Yes, you can send private messages to other members on LinkedIn. LinkedIn has a messaging system that allows you to communicate privately with your connections.
There are a few different ways to send private messages on LinkedIn:
- Through the LinkedIn messaging window – You can send messages directly to connections here.
- InMail – With a premium LinkedIn account, you get a certain number of InMail credits per month to message anyone on LinkedIn, even if they’re not a connection.
- Through accepting a connection invitation – When inviting someone to connect, you can include a private note that only the recipient can see.
So if you want to get in touch with your connections or reach out to new professional contacts, LinkedIn does allow you to communicate privately.
When Can You Send Private LinkedIn Messages?
You can send private messages on LinkedIn anytime you want. There’s no limit to how many messages you can send.
However, there are a few requirements in order to message someone:
- To message a connection, you must be connected first.
- To message someone you’re not connected to, you need a premium account with InMail credits.
- You can only message another member if they have the messaging feature enabled. Some members disable private messages.
So as long as the person you want to message is open to receiving messages based on their account settings, you can reach out to them any time through LinkedIn messaging.
How to Send a Private Message on LinkedIn
Here are step-by-step instructions for sending private messages on LinkedIn:
Through LinkedIn Messaging
- Go to the profile of the LinkedIn member you want to message. Make sure you are currently connected.
- Click the More icon (three dots) next to the Message button and select Send Message.
- Type your message in the text box.
- Click Send to deliver the private message.
Through InMail
- Go to the profile of the LinkedIn member you want to reach out to. You don’t need to be connected to message with InMail.
- Click Send InMail at the top of their profile.
- Compose your message. You can also select one of the pre-written InMail templates.
- Click Send InMail to deliver your private message.
When Sending a Connection Request
- Go to the profile of the member you want to connect with.
- Click Connect next to their photo.
- In the custom invitation pop-up, write your private message you want the recipient to see.
- Click Send Invitation.
So those are the main options for sending private LinkedIn messages to build relationships with your connections or get in touch with new contacts.
Where do LinkedIn Messages Go?
When you send a private message on LinkedIn, where does it show up for the recipient? LinkedIn messages work similarly to email.
The message will go to the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox. On the LinkedIn website, the inbox can be accessed at the top of the page.
On the LinkedIn mobile app, tap the My Network icon at the bottom and then Messaging to view your message inbox.
The recipient will also get a notification that they have a new message. This notification will show up at the top of their LinkedIn feed.
So LinkedIn messages are easy for recipients to find, either in the messaging inbox or via notifications. This allows for quick, private communication between connections.
Does the Recipient Get an Email About a LinkedIn Message?
When you send a private message on LinkedIn, the recipient does not automatically get an email notification about it. The message will not show up in their regular work or personal email inbox.
The only notifications the recipient will get are:
- A notification within the LinkedIn website and mobile apps
- A number count on the messaging icon indicating unread messages
However, the recipient can choose to have LinkedIn messages forwarded to their email inbox. On the LinkedIn website, under account Settings & Privacy, the recipient can enable email notifications for messages.
So if the recipient has changed their settings, your LinkedIn message could end up in their external email inbox. But by default, the message stays within the LinkedIn platform.
Can You Delete a LinkedIn Message You Sent?
Is it possible to delete a private message on LinkedIn after you’ve already sent it?
Unfortunately, there is no way to delete or recall a message after sending it. Once you send a private LinkedIn message, it is permanently viewable by the recipient.
Even if you delete the message from your own inbox, the recipient will still be able to see the full message in their inbox.
Some things to keep in mind when messaging on LinkedIn:
- Double check your message before hitting send.
- Make sure you’re messaging the right person.
- Be thoughtful in how you word your message.
Since messages can’t be removed after sending, you’ll want to avoid any errors or content you might regret. Proofread your messages before sending so they convey exactly what you intend.
Can You Retract a LinkedIn Invitation?
If you send a LinkedIn connection invitation that includes a private note, can you retract it if you made a mistake?
Unfortunately, there is no way to retract a LinkedIn invitation after sending it out. The invitation will be viewable in the recipient’s inbox even if you decide you want to take it back.
Some things to keep in mind when sending connection invitations with notes:
- Proofread your message first to make sure you’re sending the right content to the intended recipient.
- If you used the pre-populated invitation templates, customize the message to make sure it’s relevant.
- Only connect with people you have a reason to contact. Don’t spam connections.
Since that first impression can’t be taken back, it’s important to ensure your personalized invitation makes sense for establishing a constructive relationship.
Is There a Size Limit for LinkedIn Messages?
When sending a private message on LinkedIn, is there a limit to how long the message can be?
There isn’t an established size limit for messages. You can write private messages that are only a sentence or two, or you can write much longer messages.
However, shorter messages tend to work best for capturing someone’s attention and making your point. According to LinkedIn, messages with around 100-150 words get the highest response rates.
Some tips for concise LinkedIn messaging:
- Get right to the point – What do you most want to communicate? Lead with that.
- Review and revise – Cut out extraneous words and details.
- Highlight key info – Use formatting like bold or bullet points for emphasis.
- Write clear subject lines – Summarize your message in a few words.
While you can technically write novel-length messages, your thoughts will be better received if you make them compact and scannable for the busy reader.
What’s the Difference Between LinkedIn Messages and InMail?
LinkedIn provides two similar options for sending private messages – standard LinkedIn messaging and InMail. What sets these messaging types apart?
LinkedIn Messaging
- Send messages only to your 1st-degree connections.
- Included with free LinkedIn account.
- No limits on how many messages you can send.
- Messages go to the LinkedIn inbox.
InMail
- Pay to send messages to anyone on LinkedIn, regardless of connection.
- Comes with premium Business Plus or Sales Navigator plans.
- Send a set number of InMails per month depending on your plan.
- InMails go to recipient’s inbox and external email.
So if you want to reach members outside your network, need to email recipients too, or have a limited number of outreaches per month, InMail may be preferable. Otherwise, standard messaging often works well for keeping in touch with existing connections.
Are There Limitations to LinkedIn Messaging?
While LinkedIn messaging can be a convenient way to privately connect with professional contacts, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Recipient must have messaging enabled – Some members disable it.
- Phone notifications may not be immediate.
- Long messages may be ignored or perceived as spam.
- Limited formatting options compared to email.
- You may not receive a response quickly (or at all).
The casual LinkedIn inbox experience may not always be the best place for urgent or lengthier outreach. For important communications, it’s often better to call or email someone directly.
LinkedIn Message Etiquette
To make sure your LinkedIn messages are well received, follow these general etiquette guidelines:
- Be professional – Write messages as you would an email.
- Proofread before sending – Check for errors, clarity, conciseness.
- Personalize your messages – No bulk templates or spam.
- Reply promptly if messaged first – Value your connections’ time.
- Respect others’ privacy – Don’t be pushy or creepy.
- Follow up if needed – One message may not be enough.
Using proper LinkedIn messaging manners helps build your relationships and reputation on the platform.
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn offers users the ability to send private messages as a way to communicate with connections and contacts outside of social posts. While there are limitations to the messaging function, it can be a useful professional networking tool when used properly. Following etiquette guidelines and keeping messages clear, relevant, and concise leads to the most productive conversations on LinkedIn.