To connect with people I don’t know on LinkedIn?

[Summertol]

I’m moving to the city for a new job shortly and due to the nature of the role, I’ve decided I need to finally get myself on LinkedIn. Unfortunately up until now, I’ve been working in the same specialism for many years across various employers, but I’ve always been based in a remote area and very few of my previous or current colleagues are on LinkedIn, whereas in the city it seems that everyone is on there.

I’m struggling to build up many connections and to be honest it’s rather humiliating. I’m not sure as to the LinkedIn etiquette, but would it be unreasonable of me to request to connect with others in my profession, despite not knowing them personally?

Depends. If you craft a short note explaining why you want to connect and it doesn't involve selling me stuff, I might consider accepting your request even though I don't know you.

If you don't send me a note, and I don't know you, I'm definitely going to ignore you.

Do you just hit "connect" or do you add a note?

I have many LinkedIn contacts that I have never met but they are clearly in the same industry as me and so seeing what they are posting is useful and likewise, they are interested in what I (and my company) are posting.
But generally a short note saying "I have worked in industry X for ten years but am newly moving to Gotham city. It would be great to connect and make some contacts in Gotham - I will be doing X,Y,Z in my new role which may be of future interest to you"

I reject people who look like they are selling stuff - personal finance advisors/wealth management/branding consultants etc