LinkedIn is a platform for professional networking and sales outreach. 

However, connecting with potential clients isn’t enough. The real magic happens in the follow-up. Effective LinkedIn follow-up messages can distinguish between a missed opportunity and a successful business relationship.

This guide will help you create the right LinkedIn follow-up messages, a skill crucial for all sales professionals.

We’ll explore:

• Why follow-up messages are essential for your LinkedIn outreach strategy
• The timing for sending your follow-up LinkedIn messages
• How to craft follow-up content
• Templates for various follow-up scenarios
• Practices and pitfalls to avoid

By the end of this guide, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to create LinkedIn follow-up messages that connect with your prospects and drive your sales efforts.

Why Follow-Up Messages Matter on LinkedIn

In professional networking, follow-up messages on LinkedIn play a role in building and maintaining relationships. Understanding their importance can enhance your networking strategy and lead to more professional connections.

Importance of Follow-Ups

Follow-up messages are important for several reasons.

Strengthening Relationships with New Connections

Follow-up messages serve as a bridge between the initial connection and a professional relationship. They provide an opportunity to:

• Show your interest in the connection
• Share more about yourself and your professional goals
• Learn more about your new contact’s background and aspirations

By taking this extra step, you’re laying the groundwork for a stronger, more engaged network.

Standing Out in a Professional Space

LinkedIn is a platform with millions of professionals. A well-crafted follow-up message can:

• Distinguish you from others who may not take the time to engage further
• Show your interest in building professional relationships
• Create an impression that sets you apart from the crowd

In a sea of connections, follow-ups open doors to new opportunities.

Increasing the Chances of Receiving a Response

Initial messages can easily get lost in busy inboxes or overlooked during hectic workdays. 

Follow-up messages:

• Bring your previous communication back to the forefront
• Provide another opportunity for engagement
• Show persistence (when done respectfully), which can be appreciated in professional settings

A polite, well-timed follow-up can often be the catalyst for a response and the beginning of a productive conversation.

Impact on Professional Networking

The right LinkedIn follow-up messages also improve the success of your professional networking activities.

Building Trust and Credibility

Consistent, thoughtful follow-ups show:

• Reliability and follow-through
• Interest in professional relationships
• Attention to detail and respect for others’ time

These qualities contribute to building trust, an essential component of any professional relationship.

Showing Interest and Commitment

By taking the time to craft follow-up messages, you show:

• Commitment to building connections
• Willingness to invest time and effort in professional relationships
• Interest in the other person’s professional journey and insights

This level of engagement can lead to more interactions and potentially mutually beneficial professional relationships.

Keeping Conversations Alive for Future Opportunities

Regular follow-ups help:

• Maintain ongoing dialogues that can span weeks, months, or even years
• Keep you in mind for potential opportunities
• Create a foundation for future collaborations or referrals

By nurturing these connections over time, you’re cultivating a network that can provide value throughout your career.

Follow-up messages on LinkedIn are not just a courtesy—they’re a tool for building a professional network. 

When to Send a Follow-Up Message

Timing is a factor in the success of your LinkedIn follow-up messages. Striking the right balance between being prompt and respecting the recipient’s time can impact your response rates. 

General Timeframes

While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, here are some general guidelines for timing your LinkedIn follow-up messages:

• 24-48 hours after a connection request is accepted: This quick turnaround shows enthusiasm and helps maintain the momentum of the new connection. It’s fresh in their mind, making it more likely they’ll engage with your message.
• 3-5 days after sending an initial message without a response: This time frame allows the recipient a reasonable amount of time to respond to your first message. It’s long enough to account for busy schedules but not so long that they’ve forgotten about your initial outreach.
• Immediately after a significant event or interaction: Follow up promptly if you’ve just had an interaction, such as a meeting or a helpful exchange. Within 24 hours is ideal, as the interaction will still be fresh in both of your minds.

Remember, these are guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules. 

Consider factors like:

• The recipient’s activity level on LinkedIn
• The nature of your relationship (new connection vs. long-standing contact)
• The urgency of your message
• Industry norms and cultural considerations

How to Write an Effective LinkedIn Follow-Up Message

Writing an effective LinkedIn follow-up message is an art that can impact your networking success. A well-written message can open doors to new opportunities, build connections, and enhance your professional reputation. 

Here’s how to create follow-up messages that get results.

1. Personalisation

Personalisation is the key to making your follow-up LinkedIn message stand out. It shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the recipient and value the connection.

Begin by mentioning your last interaction. For example, “It was great discussing AI trends at the Tech Summit last week.”

You should also mention specific details from their profile or company. This shows that you’ve done your homework. You might say, “I was impressed by your company’s recent sustainability initiative.”

2. Clarity and Brevity

Clarity and brevity are always key for effective communication.

This means keeping the message short and to the point. Aim for 2-3 paragraphs. Respect the recipient’s time by being direct and concise.

