Yes, you can schedule messages on LinkedIn to be sent at a later date and time. LinkedIn provides a built-in messaging scheduling feature that allows you to easily plan and queue messages to connections without having to manually send each one.
Benefits of Scheduling LinkedIn Messages
There are several benefits to using LinkedIn’s scheduling tool for messages:
- Saves time – You can write and schedule multiple messages in advance without having to log in each time to send.
- Flexibility – Pick any future date and time for your messages to be delivered.
- Organization – Scheduling allows you to plan your communications and keeps everything in one place.
- Consistency – Maintain regular interactions even when you’re unavailable.
Who Can Schedule LinkedIn Messages
Scheduling messages is available for all LinkedIn members. However, there are some account-based restrictions:
- Free accounts can schedule up to 50 messages per month.
- Premium Business accounts allow up to 150 scheduled messages per month.
- Sales Navigator account holders have no monthly limit.
As long as you are within the alloted monthly limit, you can use scheduling to plan messages to any of your 1st-degree connections on LinkedIn.
How to Schedule a Message on LinkedIn
Scheduling a message on LinkedIn to send later is easy and only takes a few steps:
- Click the Messaging icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
- Click the Compose message button to start a new message.
- In the recipient field, search for and select the connection you want to message.
- Enter your message text in the text box as you normally would.
- Click the Send later link located below the text box.
- Select the date and time you want the message to be sent.
- Click Schedule to confirm and queue the message.
Once scheduled, the message will be sent automatically at the designated date and time. You will see it appear in your sent messages as if you had sent it yourself at that moment.
Tips for Scheduling LinkedIn Messages
Here are some tips to use LinkedIn’s scheduling tool effectively:
- Schedule messages during typical business hours for optimal engagement.
- Avoid scheduling on weekends or outside 9am – 6pm on weekdays.
- Space out scheduled messages over different days and times.
- Personalize each message with the recipient’s name.
- Follow up initial outreach with scheduled reminders.
- Purposefully pair scheduled messages with other social activity.
- Remember to stay within monthly sending limits based on account type.
- Review scheduled messages before the send date in case you need to edit or cancel.
Scheduling Messages on LinkedIn Mobile App
The LinkedIn mobile app for iOS and Android also lets you schedule messages right from your phone or tablet:
- Tap the My Network icon on the bottom menu bar.
- Select the Messaging tab at the top.
- Tap the Compose button to start a new message.
- Enter the connection name, compose your message, then tap Send.
- Toggle the Send Now switch to Send Later.
- Pick a date and time from the schedule options.
- Confirm by tapping Schedule.
The process is very similar to scheduling from LinkedIn on desktop. The mobile app gives you the flexibility to queue messages on-the-go.
Viewing and Editing Scheduled Messages
You can view, edit, reorder, and cancel messages that have been scheduled but not yet sent from LinkedIn’s messaging tool:
- Click the Messaging icon and go to the Scheduled tab.
- This tab shows all upcoming scheduled messages.
- Click a message to view details or make edits.
- Use the buttons to re-schedule or delete messages as needed.
It’s a good idea to periodically review your list of scheduled messages on this tab. This allows you to modify or cancel any messages before they get sent if needed.
Limits to LinkedIn Automated Messaging
While scheduling messages can save time, LinkedIn does enforce certain limits to prevent spam and abuse:
- Monthly scheduled message sending limits apply based on account type.
- Only 1st-degree connections can be messaged.
- 2nd and 3rd-degree connections require a paid account.
- Recipients must have emailed you first before auto-messaging.
- Limits on how frequently the same connection can be messaged.
Failure to follow these rules may result in restrictions on sending privileges or account suspension. Make sure to use common sense when planning scheduled messages.
Using a Social Media Scheduling Tool
While LinkedIn has built-in scheduling, you can also use a third-party social media management platform for more options:
- Buffer – Web and mobile app with team workflow features.
- Hootsuite – Popular platform with advanced analytics.
- Sprout Social – Scheduling combined with reporting tools.
- Sendible – Solution tailored specifically for agencies.
These tools provide flexibility in scheduling to multiple networks including LinkedIn. However, the same limits around messaging frequency and recipient relationships apply.
Key Takeaways
- LinkedIn allows you to easily schedule messages to be sent later to your 1st-degree connections.
- Scheduling can save time and let you plan communications in advance.
- Messages can be scheduled through LinkedIn’s web interface or mobile apps.
- Review scheduled messages periodically before they are sent out.
- Third-party social media scheduling tools provide additional options.