Definition. The share of LinkedIn connection requests that are accepted. Across 163,868 requests in algoacquisition's 2026 campaign data the average was 19.8%; campaigns with a single, tightly defined segment ran at 30–39%.
What a good number looks like
Around 20% is normal for well-run B2B outreach. Over 30% almost always means the targeting is narrow: one sector, one seniority band, one trigger. Under 15% usually means the list is too broad rather than the note being wrong. In algoacquisition's data a campaign targeting plant and engineering leaders in automotive manufacturing accepted at 38.8%, while a broad "all decision-makers" version of a similar offer accepted at 13.4%.
Why it is only the first gate
An accepted connection is permission to send a message, nothing more. The metrics that matter sit downstream: interested replies per contact, and booked meetings per interested reply. An agency reporting acceptance rate as a headline result is reporting the top of the funnel.
How to move it
Tighten the segment before touching the note. Keep daily request volume inside LinkedIn's limits per profile, which is what virtual SDR seats exist to scale. The benchmarks post has the full distribution.
Related terms
- Interested lead — A reply from a person at a company matching the agreed ICP that expresses intent to learn more, see pricing, receive information or book a call. Connection accepts, opens and polite declines do not count.
- Message-market fit — The point at which an outbound message reliably gets the right stranger to reply with interest. It is found by testing ICP, sourcing, front-end offer, angle and channel in order, and it is the asset a client keeps after any outbound engagement ends.
- Virtual SDR seat — An ID-verified LinkedIn profile, with Sales Navigator, that an agency provides, brands and operates on a client's behalf for outbound, so that sending volume and account risk sit with the agency rather than on the client's own profile.
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