LinkedIn offers many ways to connect with professionals, but one standout feature is InMail. This tool lets users reach out to people they’re not connected with yet.
It’s a great way to expand your network and find new opportunities.
InMail is a premium messaging system that allows LinkedIn users to directly contact other members they’re not connected to. It’s different from regular LinkedIn messages, which can only be sent to your existing connections.
With InMail, you can reach out to anyone on the platform, opening up a world of networking possibilities.
Using InMail can be a game-changer for job seekers, recruiters, and business professionals. It provides a way to start conversations with potential clients, employers, or partners.
This feature can help you stand out in a crowded professional landscape and make meaningful connections that might not have been possible otherwise.
Key Takeaways
- InMail allows direct messaging to LinkedIn users outside your network
- It’s a premium feature that can boost networking and career opportunities
- Effective use of InMail can help you stand out professionally
Understanding InMail on LinkedIn
InMail is a unique messaging tool on LinkedIn. It lets users connect with people they’re not directly linked to on the platform. This feature opens up new ways to network and communicate.
Definition and Purpose of InMail
InMail on LinkedIn is a private messaging system. It allows users to send messages to others they’re not connected with yet. This includes 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-degree connections.
The main goal of InMail is to make networking easier. It helps users reach out to potential clients, partners, or employers. People can use InMail to:
- Ask for advice
- Discuss job opportunities
- Share ideas with industry experts
InMail is especially useful for job seekers and recruiters. It lets them contact people directly, even without a prior connection.
Differences Between InMail and Traditional Email
InMail is different from regular email in several ways. Here’s a quick comparison:
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Reach: InMail can only be sent to LinkedIn users. Email can go to anyone with an email address.
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Cost: LinkedIn InMail often requires a premium account. Email is usually free.
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Response rates: InMail tends to get higher response rates than cold emails. LinkedIn says InMail response rates are 10-25%, while cold emails get 1-10%.
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Character limit: InMail has a limit on message length. Most emails don’t have this restriction.
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Tracking: LinkedIn provides data on InMail open rates and responses. This isn’t typically available with traditional email.
The Value of LinkedIn InMail
LinkedIn InMail offers unique advantages for professionals looking to expand their network and generate leads. This premium feature allows users to reach out directly to people outside their immediate connections.
Benefits for Professional Networking
InMail helps users connect with industry leaders and potential mentors. It bypasses gatekeepers, letting professionals contact decision-makers directly. This can lead to new job opportunities and partnerships.
InMail messages have a higher response rate than cold emails. They feel more personal and trustworthy.
Users can tailor their messages to each recipient, increasing the chances of a positive reply.
The feature also allows for private conversations. This is great for sensitive topics like job inquiries or business proposals. InMail helps users stand out in a crowded professional landscape.
InMail for Lead Generation and Sales
Sales teams find InMail valuable for reaching potential clients. It’s a powerful tool for B2B marketing and lead generation.
InMail lets sales reps contact decision-makers directly, even if they’re not connected.
LinkedIn’s Sales Navigator enhances InMail’s effectiveness for sales. It provides advanced search filters to find the right prospects. Sales reps can use InMail to send personalized pitches and follow-ups.
InMail’s tracking features help measure message performance. Users can see who’s viewed their profile after receiving an InMail. This insight helps refine outreach strategies and improve conversion rates.
Accessing InMail
InMail is a special messaging feature on LinkedIn. It lets users contact people they’re not connected to yet. There are a few ways to get InMail credits and use this tool.
LinkedIn Premium and InMail Credits
LinkedIn Premium accounts come with InMail credits. These credits let users send messages to anyone on LinkedIn. The number of credits depends on the type of Premium plan.
Basic Premium accounts usually get 5-15 InMail credits per month. Higher-tier plans may offer more. Unused credits often roll over to the next month.
Premium subscribers can buy extra InMail credits if they run out. This is helpful for people who send lots of messages.
Sales Navigator and Recruiters
Sales Navigator and Recruiter are special LinkedIn tools. They come with more InMail credits than regular Premium accounts.
Sales Navigator users typically get 20-50 InMail credits per month. This helps them reach out to potential clients and leads.
Recruiters on LinkedIn often get 100 or more InMail credits. They use these to contact job candidates.
Both tools offer advanced search features. This makes it easier to find the right people to message.
Crafting Effective InMail Messages
Writing good InMail messages on LinkedIn can help you connect with people and grow your network. These tips will help you create messages that get results.
Best Practices for Writing InMail
Keep your InMail short and clear. Aim for 2-3 paragraphs at most. Get to the point quickly.
Start with why you’re reaching out. Explain how you found the person and why you want to connect.
End with a simple call to action. Ask for a quick chat or meeting if that’s your goal.
Proofread carefully before sending. Typos look unprofessional.
Constructing a Compelling Subject Line
The subject line is key. It’s the first thing people see.
