Why Connection Requests Are Getting Ignored - And How to Fix Yours

You’ve probably been there: you send a connection request on LinkedIn, wait a few days, and… crickets. No acceptance. No response. Just silence.

So, what’s going on? Why are so many connection requests getting ignored?
Let’s unpack it. 👇

1. Your request is blank.

Sending a connection request without a note is like showing up at a networking event, handing over your card, and walking away without a word. It feels impersonal. People want to know why you want to connect with them.

Fix it: Always personalise. Mention where you saw them, why their work resonates, or what you’d love to learn from them. Just one or two sentences make all the difference.

2. Your profile isn’t pulling its weight.

If your profile appears outdated, half-empty, or overly salesy, chances are your request won’t be approved. People decide in seconds whether to engage with you.

Fix it: Invest time and energy in your profile. Use a clear photo, a compelling headline, and a summary that feels authentically you. Show that you’re active, credible, and worth connecting with.

3. You’re leading with the pitch.

No one wants to be sold to immediately. If your note sounds like a cold email in disguise, people will ignore it faster than you can say “connect.”

Fix it: Lead with value, not the pitch. Share curiosity, common ground, or genuine appreciation. Relationships first. Business later.

4. You haven’t built visibility.

If your name doesn’t ring a bell, your request might feel random. LinkedIn is about community. When people have seen you pop up in comments or posts, they’re more likely to accept.

Fix it: Be active. Comment thoughtfully, share insights, and show up consistently. When your request comes through, they’ll think, “Oh yes, I know them!”

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The bottom line:

Connection requests aren’t about numbers.
They are about building meaningful, professional relationships.
Take the time to be intentional, personal, and authentic. When you do, your acceptance rate will soar. 

Our Parting Words… LinkedIn isn’t just the world’s largest professional network - it’s the world’s largest relationship-building platform. Use it wisely.

LinkedIn Isn’t Your Resume - It’s Your Reputation

Here’s a little reminder for busy professionals: your profile isn’t a list of past jobs - it’s your professional reputation on display for the world to see.

A static resume tells people what you’ve done. A strong LinkedIn presence shows who you are, what you stand for, and why you’re worth listening to. And trust me - THIS difference is exactly what sets the go-to experts apart from everyone else.

It’s Not About Ticking Boxes

A lot of people think: “I’ll update my profile picture, add my job title, copy-paste my duties, and tick - done.” But that’s just scratching the surface.

Today, people want stories, not dot points. They want to know what drives you. They want to see how you think. They want proof that you’re actively shaping your industry - not just passively working in it.

How to Show, Not Just Tell

So, what does this mean in practice?

1️⃣ Craft a Headline That Says More
Your headline shouldn’t just be your job title - it’s your digital handshake. Make it clear how you help, what you believe in, or what you stand for.

2️⃣ Write a Summary That Sounds Like You
Your ‘About’ section is your chance to tell your professional story - the why behind the what. Avoid jargon. Use real language. Let people hear your voice.

3️⃣ Share Content That Proves It
Don’t just have a great profile - show up. Post insights. Share behind-the-scenes lessons. Celebrate wins (and lessons learned from the losses, too). When you show up consistently, you become the person others think of first.

4️⃣ Engage Like a Human
Your network wants to connect with you, not a robot. Comment thoughtfully, join conversations, and don’t be afraid to have an opinion - it’s the fastest way to build genuine credibility.

Your Reputation Deserves More

Your next opportunity probably won’t come from a cold application - it’ll come from someone who already knows who you are because of how you show up online.

So, the question is: What’s your LinkedIn saying about you right now?

If the answer is “not much”… don’t stress. That’s where we come in.

Book a 1:1 strategy session with me and let’s transform your LinkedIn from a static resume into a living, breathing showcase of the expert you are - and the leader you’re becoming.

✨ Because your reputation is far too important to be left on autopilot.