Best Times To Send LinkedIn Requests
Here’s what you need to know:
Key Takeaways:
- Best Days: Tuesday to Thursday are ideal for sending requests. Avoid Mondays (too busy) and Fridays (wind-down mode).
- Peak Times:
- Morning: 8–11 AM (most active around 10–11 AM).
- Afternoon: 1–3 PM (lunchtime and early breaks).
- Evening: 5–6 PM works for some industries.
- Weekend Strategy: Sundays (6–8 PM) can work for certain professionals (e.g., healthcare, freelancers). Avoid Saturdays.
- Time Zones: Match your outreach to the recipient’s local time for better results.
Why It Matters:
- LinkedIn has 1.2 billion members with 2 billion monthly interactions. Your request competes for attention in seconds.
- 40% of users engage weekly, so hitting the right timing improves your chances of standing out.
Pro Tip: Use tools like LiSeller to automate and schedule requests during peak hours.
Now, let’s dive into the details to help you connect smarter, not harder.
1. Tuesday Through Thursday: Peak Professional Days
If you're looking to make the most of LinkedIn connection requests, aim for the middle of the week. Mondays often come with overflowing inboxes, and Fridays are all about winding down for the weekend. But Tuesday through Thursday? That’s when professionals hit their stride and are most open to networking.
Research shows that engagement rates on LinkedIn are highest during these midweek days. By then, most people have settled into their work routines, making them more likely to respond to messages or accept connection requests. In fact, messages sent on weekdays receive responses in an average of 22 hours - a significant improvement compared to the 48-hour response time on weekends. This tells us that professionals are more attentive and engaged during the workweek.
LinkedIn activity also peaks during standard business hours on these days, with users frequently checking their feeds and responding to messages. This midweek focus means your outreach is more likely to grab their attention and prompt action.
Another key point? Decision-makers and senior professionals are especially active from Tuesday to Thursday. Many of them schedule their LinkedIn time during these days to handle networking and professional communications. This is your chance to get your message in front of the people who matter most.
To boost your chances of success, make Tuesday through Thursday your go-to window for sending connection requests and messages. It's when LinkedIn is buzzing with activity, and your efforts are more likely to pay off.
2. 8-11 AM: Morning Activity Hours
The morning hours between 8-11 AM are a fantastic time to send LinkedIn connection requests. Why? This period aligns perfectly with the start of the professional workday, when people are settling in, catching up on notifications, and gearing up for the day ahead. It's when professionals are most likely to log in and have the focus to engage with new requests.
According to Oktopost, engagement on LinkedIn peaks between Tuesday and Thursday, 8–11 AM. During this window, professionals are alert, their inboxes are less crowded, and they’re more open to connecting. As the day progresses, inboxes fill up, and attention gets pulled in multiple directions, making this early timeframe a strategic choice.
Research highlights that the sweet spot for outreach often falls between 10-11 AM local time. By then, most people have settled into their workday but are still checking LinkedIn during brief breaks or morning routines. Since LinkedIn activity tends to drop off significantly after 5 PM and over the weekend, focusing on traditional business hours like this can increase your chances of getting a response.
This morning timeframe also aligns with natural pauses in the workday, when professionals are more likely to glance at LinkedIn. That makes your connection request not only visible but also more likely to get noticed and acted upon.
3. 1-3 PM: Afternoon Break Windows
The 1-3 PM window is a prime time for sending LinkedIn connection requests. Why? It matches up with the natural rhythm of the workday when professionals often take a breather from their tasks and scroll through their LinkedIn feed.
Studies highlight that engagement peaks on Wednesdays between 1-3 PM[1]. Specifically, the 1:00–2:00 PM slot overlaps with typical lunch breaks across U.S. time zones. During this time, many professionals step away from their desks, making it a great opportunity to reach them when they're more likely to check notifications and explore new connections.
4. Time Zone Matching for Global Outreach
When reaching out globally, timing is everything. A message sent at 9:00 AM EST might be perfect for contacts in New York, but it could land well after business hours for someone in Tokyo.
To increase the chances of engagement, align your outreach with local business hours. On LinkedIn, activity often peaks between 10:00–11:00 AM and 5:00–6:00 PM in the recipient's time zone. For instance, a marketing director in London might be active during these hours in GMT, while a sales manager in Sydney would follow similar patterns based on Australian Eastern Time.
Take the time to assess each prospect's time zone. You can often infer this from their profile details, such as their office location, post timestamps, or regular activity patterns.
