Yes, LinkedIn allows users to send private messages to connect and communicate with other members. LinkedIn provides a messaging feature that enables users to privately chat one-on-one or within groups.
Ways to privately message on LinkedIn
There are a few different ways LinkedIn members can send private messages:
LinkedIn InMail
InMail is LinkedIn’s private messaging system that allows you to message any LinkedIn member, even if you are not directly connected. With InMail, you can privately contact anyone to share professional opportunities, make business proposals, or simply introduce yourself.
The number of InMails you can send depends on your LinkedIn account type. The free Basic account gets 3 InMails per month, while Premium accounts get 30 InMails per month. You can purchase additional InMails if needed.
Direct Messages
You can send direct private messages to any of your 1st-degree LinkedIn connections. Just go to their profile and click the “Message” button. This will open up a private chat window where you can have an ongoing conversation.
With direct messaging, you and your connection can share messages, files, photos, emojis, and more. It’s a simple way to privately communicate one-on-one.
Group Messages
If you and a connection are both members of the same LinkedIn group, you can send private messages just between the two of you within the group. Click the “Message” button on their profile from within the group.
Group messages are a way to privately discuss group-related topics or opportunities with other group members.
Who can send private LinkedIn messages
LinkedIn limits who can message who to maintain professionalism and prevent harassment. Here are the messaging abilities for each account type:
- Basic members can only receive InMails, not send them.
- Premium members can send 30 InMails per month and receive unlimited InMails.
- All members can exchange direct private messages with their 1st-degree connections.
- All members within the same LinkedIn groups can privately message each other.
As you can see, Premium members have the broadest messaging capabilities since they can proactively reach out to new people. But even free Basic members can communicate privately using direct messaging and group messaging.
LinkedIn messaging etiquette and best practices
When messaging on LinkedIn, follow these etiquette guidelines to make a good impression:
- Personalize messages using the recipient’s name.
- Identify yourself and provide context on how you know them or why you’re messaging.
- Make messages relevant to their interests and your shared connections.
- Use a professional tone as you would in business correspondence.
- Avoid overly casual language, slang, or abbreviations.
- Be concise yet warm — don’t overdo it with a hard sell.
- Thank them for their time and provide your contact info.
Following these best practices helps establish trust so your outreach is well received. Avoid generic messages, over-familiarity, or asking for too much too fast.
LinkedIn messaging tips
Here are some tips for messaging effectively on LinkedIn:
- Grab their attention with a clear, specific subject line reflecting the purpose of your message.
- briefly explain who you are and why you want to connect in the first sentence.
- Focus on how you can help them or share value, not just what you want.
- Ask open-ended questions to continue the dialogue vs. dead-end yes/no questions.
- Watch your tone — written communication lacks other cues, so err on the polite side.
- Follow up if you don’t hear back, but don’t harass them with constant messages.
- Pay attention to response levels — if conversations consistently die, reflect on your approach.
Mastering these tips will make you more adept at engaging recipients and building relationships through LinkedIn messaging.
LinkedIn messaging use cases
There are many productive ways professionals utilize LinkedIn messaging, such as:
- Networking – Reaching out to connect with colleagues, alumni, industry leaders, etc.
- Job searching – Messaging recruiters, hiring managers, and employees at target companies.
- Sales prospecting – Establishing contact with promising leads and accounts.
- Partnerships – Exploring tie-ups with other businesses or professionals.
- Customer service – Answering prospects’ and clients’ questions.
- Event promotion – Spreading the word about upcoming webinars, conferences, etc.
- Article sharing – Sending your connections relevant content you think would interest them.
LinkedIn messaging enables direct, private communication that can strengthen relationships and open doors to new opportunities.
LinkedIn messaging limitations
While invaluable, LinkedIn messaging does have some restrictions users should keep in mind:
- InMails are capped at 30 per month for Premium members.
- Long message threads between connections can sometimes be slow or glitchy.
- Spam filters may block messages if you message too frequently.
- Recipients can easily ignore or delete unwanted messages.
- You can’t message non 1st-degree connections without paying for InMail.
- Group messaging is only possible between members of the same group.
TheLimits help control spam and prevent harassment, but can also constrain messaging effectiveness. Tactful, personalized outreach is key to overcoming limitations.
Conclusion
LinkedIn provides several options for privately contacting other members, enabling productive professional communication. Follow best practices and messaging etiquette to get the most from LinkedIn while respecting recipients. With the right approach, private LinkedIn messaging can connect you to new horizons.