LinkedIn is a popular professional networking platform used by over 722 million members worldwide. On LinkedIn, members can connect with other professionals, join groups, follow companies, and search for jobs. An important feature on LinkedIn is the ability to send direct messages to other members. This allows for networking, relationship building, and professional communication. However, like other messaging platforms, LinkedIn is sometimes used to send unsolicited messages, which some may consider spam. In this article, we’ll explore whether LinkedIn messages can be considered spam, the types of messages that may be unwanted, LinkedIn’s policies, and how to handle spam messages.
What is Spam?
Spam refers to unsolicited, unwanted messages sent in bulk. The term originally comes from a Monty Python sketch in which the word “spam” was repeated excessively. Today, spam more commonly refers to bulk email or messages sent without permission. On social media platforms like LinkedIn, spam may include:
- Mass messages sent automatically by bots or software
- Copy-pasted messages sent to many recipients
- Aggressive self-promotion or marketing pitches
- Clickbait headlines or misleading content
- Messages intended to spread malware or steal personal information
The key defining factors of spam are that it is unsolicited, bulk, and unwanted from the recipient’s perspective. Not all promotional messages may be considered spam, but they become spam when sent indiscriminately in mass.
Types of Potential Spam on LinkedIn
There are several types of messages members may receive on LinkedIn that could be regarded as spam:
Sales Pitches
Some members aggressively pitch products, services, multi-level marketing opportunities, or job offers through bulk messages. Even if these contain legitimate offers, the high volume or copy-pasted nature may make recipients view them as spam.
Phishing Messages
Scammers may create fake LinkedIn accounts to send phishing messages intended to steal login credentials or personal information through malicious links. These messages often sound too good to be true.
Romance Scams
Fraudsters create fake profiles and try connecting with users claiming they want to build a relationship. This is a pretext to ask for money or sensitive information later on.
Clickbait Headlines
Some accounts send sensational headlines intended to get recipients to click malicious links unrelated to the headline. These may spread malware or collect user data.
Recruitment Messages
Recruiters sometimes send bulk job openings without customizing each message. When not targeted, these may come across as spam to those not seeking jobs.
Automated Bot Messages
Bots can be programmed to send automated messages en masse. These lack personalization and may have spelling/grammar errors indicating automation.
LinkedIn’s Policies on Spam
LinkedIn prohibits sending spam and bulk unsolicited messages on their platform. Their User Agreement states:
You agree that you will not use the Services to send spam or bulk unsolicited messages. We reserve the right to terminate your account if you violate this provision.
Members who send reported spam may have their accounts restricted or closed by LinkedIn. The platform also utilizes automated protections to detect and filter suspected spam accounts and content.
Some key things prohibited according to LinkedIn’s policies:
- Bulk messaging unrelated recipients
- Automated bots/scripts that message at scale
- Scams, phishing content, malware
- Fake accounts used for spamming
- Aggressive self-promotion/solicitation
LinkedIn aims to maintain the professional nature of its platform by limiting spam. However, some unwanted messages still get through defenses and require manual reporting.
How to Handle Spam on LinkedIn
If you receive an unwanted message on LinkedIn, there are a few things you can do:
Report the Message
Use LinkedIn’s reporting feature to flag a message as spam or abuse. This alerts LinkedIn to take action on accounts violating policies.
Block the Sender
Blocking prevents a user from viewing your profile or sending further messages. Toggle the block setting on their profile.
Be Cautious of Links/Attachments
Do not click links or download attachments in unsolicited messages, as they may contain malware. Report phishing attempts to LinkedIn.
Turn Off Message Requests
You can limit messages to only 1st-degree connections in Settings & Privacy. This prevents unknown accounts from messaging you.
Avoid Engaging
Replying could lead to more spam, so avoid engaging with suspicious accounts. But if a real connection messages excessively, politely ask them not to.
How to Avoid Being Flagged as Spam on LinkedIn
To avoid having your LinkedIn outreach marked as spam, follow these best practices:
Personalize Each Message
Copy-pasted messages come across as spammy. Tailor each message to the recipient’s profile and position.
Focus on Quality over Quantity
Prioritize less messages with thoughtful, targeted messaging over sending many generic messages.
Connect First Before Messaging
Take time to build a real connection on LinkedIn before pitching opportunities. Don’t message strangers out of the blue.
Provide Value
Offer useful information, resources and connections instead of only promoting yourself or company. Provide more value than you ask for.
Follow Up Selectively
One follow up message may be appropriate if no reply. But don’t harass recipients with repeat messages if they don’t respond.
Conclusion
While LinkedIn aims to limit spam, some unwanted messages inevitably make it through. By reporting spam, customizing your outreach, and using LinkedIn properly for relationship-building, both recipients and senders can benefit from the platform’s messaging capabilities in a productive way. With proper etiquette, LinkedIn messaging can connect professionals without veering into unwanted solicitation and spam.