Bottom line:<\/strong> Smart LinkedIn outreach<\/a> is about using the right approach for each connection level\u2014nurture 1st-degree, warm up 2nd-degree, and prospect 3rd-degree, then scale with personalization and multichannel follow-ups.<\/p>\n Getting poor LinkedIn outreach results? You’re probably treating all connections the same way, which kills engagement and wastes opportunities.<\/p>\n In this article, you’ll discover how to strategically engage LinkedIn’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-degree connections with tailored approaches for each level.<\/p>\n Key points of the article:<\/p>\n LinkedIn organizes your network into connection levels based on how closely you’re linked to other users. These levels determine how you can interact with people and expand your reach on the platform.<\/p>\n 1st-degree connections on LinkedIn are people you are directly connected to. This relationship forms when someone accepts your invitation or vice versa. You will see a “1st” badge next to their name in search results and on their profile.<\/p>\n 1st degree connections are the foundation of your network. You can message them freely, engage with their posts, and collaborate more easily.<\/p>\n 2nd-degree connections <\/strong>on LinkedIn are individuals who are connected to your 1st-degree contacts. LinkedIn highlights this relationship with a “2nd” badge next to their name. You\u2019re not connected to them yourself, but you have at least one mutual contact.<\/p>\n It\u2019s impossible to message 2nd-degree connections directly unless you use InMail<\/a>, but you can send them a connection request. And since you already have someone in common, it often feels more natural to reach out.<\/p>\n How to send a connection request on LinkedIn?<\/p>\n Navigate to the profile of the person you’d like to connect with.<\/p>\n <\/a> Click the Connect<\/em> button on their profile and choose whether to add a personalized note.<\/p>\n Finally, click Send<\/em> invitation.<\/p>\n \r\n 7 Ways to Message Someone on LinkedIn Without Premium<\/a>\r\n <\/p>\r\n 16\/03\/2026<\/p> <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n Best Practices For Making LinkedIn Connection Requests (With Examples and Expert Tips)<\/a>\r\n <\/p>\r\n 18\/03\/2026<\/p> <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n LinkedIn connection levels go further with 3rd-degree connections<\/strong>, who are linked to your 2nd-degree contacts. These individuals are three steps removed from you. You might see a “3rd” badge or limited profile information depending on their privacy settings.<\/p>\n While you may not be able to message them or send a request, 3rd-degree connections still hold value. They can help you explore new industries, spot hiring trends, or find future opportunities for outreach.<\/p>\n
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Understanding LinkedIn connection levels<\/h2>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat are 1st-degree connections on LinkedIn?<\/h3>\n
What are 2nd-degree connections on LinkedIn?<\/h3>\n
![\"linkedin](\"https:\/\/snov.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/SCR-20250526-pezt.jpeg\")
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<\/div>\r\n What are 3rd-degree connections on LinkedIn?<\/h3>\n
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