LinkedIn is the right channel when the conversation was more formal, when the person did not give you a phone number or when you want to keep in touch for longer. It has one more step than WhatsApp: the invitation, which comes before the message.
See how to write both, when to send them and five ready-made templates. For your own message, with the context of your conversation, use the generator.
In short
If you are not connected yet, the invitation goes with a short note. It has a character limit and only serves to remind the person of you: where you met and what you talked about. The message with the request comes after they accept.
If you are already connected, send the message directly. Before writing, look at the profile: a new role, a recent post or an open position at the company are good hooks for the first line.
The generator writes LinkedIn messages of up to 90 words. There is room for a little more context than on WhatsApp, but many people read on their phones. Three short paragraphs are enough: the conversation, the idea and the request.
Send the invitation on the day of the meeting, while the conversation is fresh. The message with the request can go right after they accept or the next day.
Since not everyone opens LinkedIn every day, replies can take longer than on WhatsApp. Wait a week before the second message.
Fictional people and companies, to show the structure. Swap the names and the conversation detail for your own, or ask the generator for a message based on your conversation.
On the same day, to someone who is not yet a connection.
Hi Patricia, we spoke today at the business round about training the customer service team at your optical stores. I would like to keep in touch here. Tom, Active Listening Training.
Right after the person accepts your invitation.
Patricia, thanks for accepting. I kept thinking about what you said: new stores open with newly hired staff, and service quality drops in the first months.
We have a two-morning onboarding format designed for that start. Would it make sense to talk for 20 minutes next week? Does Tuesday or Thursday afternoon work?
When the person changed roles or the company shared news.
Leo, I saw you took over as operations director at East Fiber. Congratulations! At last month's round we talked about maintaining splice boxes in rural areas.
Is that still with you in the new role? If so, I have a site visit proposal to show you.
When the person you spoke with is not the one who approves the purchase.
Monica, I enjoyed our conversation at the round about replacing the time tracking system. You mentioned the decision goes through finance.
Who would be the best person there to present the idea to? If you can introduce us here, I will prepare a one-page summary to make it easier.
A week later, when the first message got no reply.
Patricia, I thought of you when I finished a short guide for the first days of new store staff. I can send it here, no strings attached.
If it helps, we can talk later about adapting it for your stores.
Tell us who you spoke with and what the next step is. The generator writes the message for WhatsApp, LinkedIn or email, suggests when to send it and drafts the second message too. Free, no sign-up.
Yes, when the conversation was more formal, when the person did not give you a phone number or when the topic needs a bit more context. If someone has already messaged and replied to you on WhatsApp, stay on WhatsApp: the best channel is the one the person already uses.
One or two sentences: where you met, what you talked about and your name with your company's. The note has a character limit and is not the place for a proposal. The request comes in the next message, after they accept.
Up to about 90 words, in three short paragraphs: a reminder of the conversation, the idea and the request. That is the limit the generator uses for LinkedIn.
Do not insist on LinkedIn. If you exchanged other contact details, use them. A pending invitation does not mean lack of interest: many people only review invitations every now and then.
In an online business round you have several short meetings in one afternoon, with companies looking for what you offer. Your company's first round is on us, with just your CNPJ (Brazilian company tax ID).