What is InMail on Linkedin? 2023 InMail Guide

You can cut through the noise on LinkedIn, and the answer is simpler than it seems. 

Just use InMail. This piece is dedicated to those who haven’t really considered implementing InMail into their LinkedIn prospecting strategy, for whatever reason, or for those who are curious about how they can make it work for them.

InMail is a feature that’s more than just another messaging tool. It’s like having a VIP pass to connect directly with key decision-makers, and it’s not reserved for just recruiters.

This isn’t your regular LinkedIn messages; it’s an elevated form of communication tailored for professional networking. But what exactly is InMail? How does it differ from typical LinkedIn messages?

In this exploration, we’ll dive deep into the details of LinkedIn InMail – its capabilities, advantages, and how to begin using it successfully. We’ll also share some best practices for leveraging its power and even look at real-world examples of successful users.

Get ready because this journey will give you insights that could potentially change the way you network professionally!

Understanding LinkedIn InMail

Imagine you’re at a networking event and spot an influential professional across the room. You want to introduce yourself, but they are surrounded by people. LinkedIn’s InMail feature, essentially, lets you skip the crowd and directly approach this person with a personalized message.

InMail is more than just sending messages; it’s about starting meaningful conversations. Unlike regular messaging on LinkedIn where both parties need to be connected, InMail allows you to reach out to any of the 990 million users on the platform irrespective of your connection status.

Why InMail Actually Works

In essence, think of InMails as private emails sent within the LinkedIn environment that land straight into a user’s inbox without being obstructed by spam filters or connection barriers. They give every user access not only to their direct connections but also second- and third-degree ones.

A common misconception might be thinking “Isn’t this just like email?” But here lies its uniqueness – while traditional emailing may get lost in heaps of promotional content or end up flagged as spam due to unsolicited outreach attempts; With InMails, these pitfalls can largely be avoided because each message needs credit(s), which ensures quality over quantity.

Taking Advantage Of The Opportunity

Besides expanding your network horizons exponentially, one key advantage with using InMails is that recipients tend see them as more legitimate compared with standard cold emails – thanks primarily because senders have invested something (credits) into reaching out specifically to them.

This fact alone increases chances for positive responses and opens up opportunities for meaningful conversations, making it a go-to tool, especially for sales professionals or job seekers looking to connect with potential leads or employers. Statistics show that InMail response rates are a whopping 3x higher than regular email. That alone should show just how effective it could be as a prospecting tool if done correctly.

The Value Proposition of LinkedIn InMail

LinkedIn InMail offers a powerful tool for professional networking and communication. InMail enables you to connect with any LinkedIn user, even those who aren’t in your existing network.

InMail stands apart from regular messages, which are limited by the boundaries of your existing connections. This unique feature opens up new possibilities in reaching potential clients or collaborators who may not be within your immediate circle.

One key benefit is its aforementioned high response rate. According to data provided by LinkedIn, InMail has a 300% higher response rate than traditional emails because they’re sent via a trusted platform with verified identities.

A second value proposition lies in its sponsored messaging capability. Sponsored InMails allow businesses to deliver personalized ads directly into the recipient’s inbox. Unlike standard advertising methods that can easily get lost among others, these sponsored messages stand out, improving visibility and engagement rates.

This isn’t just beneficial for businesses; it also benefits users on the receiving end as well. Recipients only receive sponsored messages when they’re active on LinkedIn – ensuring no unwanted interruptions during their off hours.

Making Use of Advanced Analytics Tools

An additional strength offered by this service is access to detailed analytics about each message sent through InMail. Users can track delivery status, read receipts, replies and other useful metrics using LinkedIn’s built-in analytics tools – valuable insights that help fine-tune future outreach strategies.

Getting Started with LinkedIn InMail

To kick off your journey with LinkedIn InMail, the first step is to have a LinkedIn Premium account. Only then will you get access to this feature. It’s an investment that pays off in rich professional connections.

Once you’ve got premium status, hover over the profile picture of any user not connected to you. You’ll see an ‘Inmail’ button – click on it. But remember, use these messages wisely; they’re limited each month. Your plan will determine how many you receive on a monthly basis.

Framing Your First InMail Message

Your opening message matters more than anything else because it’s all about making a good first impression. Be clear and concise – aim for less than 200 words but make sure those words count.

The subject line should be compelling enough to prompt the recipient into action without being overly promotional or salesy. It never hurts to sound human, especially in the age of AI. Remember: “Help needed” can sound way better than “Assistance required”.

InMails are about fostering genuine relationships so steer clear from sending out mass generic emails which lack personal touchpoints. Research before writing goes a long way in helping build trust with your potential connection.

You might need help while drafting that perfect message but avoid spamming people with multiple follow-ups if there isn’t any response initially. Templates available online can give you ideas on striking that balance between persistence and patience.

Tapping Into The Power Of Groups

If using up precious InMails feels daunting, joining relevant LinkedIn groups can be a great workaround. It lets you send messages to fellow group members without using up your monthly quota.

This gives you an opportunity not only to save on InMails but also to engage in discussions and gain insights from like-minded professionals in your field. So start joining, start messaging, and see the magic happen.

Best Practices for Using LinkedIn InMail

The effectiveness of your outreach on LinkedIn heavily depends on how you use InMail. Think of it as an elevator pitch: concise, compelling, and personable. To maximize the impact, let’s explore some best practices.

1. Personalize Your Message

No one likes a generic message. Personalizing your InMails not only shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the recipient but also makes them more likely to respond positively. Include specifics about their profile or work history in your message – it’s like adding sprinkles on top of a sundae.

