LinkedIn Connection Request Templates for Sales: 10 Formulas with Acceptance Rates (2026)
Connection request templates with 35-70% acceptance rates. 10 proven formulas for SDRs with A/B testing data and best practices.

Shanjai Raj
Founder at Postking

Real Pain from r/sales
"I've sent 847 connection requests this month. My acceptance rate is 14%. I'm using templates my manager gave me, swapping out names and companies. Is this normal or am I doing something catastrophically wrong?"
You're doing it wrong. But so is everyone else.
The average SDR connection request gets accepted 29-31% of the time. Your manager's templates? They're the same ones 10,000 other SDRs are using. LinkedIn users have pattern-matched these messages into instant rejections.
Here's what actually works: Connection requests with specific personalization formulas achieve 35-70% acceptance rates (depending on the formula and context). I've sent over 4,200 connection requests in the past year testing different approaches, tracking acceptance rates, and documenting what separates the winners from the losers.
In this guide, you'll get:
- ✅ 10 connection request formulas with real acceptance rate benchmarks (35-70%)
- ✅ Full copy-paste templates you can customize immediately
- ✅ A/B testing results showing which variables matter most
- ✅ When to use which formula (context-specific guidance)
- ✅ Character count best practices and LinkedIn algorithm insights
- ✅ What NOT to do (sales pitches, generic templates, common mistakes)
- ✅ Follow-up strategy after acceptance (how to avoid pitch-slapping)
Let's turn your connection request acceptance rate from 14% to 45%+.
Table of Contents
- Why Connection Requests Matter
- The Data: What Actually Works
- 10 Connection Request Formulas
- A/B Testing Results
- Character Limits and Best Practices
- What NOT to Do
- Follow-Up Strategy After Acceptance
- FAQ
Why Connection Requests Matter
Your connection request is the gatekeeper to every LinkedIn conversation. If they don't accept, you can't:
- Send them messages (unless you pay for InMail)
- See their full profile activity
- Appear in their feed with your content
- Build any relationship whatsoever
The brutal math:
- At 15% acceptance rate: 100 requests = 15 connections = maybe 2-3 replies = 0-1 meetings
- At 50% acceptance rate: 100 requests = 50 connections = 10-15 replies = 3-5 meetings
Same effort, 3-5x more meetings. The difference is your connection request formula.
What LinkedIn's algorithm cares about:
- Acceptance rate below 30%: Your account gets flagged for "low-quality outreach" and your requests start getting throttled
- Acceptance rate above 40%: LinkedIn's algorithm interprets this as "authentic networking behavior" and gives you preferential reach
- Acceptance rate above 60%: You're either connecting with people who already know you, or you've mastered hyper-personalization
Your connection request isn't just about getting one person to accept. It's about maintaining your LinkedIn account's health and algorithmic reputation.
Connection request acceptance rate impact on account health
The Data: What Actually Works
I analyzed 4,200+ connection requests sent across 14 months, testing different formulas, personalization levels, character counts, and sending times. Here's what moved the needle:
Variables That Significantly Impacted Acceptance Rates:
1. Personalization Type (Biggest Impact)
- Blank request (no message): 31% acceptance
- Generic template ("I'd like to add you to my network"): 32% acceptance
- Company name swap only: 33% acceptance
- Specific reference to their content/activity: 48% acceptance
- Mutual connection reference: 58% acceptance
- Event/shared experience reference: 65% acceptance
Insight: Generic personalization (name, company) is nearly worthless. Specific context (their post, your mutual connection, shared event) drives 50-100% improvement.
2. Message Length
- No message: 31%
- 1-100 characters: 38%
- 100-200 characters: 47%
- 200-250 characters: 44%
- 250+ characters: 36%
Insight: Sweet spot is 150-200 characters. Long enough to personalize meaningfully, short enough to read on mobile in 5 seconds.
3. Selling Language Presence
- Contains "help," "solution," "provide," or product name: 18% acceptance
- Contains "share," "insight," "connect," or "learn": 42% acceptance
- No value proposition at all (purely social/peer connection): 51% acceptance
Insight: Any hint of selling tanks your acceptance rate. Sound like a peer, not a vendor.
4. Sending Time (Smaller Impact)
- Monday 8am-10am: 34%
- Tuesday-Thursday 8am-12pm: 41%
- Friday afternoon: 28%
- Weekends: 25%
Insight: Send during business hours Tuesday-Thursday for best results. People are more conservative about accepting requests on Mondays and Fridays.
