The easiest way to automate sending messages on LinkedIn for free is to use LinkedIn’s saved templates feature. Here’s how:
Step 1: Create Message Templates
In the LinkedIn messaging window, type out the messages you want to automate sending. You can create different templates for different purposes – for example, an outreach message to connect with new people, a follow up message to existing connections, or a promotional message about a new product or service.
Make sure to personalize the templates where appropriate by including personalized fields like {FirstName} where you want the recipient’s first name to automatically populate.
Step 2: Save the Message Templates
Once you have your message templates created, save them by clicking the “Save as template” icon in the bottom left corner of the messaging window. Give the template a name that will help you identify it later.
Step 3: Insert the Saved Templates when Messaging
When you want to send an automated message, open up a new message window. Click the plus icon next to the saved templates section and select the template you want to insert. The message will populate with your pre-written text.
You can make tweaks to personalize it further before sending. The recipient’s name and other profile details will automatically populate into the designated personalized fields in the template.
Tips for Effective LinkedIn Message Templates
- Keep templates concise and casual – avoid stiff, overly salesy language
- Personalize templates by including the recipient’s name, company, job title, etc.
- Focus on providing value and starting a conversation vs. hard selling
- Test different templates and track response rates to find what works
- Follow up with recipients who don’t initially respond to start a dialogue
Third Party Tools for Advanced LinkedIn Automation
LinkedIn’s built-in saved templates are a simple way to automate messages for free. However, your automation capabilities are limited.
For more advanced options, third party tools like MeetAlfred, Dux-Soup, and PersistIQ offer more robust LinkedIn automation capabilities, such as:
- Automated connection requests
- Automated endorsements
- Automated content sharing
- Auto-following based on criteria
- Auto-joining groups
- Sequence-based messaging campaigns
- Analytics on message performance
The main downside to these tools is that they require a paid monthly subscription, although some may offer a free trial period.
Is Automating LinkedIn Messages Allowed?
Yes, automating messages through LinkedIn’s built-in saved templates feature does not violate LinkedIn’s terms of service. However, make sure your messages are personalized and relevant.
Overly generic, spammy messages sent at scale could get your account restricted. The third party automation tools mentioned above comply with LinkedIn’s ToS as of 2023, but be sure to carefully vet any platform you use.
Best Practices for Ethical LinkedIn Automation
While automating messages on LinkedIn is allowed, you need to be careful to avoid spamming. Here are some best practices:
- Personalize every message – no fully copied templates
- Only target connections and prospects likely to be interested
- Spread out messages – don’t blast your whole network at once
- Vary your message types – don’t just send the same thing repeatedly
- Monitor open and response rates to optimize your approach
- Be transparent about using automation tools in your account profile
The key is relevance. If your automated messages are providing value and starting meaningful conversations, automation can be ethical and effective on LinkedIn.
In Conclusion
Automating personalized messages through LinkedIn’s free saved templates feature is a simple way to kickstart your outreach. For more advanced capabilities, third party tools like MeetAlfred or PersistIQ are available at a monthly cost.
Be sure to adhere to best practices so your automation enhances your LinkedIn presence instead of hurting it. Used correctly, automating messages can help expand your network and increase engagement at scale.