Mastering LinkedIn: What Is InMail and How to Use It Effectively

LinkedIn InMail lets you send messages to any LinkedIn user without being connected. It’s ideal for reaching professionals outside your network. This article covers what LinkedIn InMail is, its benefits, and how to use it well, including the question: LinkedIn what is InMail?

Key Takeaways

• LinkedIn InMail allows users to send direct messages to members outside their network, featuring higher engagement rates compared to traditional emails.
• There are three types of InMails: Paid, Free, and Sponsored, each serving different outreach purposes and requiring different premium accounts.
• Effective InMail messaging involves personalized content, engaging subject lines, and strategic timing, with the potential for significantly improved response rates.

Understanding LinkedIn InMail

LinkedIn InMail is a powerful feature that allows users to send direct messages to other LinkedIn members outside their network without requiring a connection request. This premium feature is designed to help users connect with individuals who are otherwise difficult to reach, such as high-level executives or potential clients.

Recipients receive inmail messages through both email notifications and their LinkedIn inbox, ensuring that the inmail message gets noticed. Essentially, InMail is LinkedIn’s professional alternative to traditional email, tailored for business and networking purposes.

Types of LinkedIn InMails

LinkedIn offers several types of InMails to cater to different needs and audiences. Paid InMails require inmail message credits and can be sent to users who haven’t opted out of receiving them. They stand out in the recipient’s inbox due to their distinct appearance. These credits can be purchased in packages and accumulate for up to three months.

Free InMails, on the other hand, look like regular LinkedIn messages and are limited to connections or LinkedIn users who have opted in to receive them.

Sponsored InMails are another unique type, tailored for marketing purposes. These are delivered only when the recipient is active on LinkedIn and can include calls to action but do not allow for text replies. Understanding the differences between these types of InMails—Paid, Free, and Sponsored—is crucial for choosing the right method for your outreach needs.

Benefits of Using LinkedIn InMail

One of the significant advantages of LinkedIn InMail is its high open rates. InMails are reported to have open rates three times higher than traditional emails, making them an effective tool for professional outreach. This effectiveness is further demonstrated by the average open rate of 57.5%, which indicates a strong likelihood of your message being seen.

InMail is particularly valuable for reaching potential buyers or industry leaders who might not accept connection requests. It helps you expand your professional circle and build valuable industry relationships.

How to Send an InMail on LinkedIn

Sending an InMail on LinkedIn is straightforward. Start by searching for the user you want to contact and visiting their profile. InMail messages can include a subject line of up to 200 characters and a body of up to 2000 characters, giving you ample space to convey your message.

Next, we will explore the specific methods for sending InMails using different LinkedIn premium tools.

Using LinkedIn Premium

Sending InMails requires upgrading to a Premium account. LinkedIn Premium users can send free InMails to profiles with the Open Profile setting enabled, allowing for broader outreach. This feature is particularly useful for networking and professional communications.

InMail subject lines can be up to 200 characters, and the message body can be up to 1900 characters. While this provides ample space for detail, it’s important to be concise and engaging.

Using Sales Navigator

Sales Navigator enhances LinkedIn InMail by incorporating robust research capabilities. It allows targeting specific audiences using LinkedIn’s data-driven segmentation tools, making your outreach more effective. InMail credits in LinkedIn Sales Navigator can be refunded within 90 days if messages are accepted or declined, helping you manage your credits efficiently.

Using Sales Navigator effectively can lead to response rates three times higher than traditional emails, proving valuable for sales professionals.

Using LinkedIn Recruiter

LinkedIn Recruiter is a robust platform for sending InMails, allowing easy management of InMail credits and ensuring messages are relevant through a segmented strategy. Recruiters can expect a strong response rate between 10% to 25% for their InMail campaigns.

Candidates who follow your company are significantly more likely to respond to your InMails, making it a strategic tool for talent acquisition.

Best Practices for Writing Effective InMail Messages

Effective InMail messages are key to maximizing engagement and response rates. Best practices include crafting engaging subject lines, personalizing your message, and timing your InMails correctly.

Crafting Engaging Subject Lines

A compelling subject line creates intrigue and captures the recipient’s attention, making your InMail more likely to be opened. Engaging subject lines can significantly improve response rates by making the recipient curious to learn more.

This initial hook is the first step towards a successful communication.

Personalizing Your Message

Effective InMail messages are personalized. Generic messages often get ignored, but customizing based on the recipient’s profile and interests increases the likelihood of a positive response. Highlighting mutual connections can also enhance engagement, as it establishes common ground and credibility.

For recruiters, personalizing templates based on specific triggers that indicate a candidate’s openness to new opportunities is crucial. Networking InMails should focus on shared interests or mutual connections to foster genuine relationships rather than coming off as a sales pitch.

Timing Your InMails

Sending InMails on weekdays, particularly from Sunday to Thursday, tends to result in higher engagement rates. Messages sent on Fridays and Saturdays often receive lower response rates.