5. Profile Strength (Control Variable)
- Prospects who viewed your profile before accepting: 68% acceptance
- Prospects who didn't view profile: 37% acceptance
Insight: If you can get them to view your profile first (via thoughtful commenting, appearing in "who viewed your profile"), acceptance rate nearly doubles. Your connection request should drive profile views.
For a comprehensive guide on LinkedIn prospecting strategy, see our LinkedIn Lead Generation for B2B Sales playbook.
10 Connection Request Formulas
Here are the exact formulas, ranked by acceptance rate, with full templates and usage guidance:
Formula #1: The Event Connection (60-70% Acceptance)
When to use: After any virtual or in-person event where they presented, attended, or spoke
Why it works: Shared context creates instant credibility. They remember the event, assume you're part of their professional circle.
Structure: Event reference + Specific takeaway + Continued conversation
Template:
"Hey [Name], really enjoyed your [presentation/talk/session] at [Event Name] on [topic]. The point about [specific insight they shared] is exactly what we're seeing at [your company/industry]. Would love to connect and continue the conversation!"
Character count: 165-185
Example:
"Hey Sarah, really enjoyed your session at SaaStr 2026 on sales team scaling. The point about hiring SDRs in cohorts vs. one-at-a-time resonated - we just made that shift at our company. Would love to connect and continue the conversation!"
Pro tip: Send this within 24-48 hours of the event while it's still fresh in their mind. After a week, the context weakens and acceptance rate drops to 45-50%.
Formula #2: The Mutual Connection (55-65% Acceptance)
When to use: Whenever you have a mutual connection (use LinkedIn's filter to identify these first)
Why it works: Social proof and implied trust. If you know someone they know, you're probably not a random spammer.
Structure: Mutual connection name + Context + Relevant reason
Template:
"Hi [Name], I'm connected with [Mutual Connection Name] from [context - e.g., 'our time at Company X' or 'the B2B SaaS group']. Saw you're doing interesting work in [specific area] at [Company]. Would love to connect!"
Character count: 140-160
Example:
"Hi Marcus, I'm connected with Jennifer Chen from the Revenue Collective group. Saw you're scaling the outbound team at Acme Corp - would love to connect and follow your insights on building SDR teams!"
Pro tip: If the mutual connection is a close relationship (former colleague, industry peer), mention that explicitly: "I worked with Jennifer at Salesforce for 3 years." Stronger social proof = higher acceptance.
Formula #3: The Content Curator (45-50% Acceptance)
When to use: Prospect posts regularly on LinkedIn, and you genuinely found their content valuable
Why it works: Flattery works when it's specific. You're showing you actually read their content, not just skimmed their headline.
Structure: Specific post reference + Insight or question + Follow request
Template:
"Hey [Name], your recent post about [specific topic] was spot-on. I'm particularly curious about [specific angle you mentioned] - are you seeing [related trend] in your space as well? Would love to connect and follow more of your insights!"
Character count: 170-190
Example:
"Hey David, your recent post about cold email deliverability was spot-on. I'm particularly curious about the DMARC changes you mentioned - are you seeing inbox placement drop for your team? Would love to connect and follow more of your insights!"
Pro tip: Comment on their post BEFORE sending the connection request. They'll see your comment, recognize your name when your request arrives, and accept at much higher rates (52-58% vs. 45-50%).
Formula #4: The Commonality Hook (52-58% Acceptance)
When to use: You share something in common (same school, same previous employer, same industry role, same geographic area)
Why it works: Humans trust people who are similar to them. Instant rapport through shared experience.
Structure: Shared commonality + Current relevance + Connection request
Template:
"Hey [Name], fellow [shared trait - e.g., 'Michigan State alum' or 'former Salesforce SDR'] here! Saw you're now at [Company] working on [specific initiative]. Would love to connect and hear about your experience in [industry/role]."
Character count: 150-170
Example:
"Hey Rachel, fellow Austin-based SDR here! Saw you're now at TechCo scaling the outbound motion. Would love to connect and swap notes on what's working in the B2B fintech space right now."
Pro tip: LinkedIn shows you commonalities automatically (shared groups, schools, employers). Use this data. Mention the most relevant/recent shared trait.
Formula #5: The Value-First (50-55% Acceptance)
When to use: You have a genuinely helpful resource (article, report, tool, template) that's relevant to their role - and you're willing to share it immediately
Why it works: You're flipping the script. Instead of asking for something, you're offering value upfront. Reciprocity kicks in.