A helpful approach is to group prospects by region - such as Americas, EMEA, and APAC. By segmenting contacts this way, you can focus your outreach during each region’s peak hours instead of sending messages sporadically throughout the day. A scheduling matrix can make this process smoother, allowing you to align your efforts with local business hours. This strategy not only makes your outreach more efficient but also sets the stage for automation.
Speaking of automation, tools like LiSeller can be a game-changer. Its smart scheduling feature analyzes engagement trends across different time zones and automatically adjusts delivery times to maximize response rates.
To fine-tune your timing strategy, consider A/B testing your outreach. Send requests to similar prospects in the same time zone at different hours and track the results. A well-timed connection request doesn’t just stand out - it shows that you’ve put thought into your approach, making it more likely to resonate with your audience.
5. Activity-Based Timing for Better Results
Want to boost your connection rates? One effective way is to time your outreach around when your prospects are most active. This method builds on earlier timing strategies, focusing on real-time engagement for better results.
LinkedIn's active status feature is a great tool for this. The green circle next to a user’s profile photo tells you when they’re online. A solid green dot means they’re currently active, while a hollow green circle shows they’re available on mobile and can receive push notifications. Using this feature lets you act quickly and reach out when your prospects are most likely to respond.
Pay attention to recent activity, too. If someone has posted, commented, or shared content, they’re more likely to be open to connection requests. Combine this with contextual timing for even better results. For example, if a prospect has recently congratulated a mutual connection on a new role, interacted with content from your company, or joined a discussion in a LinkedIn group you’re part of, these moments can serve as perfect conversation starters. They also show that you share common ground, making your outreach feel more genuine.
Take Sarah, a marketing professional, as an example. She increased her connection acceptance rate from 20% to 50%. Her strategy? Engaging with her prospects’ content - liking, commenting, and sharing their posts - before sending a personalized connection request. Timing was key; she always sent her request within 24 hours of engaging.
Timing can also vary by industry. For instance, tech professionals tend to be more active during product launches or conferences, while finance professionals often engage more around key market events. John, a finance professional, improved his connection rate from 18% to 45% by aligning his outreach with major market moments. By consistently tracking these patterns, he was able to fine-tune his timing for maximum impact.
Another tip: watch for trends in posting schedules. Many professionals stick to predictable routines, like posting in the morning, engaging during lunch, or sharing updates on specific days. Adapting your timing to match these habits increases the likelihood that your request will be noticed and accepted.
When prospects are actively engaging on LinkedIn, they’re naturally more open to building new connections. Timing your outreach to align with their activity can make all the difference.
6. Weekend Requests: When They Work
Sending connection requests over the weekend can be a mixed bag. While overall activity tends to dip, certain industries and professionals remain active during off-hours.
Interestingly, research highlights Sundays as the sweet spot for connection requests, boasting the highest acceptance rates. Take healthcare as an example: in 2025, engagement in this sector jumped by 42%, as professionals often used their downtime on weekends to catch up on LinkedIn and carefully review connection requests.
Executives and founders are another group that often turns to LinkedIn on weekends. With fewer weekday demands, they use this time to browse and engage. Similarly, consultants and freelancers find Sunday evenings - typically between 6–8 PM - a prime time for networking and planning the week ahead. This creates a great opportunity to connect with professionals actively seeking new opportunities.
On the flip side, Saturdays tend to be a tough sell. Data shows engagement drops significantly as many people prioritize personal time and family activities.
That said, weekend outreach can still work in your favor, especially for time-sensitive opportunities. While others may wait for Monday, a personalized and relevant connection request during quieter weekend hours can help your message stand out. This approach lays the groundwork for more effective follow-ups, which we’ll explore in the next section.
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7. Industry-Specific Activity Patterns
Knowing when professionals in various industries are most active on LinkedIn can make a huge difference in the success of your connection requests. Different sectors have their own rhythms and schedules, which influence when people are most likely to check and respond to messages. By understanding these patterns, you can fine-tune your outreach strategy for better results.
Technology and startups tend to have flexible activity windows. Professionals in this field are often online during early mornings (6:30–8:00 AM) and late evenings (8:00–10:00 PM). According to Hootsuite’s January 2025 analysis of 2.5 billion engagements across 600,000 social profiles, this industry boasts a 3.6% engagement rate.
