How to Send InMails on LinkedIn: Best Practices & Templates

Imagine reaching out to a high-level executive or a potential client on LinkedIn without needing a prior connection request. That’s the power of LinkedIn InMail. Unlike regular LinkedIn messages, InMail allows you to directly contact professionals outside your network, making it a valuable tool for sales, recruitment, networking, and job searching.

According to LinkedIn data, InMails have a 300% higher response rate than traditional cold emails, with an 18-25% hit rate, making them one of the most effective ways to engage with professionals.

But how do you use LinkedIn InMails effectively to ensure your message stands out and gets a response? This guide will walk you through the best LinkedIn InMail strategies, how to send them, and templates to maximize your results.

LinkedIn InMail is a premium messaging feature that allows you to send messages to LinkedIn users who are not in your connections list. It is available only to users with a LinkedIn Premium or LinkedIn Sales Navigator subscription.

How Does LinkedIn InMail Differ from Regular Messaging?

• No Connection Needed: Unlike LinkedIn messages, InMail allows you to reach out to anyone.
• Higher Visibility: Since it’s a premium feature, it appears more prominently in the recipient’s inbox.
• Limited Monthly Credits: Users have a limited number of InMail credits per month, depending on their subscription plan.

LinkedIn InMail serves multiple purposes, including:

1. Sales & Lead Generation

For B2B businesses, LinkedIn InMail is a game-changer for sales prospecting. It helps professionals reach decision-makers directly without cold calls or email spam.

2. Recruitment & Hiring

Hiring managers and recruiters use InMails to directly contact top talent without waiting for a connection request approval.

3. Networking & Business Partnerships

InMail is perfect for expanding your professional network, whether you’re looking for business collaborations, partnerships, or industry insights.

4. Job Search & Career Opportunities

Job seekers can use InMail to connect with hiring managers and recruiters to inquire about job openings or discuss career opportunities.

According to Statista Reports, 80% of B2B leads come from LinkedIn, proving its effectiveness for outreach.

Step 1: Upgrade to LinkedIn Premium or Sales Navigator

LinkedIn InMail is a paid feature available for Premium or Sales Navigator subscribers. Each plan offers a different number of InMail credits per month.

Step 2: Find the Right Prospect’s Profile

Use LinkedIn’s advanced search filters to find relevant prospects based on their job title, industry, or company. Review their profile to ensure they are the right fit before sending a message.

Step 3: Click on ‘Message’ and Select ‘InMail’

On their profile, click the ‘Message’ button. If you have InMail credits, you will see the option to send an InMail.

Step 4: Craft a Personalized & Compelling Message

Keep your message concise, personalized, and focused on the recipient’s interests. Always include a clear call-to-action (CTA).

Step 5: Track and Follow Up

Monitor whether your message has been read. If there’s no response after a few days, send a polite follow-up message.

1. Personalize Every Message

People ignore generic messages. Always reference something specific from their profile, such as their work, recent achievements, or industry insights, to create a connection. A well-personalized message shows effort and increases the likelihood of receiving a response.

2. Keep It Concise & Clear

LinkedIn users receive numerous messages daily, and long-winded messages often go unread. Keep your InMail under 150 words, ensuring that every sentence adds value. Avoid unnecessary details and get straight to the point while maintaining a conversational yet professional tone.

3. Offer Value Before Asking for Anything

Instead of immediately pushing a sale, job offer, or business opportunity, focus on how your message benefits the recipient. Provide a compelling reason for them to engage, whether it’s an insightful industry report, a networking opportunity, or a relevant solution to a challenge they might face.

4. Use a Strong Subject Line

Your subject line is the first thing the recipient sees, so it needs to be catchy yet relevant. For example:

• “[First Name], Quick Question About [Their Industry]”
• “[First Name], Opportunity to Discuss [Topic]”

5. End with a Simple CTA

Avoid vague endings like “Let me know.” Instead, use a clear and direct action, such as:

• “Would you be available for a brief 10-minute conversation?”
• “Does next Tuesday at 2 PM work for a quick call?”

A strong CTA encourages prompt responses and moves the conversation forward efficiently.

For businesses looking to optimize their LinkedIn outreach, LABAAP offers expert LinkedIn marketing services in Puerto Rico, helping professionals craft high-converting InMail strategies.

1. Sales Outreach

Subject: [First Name], Quick Idea for [Their Business]
Message: Hi [First Name], I came across your work in [Industry] and had an idea that could help [solve a challenge]. Would you be available for a brief conversation?

2. Recruiting Outreach

Subject: [First Name], Exciting Opportunity at [Company]
Message: Hi [First Name], I saw your impressive background in [Industry]. We have an exciting role at [Company] that aligns with your expertise. Would you be open to discussing it?

3. Networking & Collaboration Message

Subject: [First Name], Let’s Connect!
Message: Hi [First Name], I admire your work in [Industry]. I’d love to connect and explore ways we can collaborate. Would you be available for a brief conversation?

You cannot send LinkedIn InMails for free with a Basic (free) account. InMail is a premium feature available only to paid subscribers.

However, alternative free messaging options include:

• Connecting first and sending a regular LinkedIn message.
• Engaging with their content before reaching out.
• Joining the same LinkedIn Groups to message them directly.

1. Using generic, copy-paste messages. 

Sending the same template to multiple people without personalization decreases response rates and makes your message seem robotic. Customize your messages based on the recipient’s profile, work history, and interests to make them more relevant and engaging.

2. Not researching the recipient before messaging. 

Failing to look into their work history, industry, or recent activity can result in a poorly targeted message. Take time to review their LinkedIn profile and find common ground before reaching out.

3. Sending long, text-heavy messages. 

People on LinkedIn receive numerous messages daily, and lengthy messages can be overwhelming. Keep your InMails concise, easy to skim, and to the point while maintaining a professional tone.

4. Failing to include a clear call-to-action. 

Leaving your message open-ended without a specific request can confuse the recipient. Always conclude with a simple, actionable next step, such as scheduling a call or requesting a response within a specific timeframe.

Also Read: LinkedIn Marketing: Strategies to Build Authority and Generate B2B Leads

LinkedIn InMail is one of the most powerful tools for professional outreach. Whether you’re generating leads, recruiting, or networking, using it correctly will significantly improve your results.

By following best practices such as personalization, conciseness, and offering value, you can increase your response rates and engagement.

For professionals looking to enhance their LinkedIn marketing, LABAAP, the top digital marketing company in Puerto Rico, offers tailored LinkedIn strategies to help businesses succeed.