In the world of professional networking, LinkedIn is one of the most powerful platforms. One of the most effective features on LinkedIn for reaching out to potential clients, partners, or talent is InMail. However, many people struggle to use this tool effectively. In this post, we’ll dive into some actionable LinkedIn InMail tips that can enhance your outreach efforts and make your messages stand out.
Personalize Your Message for Better Engagement
The first step in crafting a compelling LinkedIn InMail is personalization. LinkedIn InMail allows you to connect with people outside your network, but it’s important to ensure that your message doesn’t come off as a generic sales pitch. Start by addressing the recipient by name. Next, reference their professional background, such as their current role or recent project. Personalization doesn’t just make your message feel more genuine; it also increases the likelihood of a response. In fact, personalized InMails have a 25% higher response rate compared to non-personalized messages.
For example, if you’re reaching out to a marketing manager, you might start by mentioning something specific about their recent campaign or the company they work for. This shows that you’ve taken the time to learn about them, rather than sending a mass message to multiple people.
Keep It Short and Sweet
No one likes reading long-winded messages, especially busy professionals. When writing your InMail, be clear and concise. A good rule of thumb is to keep your message under 200 words. Studies show that InMails with fewer than 200 characters have a 20% higher response rate. Begin by stating your purpose, followed by a quick introduction, and end with a clear call to action. Keep your tone friendly and professional, and avoid overwhelming the recipient with too much information all at once.
For example, instead of writing an entire paragraph explaining your company, simply state who you are and what value you bring. A simple sentence like, “I wanted to reach out because I believe my service can help improve your team’s productivity,” can be very effective.
Focus on the Value Proposition
One of the most critical aspects of a successful LinkedIn InMail is highlighting the value you offer. Whether you are trying to connect for a potential partnership, job opportunity, or to offer a service, make it clear how the recipient will benefit from engaging with you. If you’re offering a service, show how it can solve a problem or improve an aspect of their work. A strong value proposition grabs attention and makes the recipient more likely to engage.
For example, instead of simply saying, “We offer marketing services,” explain why your service is different or how it can specifically help their company. For instance, “Our marketing strategy has helped companies in your industry increase their lead generation by 30% within three months.”
Craft a Strong Subject Line
Your subject line is the first thing the recipient sees, and it can be the deciding factor in whether they open your message or not. A good subject line should be clear, intriguing, and relevant to the recipient’s interests. Avoid using clickbait or overly promotional language, as it may lead to your InMail being ignored or flagged as spam.
According to LinkedIn, InMails with a subject line are 10 times more likely to get a response than those without one. Make sure your subject line conveys the value of the message inside. For example, a subject like, “How We Can Help Boost Your Team’s Productivity” is clear, professional, and relevant to the recipient.
Be Professional but Approachable
When sending an InMail, it’s essential to strike the right balance between professionalism and approachability. While LinkedIn is a professional platform, a stiff, overly formal tone can come across as robotic and may reduce the chances of getting a response. On the other hand, an overly casual approach might not convey the professionalism needed for a serious conversation.
Keep your tone friendly and conversational while maintaining professionalism. For instance, instead of saying, “I demand your attention to this matter,” try something like, “I’d love the opportunity to discuss this with you at your convenience.” This approach is polite, respectful, and more likely to get a response.
Add a Clear Call to Action
A call to action (CTA) is one of the most important elements in any outreach message. After explaining who you are and what value you offer, make sure to include a CTA that clearly states what you want the recipient to do next. It could be as simple as scheduling a call, replying to your message, or checking out your website. Be specific and give the recipient an easy next step to take.
For example, instead of leaving your InMail open-ended with no clear direction, you might say, “Would you be available for a 15-minute call this week to discuss how we can collaborate?” This provides the recipient with a clear action to take, making it easier for them to respond.
Timing Matters – Send InMails at the Right Time
Timing plays an important role in the success of your InMail outreach. Research shows that InMails sent on weekdays between 8 AM and 10 AM have a higher response rate than those sent at other times. Additionally, sending messages early in the workweek increases the chances of your message being read before the recipient gets overwhelmed with other tasks.
Avoid sending messages late in the evening or on weekends, as professionals may not check their LinkedIn accounts during those times. By sending your InMail during peak hours, you increase the chances of your message being noticed and acted upon.
Follow Up Thoughtfully
Sending a follow-up message is a great way to boost your chances of getting a response, but it’s important to do so in a thoughtful manner. Avoid sending multiple follow-ups in quick succession, as this can come across as pushy and unprofessional. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least one week before following up. When you do send a follow-up message, make sure it’s polite and adds value.
For instance, you can say, “I wanted to check in and see if you had a chance to review my previous message. I’d be happy to answer any questions or schedule a time to connect.” This shows that you’re respectful of their time and genuinely interested in connecting.
Monitor Your InMail Performance
Finally, always track the performance of your LinkedIn InMail campaigns. LinkedIn provides useful analytics that can help you understand open rates, response rates, and other metrics. By analyzing this data, you can refine your approach over time to improve your outreach. If you notice that your response rates are low, consider adjusting your subject lines, message length, or call to action to improve engagement.
Experiment with different approaches and see what works best for your audience. Over time, you’ll become more skilled at crafting effective InMails that generate positive responses.
Conclusion
LinkedIn InMail is a powerful tool for outreach, but crafting an effective message requires more than just hitting the send button. By personalizing your message, keeping it concise, focusing on the value you offer, and timing your outreach carefully, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Remember, the goal is to make a meaningful connection, not just to send a sales pitch. So, take the time to write thoughtful, engaging InMails, and watch your professional network grow.