LinkedIn is a powerful social networking platform that has revolutionized the way professionals connect and communicate with each other. With over 700 million users from around the world, it’s no wonder that LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for job seekers, recruiters, and businesses looking to expand their network. However, with so many users, it can be tough to stand out from the crowd. This is where follow-up messages come in handy. In this article, we will explore the best practices for sending a follow-up message on LinkedIn and how to make it work for you.
Whether you’re reaching out to a potential employer, a recruiter, or a business connection, sending a follow-up message on LinkedIn can be a great way to keep the conversation going. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for messages to get lost in the shuffle, so a well-timed and thoughtful follow-up message can make all the difference. But how do you make sure your follow-up message is effective and doesn’t come across as annoying or pushy? Keep reading to find out.
How to Send a Follow Up Message on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an excellent platform to connect with professionals and expand your network. One of the most important features of LinkedIn is the ability to send follow-up messages to your connections. In this article, we will guide you through the process of sending a follow-up message on LinkedIn.
1. Why Send a Follow-Up Message?
Sending a follow-up message is an excellent way to build relationships and stay in touch with your connections. Following up after a meeting or event can help you stand out from the crowd, as it shows that you are proactive and interested in maintaining a connection. It also gives you the opportunity to ask for feedback, share relevant information or offer assistance.
When sending a follow-up message, it’s important to keep in mind that you are not just trying to sell your product or services. Instead, focus on building a relationship with your connection.
Benefits of Sending a Follow-Up Message:
– It shows that you are proactive and interested in building a relationship
– It helps you stand out from the crowd
– It provides an opportunity to ask for feedback and share relevant information
– It can lead to new business opportunities
2. When to Send a Follow-Up Message?
Timing is crucial when it comes to sending a follow-up message. You don’t want to wait too long, as your connection may have forgotten about you or the event. On the other hand, you don’t want to be too pushy and send a follow-up message too soon.
A good rule of thumb is to send a follow-up message within 24-48 hours after the event or meeting. This gives your connection enough time to remember you and the conversation, but not too much time that they forget.
VS. Pushy Follow-Up Message:
– Pushy follow-up messages can make you appear desperate
– They can damage your relationship with the connection
– They may not lead to any new business opportunities
3. How to Write a Follow-Up Message?
Writing a follow-up message can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what to say. Here are some tips to help you write an effective follow-up message:
Tip #1: Personalize the Message
Personalizing the message shows that you care about the connection and the conversation you had. Mention something specific that you discussed during the meeting or event.
Tip #2: Keep it Short and Sweet
Your follow-up message should be short and to the point. Avoid rambling or going off-topic.
Tip #3: Provide Value
Offer something of value to your connection, such as a helpful article or a connection to someone in your network.
Tip #4: End with a Call-to-Action
End your message with a call-to-action, such as asking for a follow-up meeting or phone call.
4. What to Include in a Follow-Up Message?
When writing a follow-up message, it’s important to include the following information:
List of Things to Include:
– A personalized greeting
– A reminder of how you met or what you discussed
– A thank you for their time and consideration
– A reference to something you discussed during the meeting or event
– A value proposition or offer of assistance
– A call-to-action for a follow-up meeting or phone call
5. Tips for Sending a Follow-Up Message on LinkedIn
Here are some tips to consider when sending a follow-up message on LinkedIn:
Tip #1: Use a Professional Tone
Your follow-up message should be professional and engaging. Avoid using informal language or slang.
Tip #2: Use Proper Formatting
Use proper formatting, such as headings, bullet points, and bold text to make your message easy to read.
Tip #3: Keep it Short and Sweet
Your follow-up message should be concise and to the point. Avoid lengthy paragraphs or unnecessary information.
Tip #4: Follow-Up More Than Once
If you don’t hear back from your connection after your initial follow-up message, it’s okay to send another message a few weeks later. However, don’t be too pushy or aggressive.
6. What Not to Include in a Follow-Up Message?
When sending a follow-up message, there are some things you should avoid:
Things to Avoid:
– Being too pushy or aggressive
– Selling your product or services too hard
– Asking for too much too soon
– Rambling or going off-topic
7. Examples of Follow-Up Messages on LinkedIn
Here are some examples of follow-up messages on LinkedIn:
Example 1:
Hi [Connection’s Name],
It was great meeting you at [Event Name] yesterday. I enjoyed our conversation about [Topic]. I came across an article that I thought might interest you, [Article Title], which I have attached to this message.