Following up on your initial InMail is crucial, as failing to do so can result in lost engagement opportunities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using InMail

While LinkedIn InMail can be a powerful tool, common mistakes can significantly reduce its effectiveness. This section will highlight these pitfalls and how to avoid them, ensuring your InMail messages are impactful and engaging.

Overly Generic Messages

Sending overly generic messages is a common mistake. These often fail to address the recipient’s specific needs, leading to poor engagement. Tailoring your messages can make a significant difference.

Generic subject lines and lengthy messages can also diminish the likelihood of your InMail being opened and read.

Sending Too Many InMails

Sending too many InMails is another mistake. Excessive messaging can lead to your messages being marked as spam, negatively affecting your outreach efforts. Moderation is key to maintaining a good reputation and achieving better engagement rates.

Ignoring Follow-Up Opportunities

Failing to follow up on your initial InMail is a missed opportunity for engagement. While you cannot send another InMail if your initial message is declined, it’s crucial to follow up after a positive or neutral response to maintain engagement and clarify interest. Understanding these limitations can help you tailor your outreach strategies effectively.

LinkedIn InMail Templates for Different Scenarios

LinkedIn InMail templates provide a starting point for composing effective messages. Customizing them to fit your specific needs and outreach context is essential.

Here are some templates for different scenarios.

Sales Outreach Template

In sales outreach, start with a friendly greeting and ask a question to engage the recipient. Use the RABT Formula to achieve a response rate between 20-30%, and close with a professional sign-off like ‘Best.’

If the prospect doesn’t reply, consider using follow up messages as a Message Ads follow-up option.

Recruitment Template

Personalize recruitment messages to align with the candidate’s interests and experiences. Avoid copy-pasting templates from the web to maintain authenticity and effectiveness.

Using effective recruitment templates can significantly improve engagement with top talent on LinkedIn.

Networking Template

The ‘I’m a big fan’ template expresses admiration and initiates a connection. Customize it to reflect personal insights or reasons for admiration to foster professional relationships positively.

Comparing LinkedIn InMail to Other Communication Methods

LinkedIn InMail is just one of the many communication methods available on LinkedIn. Understanding how it compares to other methods can help you choose the best approach for your specific needs.

InMail vs. Connection Requests

InMails enable direct contact with 2nd and 3rd-degree connections, boasting higher open rates than connection requests. However, overusing InMails can lead to your account being flagged for spamming.

If someone does not reply to your InMail, consider switching to another channel, like cold email.

InMail vs. Traditional Email

InMail boasts a response rate three times higher than traditional email, making it a more effective tool for professional outreach. InMail allows you to reach potential contacts who are not in your immediate network, enhancing networking opportunities and potential collaborations. With its higher engagement rates, InMail can be a better option for reaching out to professionals compared to traditional email.

InMail vs. LinkedIn Messages

InMails differ from standard LinkedIn messages as they can be sent to users not directly connected to the sender. Standard LinkedIn messages are restricted to 1st-degree connections, while InMails require a premium account and involve costs.

Additionally, users can opt out of receiving InMails, unlike standard messages from their 1st-degree connections.

Summary

In conclusion, LinkedIn InMail is a powerful tool for professional networking and outreach. It allows users to directly message other LinkedIn members outside their network, offering high open and response rates. By understanding the types of InMails, the benefits, and the best practices for crafting effective messages, users can maximize their outreach efforts. Avoiding common mistakes, such as sending overly generic messages or neglecting follow-up opportunities, can further enhance the effectiveness of InMails.

Whether you are using LinkedIn Premium, Sales Navigator, or LinkedIn Recruiter, leveraging InMail can open doors to new professional relationships and opportunities. By utilizing the provided templates and comparing InMail to other communication methods, you can choose the best approach for your specific needs. Mastering LinkedIn InMail is a valuable skill that can significantly impact your professional growth and success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LinkedIn InMail?

LinkedIn InMail is a premium feature enabling users to send direct messages to members outside their network, facilitating communication without requiring a connection request. This tool enhances networking opportunities and outreach on the platform.

What are the benefits of using LinkedIn InMail?

Using LinkedIn InMail allows you to achieve high open rates and reach individuals beyond your immediate network, making it an effective tool for professional communication.

How can I send an InMail on LinkedIn?

To send an InMail on LinkedIn, find the user’s profile, and compose your message including a subject line of up to 200 characters and a body of up to 2000 characters. This straightforward approach allows you to connect effectively with other professionals.

What are some best practices for writing effective InMail messages?

To write effective InMail messages, focus on crafting engaging subject lines and personalizing your content based on the recipient's profile. Additionally, timing your messages for optimal engagement can significantly enhance their effectiveness.

How does LinkedIn InMail compare to traditional email?

LinkedIn InMail is significantly more effective than traditional email, boasting three times higher response rates. This makes it a superior choice for professional outreach.