After Newly connection - send first message

Hi {{Name}}, thanks for connecting!
I came across your profile and liked the work you’re doing in {{industry/company}}.
How’s your week going so far?

Why this works

• Feels like a normal human conversation
• Mirrors how people talk after meeting at an event
• Doesn’t assume permission to sell

1st messages to send when you’ve been connected for a long time

Hi {{Name}}, hope you’ve been doing well.
We connected a while back and I realized we never properly connected.
Thought I’d reach out and say hello—hope things are going well on your end.

Why this works

• Normalizes the silence
• No selling
• No “sorry for the delay”
• Very human

❌ What NOT to say

• Sorry for the late message
• Following up on our connection
• Jumping straight into SEO/link building
• Quick question” as the opener

2nd - If they reply something like - Thank you

Glad to hear that 🙂

Quick question - are you currently doing anything around SEO or content promotion for your company or clients, or is that handled by another team?

Why this works

• Feels conversational, not scripted
• Asks permission implicitly
• Gives them an “out” (another team / not involved)
• Keeps you away from spammy SEO language

2nd - if they do not reply in 3-5 days, Send only 1 followup and STOP

Hi {{Name}}, just wanted to follow up in case my message got lost.
No rush at all—hope you’re having a great week.

Why this works

• No pitch
• No SEO mention
• No pressure
• High reply rate because it’s human

❌ What NOT to do

• Don’t introduce your service in the follow-up
• Don’t ask multiple questions
• Don’t say “circling back” or “checking in again”
• Don’t follow up more than once

3rd - If they say yes / a little / planning / not sure, respond like this:

Got it. I work with a few teams helping them earn white-hat backlinks from niche-relevant sites—mostly through outreach and placements.
Not pitching anything right now, just curious how you’re handling it internally.

Why this is the best fit:

• Experienced
• Low pressure
• Not a “DM spammer”

3rd - If they say we already have an SEO Person

Got it, thanks for clarifying.

If it’s ever helpful, I’m happy to share ideas with the SEO lead when appropriate.

Appreciate you getting back to me.

Why this is the best fit

• Matches their answer
• Shows respect for structure
• Keeps relationship positive
• Zero sales pressure

4th - if they show interest

If it helps, I can take a quick look at your site and suggest 2–3 backlink opportunities—no obligation at all.

Why this is the best fit

• Respects autonomy
• Offers value first
• Feels confident, not needy
• Sounds like a consultant, not a seller