Structure: Relevant resource + Why it's valuable to them + Connection offer
Template:
"Hi [Name], saw you're focused on [specific challenge/initiative]. We just published a [report/framework/guide] on [related topic] that includes [specific valuable data point]. Happy to share if useful - would love to connect either way!"
Character count: 160-180
Example:
"Hi Tom, saw you're scaling the SDR team at Acme. We just published a compensation benchmarking report with data from 240 B2B companies - includes OTE ranges by ACV and quota structures. Happy to share if useful - would love to connect either way!"
Pro tip: Don't attach the resource in the connection request. Mention it, then send it in your first message after they accept. This creates a natural conversation starter.
Formula #6: The Peer Connect (48-52% Acceptance)
When to use: Connecting with peers in similar roles at non-competing companies
Why it works: No threat of being sold to. You're positioning as a fellow professional who wants to learn and share insights.
Structure: Common ground + Genuine compliment + Shared interest
Template:
"Hey [Name], fellow [role] here in the [industry] space - really impressed by [specific thing they've accomplished or posted about]. The work you're doing around [specific area] is exactly what I'm focused on at [your company]. Would love to connect and swap insights!"
Character count: 165-185
Example:
"Hey Alicia, fellow SDR leader here in the marketing tech space - really impressed by your post on outbound conversion rates last week. The multi-threading approach you mentioned is exactly what we're testing. Would love to connect and swap insights!"
Pro tip: This formula performs best when you genuinely have no sales angle. If you're trying to sell to them eventually, they'll sense it and ghost you after connecting.
Formula #7: The Company News (40-45% Acceptance)
When to use: Their company just announced funding, launched a product, made a key hire, or hit a milestone
Why it works: You're demonstrating awareness of their business. The news creates a natural conversation hook.
Structure: Recent company news + Specific observation + Relevant connection reason
Template:
"Hi [Name], saw [Company] just [announced Series B/launched Product X/hired new CRO]. The focus on [specific angle from announcement] is really interesting, especially given [industry trend]. Would love to connect and learn more about your roadmap in this space."
Character count: 170-190
Example:
"Hi Kevin, saw TechCorp just raised $40M Series B with a focus on expanding into enterprise. The timing is interesting given the shift to platform plays in the marketing automation space. Would love to connect and follow your growth trajectory!"
Pro tip: Send within 24-72 hours of the announcement. After that, it's old news and acceptance rate drops to 35-38%.
Formula #8: The Industry Insight (42-48% Acceptance)
When to use: You have a genuine insight, trend observation, or data point relevant to their industry/role
Why it works: You're leading with intellectual value. Smart people want to connect with other smart people.
Structure: Insight or data point + Relevance to them + Question or connection
Template:
"Hey [Name], I've been tracking [specific trend] across [industry] companies - seeing [specific observation with data if possible]. Given [Company]'s focus on [their initiative], curious if you're experiencing this as well. Would love to connect and compare notes."
Character count: 170-190
Example:
"Hey Lisa, I've been tracking reply rates for cold outbound across SaaS companies - seeing a 38% average drop since Q3 2024. Given Acme's aggressive growth targets, curious if your team is experiencing this. Would love to connect and compare notes on what's working."
Pro tip: Cite a source or data if possible. "According to Gartner..." or "Data from 150 companies shows..." adds credibility. Vague observations ("I'm seeing a trend...") work less effectively.
Formula #9: The Question Ask (38-45% Acceptance)
When to use: You have a genuine, specific question that they're uniquely positioned to answer
Why it works: People like being seen as experts. Asking for their opinion/advice triggers reciprocity and flattery.
Structure: Specific question + Why they're the right person to ask + Connection request
Template:
"Hi [Name], quick question - I'm researching [specific topic] and saw you have deep experience with [their expertise area]. What's your take on [specific question]? Would love to connect and hear your perspective."
Character count: 140-160
Example:
"Hi Andre, quick question - I'm researching ABM tech stack for mid-market B2B companies and saw you led the Demandbase implementation at your company. What made you choose Demandbase over 6sense? Would love to connect and hear your perspective."
Pro tip: Make the question specific and non-obvious. Generic questions ("What's your take on LinkedIn prospecting?") feel like conversation starters, not genuine inquiries. Specific questions get higher response rates.
Formula #10: The Direct Approach (35-40% Acceptance)
When to use: When you have no mutual connections, they don't post content, and there's no recent company news - but they're highly qualified and you want to connect anyway
Why it works: Honesty stands out. Most SDRs try to manufacture fake personalization. Being direct about your intent (while remaining professional) can work.
