7 LinkedIn connection request templates that get a 60%+ acceptance rate

Most LinkedIn connection requests get ignored because they're either blank or painfully generic. The good news: a few small changes can push your acceptance rate from the industry average of 28% to well above 60%.

Why most requests fail

LinkedIn users are busy. They scan your request in under 3 seconds. If it doesn't immediately answer "why should I connect with this person?", they hit Ignore.

The 7 templates

1. The mutual connection: "Hi {{firstName}}, I noticed we're both connected to [Name] at [Company]. Would love to connect and compare notes on [topic]."

2. The content engager: "Hi {{firstName}}, I've been following your posts on [topic] — really enjoyed your take on [specific point]. Would love to connect."

3. The ICP match: "Hi {{firstName}}, I work with [role] at [company type] on [problem]. Looks like you might be dealing with similar challenges — would love to connect."

4. The event attendee: "Hi {{firstName}}, saw you're also attending [Event]. Would love to connect before we're both there."

5. The group member: "Hi {{firstName}}, fellow member of [Group]. Always good to connect with others in the [industry] space."

6. The alumni: "Hi {{firstName}}, noticed we both went to [University]. Always happy to connect with fellow [alumni]."

7. The direct ask: "Hi {{firstName}}, I help [role] at [company type] with [outcome]. Thought it might be worth connecting — no pitch, just building my network in [industry]."

The golden rules

Keep it under 200 characters. Be specific. Never pitch in the connection request. Alien Prospector's AI generates personalised versions of these templates automatically based on each prospect's profile data.