Let’s stay in touch and discuss [Topic] further. How about we schedule a follow-up meeting next week?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2:
Hi [Connection’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on our meeting last week and see if you had any feedback on [Topic]. I also wanted to let you know about a new product that we just launched, which I think might be of interest to you.
Let’s connect again soon and discuss how we can work together.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
8. Final Thoughts
Sending a follow-up message on LinkedIn is a great way to build relationships and stay in touch with your connections. Remember to personalize your message, keep it short and sweet, and offer something of value. With these tips, you’ll be able to send an effective follow-up message on LinkedIn.
9. FAQs
What should I include in a follow-up message on LinkedIn?
When should I send a follow-up message on LinkedIn?
You should send a follow-up message within 24-48 hours after the event or meeting.
What should I avoid when sending a follow-up message on LinkedIn?
10. Additional Resources
– Sending Messages on LinkedIn
– The Art of the LinkedIn Follow-Up
– 5 Tips for Writing Effective LinkedIn Messages
Frequently Asked Questions
LinkedIn is a professional social media platform that allows you to connect with other professionals, including potential employers, clients, and business partners. If you have sent a message to someone on LinkedIn and haven’t received a response, you may want to send a follow-up message. Here are some frequently asked questions about how to send a follow-up message on LinkedIn.
1. What is a follow-up message on LinkedIn?
A follow-up message on LinkedIn is a message sent to someone you have previously messaged but have not received a response. It is a way to remind the recipient that you are interested in communicating with them and to encourage them to respond. Follow-up messages can be sent to potential employers, clients, business partners, or anyone else you have connected with on LinkedIn.
When sending a follow-up message, it is important to be polite and professional. You should also make sure that your message is relevant and adds value to the conversation.
2. When should I send a follow-up message on LinkedIn?
You should send a follow-up message on LinkedIn if you have not received a response to your initial message. However, you should wait at least a week before sending a follow-up message to give the recipient time to read and respond to your initial message. If you still haven’t received a response after a week, it is acceptable to send a polite follow-up message.
When sending a follow-up message, it is important to be respectful of the recipient’s time and workload. You should also make sure that your message is relevant and adds value to the conversation.
3. How do I send a follow-up message on LinkedIn?
To send a follow-up message on LinkedIn, go to your LinkedIn inbox and locate the message you want to follow up on. Click on the message to open it, and then click on the “…” icon to access the message options. From the options, select “Reply” to send a follow-up message.
When sending a follow-up message, make sure to reference your previous message and remind the recipient of the reason for your initial message. You should also be clear about what you are hoping to achieve with the follow-up message and how you can add value to the conversation.
4. What should I include in a follow-up message on LinkedIn?
In a follow-up message on LinkedIn, you should include a brief recap of your initial message, your reason for following up, and any additional information or resources that may be helpful to the recipient. You should also be clear about what you are hoping to achieve with the follow-up message and how you can add value to the conversation.
When composing your follow-up message, it is important to be polite and professional. You should also make sure that your message is relevant and adds value to the conversation.
5. How many follow-up messages should I send on LinkedIn?
You should only send one or two follow-up messages on LinkedIn. If you still haven’t received a response after two follow-up messages, it is best to move on and focus your attention elsewhere. Sending too many follow-up messages can be seen as pushy or desperate, and may harm your professional reputation.
When sending follow-up messages, it is important to be respectful of the recipient’s time and workload. You should also make sure that your messages are relevant and add value to the conversation.
In conclusion, sending a follow-up message on LinkedIn can be a great way to reinforce your communication with potential clients, partners, or employers. By crafting a thoughtful message that highlights your interest in the opportunity, you can leave a positive impression that could lead to further conversations or even a job offer.
Remember to keep your message concise and professional, and avoid being pushy or demanding. Be patient and understanding if you don’t receive a response right away, and consider following up again after a few days or a week.
Overall, sending a follow-up message on LinkedIn can be a valuable tool in your networking and job search efforts. With a little practice and some thoughtful messaging, you can increase your chances of making meaningful connections and finding new opportunities. So go ahead and give it a try – you never know what might come from a simple message.