A common thread or shared experiences
• An insightful piece they’ve posted
• Recent baby-step or giant leap in their professional space

Avoid cliché and generic “I’m building my network” or “I’m interested in your field” lines.

Here is an example of how to send a networking message on LinkedIn.

You need to be more precise and credible!

Mention your shared interest in digital marketing or your passion for growing meaningful connections.

2. Ask a question to qualify

Next, start the conversation with a question that taps into their professional interests.

It should be open, relevant, and respectful. Maybe something like:

• Their recipe for a recent success or challenge
• Insights on an industry trend they’re riding
• An overview of their current professional plate
• Their take on an industry pain point or golden opportunity

Avoid the “yes or no” trap, questions that corner, or ones that nose-dive into the personal zone.

You’re not there to question or intrude!

Show that you respect their point of view and that you are eager to learn.

3. Backup with data

Strengthen your question by backing it with solid data weaponry.

You can showcase your expertise and knowledge by presenting real, relevant, and outstanding data here:

• A statistic or research finding that supports your request
• Case studies or testimonials as proof of your prowess
• A blog post or video where you showcase your know-how
• Praises that add luster to your professional reputation

Ditch the fluff, the guesswork, and the tall tales, for heaven’s sake. These are confidence killers.

You want to prove that your questions are based on real experience and knowledge.

4. Tease a solution

In the end, present them with an ideal solution.

Here’s where you show what you’re bringing to the table.

Your solutions should be applicable, precise, and tempting, like:

• A free resource or tool that could be their saving grace

• A pro-tip or insight that could jazz up their status quo

• An enlightening webinar or podcast that could inspire with fresh ideas

• A chat or a call to deep-dive into what makes them tick

Avoid being pushy or sounding desperate.

This will quickly turn people off. Instead, show that you have something interesting and genuine to offer.

3 Reasons Why Reach Out To Someone On LinkedIn

Most of the time, you’d reach out to someone for one of these 3 reasons:

1. You don’t have a mutual connection with them but want to get in contact
2. You know them from somewhere
3. You have a mutual connection

Never, ever send generic and boring messages.

Whether you make a cold approach, refer to mutual interest, or leverage a shared connection, follow these steps to ensure your LinkedIn outreach is effective and professional:

1. Research your prospect: Learn about them on their LinkedIn profile and find out about their interests to be able to personalize your message as much as possible.
2. Write a clear subject line: Your subject line should be relevant and attractive. It should indicate the value you bring or the reason for your outreach.
3. Write your message: Introduce yourself and your mutual connection, and mention a shared interest or the event you’re both interested in. State your purpose clearly, provide value, keep your message brief, and end with a clear call to action – basically the RABT formula
4. Proofread your message: Read again or ask a colleague to do it and send it.

What Not To Say When Reaching Out To Someone On LinkedIn

Now, let’s see what not to say when contacting someone on LinkedIn.

These factors determine whether you have a response or an ignore.

Here are three things to avoid at all costs:

1. Non-personalized bulk messages
2. Asking for a meeting right away
3. Super long messages

1. Non-Personalized Bulk Messages

Have you ever received a long, generic copy-and-paste message in your inbox?

That’s the cardinal sin of LinkedIn outreach. It screams, “I didn’t even bother to look at your profile picture!”

Allow me to tell you the truth: LinkedIn says personalized messages get a 50% better response rate.

So ditch automation and craft hyper-personalized LinkedIn messages with care!

• Include their name, something that proves you paid attention to their work experience or recent LinkedIn posts,

• Show them exactly how you’re going to make a difference for them.

Remember, personalized isn’t just polite – it’s powerful!

2. Asking for a Meeting Right Away

Popping the meeting question out of the blue?

That’s like proposing marriage on a first date. Slow down there, turbo!

It’s a one-way ticket to the ignore pile.

You’re coming on strong—offering zero value with a side of “Hey, take a gamble on me.”

3. Super Long Messages

The novella in the inbox?

It’s a no-go.

We all struggle with time constraints and shrinking attention spans, especially on LinkedIn.

Forget about the massive monologue about yourself or your enterprise.

