How to Connect on LinkedIn: Complete Guide 2026

Connecting on LinkedIn is the foundation of professional networking, but most people do it wrong. They send generic requests, ignore personalization, and wonder why their acceptance rates hover around 20%.

This guide shows you exactly how to connect on LinkedIn in 2026—from finding the right people to writing messages that get accepted at 60%+ rates.

Key Takeaways

• LinkedIn allows 100-200 connection requests per week depending on your account health and SSI score
• Personalized connection requests have 50%+ higher acceptance rates than generic "I'd like to add you to my network" messages
• The best time to send connection requests is Tuesday-Thursday, 8-10 AM in the recipient's timezone
• Quality over quantity: 50 strategic connections outperform 500 random ones for business results

How to Send a Connection Request on LinkedIn

Step 1: Find the Right People to Connect With

Before sending any connection request, identify prospects who:

• Work in your target industry or role
• Have shared connections (2nd-degree connections convert better)
• Engage with content relevant to your expertise
• Show buying signals (job changes, company growth, relevant posts)

Use LinkedIn's search with filters:

• Industry: Select your target market
• Job title: Focus on decision-makers
• Location: Prioritize your serviceable area
• Connections: 2nd-degree connections have 40% higher acceptance rates

Step 2: Navigate to Their Profile

Click on the person's name to visit their profile. Look for:

• Recent activity (posts, comments, shares)
• Shared connections or groups
• Career history and current role
• Featured content or publications

This research takes 30 seconds but dramatically improves your personalization.

Step 3: Click "Connect"

On their profile, click the Connect button. On mobile, you may need to tap More first.

Important: LinkedIn sometimes shows "Follow" instead of "Connect" for:

• LinkedIn influencers with large followings
• People outside your network distance
• Accounts with connection restrictions enabled

If you only see "Follow," engage with their content first to build familiarity.

Step 4: Add a Personalized Note

When the connection modal appears, click Add a note before sending.

Character limit: 300 characters (not words)

A personalized note should include:

1. Context: How you found them or what you have in common
2. Value: Why connecting benefits them
3. No pitch: Save selling for after they accept

Step 5: Send and Track

After sending, track your requests in My Network → Manage → Sent.

Withdraw unaccepted requests after 3-4 weeks to protect your acceptance rate and avoid LinkedIn restrictions.

Connection Request Message Templates That Work

Template 1: Shared Connection

Hi [Name], I noticed we're both connected to [Mutual Connection].
I've been following your work on [Topic] and would love to connect
and learn from your perspective. Looking forward to staying in touch!

Why it works: Mutual connections provide social proof and context.

Template 2: Content Engagement

Hi [Name], Your recent post about [Topic] really resonated with me,
especially [Specific Point]. I'd love to connect and continue the
conversation. Great insights!

Why it works: Shows you've actually engaged with their content.

Template 3: Industry Peer

Hi [Name], As a fellow [Industry/Role], I'm always looking to connect
with others in our space. I particularly admire [Company]'s approach
to [Topic]. Would be great to be connected!

Why it works: Establishes common ground without being salesy.

Template 4: Event/Conference

Hi [Name], I saw you're attending [Event] too! I'll be speaking
about [Topic] and would love to connect beforehand. Hope to meet
you there!

Why it works: Creates a natural reason for the connection.

What NOT to Write

❌ "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn" ❌ "I came across your profile and think we should connect" ❌ "I have a business opportunity I'd love to discuss" ❌ "We've never met but I sell [Product] that could help you"

According to LinkedIn's official guidelines, personalized requests are significantly more likely to be accepted than generic ones.

LinkedIn Connection Limits in 2026

According to Evaboot's LinkedIn limits research, here are the current limits:

Account Type	Weekly Limit	Daily Recommendation
Free LinkedIn	100 invitations	15-20 per day
LinkedIn Premium	150-200 invitations	25-30 per day
Sales Navigator	Up to 250 invitations	30-40 per day

Factors That Affect Your Limits

According to LeadLoft's 2026 analysis, LinkedIn now uses dynamic limits based on:

1. Acceptance rate: Below 30% triggers restrictions
2. SSI score: Scores above 70 unlock higher limits
3. Account age: Newer accounts have lower limits
4. "I don't know this person" reports: These dramatically reduce your cap

Pro tip: Keep your acceptance rate above 50% by only connecting with people likely to accept.