Make it personal. Use the person’s name if you can.
Keep it short – around 3-5 words is good. Longer lines may get cut off.
Create curiosity. Hint at the value you’re offering without giving it all away.
Avoid spam-like words such as “free” or “opportunity”. These can trigger filters.
Personalization Techniques
Personalized messages get better results. Show you’ve done your homework.
Mention a shared connection, interest, or experience if you have one.
Reference something from their profile or recent activity. This shows genuine interest.
Tailor your message to their role and industry. What matters to them?
Use a friendly, conversational tone. Write like you’re talking to a colleague, not a stranger.
InMail Strategy and Engagement
LinkedIn InMail can be a powerful tool for building connections and driving engagement. The key is to craft personalized messages and follow best practices for timing and follow-ups.
Approaching 1st and 3rd-Degree Connections
When reaching out to 1st-degree connections, start with a friendly reminder of your existing relationship. For 3rd-degree connections, focus on shared interests or mutual connections.
Keep messages short and to the point. Highlight the value you can offer them. Personalize each message based on the recipient’s profile or recent activity.
Use a clear subject line that grabs attention. Open with a warm greeting and explain why you’re reaching out. End with a specific call-to-action, like scheduling a quick chat.
Response Rates and Follow-Ups
InMail response rates vary, but personalized messages tend to perform better. Aim to send InMails during business hours when people are more likely to check LinkedIn.
If you don’t get a response, wait at least a week before following up. Your follow-up should be brief and add new value. Don’t send more than 2-3 follow-ups.
Track your response rates to see what works best. Test different subject lines, message lengths, and calls-to-action. Use LinkedIn’s built-in analytics to measure your InMail performance over time.
Maximizing InMail Effectiveness
InMail can be a powerful tool for reaching out to new contacts and building relationships on LinkedIn. The right approach can lead to higher response rates and better networking outcomes.
Utilizing InMail for Cold Outreach
InMail allows users to directly message people they’re not connected with. This makes it great for cold outreach. To get better results, keep messages short and sweet. Shorter InMails get above-average response rates.
When reaching out, it’s important to:
- Personalize each message
- Mention shared interests or connections
- Be clear about the reason for contact
- Keep the tone friendly and professional
InMail can be more effective than cold emails. It has a higher average response rate of 10-25%, compared to 1-10% for typical cold emails.
Developing Meaningful Conversations
Once a connection is made, the goal is to build a real relationship. This means moving beyond the initial outreach to create meaningful conversations.
Start by:
- Asking thoughtful questions
- Sharing relevant insights or resources
- Following up regularly, but not too often
It’s crucial to focus on how you can help the other person. This builds trust and makes future interactions more likely.
For decision-makers, show you’ve done your homework. Mention specific aspects of their work or company that relate to your message. This personal touch can make a big difference in getting a positive response.
Additional InMail Features
Open Profile Premium and Sponsored InMails
Open Profile Premium lets users get InMails from anyone, even if they’re not connected. This opens up more networking chances. It’s great for job hunters and recruiters.
Sponsored InMails are ads that look like regular InMails. They go to a specific group of LinkedIn users. Companies use them to promote jobs, events, or products. These messages often get high open rates.
Both tools help you reach more people on LinkedIn. They’re useful for growing your network and spreading your message.
LinkedIn Ads Platform Integration
The LinkedIn Ads platform works with InMail to create powerful marketing campaigns. You can target ads based on job titles, industries, or skills.
InMail ads show up in users’ LinkedIn message boxes. They look like normal messages, which makes people more likely to read them. You can add images, videos, or call-to-action buttons to these ads.
The platform gives you detailed reports on how your ads do. You can see open rates, click rates, and more. This helps you make your ads better over time.
InMail Limitations and Considerations
LinkedIn InMail has some restrictions that users should keep in mind. These limits affect how many messages you can send and how long they can be. There are also some rules about using tools to send lots of InMails at once.
InMail Character Limit
InMail messages have a maximum length of 1,900 characters. This is about 200-300 words. It’s enough for a short note, but not for a long letter. Users need to be clear and to the point.
The limit helps keep messages short. This is good for busy professionals who don’t have time to read long messages. But it can be tricky if you have a lot to say.
Some tips for working with the limit:
- Use bullet points for key ideas
- Stick to one main topic
- Put the most important info first
Prospecting Tool Limitations
LinkedIn has rules about using tools to send InMails in bulk. These tools can help salespeople and recruiters reach many people. But using them wrong can get your account in trouble.
LinkedIn doesn’t allow automated sending of InMails. Each message should be personal. This makes it harder to use InMail for mass outreach.
There are also monthly limits on InMails. The number depends on your account type:
- Free accounts: No InMails
- Premium Career: 5 per month
- Business: 15 per month
- Sales Navigator: 50 per month
These limits can slow down big outreach efforts. Some users buy extra InMail credits, but this costs more money.