Healthcare professionals juggle demanding schedules, making them most reachable during off-hours. Key times include early mornings (5:30–7:00 AM), lunch breaks (12:00–1:00 PM), and late evenings (9:00–11:00 PM). Despite their busy routines, healthcare workers maintain a 3.3% engagement rate.
Financial services professionals stick to traditional business hours but avoid LinkedIn during active market times. The best response rates are seen Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Thursdays at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. This sector has a 3.2% engagement rate.
The construction, mining, and manufacturing sector leads in engagement with a 4.0% engagement rate. Workers in these industries are most active on LinkedIn during early mornings before heading to job sites and in the evenings during planning sessions.
Education professionals follow academic schedules, with peak activity concentrated on Mondays at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, Tuesdays from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, Wednesdays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and Thursdays from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Their 2.8% engagement rate reflects the structured nature of their work.
Here’s a quick summary of peak times and engagement rates by industry:
| Industry | Peak Connection Times | Engagement Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | 6:30–8:00 AM, 8:00–10:00 PM | 3.6% |
| Healthcare | 5:30–7:00 AM, 12:00–1:00 PM, 9:00–11:00 PM | 3.3% |
| Financial Services | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM (Wed), 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM (Thu) | 3.2% |
| Construction/Manufacturing | Early morning and evening planning hours | 4.0% |
| Education | Mostly Wed–Thu (10:00 AM–3:00 PM) | 2.8% |
Creative professionals and marketing agencies are most active mid-morning (9:00–11:00 AM) and late afternoon (3:00–4:30 PM). Marketing agencies, in particular, see a 3.7% engagement rate, as they often use LinkedIn for inspiration and to stay updated on trends during natural breaks in their creative workflow.
To fine-tune your outreach even further, pay attention to when your prospects post, comment, or engage. For example, a hospital administrator in Boston might be most responsive at 6:00 AM EST. Use this knowledge alongside automated scheduling tools to ensure your messages land at the right time.
8. Follow-Up Request Timing
Missing a response to your initial connection request isn’t the end of the road. Sometimes, professionals are just swamped and might overlook your message. The trick lies in knowing when and how to follow up without seeming overbearing.
Here’s a smart approach: wait about 1–2 weeks before reaching out again. During this time, stay on their radar by engaging with their posts - like, comment, or share their content. This keeps you visible while showing genuine interest in their work. For example, if you sent your first message on a Monday, plan your follow-up for the following Monday or Tuesday. This gives a natural and respectful gap.
When crafting your follow-up, keep it short and to the point. Remind them why you’re reaching out and mention how you could bring value to the connection. Frame your message as an invitation rather than a demand. Instead of saying, "I need to connect with you", try something like, "I’d love to share some thoughts on [specific topic] that might align with your interests."
If you still don’t hear back after 2–3 follow-ups spaced appropriately, it’s okay to move on. Some people may not be very active on LinkedIn, or they might only connect with individuals they already know.
For the best results, send your follow-ups during midweek mornings or early afternoons - think Tuesday to Thursday, between 8-11 AM or 1-3 PM. These time slots tend to catch people when they’re most attentive to their messages.
9. LiSeller Automation for Request Scheduling
Coordinating LinkedIn connection requests across different time zones and industries can be a logistical headache. That’s where LiSeller’s AI-powered automation steps in, simplifying the process by scheduling your outreach efforts for the best possible results.
Using insights from LinkedIn activity patterns, LiSeller’s AI pinpoints when your target audience is most active. It identifies peak engagement times in real time, ensuring your connection requests hit inboxes when recipients are most likely to notice and respond.
One standout benefit of automation is that it keeps your outreach consistent without requiring you to be constantly online. Even if you’re busy, LiSeller schedules your requests for those high-traffic moments, running quietly in the background.
But timing isn’t the only thing it gets right. LiSeller also zeroes in on the right people by analyzing engagement trends. It identifies prospects who are actively engaging in discussions relevant to your industry, making your outreach more targeted and effective. Pairing this with personalized requests - based on recent prospect activity - boosts relevance and acceptance rates far beyond what generic messages achieve.
If you’re managing multiple LinkedIn profiles, LiSeller’s automation becomes even more indispensable. It coordinates outreach across accounts, ensuring consistent timing strategies while avoiding overlaps that could come across as spammy. Starting at $47 per month, the Small plan supports one LinkedIn profile and includes 300 automated comments, making it an affordable option for professionals aiming to enhance their networking efforts.