Studies show that the LinkedIn message character limit is between 50 and 125 words, similar to the size of a tweet.

Keep it concise and engaging. Give them the good stuff, small pieces.

Structure is your friend — bulleted lists, short paragraphs, breezy lines.

Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile For Better Outreach

Before you even think about reaching out to someone, your LinkedIn profile has to scream “perfection”.

Think of it this way: your LinkedIn profile is your digital handshake, brand billboard, and virtual eye contact.

Your profile picture should reflect professionalism and warmth. It’s essential when you’re looking for a job or meaningful connections.

Are you ready to step up your LinkedIn game?

Here are three killer tips to boost your profile:

1. Use a professional profile photo
2. Create a compelling headline and summary
3. Showcase your expertise

1. Use a professional profile photo

Your profile snap is your silent ambassador, which builds or destroys trust.

LinkedIn makes it easy: Add a nice photo to your profile and watch your views and messages rise.

But we’re talking professional-quality mugshots here.

Clear, updated, and approachable.

And the dress code?

Make sure it matches your playfield:

• Lawyers think classic suit and tie.

• Creatives, show yourself but keep it professional.

2. Create a compelling headline and summary

Zoom in on your headline and summary—your prime real estate to snag attention and pique curiosity.

Make your headline concise and to the point.

Summarize what you know, how you know it, and your unique hook.

Keywords are your undercover agents here, cheesing it up on search results.

Imagine swapping “SEO Writer” for “SEO Writer – Decade of Dominance in LinkedIn Outreach Mastery”.

Drop the value bomb and show your wins. Finish by sweet-talking your reader into action.

Maybe something like this: “Want to see how I transform LinkedIn outreach? Send a message or visit my website.”

3. Showcase your expertise

Final power move?

Show your know-how.

You must prove you’re the boss, the go-to guru who gets stuff done.

1. Present your work in the Featured section – articles, videos, etc.

2. Write job descriptions. These are bragging sheets about your skills, duties, and crowning moments.

3. Get testimonials highlighting your work ethic, stellar accomplishments, and the big, juicy impact you’ve made.

Letting your expertise lead the dance builds that sweet trust and credibility with your connections and beams a giant neon sign saying:

“Pick me! I’ve got this.”

How To Follow Up On LinkedIn

Effective follow-up is the often neglected key to success in LinkedIn outreach.

Think about it:

Without that crucial nudge, that second attempt to reach out, connections can go cold faster than coffee on a Monday morning.

But here’s the catch: Not all follow-ups are created equal.

Some are as welcome as a telemarketer during dinner, while others… can be the magic that propels a conversation forward, building rapport and skyrocketing your response rates.

So, how can you ensure your LinkedIn follow-ups are less ‘ugh…’ and more ‘aha!’?

Sit tight. I’m about to reveal three follow-up strategies that won’t leave you seen-zoned on LinkedIn:

1. Always add value
2. Use multiple formats
3. Use multiple channels

1. Always add value

Okay, the golden rule of thumb:

Never – and I mean, NEVER – resend that same old message.

It’s the express lane to ‘IgnoredVille.‘

That’s why you have to sprinkle new values on every message.

Let me break it down:

• Share a new resource that speaks to their current pinpoint
• Drop a hot tip that might revolutionize their workflow
• Show off a case study that screams success and could sway them your way

By infusing each message with undeniable value, you’re not just another ping in the inbox.

You’re a beacon of hope in their LinkedIn sea.

2. Use multiple formats

Time to mix it up!

Don’t just hammer away at the keyboard. Turn to the rich tapestry of multimedia to breathe life into your messages.

LinkedIn says video messages are the superheroes of the inbox, raking in responses like a magnet. And voice messages?

Trust me, it’s like adding HD to a dull TV – a total game-changer. They’re the personal touch that could make your message resonate like a personal call.

Get creative:

• Use video to let your smile and charm do the heavy lifting
• Let your voice carry the nuances that text can’t convey

3. Use multiple channels

Finally, don’t invest everything in LinkedIn.

Your prospects are playing the field – scrolling through emails and tweets and maybe even checking their texts.

What if I told you there’s power in being everywhere?

