LinkedIn Follow-Up Message Templates After Connecting
What to say after someone accepts your LinkedIn connection request. 8 follow-up message templates for sales, recruiting, and B2B outreach — with timing advice.
Someone accepted your connection request. Now what? Most people either say nothing — and miss the window — or immediately blast a sales pitch that kills the relationship before it starts. Here's how to follow up in a way that actually gets a reply.
When to send the follow-up
The timing window matters more than the message copy.
- Send 3–5 days after the connection is accepted — not immediately. Instant follow-ups read as automated.
- If they liked or commented on something you've posted after connecting, that's the best moment to follow up.
- After 14 days without a follow-up, the window is mostly closed. Don't chase cold connections for months.
Tip: In outreachKoi you set a 'post-connect delay' per campaign. 3–5 days is the sweet spot across our data — it's long enough to feel human, short enough to still have context.
Template 1 — Soft opener (no ask)
Hey {{first_name}}, thanks for connecting! I've been following the work you're doing at {{company}} — particularly [specific area]. If you ever want to swap notes on [shared topic], I'm all ears.
Tip: The goal of the first follow-up is a reply, not a sale. This template invites conversation without demanding a call.
Template 2 — Value-first
Hey {{first_name}}, glad we're connected. I put together a [resource type] on [topic relevant to them] recently — thought it might be useful given what you're building at {{company}}. Happy to share if useful.
Template 3 — Direct but low-pressure
Hey {{first_name}}, I'll be straight — I help [type of company] with [problem]. Based on what you're doing at {{company}}, it looked relevant. Worth a 15-minute chat to see if it's a fit?
Tip: This works best when your ICP is very specific and well-matched to the lead. The directness is refreshing when the targeting is tight.
Template 4 — Question-led
Hey {{first_name}}, curious — is [pain point or challenge relevant to their role] something your team is actively working on right now? We've been helping [type of company] solve it and I'm trying to understand whether it's a widespread problem.
Tip: Questions outperform statements in follow-up messages because they require a reply. Keep the question specific to their role or industry.
Template 5 — Reference their recent activity
Hey {{first_name}}, saw your post on [topic] — [one specific reaction or question]. Made me think about [related angle] we're working on. Are you seeing the same pattern?
Template 6 — Social proof
Hey {{first_name}}, we've been helping [similar companies] [specific outcome]. Given what {{company}} is doing in this space, thought it might be worth a conversation. Happy to share a quick overview?
Template 7 — Second follow-up (if no reply)
Hey {{first_name}}, following up on my last message — I know inboxes get busy. I'll keep it short: is [problem/outcome] something worth exploring for {{company}} right now? Even a yes/no is helpful.
Tip: The second follow-up should be shorter than the first, not longer. The job is to resurface the conversation, not re-pitch.
Template 8 — Closing message (final follow-up)
Hey {{first_name}}, I'll leave you alone after this — I don't want to clog your inbox. If [problem] ever becomes a priority at {{company}}, feel free to reach back out. Good luck with everything you're building.
Tip: Closing messages often get replies when nothing else did. The low pressure of 'I'm done' paradoxically makes people respond.
Automating follow-ups with outreachKoi
In outreachKoi, each campaign step is a follow-up in the sequence. Set the delay between steps (3–7 days is typical), enable AI to rewrite the template per lead, and the extension handles delivery from your own LinkedIn session.
- Sequence mode: fixed steps at fixed delays — predictable and easy to A/B test.
- Goal Mode: the AI reads each reply and decides what to say next — no fixed templates needed.
- Both modes respect LinkedIn's daily message limits automatically.
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