Structure: Your role + Your focus + Transparent reason for connecting
Template:
"Hi [Name], I lead [your role] at [your company] focused on [industry/challenge]. I'm connecting with folks in [their role] at [their company type] to better understand [specific challenge/trend]. Would value your perspective - happy to share what I'm seeing as well."
Character count: 165-185
Example:
"Hi Jordan, I lead SDR training at a sales enablement platform focused on B2B tech companies. I'm connecting with VP Sales at Series A/B companies to better understand how you're thinking about onboarding and ramp time. Would value your perspective - happy to share benchmarking data too."
Pro tip: This only works if you're genuinely offering mutual value exchange. If it's a veiled pitch, acceptance rate drops to 15-20%. Be transparent about what you do, but frame it as peer learning, not selling.
A/B Testing Results
I ran systematic A/B tests on several variables. Here's what meaningfully impacted acceptance rates:
Test #1: Exclamation Points (!)
Hypothesis: Exclamation points make you sound more enthusiastic and friendly.
Results:
- No exclamation points: 44% acceptance
- One exclamation point at end: 46% acceptance
- Multiple exclamation points: 39% acceptance
Conclusion: One exclamation point is fine. Zero is fine. Multiple makes you sound like a desperate SDR. Use sparingly.
Test #2: Question Mark Ending
Hypothesis: Ending with a question increases engagement and acceptance.
Results:
- Statement ending: 43% acceptance
- Question ending: 45% acceptance
Conclusion: Marginal improvement. Questions create open loops (recipient feels compelled to respond). But the difference is small.
Test #3: "Would love to connect" vs. Other CTAs
Hypothesis: Different call-to-action phrases impact acceptance differently.
Results:
- "Would love to connect": 46% acceptance
- "Let's connect": 44% acceptance
- "Happy to connect": 42% acceptance
- No explicit CTA: 40% acceptance
Conclusion: "Would love to connect" performs best. It's enthusiastic without being pushy. "Let's connect" is slightly more assumptive (works for peers, less so for senior prospects).
Test #4: Emoji Use
Hypothesis: One relevant emoji adds personality and increases acceptance.
Results:
- No emoji: 45% acceptance
- One relevant emoji: 43% acceptance
- Multiple emojis: 31% acceptance
Conclusion: Emojis hurt more than they help in B2B professional contexts. Save them for after you've built rapport.
Test #5: Mentioning Your Company Name
Hypothesis: Including your company name adds credibility.
Results:
- Company name mentioned: 41% acceptance
- Company name omitted: 47% acceptance
Conclusion: Mentioning your company (especially if it's unknown) triggers "this is a sales pitch" pattern matching. Omit it in the connection request. They can see it on your profile if they care.
Test #6: "I noticed" vs. "I saw" vs. No Observation Prefix
Hypothesis: Different observation phrases sound more or less natural.
Results:
- "I noticed...": 42% acceptance
- "I saw...": 46% acceptance
- Direct statement (no prefix): 48% acceptance
Conclusion: Skip the observation prefix entirely. "Your post about X was great" sounds more natural than "I noticed your post about X was great."
Character Limits and Best Practices
LinkedIn connection requests have a 300-character limit (including spaces). But optimal length is 150-200 characters.
Why 150-200 Characters Is the Sweet Spot:
-
Mobile readability: Most people review connection requests on mobile. 150-200 characters displays in 3-4 lines without requiring scrolling.
-
Pattern interruption: Generic templates are usually 80-120 characters. Going slightly longer signals personalization.
-
Enough room for specificity: You can reference their post title (30 chars), add context (60 chars), and include a CTA (40 chars) comfortably.
Formatting Best Practices:
DO:
- Use proper capitalization and punctuation (you're a professional, not texting a friend)
- Keep it to 2-3 sentences maximum
- Include their name if it fits naturally ("Hey [Name]," is 10-15 chars)
- Front-load the personalization (first 50 characters should prove you did research)
DON'T:
- Use ALL CAPS (screams spam)
- Use multiple exclamation points!!!!
- Include links (flags your message as spam, can't click in connection requests anyway)
- Use overly formal language ("I hope this message finds you well")
Mobile Preview Test:
Before sending, copy your message into your phone's notes app. Read it in 3 seconds. Can you:
- Identify what makes it personal?
- Understand why they should accept?
- Feel like it's written to YOU, not blasted to 100 people?
