LinkedIn InMail is a messaging feature that allows you to reach out to individuals outside your network. It’s a premium service that enables direct communication with people outside your first-degree connections.
InMail is particularly useful for professional outreach, recruitment, sales, and networking, as it provides a more formal channel for initiating conversations with potential prospects or candidates.
In this support article, we’ll explore LinkedIn InMail, when to use it, and how it differs from regular LinkedIn messages. By the end, you’ll understand how to leverage InMails to make your outreach more effective.
Understanding LinkedIn InMail
LinkedIn InMail is a paid feature available to users with a LinkedIn Premium account, such as Sales Navigator or Recruiter. Unlike regular LinkedIn messages, which can only be sent to your 1st-degree connections (people you are already connected with), InMail lets you contact anyone on LinkedIn, regardless of whether you are connected.
Key Features of LinkedIn InMail:
Access Beyond 1st-Degree Connections: With InMail, you can send messages to 2nd and 3rd-degree connections or even people outside your network.
Higher Open Rates: Because InMail is a premium feature that can include personalized messages, it tends to have higher open and response rates than regular emails.
Customizable Messaging: InMail messages allow you to craft personalized introductions that can be tailored to the recipient’s profile, making them a valuable tool for reaching out to new prospects or potential employees.
InMails are typically used for professional purposes like sales prospecting, business development, networking, or recruitment. However, since it’s a premium feature, each InMail sent is usually deducted from your allocated monthly quota, making it crucial to use them strategically.
The Difference Between LinkedIn InMail and Normal LinkedIn Messages
While both InMail and regular LinkedIn messages enable communication with other users, there are significant differences in how these features work, who they can be sent to, and their overall impact.
1. Who You Can Message:
Regular LinkedIn Messages: These can only be sent to your 1st-degree connections or members of a shared LinkedIn Group.
LinkedIn InMail: This mail can be sent to anyone on LinkedIn, even if they are not in your network. This makes it ideal for reaching new prospects, potential clients, or candidates.
2. Access Requirements:
Regular LinkedIn Messages are available to all LinkedIn users, regardless of their account type (free or premium).
LinkedIn InMail: Only available to users with a Premium LinkedIn account, such as Sales Navigator, Recruiter, or other premium subscriptions.
3. Limits and Quotas:
Regular LinkedIn Messages: There is no specific limit on sending messages to your connections, making it free to communicate with your existing network.
LinkedIn InMail: InMails has a monthly limit based on your LinkedIn Premium plan. Once you exhaust your quota, you cannot send additional InMails unless you purchase more credits or wait for your quota to refresh in the next billing cycle.
4. Message Delivery and Visibility:
Regular LinkedIn Messages: These appear in the recipient’s regular LinkedIn inbox and are typically marked with a “Message” tag.
LinkedIn InMail: This type of message appears as a separate message type in the recipient’s inbox, marked as “InMail.” This distinction makes InMails stand out and often leads to higher visibility.
5. Use Cases:
Regular LinkedIn Messages: Best for ongoing communication with your current connections or casual networking within shared groups.
LinkedIn InMail: Ideal for reaching out to new contacts, introducing your services, or initiating recruitment efforts for positions within your organization.
When to Use LinkedIn InMail vs. Regular Messages
Understanding when to use InMail versus regular LinkedIn messages is essential for effective communication:
Use LinkedIn InMail When:
You want to reach out to someone, not a 1st-degree connection or part of a shared group.
You’re targeting prospects, candidates, or potential business partners with whom you do not have a direct connection.
You want to create a professional first impression with a tailored message that’s likely to get noticed.
Use Regular LinkedIn Messages When:
You’re communicating with existing connections or members of a shared group.
You want to follow up on a previous conversation or stay in touch with someone already in your network.
You’re sending casual, non-business-related messages that don’t require a formal approach.
Tips for Crafting Effective LinkedIn InMails
Since InMail credits are limited and should be used strategically, follow these best practices to increase your response rates:
Personalize Your Message: Address the recipient by name, reference their profile, and mention why you’re reaching out. Tailored messages show that you’ve done your homework and increase the likelihood of a positive response. You can use the Outreachly Video feature to personalize InMails at scale.
Keep It Concise: Get to the point quickly. InMails that are brief, clear, and respectful of the recipient’s time are more likely to be read and responded to.
Include a Clear Call to Action (CTA): Be specific about what you want the recipient to do next, whether scheduling a call, responding with their availability, or considering a proposal.
Be Polite and Professional: Use a respectful tone and avoid overly aggressive language. Remember that your goal is to build a relationship, not to sell hard.
🚀 Success! Understanding when and how to use LinkedIn InMail versus regular messages is vital to making the most out of your LinkedIn outreach efforts.