LinkedIn Sales Navigator is a sales enablement platform by LinkedIn that helps sales professionals find and connect with their target prospects. It provides access to advanced searching, lead recommendations, conversation starters, and more.
One of the key features of Sales Navigator is the ability to send InMail messages to prospects who are not already connected to you on LinkedIn. However, there are some limitations on who you can message with InMail.
What is LinkedIn InMail?
InMail is LinkedIn’s internal messaging system that allows you to contact other members directly through the LinkedIn platform, even if you are not connected to them.
Here are some key things to know about InMail:
– InMail messages go directly into the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox, so they are more likely to be opened compared to regular email.
– You can use InMail to introduce yourself, invite someone to connect, or pitch your products/services.
– There are limits on how many InMails you can send per month depending on your Sales Navigator subscription level.
– InMail messages must adhere to LinkedIn’s guidelines – no spamming, soliciting, etc. Violators may have sending privileges revoked.
Who can I send InMail to with Sales Navigator?
The basic rules are:
– You can send InMail to any 2nd and 3rd degree connections. These are people connected to your direct connections.
– You can send InMail to any LinkedIn member who shares the same Group or Event as you.
– You can send InMail to employees of Company Pages you are following.
– You cannot send InMail to 1st degree connections (your direct connections). You must connect first.
– You cannot send InMail to people outside your network or 2nd/3rd degree connections unless you upgrade to one of the premium Sales Navigator packages.
So in summary, with the basic Sales Navigator package, your InMail reach is limited to extended connections and shared Groups/Events. To message any LinkedIn member, you need a premium account.
InMail Limits by Sales Navigator Package
| Package | InMail Limits |
|---|---|
| Sales Navigator Professional | 15 per month |
| Sales Navigator Team | 20 per month per seat |
| Sales Navigator Enterprise | 25 per month per seat |
Do I need a premium account to send InMail?
No, you do not need a premium Sales Navigator account just to send InMail messages.
The basic Sales Navigator package includes 15 free InMails per month that can be sent to 2nd & 3rd degree connections or Group/Event contacts.
However, if you want to be able to send InMail to any LinkedIn member regardless of connection level, you need to upgrade to one of the premium packages:
- Sales Navigator Professional – $79.99/month
- Sales Navigator Team – $179.99/month per user
- Sales Navigator Enterprise – $249.99/month per user
The premium packages give you more InMail credits per month and the ability to reach anyone on LinkedIn.
This expanded InMail capability makes it easier to contact prospects who you have no existing connection with. Depending on your sales strategy, it may be worth the upgrade cost to broaden your prospect reach.
What are some tips for using InMail effectively?
Here are some best practices to get the most out of LinkedIn InMail:
Personalize Each Message
Avoid copy/pasting the same generic InMail to multiple prospects. Take the time to customize each message with their name, company, and why you want to connect. Personalized messages have much higher response rates.
Keep It Brief
InMail has tight character limits. Get straight to the point on why you are contacting them and what you have to offer. You can provide more details over an actual conversation.
Highlight Value
Emphasize how connecting can be mutually beneficial. Offer to share insights, make useful introductions, or provide solutions to their challenges. Make it about helping them first.
Use a Strong Subject Line
Craft a compelling subject line that grabs their attention and persuades them to open your message. Get creative but avoid being overly promotional or spammy.
Follow Up Politely
If they don’t respond after 3-5 days, consider a polite follow up reiterating your interest in connecting. But don’t overdo it if they continue not to engage.
Observe LinkedIn Etiquette
Avoid using InMail to spam prospects with unsolicited sales pitches. Focus on personalized relationship-building.
Conclusion
The short answer is no – LinkedIn Sales Navigator does not allow you to message just any LinkedIn member without limits.
With the basic Sales Navigator plan, you can only directly InMail your 2nd & 3rd degree connections as well as Group/Event contacts.
To open up your messaging capabilities, you need to upgrade to one of the premium packages:
- Sales Navigator Professional
- Sales Navigator Team
- Sales Navigator Enterprise
Premium Sales Navigator subscriptions give you more InMail credits per month and remove network restrictions so you can reach anyone on LinkedIn.
To maximize your chances of getting responses, focus on personalizing your InMail outreach and communicating value. With the right approach, you can engage prospects and turn them into customers.