How to reply faster on LinkedIn
Templates for connections, messages and follow-ups, plus a method to insert them in seconds without losing the personal touch.
If you use LinkedIn to sell, recruit or network, you know many messages look alike: thanking someone for connecting, introducing yourself, suggesting a call, following up. Writing them from scratch every time takes a lot of time.
In this guide you'll find ready-to-adapt templates and a method to insert them with a keyboard shortcut as you type on LinkedIn.
Before you start: how LinkedIn messaging works
- With a free account you can only message your 1st-degree connections, that is, people who already accepted your connection request.
- With Premium or Sales Navigator you get InMail messages to write to people outside your network, with a limited number per month depending on the plan.
- The connection request note is short, so it pays to have a brief version of your introduction ready.
Ready-to-adapt LinkedIn templates
/connect — request note
Hi {{input:Name}}, I saw your work at {{input:Company}} and would love to connect to keep learning about the industry.
/thanksconnect — after accepting
Thanks for connecting, {{input:Name}}! If I can ever help you with {{input:Topic}}, I'm here.
/intro — first message
Hi {{input:Name}}, I help {{input:Industry}} teams {{input:Benefit}}. Would a 15-minute call this week work for you?
/schedule — suggest a call
Great, {{input:Name}}. Here's my calendar so you can pick the slot that suits you best: {{input:Calendar link}}
/followup — no reply
Hi {{input:Name}}, just checking in in case my last message got lost. Is it still a good time to talk about {{input:Topic}}?
/candidate — recruiting
Hi {{input:Name}}, we're looking for a {{input:Role}} at {{input:Company}} and your experience is a great fit. Can I tell you more?
/recommend — ask for a recommendation
Hi {{input:Name}}, I loved working with you on {{input:Project}}. Would you mind writing me a short recommendation?
/decline — decline politely
Thanks for thinking of me, {{input:Name}}. It isn't the right time now, but I'd love to stay in touch.
Insert them with a shortcut as you type
Keeping templates in a document and copying them one by one works, but it's slow. With a text expander like NexoPad you save each template with its shortcut and insert it by typing, for example, /schedule in LinkedIn's message box.
Thanks to variables like {{input:Name}}, NexoPad asks for the name and details before inserting, so every message comes out personalized. If you don't remember a shortcut, type // and search for the template in the list. And since it works on any website, the same templates work in Gmail or WhatsApp Web.
Tips to make your messages work
- Always personalize the first sentence: mention something specific from their profile or company.
- Keep it short: short messages get read more on LinkedIn. Get to the point in two or three sentences.
- End with an easy-to-answer question, like suggesting a short call.
- Don't send the same thing to everyone: use templates as a base and adapt the details.
- Follow up once or twice at most, a few days apart, so you don't come across as pushy.
Frequently asked questions
Do NexoPad shortcuts work on LinkedIn?
Yes. NexoPad works in LinkedIn's text fields when you open it in a desktop browser: messages, connection notes, comments and posts.
What about the LinkedIn mobile app?
No. NexoPad is a desktop browser extension.
Is it risky to use templates on LinkedIn?
Templates are simply texts you type faster; what matters is personalizing them and not sending repeated mass messages. NexoPad never sends messages automatically: you decide what to send and when.
Can I share templates with my sales team?
Yes. With NexoPad Teams the whole team shares the same approved templates, updated instantly for everyone.
Published on October 10, 20267 min read
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