6 Steps to Upgrade Your LinkedIn Network

Hey friend,

As a LinkedIn Inbound Specialist, I'm always looking for ways to increase my CAR on LinkedIn.

I know it can be frustrating to send out numerous connection requests only to have a low acceptance rate, but fear not...

In this article, I'm going to share with you 6 steps that can help increase your CAR massively.

Short for Connection Acceptance Rate.

(plus, a little bonus 👀)

Ready?

Let's go.

1) Research your prospect

Take some time to research your prospect and understand their background, interests, and current work.

This will help you tailor your message to their specific needs and interests, and show that you are genuinely interested in connecting with them.

• Why: Personalization is key to standing out and building a relationship, it shows that you value their time and are interested in what they do.
• How: Look at their LinkedIn profile and company website, check out their recent posts and activity on LinkedIn, and see if you have any mutual connections or interests.
• What: Look at professional background and experience, current position and responsibilities, interests and passions, and lastly, shared connections or mutual interests.

2) Personalize your connection request message

One of the biggest mistakes people make when sending out connection requests is using a generic LinkedIn message.

Personalizing your message and adding a personal touch can make a huge difference in getting your request accepted.
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Use the research you've done to personalize your message to the recipient.

Address them by name, mention their specific interests or achievements, and make it clear why you're reaching out to them specifically.

Unlock 18 DM Templates here (for free).​

• Why: When it comes to connecting with people on LinkedIn, sending out generic connection requests can be a real snooze fest. That's why it's important to personalize your message and add a personal touch.
• How: Take the time to research the person you want to connect with and mention a shared interest or connection, or a specific article or project that caught your attention.
• What: A personalized message that makes your connection request stand out from the crowd.

3) Use a professional profile picture

Your profile picture is the first thing people see when you send a connection request.

Make sure it's professional and reflects your brand. Avoid using blurry or low-quality images, and make sure you've dressed appropriately for your industry.

• Why: Your profile picture is the first impression you make on LinkedIn, so it's important to make it count. A professional profile picture can help you make a great first impression and show that you're serious about your professional image.
• How: Choose a high-quality image that reflects your brand and is appropriate for your industry.
• What: A professional profile picture that showcases your brand and makes a great first impression.

4) Provide value in your profile headline and summary

Your profile headline and summary should communicate your skills and expertise, and provide value to the reader.

Use keywords and phrases that are relevant to your industry, and showcase your accomplishments and unique perspectives.

A few of LinkedIn’s finest examples:

• Why: Your profile headline and summary are your chance to communicate your skills and expertise, and showcase what makes you unique in your industry.
• How: Use keywords and phrases that are relevant to your industry and showcase your accomplishments and unique perspectives.
• What: A profile headline and summary that communicates your skills, provide value to the reader, and sets you apart from the competition.

5) Engage with your target audience's content

Engaging with your target audience's content is a great way to get noticed and increase your chances of getting your connection request accepted.

Like and comment on their posts, share relevant articles, and participate in group discussions.

This shows that you're actively engaged in your industry and interested in what they have to say.

• Why: LinkedIn is all about building relationships, and one of the best ways to do that is by engaging with your target audience's content. This shows that you're interested in what they have to say and can help you get noticed.
• How: Like and comment on their posts, share relevant articles, and participate in group discussions.
• What: Active engagement with your target audience's content that helps you build relationships and get noticed.

6) Be selective in who you send connection requests to

Finally, be selective in who you send connection requests to.

Focus on connecting with people who are relevant to your industry or goals, and who are likely to benefit from your expertise.

Sending out mass requests to anyone and everyone can be a turnoff and reduce your acceptance rate.

• Why: Sending out mass connection requests to anyone and everyone can be a real turnoff, and reduce your acceptance rate. That's why it's important to be selective in who you send requests to and focus on building a strong network with people who are relevant to your industry or goals.
• How: Identify people who are likely to benefit from your expertise and who you can learn from.
• What: Selective connection requests that help you build a strong network with people who can help you achieve your goals.

So there you have it, 6 tips to increase your Connection Acceptance Rate on LinkedIn.

If that’s not enough, here’s a quick summary of 10 tips to increase the likelihood of having your cold outbound message accepted, read, and responded to:

1. Avoid sounding too salesy or pushy.
2. Use a conversational tone to build rapport.
3. Show your value by providing helpful resources or advice.
4. Follow up politely if you don't hear back after a week or two.
5. Keep it short and sweet, no more than three to four sentences.
6. Be clear about your intention and what you're hoping to achieve.
7. Show appreciation and gratitude for their time and consideration.
8. Make the first sentence attention-grabbing and relevant to the recipient.
9. Personalize your message with the recipient's name and relevant details.
10. Research your prospect and reference their interests or accomplishments.

Remember, building a strong network takes time and effort, but these 10 tips can help you get there faster.

Good luck and happy networking :)

That's it for today.

Any questions, remarks or suggestion about what I shared above?

Don't hesitate to reply to this email, happy to chat.

See you next week.

Cheers,

Jessie

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