1st, 2nd & 3rd Degree Connections
What is 1st, 2nd & 3rd Degree Connections?
LinkedIn classifies every user's relationship to you by network distance. 1st-degree connections are people you are directly connected with -- you can message them freely. 2nd-degree connections are connected to your 1st-degree connections but not to you directly. 3rd-degree connections are two steps removed, connected to your 2nd-degree connections.
Network distance affects what you can see and do on LinkedIn. You can view full profiles and send direct messages to 1st-degree connections. For 2nd-degree connections, you can send connection requests and InMail. For 3rd-degree connections, visibility is limited and outreach requires InMail or a connection request with a note.
Why It Matters
Network degrees determine how easily you can reach a prospect and how warm the initial interaction feels. 2nd-degree connections are the sweet spot for outreach -- close enough to mention mutual connections but not yet in your network. Understanding network distance helps you prioritize prospects, craft appropriate messages, and decide whether to send a connection request or InMail.
How LinkAngler Helps
LinkAngler's AI Lead Discovery surfaces prospects across all network degrees and includes distance information in lead profiles. When building outreach campaigns, you can filter and prioritize leads by network proximity, focusing on 2nd-degree connections where acceptance rates tend to be highest. Connection Management tracks your growing network so you can see how new connections expand your reach into target accounts.
Related Features & Use Cases
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See how LinkAngler can help with 1st, 2nd & 3rd degree connections.