How to Connect With People Outside Your Network

Connecting with 3rd+ Degree Connections

For people you're not directly connected to:

1. Send an InMail (requires Premium or Sales Navigator)
2. Engage with their content first to appear in their notifications
3. Join common groups where you can message members directly
4. Request an introduction from a mutual connection

Connecting with LinkedIn Influencers

Many high-profile users have "Follow" as the default action:

1. Follow them first
2. Engage meaningfully with 3-5 posts over time
3. Check if the Connect option becomes available
4. Reference your engagement in your connection note

The Better Approach: Inbound Connections

Here's what top LinkedIn professionals know: the best connections come to you.

Why Inbound Beats Outbound

Metric	Outbound Connection Requests	Inbound Connection Requests
Acceptance rate	20-40%	100% (they initiated)
Response rate to messages	5-15%	60-80%
Lead quality	Variable	Pre-qualified
Account risk	Yes (if over-sending)	None

How to Attract Inbound Connections

1. Optimize your profile headline for your target audience
2. Post valuable content 3-5 times per week
3. Comment thoughtfully on industry posts
4. Share insights that demonstrate expertise

When you build authority on LinkedIn, your ideal prospects find and connect with you—already interested in what you offer.

How ConnectSafely.ai Helps You Connect Smarter

ConnectSafely.ai is the #1 LinkedIn inbound lead generation platform that helps you attract meaningful connections without mass outreach.

What ConnectSafely Offers

• Profile optimization AI: Get more profile views from the right people
• Content strategy tools: Create posts that attract your ideal prospects
• Engagement analytics: Identify who's interested before they connect
• Zero automation risk: Grow your network LinkedIn's way

At $39/month, it costs less than most automation tools while delivering connections that actually convert.

Best Practices for LinkedIn Connections

Do:

✅ Research before connecting ✅ Personalize every request ✅ Keep notes under 200 characters for mobile readability ✅ Withdraw stale requests after 3 weeks ✅ Follow up within 24 hours of acceptance ✅ Track your acceptance rate weekly

Don't:

❌ Send more than 30 requests per day ❌ Use the same message for everyone ❌ Pitch in your connection request ❌ Connect with random profiles for numbers ❌ Ignore your SSI score ❌ Use automation tools that violate LinkedIn's terms

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I send a connection request on LinkedIn?

Go to the person's profile, click "Connect," then click "Add a note" to personalize your message (300 characters max). Include context for why you want to connect—mentioning shared connections, their content, or common interests increases acceptance rates by 50%+. Learn more about LinkedIn networking.

What's the limit for LinkedIn connection requests per week?

According to Evaboot, LinkedIn allows 100-200 connection requests per week depending on your account type and health. Free accounts should stay under 100, while Sales Navigator users can send up to 250. Keeping your acceptance rate above 50% is crucial for maintaining higher limits.

Should I add a note to LinkedIn connection requests?

Yes, always add a personalized note. According to LinkedIn research, personalized connection requests are significantly more likely to be accepted. Keep it under 200 characters for mobile readability, reference something specific about the person, and avoid pitching your product or service.

How do I connect with someone on LinkedIn who is 3rd degree?

For 3rd-degree connections, you can: 1) Send an InMail if you have Premium/Sales Navigator, 2) Engage with their content first to build familiarity, 3) Ask a mutual connection for an introduction, or 4) Join LinkedIn groups where they're members to message them directly.

What's the difference between Connect and Follow on LinkedIn?

"Connect" creates a two-way relationship where both people see each other's content and can message freely. "Follow" is one-way—you see their content but they don't see yours. Some users have Follow as default; engage with their content to potentially unlock the Connect option.

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