Connection Request
A connection request is the LinkedIn invitation one user sends to another to establish a first-degree connection.
A LinkedIn connection request is the formal handshake that links two profiles. Once accepted, both parties become first-degree connections, and each can see the other's posts in their feed, send free DMs, and view extended profile data.
LinkedIn limits new connection requests to roughly 100–200 per week per account, with throttling beyond that. Sending requests with no note converts at 25–40%; sending with a short, contextual note (referencing a real reason) converts at 50–70%. Mass-sending generic notes is worse than no note. it gets you flagged.
Strategically, the value of a connection isn't the connection itself. it's the second-degree expansion it unlocks. Every new connection extends your reach into their network. This is why ICP-targeted connection growth (slow and deliberate) compounds, while volume connection growth (fast and broad) decays the relevance of your feed and your audience.
Related terms
- Social Selling Index (SSI)Social Selling Index (SSI) is LinkedIn's 0–100 score measuring how well a profile builds brand, finds prospects, exchanges insights, and builds relationships.
- Personal BrandOn LinkedIn, a personal brand is the public reputation a professional builds through consistent content, point of view, and audience relationships.
- DM SequenceA DM sequence is a series of LinkedIn direct messages sent to a prospect over time, typically triggered by a specific event like a comment or a profile view.
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