Messaging etiquette on LinkedIn
So what is a good strategy when it comes to sending messages on LinkedIn?
Well let's look at how NOT to do it first...
I know a lot of my friends hate LinkedIn because of the spammy messages, cold sales pitches and general unsolicited advice or connection requests from complete strangers.
Some of my friends also think I'm mad because I'm always spouting on about how great LinkedIn is and what a magical place it can be.
And I'll admit when I first learnt how to use LinkedIn it was drummed into me that any kind of messaging was work of the devil.
But when it comes to sending messages it can be a great way to nurture, build relationships and stand out in a noisy marketplace.
It's the way you go about it that matters...
So here are my top 10 tips on how NOT to message people on LinkedIn (these are all real life examples that I found in my inbox btw)
1. Don't wish random strangers a "bless day" when they connect with you. Or use pet names like ‘Twinkle’.
2 . Don't send message after message to attention grab - this makes you look desperate. The LinkedIn inbox isn't a place to go off on a soliloquy. If your first message is ignored then it's probably for a reason.
3. Following on from the above, don't send further messages with 'just floating this to the top of your inbox'. Cringe.
4. Don't inbox somebody making assumptions that they need your services. It can come across as very passive aggressive.
5. Check the profiles of the people you are messaging. Make sure you know what their business is and what they do. So often I get blanket messages offering the same services I offer. Not a great first impression and it results in you being deleted or blocked.
6. Don't send automated bot messages. You may end up in LinkedIn jail.
7. Don't insist that they jump on a discovery call today because you work for somebody nobody has ever heard of.
8. Don't assume the awesome software / project / business you work for is something that I think is awesome too. It probably isn't.
9. Don't message asking what the weather is like in their location. This is lame.
10. Don't refer to the latest recommendation on my profile and then cold pitch. I guess it shows you can read my profile, but that recommendation has zero to do with you or your message. It's weird.
So what is a good strategy when it comes to sending a DM.
A good way to start a conversation using messaging is sending personalised messages (and by that I don’t mean changing the name at the top!)
Do your research. Use the information from their marketing collateral to open up a conversation.
Refer back to a post that you enjoyed reading and start a conversation that way.
Refer to something on their profile that caught your eye - maybe you worked in the same industry or you both like paddle boarding.
Share something that made you think of that person - a news article or another post (if you’ve been following them for a while you will likely know something about their personality)
Be clear about the reason as to why you’re reaching out to them. Flattery always helps.
Keep it brief, people are busy and don’t want to read an essay!
Be interested in the person you're messaging. Don't just be interested in what you can sell them.
Also be aware that sending messages on LinkedIn is a good thing and it helps with your SEO.
So don’t ever be scared to message like I was, but do it in a good way.
What are the most random messages you’ve had in your inbox on LinkedIn?
And - if you are reading this, thinking ‘I need to leverage LinkedIn but I’m not sure how to’ and you don’t know where to start with your content, engagement, and audience growth then please do get in touch.
