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LinkedIn Messages to Catch Up With Your Network
A good LinkedIn catch up message names something specific you remember about the person. Say why they came to mind now. Then ask one easy question with no strings attached. The key: make it about them, not your agenda. Keep it under 600 characters and skip the apology for the silence. Save any ask for a later message, once they reply.
A catch up message turns a quiet contact back into a living relationship. Send it before you need anything. Then, when a real need comes up, you're writing to a friend. You're not a stranger with a familiar name.
Being specific is what makes it land. Mention a shared project, a post they wrote or advice they once gave you. That proves you're writing to them, not to a list. One easy question gives them a reason to reply.
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Free, no signup. The example is filled in: press the button, then replace it with your own situation. In Capstone, a message like it is written for each person you know when their check-in is due.
13 examples to copy
One message is easy. Hundreds of people, all year, is the hard part. Capstone Outreach puts everyone you know on a rhythm you pick, from weekly to every three months. When someone is due, a message like these is already written in your voice from your history with them. You approve it, and it goes from your own email or phone. See how it works.
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Everyone on a rhythm. Who is due, and when. Recorded in the app on a demo account.
1. After two years of silence, no ask
Why it works: It is anchored in a real shared memory. It ends with a question that's easy and pleasant to answer.
2. Late congratulations on a job change you missed
Why it works: Owning that it's late makes it feel honest. Remembering their earlier goal shows you were really listening.
3. Reacting to something they posted
Why it works: It responds to something they chose to share in public. So the opener feels natural, not random.
4. Sharing a useful resource, no reply needed
Why it works: Giving something with no pressure to reply is the fastest way to seem generous. It shows you give, not just take.
5. Former colleague, shared memory
Why it works: A specific inside memory brings back the warmth of working together faster than any formal opener.
6. Connection request note to someone you lost touch with (under 300 characters)
Why it works: It tells them exactly who you are in one line. It fits easily within the note limit.
7. You'll be in their city soon
Why it works: A set date and an easy out make yes simple and no painless.
8. Work anniversary or career milestone
Why it works: It ties a routine alert to something you remember from their early days. That makes it personal.
9. Offering an introduction first
Why it works: Opening with a useful intro makes you the one who gives. That is the strongest way to restart a relationship.
10. Owning the silence in one line
Why it works: A brief, honest admission plus a sincere compliment feels human. It doesn't spiral into an apology.
11. Asking for their perspective on a decision
Why it works: Asking for advice only they can give is flattering. Capping it at a few lines keeps the ask small.
12. Shared school, event or community
Why it works: Following up on a plan they once shared shows real interest. It gives them a story to tell.
13. Year-end thank you
Why it works: Specific thanks is rare and memorable. The time of year gives a natural reason to reach out.
Sending these to more than a few people? See how people keep track of who to follow up with, and when: what a personal CRM does and the best personal CRMs, compared.
When to send it
- Send it within a few days of a real trigger. That could be a job change, a post they wrote, a work anniversary or news about their company.
- Reach out weeks or months before you might need something. Never do it the same week you plan to ask a favor.
- Send on a weekday morning in their time zone. People tend to read messages with a little more attention then.
- If they work in sales, finance or fundraising, skip the end-of-quarter and year-end crunch. Your note will get buried.
- If they posted something that truly interested you, message within a day or two. The topic is still fresh for both of you then.
What to avoid
- Opening with 'Long time no see!' and nothing else. It forces them to carry the whole conversation.
- Pitching or asking for a referral or a meeting in the first message after years of silence.
- Apologizing at length for not staying in touch. It makes the message about your guilt, not about them.
- Sending the same generic note to dozens of contacts. People in the same field talk and spot copy-paste messages.
- Dropping a calendar link before they've even replied.
- Writing a long update about yourself instead of asking about their work and life.
After you send it
If there's no reply after a week or two, send one short, easy follow-up. That could be a comment on their latest post or one line that adds something new. If that goes quiet too, let it rest. Try again in a few months with a fresh reason. Once they reply, keep the thread going naturally. Then aim to show up every two to three months. React to a post, share a useful link or note a milestone. Small and regular beats rare and long.
Building the habit: how to keep in touch with contacts and what a personal CRM does.
They replied. Now what keeps it going? Log the catch-up in Capstone and it sits on one timeline with your notes. Pick a rhythm for this person, and the next check-in is written from what they told you.
Start 14 days free, then $25/mo
A study of 20 million LinkedIn members found that acquaintances, more than close friends, led to new jobs (Science, 2022). Capstone keeps those people warm. You approve every message, and it goes from your own email or phone.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good LinkedIn connect message?
A good LinkedIn connect message is under 300 characters. It says how you know the person and gives one reason to connect now. For someone you've lost touch with, mention the project, company or event you shared. Then add a simple line like 'Would love to hear what you're up to.' Skip the pitch. The goal is an accepted request and an open door.
What is a good follow-up message?
A good follow-up message is short, adds something new and doesn't guilt the person for not replying. Wait a week or two. Then send one or two lines: a useful link, a reaction to their latest news or a lighter version of your question. For example: 'Saw [Company] just announced [news], congrats. No rush on my earlier note.' If that gets no answer, give it a few months.
What is the 3-2-1 rule on LinkedIn?
There's no official 3-2-1 rule on LinkedIn. It's an informal guideline people use to balance their activity. A common version is a content mix. For every promotional post, share two that engage others and three that simply help your audience. The same idea applies to reconnecting. Give and engage several times before you ask for anything. Then your network sees you as useful, not as someone who only takes.
How do you reconnect with someone on LinkedIn after a long time?
Reconnect by leading with a specific shared memory or a recent update of theirs. Then ask one easy question. Try 'I was thinking about [project] and realized it's been two years. How's the new role at [Company]?' It works because it's personal and simple to answer. Keep it short and don't over-apologize. Wait for a real conversation before you make any request.
Is it awkward to message someone you haven't talked to in years?
Usually not. Most people are glad to hear from a former colleague or contact. That's even more true when the message is warm and has no hidden ask. The awkward part comes from vague openers or an obvious pitch, not the gap itself. Say why they came to mind and mention the time in one short phrase. Then turn the focus to them.