The platform also offers detailed reporting features, tracking response rates by time slot. This data-driven feedback allows you to fine-tune your strategy, improving results with each campaign. With LiSeller, your outreach becomes smarter, more efficient, and far more impactful.
10. Common Timing Errors to Avoid
Timing mistakes can derail your outreach efforts and hurt your chances of making meaningful connections. Even worse, they can tarnish your professional image.
While earlier sections focused on the best times to reach out, it's just as critical to know what not to do. Here are some common timing missteps that could undermine your networking efforts.
One frequent mistake is sending connection requests on Mondays, Fridays, or weekends. Mondays are often consumed with clearing out emails from the weekend, and by Friday afternoon, most professionals are mentally checking out, preparing for personal plans. Messages sent during these times are more likely to be ignored or buried under other priorities.
Another blunder is sending requests at odd hours, like late at night or very early in the morning. A connection request sent at 11:00 PM or 5:00 AM can feel intrusive or unprofessional. Patricia Perkins, Armchair Philosopher at Armchair Philosopher & Soothsayer, explains it best:
"Business messages are sent during business hours. It's a professional courtesy."
Ignoring time zones is another common issue. For example, sending a message at 2:00 PM Eastern Time might hit someone in London during their evening wind-down, when they're less likely to engage with work-related messages.
Then there’s the matter of overlooking regional holidays or work patterns. Sending requests during significant holidays like Ramadan, Chinese New Year, or major vacation seasons can signal a lack of awareness. This can hurt your chances of getting a response, as people may be less focused on professional matters during these times.
Finally, the spray-and-pray approach - sending bulk, generic requests - rarely works. Different roles, like marketing executives and software developers, have unique schedules and activity patterns. Failing to tailor your timing to these nuances often results in low engagement.
Avoiding these timing mistakes will help ensure your messages are noticed and appreciated. Smart networking isn’t just about hitting “send” at the right time - it’s about showing respect for professional norms and cultural sensitivities that foster genuine connections.
Conclusion
Timing plays a crucial role in achieving success on LinkedIn. It’s not just about what you say, but when you say it. Posting at the right time can increase engagement rates by up to 50%, and content shared during peak hours is twice as likely to grab clicks and responses.
Taking it a step further, aligning with local time zones can make your outreach even more effective. Whether you’re reaching out to professionals in New York or London, respecting their business hours shows professionalism and an understanding of their schedule.
Additionally, industry-specific trends can fine-tune your approach. Experimenting with different timings and analyzing the results will help you uncover what works best for various audience segments.
For those looking to streamline their efforts, tools like LiSeller can be game-changers. With AI-driven scheduling, LiSeller ensures your messages hit inboxes during peak activity times. Users have reported generating 250% more leads while still delivering that personal touch through well-timed and customized interactions. These strategies can elevate your networking game to another level.
FAQs
What are the best times to send LinkedIn connection requests to maximize engagement?
To boost the chances of your LinkedIn connection requests being noticed and accepted, try sending them during peak activity hours. Studies suggest that professionals are most active on LinkedIn from Tuesday to Thursday, with engagement peaking around 10:00–11:00 AM and 5:00–6:00 PM in their local time zones. These windows often coincide with typical work breaks, making users more likely to check their accounts.
If your target audience spans across different time zones, adjust your outreach schedule to align with their local activity patterns. Experimenting with various times and tracking response rates can help you refine your approach. Timing your requests thoughtfully can play a big role in building stronger connections and expanding your network effectively.
What are the best times to send LinkedIn connection requests based on industry trends?
The best times to send LinkedIn connection requests typically fall midweek - Tuesday through Thursday - during key activity hours. These prime windows are usually between 10:00–11:00 AM and 5:00–6:00 PM, based on the recipient's local time.
This timing aligns with common professional routines, as people are more likely to check LinkedIn during morning breaks, lunch hours, or just before finishing their workday. Sending your requests during these periods can greatly improve the likelihood of getting them accepted.
How can LiSeller help me send LinkedIn connection requests more effectively?
LiSeller takes the hassle out of LinkedIn networking by automating repetitive tasks while keeping interactions personal. With this tool, you can send customized connection requests in bulk, schedule automated follow-ups, and interact with potential leads in a way that feels genuine and professional.
By simplifying these tasks, LiSeller helps you save valuable time, maintain a steady outreach rhythm, and grow your network with high-quality connections. It ensures your LinkedIn efforts remain engaging and impactful, paving the way for meaningful professional relationships.