You should also state your purpose clearly.

Whether you’re continuing a discussion, requesting a meeting, or sharing resources, clarify your intention early in the message. For instance, “I’m reaching out to explore potential collaboration opportunities in the fintech sector.”

3. Value Addition

Every follow-up LinkedIn message should offer value to the recipient. This approach positions you as a valuable connection rather than someone simply asking for favours.

Think about offering something of value. 

This could be an insightful article, a relevant industry report, or an introduction to a useful contact. For example, “I came across this whitepaper on emerging fintech trends that align with your recent project. I thought you might find it valuable.”

4. Politeness and Professionalism

Maintaining a polite and professional tone is key to building positive professional relationships on LinkedIn.

Always use a polite tone. Begin with a courteous greeting and end with a professional sign-off. “I hope this message finds you well” is a good way to start, and “Thank you for your time and consideration” is a polite way to conclude.

Next, thank the recipient for their time, for accepting your connection request, or for any previous interaction. Gratitude goes a long way in fostering goodwill.

Frame your requests as invitations or suggestions rather than demands. Instead of “We need to meet next week,” try “Would you be open to scheduling a brief call at your convenience?”

Common Scenarios & Templates for LinkedIn Follow-Up Messages

Crafting the perfect LinkedIn follow-up message can be challenging, but having templates for common scenarios can streamline your outreach process. 

Here are five key scenarios you’re likely to encounter, along with templates for each:

Scenario 1: After a Connection Request is Accepted

When someone accepts your connection request, it’s an opportunity to start building a relationship. Your message should be brief, friendly, and suggest a next step.

Template:

Hi [Name],

Thank you for accepting my connection request. I’m looking forward to learning more about your work in [their industry/role].

I noticed that you [mention something specific from their profile]. I’d love to hear more about this. Would you be open to a brief chat about [relevant topic] sometime next week?

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Scenario 2: After a Networking Event

Following up after a networking event helps solidify the connection you made in person. Reference the event and something you discussed to jog their memory.

Template:

Hello [Name],

It was great meeting you at [event name] last [day]. I particularly enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed].

I’ve been thinking more about [topic], and I came across this article that I thought might interest you: [link to relevant article].

Would you like to continue our discussion over a virtual coffee sometime next week?

Looking forward to hearing from you,

[Your Name]

Scenario 3: No Response to Initial Message

If you haven’t received a response to your initial message, a polite follow-up can increase your chances of engagement. Keep it brief and non-intrusive.

Template:

Hi [Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on the message I sent last week about [brief reminder of the topic].

I understand you’re likely very busy, but I’d greatly appreciate your thoughts when you have a moment.

If there’s a better time to connect, please let me know.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Scenario 4: After a Sales Call or Product Demo

Following up after a sales call or product demonstration is crucial to maintain momentum and address any lingering questions or concerns the potential client may have.

Template: Hello [Name],

Thank you for taking the time to [speak with me/attend our product demo] on [day] about [your product/service]. I hope you found our discussion about [specific feature or benefit] valuable for your business needs.

I wanted to follow up on a couple of points: 1. [Address a specific question or concern raised during the call] 2. [Highlight a key benefit that aligns with their needs]

Do you have any additional questions I can answer for you? I’d be happy to schedule a brief call to discuss further or provide any additional information you might need to make your decision.

I look forward to potentially working together to [achieve a specific goal for their business].

Best regards, 

[Your Name]

Scenario 5: After Sharing Content or Resources

Following up after sharing content or resources helps gauge interest and opens the door for further engagement.

Template:

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re having a great week. I wanted to follow up on the [article/resource] I shared with you last [day] about [topic].

Did you find it useful? I’d be very interested to hear your thoughts or if you have any questions about it.

If you’d like to discuss this further, I’d be happy to schedule a brief call at your convenience.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Do’s and Don’ts of LinkedIn Follow-Up Messages

The art of LinkedIn follow-up messages can enhance your networking efforts and lead to valuable professional opportunities. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts to help you navigate this aspect of LinkedIn communication.

Do’s

Do: Tailor each message to the individual recipient.

• Reference specific details from their profile or recent activity.
• Mention shared connections, interests, or experiences.
• Acknowledge any previous interactions or conversations.

Why it matters: Personalisation shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the recipient and value the connection. It increases the likelihood of engagement and fosters a more professional relationship.

Do: Be Patient and Considerate with Your Timing

• Wait at least 3-5 business days before sending an additional follow-up.
• Consider the recipient’s schedule and potential workload.
• Follow up during business hours in the recipient’s time zone.

Why it matters: Patience respects the recipient’s time and professional boundaries. It also reduces the risk of coming across as pushy or desperate.

Do: Maintain a Professional and Positive Tone

• Use polite language and a friendly tone.
• Express gratitude for their time and consideration.
• Focus on positive outcomes and opportunities.

