How to follow up on LinkedIn when someone doesn't reply
By Tirth Shah, founder of Bub · Updated
Follow up once after 3 to 5 days, and once more a week or two later, then stop. Each follow-up should add something new, like a useful link, a specific question or a short voice note, rather than "just bumping this". Changing the format helps: a 30 second voice note gets a second look where another paragraph won't. To make sure follow-ups actually happen, set a reminder on the conversation.
Add Bub to Chrome, it's freeWhen and how often to follow up
| Step | When | What to send |
|---|---|---|
| First message | After they accept, or after a real trigger | Short, specific, one question, no pitch |
| Follow-up 1 | 3 to 5 days later | Something new: a resource, an insight, or a voice note |
| Follow-up 2 | 1 to 2 weeks later | A light close: leave the door open |
| After that | Only with a new reason | Their news, a job change, a post of theirs |
10 LinkedIn follow-up messages
- "Hi {name}, came across this {resource} on {topic} and thought of our chat. No reply needed, just thought it might help."
- "Hi {name}, sending a quick voice note instead of more text, easier to explain in 30 seconds." (then record one)
- "Hey {name}, one more thought on {topic}: {insight}. Curious if that matches what you're seeing?"
- "Hi {name}, totally understand if now's not the time. Is {problem} something you'll look at later this year, or not a priority?"
- "Hi {name}, saw your post on {topic}. {genuine reaction}. Also, still happy to share {thing} if useful."
- "Hey {name}, congrats on {news}! Would {offer} be more relevant now?"
- "Hi {name}, quick yes or no: worth a short chat about {topic}, or should I leave it?"
- "Hi {name}, I put together a 1 minute video on how {company} could {outcome}. Want me to send it?"
- "Hey {name}, I'll stop clogging your inbox. If {topic} comes up, I'm here."
- After they accept, no reply yet: "Thanks for connecting, {name}. What's taking most of your time at {company} right now?"
How to never forget a follow-up
LinkedIn has no reminders, so follow-ups get lost as new messages arrive. Star the chat and check the Starred filter, put it in your calendar, or use the Bub inbox: press H on the conversation, pick when, and it comes back at the top of your inbox at that time. If they reply first, it comes back straight away.
Questions
How long should I wait to follow up on LinkedIn?
3 to 5 days after your first message, then once more a week or two later.
How many times should I follow up on LinkedIn?
Two follow-ups is usually enough. After that, only reach out with a genuinely new reason.
What do I say after someone accepts my connection request?
Thank them and ask one easy question about their work. Skip the pitch; the goal is a reply.
Is it OK to follow up with a voice note?
Yes, and it's one of the best uses for voice: a short, personal note stands out where another text wouldn't. LinkedIn allows voice messages to 1st-degree connections.
How do I set follow-up reminders on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn doesn't have them. In the Bub inbox, press H on a conversation to set one.
Checked October 6, 2026. LinkedIn changes its features and limits from time to time.