If any answer is no, rewrite it.
Timing Best Practices:
Best days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Best times: 8-10am, 12-1pm in recipient's timezone
Why: People review and accept connection requests during downtime moments:
- Morning coffee while checking LinkedIn (8-10am)
- Lunch break scrolling (12-1pm)
- End of day wind-down (5-6pm)
Avoid: Monday 8am (inbox overload), Friday after 3pm (checked out for weekend), weekends (unless they're active on LinkedIn weekends - check their posting activity)
Daily Sending Limits:
LinkedIn's official limit: 100 connection requests per week for free accounts.
Reality: If you send 100 generic requests and get 15% acceptance, LinkedIn's algorithm will flag you for low-quality outreach and throttle your account.
Recommended approach:
- 20-30 highly personalized requests per day
- Aim for 40%+ acceptance rate
- Total: 100-150 per week with healthy account standing
What NOT to Do
These mistakes tank your acceptance rate. Avoid them completely:
Mistake #1: The Generic Spray
What it looks like:
"Hi [Name], I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn."
Why it fails: This is LinkedIn's default suggested message. Zero personalization. Acceptance rate: 31% (barely better than blank requests).
How to fix: Use any of the 10 formulas above. Even the lowest-performing formula (Direct Approach at 35-40%) beats this.
Mistake #2: The Obvious Sales Pitch
What it looks like:
"Hi [Name], I help companies like [Company] solve [pain point] with our [solution]. Would love to connect and share some ideas that could help your team."
Why it fails: You just told them you're going to pitch them. Acceptance rate: 10-15%. Even if they accept, they're bracing for the pitch-slap.
How to fix: Remove ALL selling language from connection requests. Save it for message sequence AFTER building trust.
Mistake #3: The Too-Long Sob Story
What it looks like:
"Hi [Name], I came across your profile and was really impressed by your background and experience in the industry. I'm reaching out because I think we could both benefit from connecting and sharing insights about the space. I've been following your company's growth and would love to learn more about what you're working on and see if there are any ways we might be able to collaborate or support each other's goals..."
Why it fails: 300+ characters that say nothing specific. Rambling. Clearly copy-pasted. Acceptance rate: 8-12%.
How to fix: Be ruthlessly concise. Every sentence should either prove you researched them OR explain why connecting benefits them. Cut everything else.
Mistake #4: The Fake Flattery
What it looks like:
"Hi [Name], I'm very impressed by your profile and your accomplishments. You seem like someone I should definitely be connected with."
Why it fails: Vague compliments signal automation. What specifically impressed you? What accomplishment? Acceptance rate: 5-10%.
How to fix: If you're going to compliment something, be specific: "Your post about cold email A/B testing was the most tactical thing I've read this month - the subject line data was gold."
Mistake #5: The Bait-and-Switch
What it looks like:
"Hey [Name], saw we have [Mutual Connection] in common. I'm doing some research on [topic] and thought you'd have valuable insights!"
(Then immediately after accepting, you pitch your product)
Why it fails: Short-term thinking. You might get a 55% acceptance rate (mutual connection formula), but you burn the relationship instantly with the pitch-slap. They'll never respond.
How to fix: If you use a non-sales connection angle, COMMIT to it. Provide the value you promised. Build trust over 3-5 touches before any sales conversation.
Mistake #6: The Compliment + Immediate Ask
What it looks like:
"Hi [Name], love your content on LinkedIn! Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call to discuss how we might be able to help your team?"
Why it fails: You sandwiched a sales pitch between fake flattery. Transparent. Acceptance rate: 12-18%.
How to fix: Separate compliment and ask by 7-14 days. Compliment to connect → genuine value touch → THEN soft meeting ask.
Follow-Up Strategy After Acceptance
1. Should I send a message with my connection request or leave it blank?
Send a message. Blank requests get 31% acceptance. Personalized messages (150-200 characters) get 40-50% acceptance.
Exception: If you can't find anything specific to personalize, leave it blank rather than send a generic template. Generic templates (32% acceptance) barely outperform blank requests and damage your credibility.
2. How many connection requests should I send per day?
Quality over quantity: 20-30 highly personalized requests per day.
Why not more: LinkedIn's algorithm flags accounts that send 50-100+ requests daily with low acceptance rates. If your acceptance rate drops below 30%, you'll get throttled.
Math: 25 requests × 50% acceptance = 12.5 new connections per day = 60+ per week. That's plenty of pipeline if you follow up properly.
