How to stop getting ghosted on LinkedIn

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Hitting send on those DMs, then...radio silence?

Chances are, you're blending right in with the crowd.

Generic pitches and blasting out messages just won't cut it anymore.

But what if you could warm up prospects before you even reach out?

Imagine them already feeling a sense of familiarity when your message lands.

And what if connecting felt less like a sales pitch…

…and more like networking with a valuable peer?

Here’s how you can achieve it:

1) Pre-outreach content game

Think of this as pre-selling without the actual sales pitch.

By publishing thoughtful insights and engaging with your target audience…

…you're subtly priming them to see you as valuable well before you send that first message.

Don't just post generic posts.

• Share your own opinions

• Case studies showcasing your expertise

• Pose questions that spark discussions within your industry.

Here’s one more tip:

Tag people.

And tagging people shouldn't be random.

Tag them in posts directly relevant to their work or where you genuinely want their insight.

This builds a more authentic connection point.

Why it works:

Even if prospects haven't consciously registered your name, seeing your content builds subliminal recognition.

When you reach out, there's already a sliver of familiarity, making them less likely to dismiss you as a stranger.

Familiarity breeds trust.

Quality content acts as proof of the value you could bring to a conversation, further reducing initial resistance to a connection.

Instead of approaching as someone asking for a favor, you'll be seen as a peer with something to offer, shifting the dynamic from the outset.

2) Shared group/creator leverage

This is pretty simple…

Identify groups/creators that truly align with your target audience's interests, not just those with the most members.

Relevance trumps sheer volume.

Now… your participation in the comment section must prioritize adding genuine value.

• Share expert insights

• Share a personal story

• Share helpful resources

• Share thought-provoking questions.

Don't think of this as pitching yourself, but subtly letting your expertise do the talking.

Become a recognizable name associated with quality contributions within the niche.

Why it works:

By demonstrating you're a knowledgeable resource in the group, you earn credibility even before directly approaching people.

This makes them more receptive to a connection.

And people are more likely to trust others who are active and respected within their shared communities.

If prospects repeatedly see you offering value, it builds implicit social proof.

Your shared group activity creates a perfect excuse for a follow-up message that feels organic, not forced.

It moves beyond cold outreach and into the realm of building genuine connections.

3) Personalized video

You can’t just ignore the human touch.

Seeing your face and hearing your voice fosters a stronger sense of connection than text alone.

Prospects get a glimpse of who you are, not just what you're selling.

Video taps into sight, sound, and the perception of motion…

This makes it much more attention-grabbing than just a text-based message.

And remember:

Leverage specificity as proof.

Hear me out…

Referencing their name, company, and something they're working on isn't just about flattery.

It signals that you've taken the time to learn about them.

This makes the outreach feel relevant and intentional.

Why it works:

Most LinkedIn messages are text walls.

A video instantly disrupts the pattern…

And it increases the chance that your message actually gets watched.

There’s one more point…

People recognize that personalized video takes more time than copy-and-paste messages.

This signals a greater level of interest and investment, making them more likely to reciprocate.

And you can’t ignore the memorability.

While your written pitch might blend in…

…A video with your personality shining through leaves a lasting impression.

They're far more likely to remember you when considering connections or opportunities.

Final thoughts

Forget those ignored DMs! These strategies aren't shortcuts – they're about building genuine connections.

Position yourself as a valuable peer, not just another salesperson.

Think of it as investing in your LinkedIn reputation.

Soon, the awkward cold outreach will be a thing of the past...instead, you'll be sparking warm conversations that lead to real opportunities.

Talk soon,

Nick

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