Businesses are realizing the importance of making meaningful connections over LinkedIn. And it’s getting harder to stand out and connect.
That’s where LinkedIn InMail enters, a premium feature that lets you reach people you want to.
From job seekers reaching out to potential employers to sales professionals targeting key stakeholders, LinkedIn InMail has become an important tool for professional outreach.
What is LinkedIn InMail?
LinkedIn InMail is a premium messaging feature that lets users communicate directly with members they are not connected to. Meaning it’s only available to LinkedIn Premium account holders.
Unlike standard LinkedIn messaging, which is limited to first-degree connections, InMail allows users to send direct messages to anyone on the platform, whether they’re part of your network or not.
These are typical InMails I’ve received.
Key Features of LinkedIn InMail
Here’s what makes InMails unique:
- Direct Messaging: Just like I mentioned before, you can message anyone irrespective of whether you’re connected or not using InMails. This opens up opportunities to connect with industry leaders, decision-makers, and potential employers who may otherwise be out of reach.
- Email Notification: InMail messages are delivered both to the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox and their registered email address. This dual notification system increases the likelihood of a prompt response.
- Generous Character Limit: In each InMail message you can write up to 3,000 characters, letting you write a detailed message.
How LinkedIn InMail Works
To access LinkedIn InMail, you must have a LinkedIn Premium subscription
The availability of InMail credits varies depending on the type of premium plan you’ve selected.
- Premium Career: Provides 5 InMail credits per month. Ideal for job seekers targeting specific employers or recruiters.
- Premium Business: Offers 15 InMail credits per month. For professionals looking to expand their networks or explore collaborative opportunities.
- Sales Navigator Core: Includes 50 InMail credits per month. Designed for sales professionals reaching out to potential clients.
- Recruiter Lite: Has 30 InMail credits per month. Perfect for recruiters searching for top talent across industries.
Credit Return Policy: One of the best aspects of InMail is its credit return policy. If a recipient responds to your message within 90 days, the credit used for that InMail is returned to your account. This encourages thoughtful outreach and ensures that you can maximize the value of your available credits.
Best Practices for Sending InMail
To make the most of LinkedIn InMail, it’s essential to craft messages that resonate with recipients. Following these best practices, you can significantly improve engagement and response rates:
- Personalization: A generic message will get ignored in the recipient’s inbox. Tailor your message by referencing the recipient’s LinkedIn post, shared interests, or recent achievements. These show you have put in some effort to send that message.
- Clear Objective: Always clearly state why you are reaching out and what you hope to achieve. No beating around the bush. Whether it’s setting up a meeting, exploring a job opportunity, or proposing a collaboration, being explicit about your goal shows professionalism and just makes the job easier.
- Compelling Subject Line: The subject line is your first impression so make it count. An attention-grabbing opener encourages recipients to open your message. Use relevance or shocking facts to pique their interest.
Advantages of Using LinkedIn InMail
LinkedIn InMail offers distinct advantages over traditional outreach methods, making it a valuable tool for professionals:
- Higher Open Rates: InMails have a 166% higher open rate than emails. This higher rate can be attributed to LinkedIn’s professional context and the dual delivery system.
- Access to Decision-Makers: For job seekers and sales professionals, InMail provides access to key decision-makers. Instead of relying on introductions, users can directly connect with influencers, hiring managers, and executives in their target organizations.
- Enhanced Visibility: Because it’s a premium feature, with InMail, you can easily stand out from the crowd by sending targeted and personalized messages that reflect their expertise and goals.
FAQs
Do I need a Premium LinkedIn account to use InMail?
Yes, InMail is a feature available only to LinkedIn Premium users. Depending on your subscription (Premium Career, Premium Business, Sales Navigator, or Recruiter Lite), you’ll receive a specific number of InMail credits per month.
Can I send InMail to people I’m not connected with?
Yes, InMail allows you to send messages to any LinkedIn user, even if you’re not connected. This feature bypasses the typical first-degree connection requirement for standard LinkedIn messaging.
What happens if someone does not respond to my InMail message?
If a recipient does not respond to your InMail within 90 days, you will not receive the InMail credit back. This credit return feature helps make your InMail usage more efficient.
How many characters can I include in an InMail message?
InMail messages can contain up to 3,000 characters.
What is the difference between LinkedIn InMail and regular LinkedIn messages?
InMail differs from standard LinkedIn messages in that it allows you to contact people outside your immediate network, including second- and third-degree connections, or even users who aren’t connected to you at all. Standard messages are only available to first-degree connections.