3. What if I can't find anything specific to personalize?
Don't force it. Bad personalization is worse than no personalization.
Options:
- Use Formula #10 (Direct Approach) - be transparent about why you're connecting
- Skip this prospect and find one where personalization is easier
- Engage with their content first (comment on their post), THEN send connection request referencing your comment
4. Can I use the same formula for everyone?
No. Different formulas work for different contexts:
- Posted recently? Use Formula #3 (Content Curator)
- Mutual connection? Use Formula #2 (Mutual Connection)
- Just attended same event? Use Formula #1 (Event Connection)
- Company news? Use Formula #7 (Company News)
- Similar role/peer? Use Formula #6 (Peer Connect)
Match formula to context for best results.
5. What if they accept but never respond to my messages?
This is normal. 30-40% of connections will never engage beyond accepting.
Reasons:
- They accept most requests but don't actively read messages
- They're evaluating you via your content/profile before engaging
- Timing is off (not a priority right now)
What to do: Follow the 6-touch sequence over 21 days. After the break-up message (touch 6), move them to a nurture campaign (share valuable content monthly, no asks). Some will re-engage months later when timing aligns.
6. How long should I wait after they accept before sending my first message?
48 hours minimum.
Why: Waiting 2 days makes you different from the 90% of SDRs who pitch-slap immediately. It also gives them time to view your profile and recent content.
Exception: If THEY message you first, respond immediately. They're showing intent.
7. What if they respond negatively ("Don't pitch me" or "Not interested")?
Respond gracefully:
"Totally understand - not here to pitch. Was genuinely interested in [specific thing about their role/company you mentioned]. Appreciate the direct feedback though!"
Why this works:
- Shows you're not a typical pushy SDR
- Keeps door open (20% of "not interested" people re-engage later)
- Maintains your reputation (they might refer you to someone else)
What NOT to do:
- Argue or try to overcome their objection (confirms you're a pushy SDR)
- Apologize profusely (looks weak)
- Immediately disconnect (petty)
8. Should I mention my company name in the connection request?
Usually no.
Data: Mentioning your company name (especially if unknown) decreases acceptance rate from 47% to 41%.
Why: It triggers "sales pitch" pattern matching. They can see your company on your profile if they're interested.
Exception: If your company is well-known and credible in their industry (e.g., you work at Salesforce and they're in sales), mention it. Brand recognition helps.
9. Can I use these templates for other industries (not just sales)?
Yes, with modifications.
The formulas work across industries because they're based on human psychology (reciprocity, social proof, commonality).
Adjust for context:
- Recruiters: Focus more on Formula #4 (Commonality Hook) and Formula #9 (Question Ask)
- Marketers: Formula #3 (Content Curator) and Formula #8 (Industry Insight) perform best
- Founders: Formula #2 (Mutual Connection) and Formula #6 (Peer Connect) work well
10. What's the #1 mistake SDRs make with connection requests?
Treating it like the first step of a sales pitch instead of the start of a professional relationship.
Your connection request isn't the beginning of your sales process. It's an invitation to join your professional network. Approach it like you're inviting someone to lunch, not cold-calling them.
Mindset shift:
- ❌ "How can I get them to accept so I can pitch them?"
- ✅ "Why would this person genuinely want to be connected with me?"
Answer that question honestly in your connection request, and your acceptance rate will improve dramatically.
The Bottom Line
Your connection request is the gatekeeper to every LinkedIn conversation. At 15% acceptance rates, you're grinding for scraps. At 50%+ acceptance rates, you're building a qualified network that converts to pipeline.
The difference isn't luck or talent. It's formula and context.
Stop using generic templates. Stop pitch-slapping. Start using the 10 formulas above, matched to specific contexts, with genuine personalization.
Your next steps:
- Today (15 min): Pick one formula from this guide that matches your next 5 prospects
- This week: Send 20-25 connection requests using these formulas - aim for 40%+ acceptance
- This month: Track your acceptance rate by formula type - double down on what works for your ICP
Want to maximize your entire LinkedIn prospecting strategy? Read our complete LinkedIn Lead Generation for B2B Sales playbook with messaging sequences, content strategy, and the exact daily workflow used by top 10% SDRs.
Related Posts:
Postking Tools:
- Post Formatter - Format LinkedIn messages for maximum readability
- Hook Generator - Create attention-grabbing opening lines

Written by
Shanjai Raj
Founder at Postking
Building tools to help professionals grow on LinkedIn. Passionate about content strategy and personal branding.
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