Yes, it is possible to schedule LinkedIn messages to be sent at a later date and time using LinkedIn’s native scheduling feature. This allows you to plan and compose messages in advance and have them delivered automatically when you want. Scheduling messages can be a useful way to manage your LinkedIn messaging and save time.
How to schedule a LinkedIn message
Scheduling a LinkedIn message to be sent later is easy to do right within LinkedIn’s messaging interface. Here are the steps:
- Open the LinkedIn messaging window as if you were going to send a new message. Click the “New message” button at the top.
- In the “To” field, type in the name of the LinkedIn connection you want to message. You can only schedule messages to 1st degree connections.
- Compose your message in the text box as you normally would. You can include text, images, links, etc.
- When your message is written, click the “Schedule” icon at the bottom left (it looks like a calendar and clock).
- In the pop-up window, select the date and time you want the message to be sent.
- You can schedule the message up to 90 days in advance. You can also set a recurring schedule to have the message sent regularly.
- Click “Schedule” to confirm. Your message will now be scheduled and will send automatically at the specified date/time.
That’s all there is to it! Scheduling only takes a few extra clicks when composing a new message on LinkedIn.
Tips for scheduling LinkedIn messages
Here are some tips to use LinkedIn’s scheduling feature effectively:
- Schedule messages to be sent during normal business hours for the recipient’s time zone. Early morning or late afternoon are often good times.
- Avoid scheduling on weekends or holidays when the recipient is less likely to be checking LinkedIn.
- For recurring messages, limit frequency to no more than once per week. Daily or excessive messaging will likely be ignored.
- Always customize your scheduled messages with the recipient’s name rather than just generic text.
- Follow up a scheduled message with a customized email if it’s an important request.
- Remember to periodically check your list of scheduled messages and update or cancel any outdated ones.
Benefits of scheduling LinkedIn messages
Here are some of the benefits of using LinkedIn’s scheduling feature for messages:
- Plan your messaging strategy – Scheduling allows you to strategically plan your messaging outreach in advance.
- Message at optimal times – Schedule messages to be sent when recipients are most likely to respond.
- Manage high volume – Easily schedule unlimited messages without having to manually send each one.
- Automate reminders – Set recurring messages to automatically send periodic reminders or follow-ups.
- Save time – Compose messages on your own schedule instead of having to send in real-time.
- Increase response rates – Well-timed scheduled messages can improve open and response rates.
The scheduling feature is especially useful for sales professionals, recruiters, and other frequent LinkedIn messengers who want to save time and communicate more effectively.
Limitations of LinkedIn message scheduling
While scheduling LinkedIn messages can be very useful, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- You can only schedule messages to 1st degree connections, not 2nd or 3rd degree connections.
- Messages cannot be scheduled for more than 90 days in advance.
- If a connection deletes you from their network, the scheduled message will not send.
- There is no bulk scheduling tool – each message must be scheduled individually.
- Scheduled messages only appear in your “Sent” folder after they are delivered.
- Recipients may still overlook or ignore scheduled messages among other emails/alerts.
While scheduling has its benefits, it does not guarantee messages will be opened or get a response. Personalized outreach and follow up is still important.
Scheduling LinkedIn messages on mobile
LinkedIn’s scheduling feature is available both on the desktop website as well as in the LinkedIn mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Here is how to schedule messages from your phone or tablet:
- Open the LinkedIn app and tap the “My Network” icon on the bottom navbar.
- Find the profile of the connection you want to message. Tap “Message” to open the messaging window.
- Compose your message as you normally would within the app.
- Before sending, tap the calendar icon in the top right corner.
- Select a date/time to schedule your message up to 90 days in the future.
- Confirm your selection to schedule the message for delivery.
The process works the same way as on desktop. The ability to quickly schedule messages right from your mobile device makes it easy to plan messaging no matter where you are.
Third-party tools to schedule LinkedIn messages
While LinkedIn has its own native scheduling feature, there are also third-party apps and software tools that provide additional options for scheduling LinkedIn messaging.
Some popular third-party tools include:
- Buffer – Social media management platform with LinkedIn scheduling options.
- Hootsuite – Social media tool with built-in LinkedIn integration and scheduling.
- Sendible – Marketing platform for scheduling posts and messages across social networks.