2. Aim for Brevity

In our fast-paced world, shorter messages often resonate better than long-winded ones. Aim for succinct yet meaningful communication—think Twitter posts rather than lengthy essays. 

3. Create a Purposeful Subject Line

Your subject line is akin to knocking on someone’s door—it should be polite yet persuasive enough for them to let you in. Keep it short and intriguing while clearly stating why they should read further. If you can get them to open it, then your subject line has done its job. Just make sure you don’t make promises you can’t keep and that you never purposely mislead your prospect.

4. Add Value From The Start

If possible, offer something beneficial right off the bat – maybe insights from a recent industry article or referencing shared connections can help break the ice. It sets up an atmosphere where both parties gain value, making continued conversation more likely.

Remember:

• Don’t rush; build relationships gradually using a personalized approach,
• Maintain brevity without compromising context,
• Craft engaging subject lines that invoke curiosity,
• And always strive to add value to your interactions.

You wouldn’t approach a stranger and ask for a favor without introducing yourself first, right? The same goes for LinkedIn InMail. So let’s ditch the ‘copy-paste’ approach and embrace these best practices. Happy networking.

Potential Challenges with LinkedIn InMail

Just like any other tool, using LinkedIn’s InMail feature may present some hurdles. Despite its potential benefits, LinkedIn’s InMail feature may present some difficulties that should be taken into consideration.

The Non-Response Dilemma

One common challenge users face is the dreaded non-response scenario. You craft an engaging message, hit send, and then… silence. According to LinkedIn data, only about 18-25% of InMails get responses.

This can be disheartening but remember it’s not necessarily a reflection on you or your proposition. Busy schedules or an overwhelming inbox could result in missed messages. Plus, this response rate is significantly better than cold email. 

Of course, this is the world of prospecting, so continue to hone your messaging and your prospect lists to ensure you’re using the best practices to get better with each InMail you send.

Limited Messages per Month

InMail operates under a monthly limit based on your subscription level. So if you’re an active user looking for more interaction opportunities, you might feel restricted by these limitations. LinkedIn’s Help Center page provides detailed information regarding these limits.

Navigating Privacy Settings

Sometimes recipients have stringent privacy settings that prevent them from receiving InMails from certain users. This adds another layer of complexity to the task at hand because understanding every recipient’s individual preferences is virtually impossible.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• To increase response rates: personalize each message so it resonates with the recipient and their needs.
• If messaging limits become restrictive: consider upgrading your subscription or focusing on quality over quantity.
• When privacy settings become a roadblock: it may be worth reaching out through different channels, like an email or a connection request.

InMail is not without its challenges, but they are surmountable with the right approach and some patience.

Comparing LinkedIn InMail with Other Professional Communication Tools

Considering the variety of professional communication tools available, let’s compare LinkedIn InMail to other popular ones such as Microsoft Teams and Slack. Let’s compare LinkedIn InMail to other popular tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and traditional email.

LinkedIn InMail vs Microsoft Teams & Slack

The primary advantage of LinkedIn InMail is its direct access to professionals across industries. But when it comes to team collaboration, both Microsoft Teams and Slack shine. They offer features like group chat rooms, file sharing, and integrated apps which are not available in LinkedIn InMail.

However, unlike these platforms that need user registration on their platform for interaction; with LinkedIn you can reach out directly without needing them as your contact first.

Email vs LinkedIn InMail

Email has been around forever and doesn’t require the recipient to be part of any specific network. It’s reliable but lacks the context provided by professional profiles on Linkedin.

In contrast, every message sent through LinkedIn gives you an insight into someone’s work history because their profile is just one click away. This context can make your outreach more targeted – this isn’t something conventional emails offer.

Future Outlook for LinkedIn InMail

The landscape of professional networking is ever-evolving, and so too is LinkedIn’s InMail feature.

This shift towards more personalized and direct communication has prompted a wave of innovation within the platform. The integration of AI-powered suggestions, designed to help users craft effective messages, offers an exciting glimpse into what lies ahead.

As we look forward, expect to see even more features aimed at boosting response rates and facilitating meaningful conversations. But it’s not just about adding new tools – there’s also potential for significant enhancements in existing ones. For instance, think improved analytics that let you track your outreach success with greater precision.

Predictive Analytics & Machine Learning

One potential future application may be the use of predictive analytics driven by machine learning algorithms. Imagine being able to predict who would respond positively based on historical data from past interactions? Such insights could be a game-changer in terms of strategy development and decision making.

Tighter Integration With Other Tools

In addition to internal advancements, tighter integrations with other business platforms are likely on the cards as well. Platforms like Wiza can already extract contact info from LinkedIn profiles or Sales Navigator searches. This suggests future partnerships may allow even more seamless transitions between platforms while prospecting or reaching out via InMail.

Better Mobile Experience

Last but certainly not least: A better mobile experience. As professionals become increasingly mobile-first (or even mobile-only), it stands to reason that improvements will continue rolling out for those using LinkedIn InMail on their smartphones or tablets. So here’s looking forward to a future where InMail becomes an even more potent tool in our professional networking arsenal.

Conclusion

LinkedIn InMail is a game changer, and we’ve explored why it’s more than just messaging; it’s direct access to the decision-makers you want to reach.

Just remember, InMail messaging is significantly more effective than cold emailing, but keep in mind that it’s important to use best practices to enhance your outreach each time. 

With enough practice, it will become second nature to you, which means you can send out better InMails faster, and build strong connections that help drive your prospecting goals.