Why it matters: A professional and positive tone helps create a favourable impression and makes the recipient more likely to respond positively to your message.

Don’ts

Don’t: Bombard the recipient with messages.

• Resist the urge to send daily reminders.
• Avoid sending follow-ups simultaneously through multiple channels (e.g., LinkedIn, email, phone).
• If you don’t receive a response after 2-3 well-spaced follow-ups, it’s best to move on.

Why it matters: Excessive follow-ups can be perceived as annoying or disrespectful, potentially damaging your professional relationship and reputation.

Don’t: Don’t Make Assumptions About Why They Haven’t Responded

• Avoid accusing the recipient of ignoring you.
• Don’t assume they’re not interested just because they haven’t responded.
• Refrain from mentioning their lack of response in a negative way.

Why it matters: Making assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and potentially offend the recipient. Remember, there could be many reasons for a delayed response that have nothing to do with you.

Don’t: Don’t Be Overly Formal or Too Casual

• Avoid overly stuffy or formal language that feels impersonal.
• Steer clear of casual slang or overly familiar tones.
• Don’t use all caps or excessive punctuation.

Why it matters: Striking the right balance in tone helps maintain professionalism while also fostering a genuine connection. An overly formal tone can feel cold while being too casual might come across as unprofessional.

Tools and Resources for Effective LinkedIn Follow-Ups

Leveraging the right tools and resources can enhance your LinkedIn follow-up strategy. 

Here’s a guide to LinkedIn’s native features and some third-party tools that can streamline your outreach efforts and increase your success rate.

LinkedIn Features

LinkedIn offers several built-in features that can help you manage and optimise your follow-up messages:

LinkedIn Premium’s InMail

InMail, available with LinkedIn Premium subscriptions, allows you to message LinkedIn members you’re not connected to:

Navigate to a person’s profile and click “Message” (it will say “InMail” if you’re not connected).

Benefits:

• Reach out to prospects outside your network
• Higher response rates compared to cold emails
• Analytics on your InMail performance

Pro tip: Use InMail sparingly and always personalise your message to increase your chances of a response.

Third-Party Tools

While LinkedIn’s native features are powerful, third-party tools can further enhance your follow-up strategy:

CRM Tools for Managing LinkedIn Interactions

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools can help you track and manage your LinkedIn interactions more effectively:

• Popular options: Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive
• Benefits:
  • Track all interactions with a prospect in one place
  • Set reminders for follow-ups
  • Analyse your outreach performance

Pro tip: Look for CRM tools that offer LinkedIn integration for seamless workflow.

LinkedIn Analytics Tools

These tools provide deeper insights into your LinkedIn performance:

• Popular options: LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Shield App, Hootsuite
• Benefits:
  • Track engagement on your posts
  • Identify the best times to post and engage
  • Analyse your network growth

Tip: Use these insights to refine your content strategy and timing for follow-ups.

Remember, while these tools can improve your LinkedIn follow-up strategy, they should complement, not replace, genuine engagement and personalisation. 

The most effective follow-ups are those that provide real value to the recipient and foster authentic professional relationships.

Mastering LinkedIn Follow-Up Messages

Mastering follow-up messages is important for success in today’s professional landscape. 

Well-crafted follow-ups can strengthen relationships, increase response rates, and open doors to new opportunities. Remember, the key elements of an effective LinkedIn follow-up message include personalisation, timely delivery, clarity, value addition, and maintaining a professional tone.

Next Steps: LinkedIn Outreach with 100 Pound Social

Developing and executing a successful LinkedIn outreach strategy can be time-consuming, especially for busy professionals. 

This is where 100 Pound Social comes in. Our expert UK-based team creates high-quality, engaging content for your LinkedIn profiles and Company pages, helping you maintain a consistent and professional presence on the platform.

Our £100 Posts Plan includes:

• Three professionally crafted social media posts per week
• Content tailored for LinkedIn and other major platforms (Facebook, X, Google Business Profile, and Instagram)
• A 20-day money-back guarantee for your peace of mind

Our clients report increased turnover, growing social media followings, and success in signing new clients after partnering with us.

Ready to take your LinkedIn outreach to the next level? Here’s how you can get started:

1. Join a 15-minute demo: Discover how we can help you create the best LinkedIn content for your business, starting from just £100 per month.
2. Book a free 20-minute call: Discuss your social media goals, learn about our Social Media and Blog & Newsletter Plans, and meet our expert UK-based team.
3. Explore our success stories: Visit our case studies and testimonials pages to see real-life examples of how we’ve delivered results for businesses like yours.

Don’t let the complexities of LinkedIn outreach hold you back. Let 100 Pound Social be your partner in crafting and maintaining a strong professional presence on LinkedIn.

Take the first step towards a more effective LinkedIn strategy and watch your professional network grow.