- SocialPilot – All-in-one social media manager with LinkedIn message scheduling.
- DrumUp – Automated engagement platform for finding new LinkedIn connections and scheduling messages.
- cury.me – Chrome extension for one-click LinkedIn automation and scheduling.
These tools can provide added functionality like the ability to schedule messages in bulk, incorporate follow up sequences, and analyze performance. However, they often require a paid subscription.
Key features of third-party scheduling tools
Here are some of the key features offered by many third-party LinkedIn scheduling tools:
- Schedule unlimited LinkedIn messages in bulk.
- Set up automated follow-up message sequences.
- Advanced recurring scheduling options (multiple times per day, per week, etc).
- Integration with email and other channels.
- In-depth analytics on open & response rates.
- A/B testing different message content.
- LinkedIn accounts monitored and messages maintained if connections are removed.
Third-party tools provide more robust options compared to LinkedIn’s simpler native scheduling. However, they require handing over your LinkedIn credentials and typically cost money.
Tips for using third-party scheduling tools
If utilizing a third-party scheduling tool for LinkedIn, here are some tips:
- Only use reputable, secure tools that won’t misuse your account or data.
- Start slowly and test campaigns on small batches before sending mass messages.
- Personalize your automated sequences as much as possible.
- Make scheduling rules that space out messages and avoid over-messaging.
- Review scheduled message queues regularly to update outdated information.
- Follow up scheduled campaigns with additional personalized communication.
As with LinkedIn’s native tool, remember that automated scheduling alone is rarely enough – combining it with real relationship-building is key to seeing results.
Are there restrictions on scheduling LinkedIn messages?
LinkedIn does enforce some limits and restrictions when it comes to scheduling messages in order to maintain quality and prevent abuse:
- You can only schedule messages to 1st degree connections in your network.
- Messages cannot be scheduled more than 90 days in advance.
- If you send a high volume of messages, additional security checks may be required.
- Automated messages that are low-quality, irrelevant, or considered spam can get flagged.
- Very large quantities of scheduled messages may trigger account restrictions.
Third-party scheduling tools may impose additional limits on usage like caps on monthly scheduled messages. It’s also important to carefully follow LinkedIn’s guidelines and avoid spam-like behavior when automating messages.
Best practices for scheduling LinkedIn messages
To get the most out of LinkedIn’s scheduling capabilities, keep these best practices in mind:
- Schedule no more than 1 or 2 messages per week with an individual connection.
- Personalize every message with the recipient’s name and details.
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date before scheduling messages.
- Only schedule messages during normal business hours based on time zone.
- Follow up scheduled messages with additional communication channels when appropriate.
- Monitor your schedule regularly and update any outdated information.
- Measure open and response rates to optimize your timing and outreach.
Scheduling works best as part of an overall relationship-building strategy, not as a standalone tactic. Use it strategically as a tool to enhance your messaging effectiveness.
Common questions about scheduling LinkedIn messages
Can I schedule messages on the LinkedIn mobile app?
Yes, scheduling messages is available in the LinkedIn mobile apps for iOS and Android. Simply compose your message and look for the calendar icon to pick a date and time to schedule.
Do scheduled messages count toward my daily limit?
No, scheduled messages will only count toward your daily sending limit on the day they are actually delivered based on your set schedule.
Can I schedule messages to people who aren’t connections?
No, unfortunately LinkedIn only allows scheduling messages to 1st degree connections in your network. You cannot pre-schedule messages to 2nd or 3rd degree connections.
What happens if a connection removes me before a scheduled message sends?
Any scheduled messages will not be delivered if the recipient removes you from their connections prior to the message sending. The message will be removed from the queue.
Do scheduled messages appear in my Sent folder right away?
No, scheduled messages will only appear in your Sent folder history after their scheduled delivery date/time passes and the message is actually sent.
Conclusion
Scheduling LinkedIn messages with either LinkedIn’s built-in tool or third-party apps can be a great way to manage your messaging more effectively. Planning your communications in advance allows you to be more strategic and automated scheduling saves significant time.
However, smart scheduling means following best practices like personalization, moderation, and real relationship-building. Used thoughtfully as part of an overall social selling strategy, scheduling capabilities make it easier to have the right conversations with the right people at the right time.