Not creepy, but in an ‘I’m here for you’ way.

Use the right tool for the right job:

• Email for the heftier stuff, like official proposals
• Twitter for public shoutouts that show you’re in the know
• Phone calls for a heart-to-heart that seals the deal.
• SMS for those ‘I need you now’ moments

By going omnichannel, you’re not just another LinkedIn notification. You’re an omnipresent force in their professional life.

P.S. Don’t forget to proofread your message.

Follow these tips, and your LinkedIn outreach will be as smooth as your favorite jazz tune.

How To Find People To Reach Out To On LinkedIn?

Is the time important for your job search?

If so, don’t waste time engaging with people not interested in your offering.

You’re looking for those who could be the hiring manager or mutual connection you need or who could turn into your golden leads, customers, or next star employee.

But there is one question: How do you zero in on quality LinkedIn members?

Good news!

I’ll give you three best search engines; think of them as your digital bloodhounds:

1. LinkedIn Free Search Engine
2. LinkedIn Sales Navigator
3. LinkedIn Recruiter

Here we go!

1. LinkedIn Free Search Engine

LinkedIn is the ultimate free search engine; anyone can take it for a spin.

Search for possible candidates by typing keywords or even those trendy hashtags.

Say you’re after “SEO gurus”?

Moreover, you can harness advanced LinkedIn filters.

The little treasure maps on the search result page let you sift through connections, company names, and more.

But, heads up!

The freebie search won’t let you reel in the big fish; it’s limited in results, filters, and monthly searches.

Continue reading if you want to upgrade your LinkedIn membership to something more gourmet, like Sales Navigator or LinkedIn Recruiter.

2. LinkedIn Sales Navigator

Let’s chat about LinkedIn Premium’s Sales Navigator, your second artery to the heart of LinkedIn searches.

The perks?

LinkedIn Sales Navigator advanced filters pinpoint your dream prospects—those you could practically serenade to sealing the deal.

Imagine fine-tuning your hunt, focusing on industry, degree connections, job functions, and more.

Sales Navigator is no mirage; it’s a real-deal tool that can boost your batting average, and increase your response rates.

This is the perfect tool for finding new opportunities in sales or your career path.

3. LinkedIn Recruiter

Last but not least—is the LinkedIn Recruiter.

This one’s for the recruiters and the headhunters in the trenches, with features that help you connect with the right talent and job seekers.

Think of it as your personal candidate concierge service.

With Recruiter, sift through prospects faster than a talent show jury, using filters for skills, credentials, worldliness, and availability.

Conclusion

Alright, you’ve made it through this complete guide, and what a journey it has been!

The formula to a successful LinkedIn Outreach is crafting personalized and professional messages that resonate with your prospect.

Start with a relevant opening, provide a brief and credible introduction, clearly state your purpose, offer value, keep it concise, and end with a clear call to action.

So, what’s the holdup?

Now it’s your turn to reach out to your new connection on LinkedIn and get responses!

FAQ

How do you reach out to someone on LinkedIn examples?

When you reach out to someone on LinkedIn, mention the reason why you contact them.

You can write something like:

First LinkedIn message example

Your [post] or your ideas about [specific topic] inspired me.
I’d like to know more about your thoughts.
Would you be open to a chat?”

This approach shows appreciation and a clear intent to engage.

How do I contact someone on LinkedIn?

Start by clicking the “Message” button below the person’s profile picture to reach them on LinkedIn.

Next, type your message in the box. Make sure your message is clear and concise yet personalized.

Once you are satisfied with your message, hit “Send“.

This method is simple and facilitates direct communication on the platform.

If your goals require a different strategy, consider using LinkedIn InMails as an alternative method.

How do you effectively reach out on LinkedIn?

Follow these steps to reach out to someone on LinkedIn to maximize the impact of your LinkedIn outreach.

1. Provide a reason for the outreach
2. Ask a qualifying question
3. Back it up with data
4. Provide a solution
5. Keep your message personal and brief
6. Follow up
7. Use multiple channels

Disclosure

This content was partly written by AI (ChatGPT 4), I added my own perspective, fact-checked it, and made sure it is helpful for you.