Yes, it is possible to add hyperlinks in LinkedIn messages. LinkedIn allows users to include URLs in messages sent via InMail and the regular messaging system. This can be useful for sharing relevant websites or pages with your connections.
When including a link in a LinkedIn message, the URL will automatically become clickable. The recipient can simply click on the link to be taken directly to the website or page you’ve shared.
There are a couple of different ways to add hyperlinks to LinkedIn messages:
Copy and paste the full URL
The easiest way is to copy and paste the full URL into your message. For example:
https://www.example.com
When your connection receives the message, this will automatically be converted into a clickable link.
Use the insert link option
Alternatively, you can use LinkedIn’s insert link option to create a hyperlink. When composing your message:
1. Highlight the text you want to make into a link
2. Click the insert link icon (which looks like a chain link)
3. A box will pop up where you can enter the URL you want to link to
4. Click “Insert” and the highlighted text will now be hyperlinked
This allows you to customize the visible text that is displayed for the link.
Benefits of using links in LinkedIn messages
Including hyperlinks in your LinkedIn messages can provide some useful benefits:
Share helpful resources
You can share links to articles, websites, or other resources that are relevant to your connections. This provides value and helps build relationships.
Drive traffic
Adding links to your own content, like blog posts or company pages, can help drive traffic by making it easy for connections to access them.
Strengthen credibility
Hyperlinks allow you to support claims or statements by linking to credible external sources. This builds trust and authority.
Increase engagement
Messages with links tend to get higher click-through rates and engagement from recipients compared to plain text.
Tips for using links in LinkedIn messages
To get the most out of adding hyperlinks to your LinkedIn messages, keep these tips in mind:
Use relevant, high-quality links
Only link to high-quality, relevant resources that provide value for your connections. Avoid linking to spammy or questionable websites.
Customize anchor text
Use descriptive, customized anchor text rather than just pasting long URLs. This improves the message appearance and click-through rates.
Link to specific pages
When possible, link to a specific page on a website rather than just the homepage. This takes your connection directly to the most relevant content.
Add context
Provide some context around the links you share. Explain why you’re including them and how they relate to the overall message.
Monitor engagement
Use LinkedIn analytics to see which links get the most clicks and engagement. This can help inform your strategy.
Stay on topic
Keep your messaging focused and on topic. Only include links where relevant to avoid coming across as spammy.
LinkedIn messaging limits
When including links in LinkedIn messages, be aware of the platform’s messaging limits:
– The maximum message length is 5,000 characters. This includes any hyperlinks and punctuation.
– Free users can only send 30 InMail messages per month. Paid subscriptions allow for more.
– Adding multiple hyperlinks may cause LinkedIn to flag a message as potential spam. Keep links relevant and limited.
Conclusion
Hyperlinks can be a great way to provide value, engage your connections, and strengthen your personal brand through LinkedIn messaging. Just be sure to use them strategically and appropriately based on your goals. Focus on sharing truly relevant, high-quality links rather than spamming connections.
With some tactical thought and creativity, adding hyperlinks to your LinkedIn outreach and conversations can help take your messaging strategy to the next level.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Share helpful resources | Can come across as spammy if overdone |
| Increase click-through rates | Limited by LinkedIn messaging character count |
| Drive traffic to your content | Free accounts have limited InMails per month |
| Strengthen credibility | Too many links may flag message as spam |
In summary, hyperlinks can be very beneficial in LinkedIn messaging, but they should be used carefully and strategically. The ideal approach is to include high-quality, relevant links sparingly within messages to provide value for your connections without overdoing it. Monitor link performance and engagement levels to refine your approach over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add hyperlinks to regular LinkedIn messages?
Yes, you can include hyperlinked URLs in regular LinkedIn messages sent to your connections. The links will become clickable just like in InMail messages.
Do hyperlinks count toward the character limit?
Yes, any hyperlinks and surrounding spaces or punctuation will count toward the 5,000 character limit for LinkedIn messages. Be concise with your overall message to leave room for links.
Can I use a URL shortener for long links?
Yes, using a service like Bitly to shorten excessively long URLs is perfectly fine and will still allow you to add clickable links within the character limit.
Do hyperlinks work in the LinkedIn mobile app?
LinkedIn hyperlinks function normally and remain clickable when messages are viewed in the LinkedIn mobile apps for iOS and Android. Recipients can easily tap to access them.
Is there a limit on how many links I can include?
There is no absolute limit, but including too many hyperlinks may cause LinkedIn to flag your message as potential spam. Keep the number of links relevant and reasonable (1-2 per message).
Can I link to my own LinkedIn profile or content?
Absolutely, you can link to your LinkedIn profile, published posts, company page, or any other content on the platform. Just make sure it’s relevant and provides value to the recipient.
What’s the best way to track link clicks?
Use a link tracking service like Bitly to create tracked shortened links. This will allow you to see real-time click metrics to know how well your links are performing.
How can I optimize my anchor text?
Use descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text rather than generic terms like “click here.” But make sure the anchor text reads naturally within the message.
Can I add images, videos, or other media via links?
Yes, you can include links to image, video, audio, PDF, or other file formats. LinkedIn will render previews for many of these links when possible.
Conclusion
Hyperlinking within LinkedIn messages can be highly effective when applied strategically. Make sure any links you include are truly valuable for your connections by pointing them to top quality, relevant resources. Avoid overuse of links that looks like spamming. Craft contextual messages and customize your anchor text for optimization. Analyze performance to refine your approach over time. With the proper tactics, hyperlinks can significantly boost your LinkedIn messaging and engagement.
