What’s with the ghosting?
LinkedIn outreach often goes unanswered or gets ghosted after initial exchanges because recipients face 50-100+ weekly messages amid inbox overload.
Busy professionals prioritize existing relationships over cold requests, with 97% of users reporting ghosting experiences in networking contexts. What’s behind the lower engagement rates in early exchanges with potential connections and new connections?
Inboxes overflow with generic requests (“Love your work, want to connect?”), triggering 80% ignore rates as people conserve mental energy for high-trust contacts.
Post-connection ghosting hits when asks appear (favor/coffee chat) without prior value, making responders feel transactional. Value-first habits flip this dynamic before requests land.
Give value early—before and after connecting:
- Pre-connection comment: Engage 2-3 posts first (“Great framework—applied it to remote teams last week”) before making a request. This builds familiarity.
- Connection note: Use the formula: specific + shareable (E.g. “Your phishing stats inspired my own new post, where I shared your ideas—here’s the link”). No ask.
- Post-accept wait: Use 7-10 days of engaging with light value (tell them you hope they get value from your network, reply to their messages with acknowledgement and empathy, share resources by mentioning them and confirming interest without posting unsolicited links) before “There’s a question I’ve been meaning to ask you?”
Next step: Value builds response rates 5x—this is proven with coaching clients. Book a free 30 minute strategy session at pronetworkcoach.com/coaching to discuss approaches that fit your style. Let me know what your biggest ghosting frustration is.
Deep Dive: Why LinkedIn Connections Ghost You
Ghosting on LinkedIn stings after you reach out. Connections vanish mid-convo, leaving questions.
This section uncovers the root causes.
It also shares fixes to break the silence.
Top Reasons They Ghost
You’re too salesy right away.
People accept connects but cringe at instant pitches—70% ghost pushy asks without rapport.
Messages feel generic.
Copy-paste notes ignore profiles, landing in the “ignore” pile amid 100+ daily DMs.
Bad timing hits busy inboxes.
End-of-day or Monday blasts get buried; no reply feels rude but self-protects their time.
They fear commitment.
A chat might lead to favors, so silence avoids awkward “no’s.”
Your profile lacks value.
Weak headlines or no posts signal “taker,” not giver, prompting quick ignores.
Over-engagement creeps them out.
Liking everything or endless comments scream desperate before hello.
Smart Ways to Get Replies
Lead with their world: “Saw your post on X—thoughts on Y?” sparks 3x responses.
Offer first: Share free tips before asks, building trust fast.
Space follow-ups: Wait 5-7 days, add new value each time.
Voice notes humanize: Short audio stands out, boosting opens 40%.
These shift you from ghosted to go-to contact.