Sending direct messages to a large number of LinkedIn connections can be a great way to share information, promote your business, or connect with potential clients or partners. However, LinkedIn limits how many direct messages you can send in a day to avoid spamming. Here are some tips for sending mass direct messages (DMS) effectively on LinkedIn without exceeding the limits.
LinkedIn’s Direct Messaging Limits
Before we get into the methods for sending mass DMS, it’s important to understand LinkedIn’s limits on messaging:
- You can only send up to 300 DMS per day from your account.
- Each message must be personalized and relevant to the recipient.
- You cannot send the exact same message to multiple people.
- You risk having your account restricted if you send too many DMS marked as “spam.”
Exceeding these limits will trigger LinkedIn’s spam filters and could lead to your account being temporarily or permanently restricted. So it’s wise to pace yourself and not blast DMS out all at once.
Method 1: Send Manually in Small Batches
The easiest way to send mass DMS without triggering LinkedIn’s limits is to manually compose and send each message individually. To make this feasible for larger numbers of connections, break up the outreach into small batches sent a few days or weeks apart.
Follow this process:
- Compile your list of connections you want to message. Include their profile links.
- Draft a few personalized template messages relevant to your contacts. Each should be 150-200 words.
- Every few days, select a batch of ~50 connections from your list to message.
- Personalize each template message for the individual by referencing their profile and your relationship.
- Manually send the DMS through LinkedIn messaging over a couple of hours.
- Repeat this process with new batches of connections until you’ve messaged everyone.
This approach allows you to stay under LinkedIn’s daily limits while still connecting with all your targets. Just be sure to properly personalize each DM based on the recipient.
Pros
- Low risk of triggering spam filters
- Very personalized outreach
- Recipients more likely to engage
Cons
- Time consuming to manually compose messages
- Limits how many you can message per day
Method 2: Use an Outreach Tool
To save time composing personalized DMS, use an outreach tool like Mailshake, Drift, or Woodpecker that integrates with LinkedIn. These tools allow you to:
- Import your LinkedIn connections
- Create templates with merge tags to personalize each message
- Set up automated workflows to space out sending
- Quickly customize messages before they are sent
Here are some tips for using an outreach tool effectively:
- Import no more than 2000 LinkedIn connections to prevent rate limits.
- Create 2-3 templates max with extensive personalization tags.
- Set up workflows to stagger sending 100-150 DMS per day.
- Use workflow rules to skip unqualified contacts.
- Manually review each message before sending.
An outreach tool removes busywork but you still need to ensure adequate personalization and stay within daily limits.
Pros
- Automates messaging
- Easy to customize templates
- Tools have deliverability expertise
Cons
- Additional cost for paid tools
- Taking shortcuts can decrease quality
- High initial setup time
Method 3: Use LinkedIn Automation Tools
Automation tools specifically designed for LinkedIn like Dux-Soup, Linked Helper, or Mixmax can send customized mass messages right within LinkedIn’s interface. They act as bots using your account. Benefits include:
- No need to export contacts
- Sending messages directly through LinkedIn
- Automated filters to skip unqualified contacts
However, be very cautious using these tools because it is against LinkedIn’s Terms of Service to use bots or automated messaging. Make sure you:
- Use ethical practices
- Extensively customize and personalize messages
- Stay under daily sending limits
- Manually review messages before sending
Unethical overuse of automation risks permanent suspension so use judiciously and focus on quality meaningful connections.
Pros
- Sends directly in LinkedIn
- Automates messaging
- Filters low-quality leads
Cons
- High risk of suspension if overused
- Difficult to customize messages at scale
- Automated messaging violates ToS
Guidelines for Personalized Messaging
However you choose to send mass DMS, proper personalization and quality content is crucial. Here are some best practices:
- Study a contact’s profile and reference specifics in your message
- Mention your shared connections or past interactions
- Ask questions to encourage engagement
- Avoid generic greetings like “Hi there”
- Use merge tags in templates to insert names, companies, etc.
- Send 200-300 word messages if possible
- Focus on value for the recipient over promotion
Personalized DMS focused on the recipient are always better received and more likely to spark engagement or a new connection.
Messages to Avoid
You should never send the following types of LinkedIn DMS if you want to maintain your account:
- Sales pitches with no personalization
- Requests or solicitations from strangers
- Generic mass messages copied to everyone
- Spammy promotions for unrelated offers
- Automated templates with no customization
Messages that look like spam, have no relevance to the recipient, or are focused solely on your own interests rather than value for them will damage your reputation and get your account restricted.
Conclusion
With LinkedIn’s limits on direct messaging, you need to be strategic when planning mass outreach campaigns. The best approach is to segment your targets into batches and manually send customized messages over time. You can also utilize tools to automate the process while still ensuring adequate personalization.
The key is staying under daily messaging thresholds, extensively customizing content for each recipient, and focusing on value instead of promotion. This helps strengthen relationships, stimulates engagement, and prevents your account from getting flagged.
Done properly and ethically, mass DMS allows expanding your network and connecting with more potential customers and partners from your LinkedIn connections.
| Outreach Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Messaging | Highly personalized, Lower spam risk | Time consuming |
| LinkedIn Automation Tools | Automated, sends in LinkedIn | Higher spam risk, Violates ToS |
| External Outreach Tools | Automates workflow, templates | Additional cost, setup time |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sending mass DMS allowed on LinkedIn?
Yes, you can send mass direct messages on LinkedIn but within the daily limits per account. You cannot spam or send automated, duplicate messages.
What happens if you exceed LinkedIn’s limits?
If you exceed the limits, LinkedIn may temporarily or permanently restrict your account’s ability to send messages. Continued violations could get your account banned.
How many DMS can you send per day?
LinkedIn allows sending a maximum of 300 direct messages per day before throttling or restricting your account.
Is it safe to use LinkedIn automation tools?
Use extreme caution as automated messaging violates LinkedIn’s terms. Make sure to customize messages and stay within limits. Unethical overuse risks suspension.
What are the alternatives to automation?
Alternatives include manually sending in small batches or using external outreach tools like Mailshake that help compose but don’t automate sending.
How do you avoid LinkedIn flagging your messages as spam?
Extensively personalize each message, focus on value for the recipient, and reference specifics about their profile or relationship. Avoid salesy pitches or generic messages.
What are LinkedIn’s requirements for DMS content?
Messages must be customized for the recipient, relevant, and avoid spammy language or over-promotion. You cannot duplicate generic templates.
How many DMS can LinkedIn automation tools send?
Stay within LinkedIn’s limit of max 300 DMS per day even when using automation tools. Configure settings conservatively to avoid issues.
What’s the best way to segment DMS outreach?
Group your targets into batches of 50-100 contacts. Spread messaging out over weeks using manual sends or scheduled workflows in outreach tools.
Should I personalize each DMS message?
Yes, extensive personalization is critical. Mention specifics from the contact’s profile, your relationship, shared connections, and customize any message templates.
Example LinkedIn DMS Templates
Here are two example templates you can customize with merge tags for a more personalized message:
Networking / Catch Up Message
Hi [First Name],
Hope you’ve been doing well! I noticed we’re both connected to [Shared Connection] and have [common interests/background].
I wanted to reach out and say hi as I’ve recently been focusing more on networking with [industry] professionals like yourself. It would be great to connect and hear a little more about your experience at [company name]. Perhaps we could set up a quick 20 minute phone call to catch up?
Let me know if you might be interested! I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your Name]
Content Promotion Message
Good morning [First Name],
Your experience as [job title] at [company] caught my attention, especially your work in [area of expertise]. I thought you might be interested in an article I recently wrote for [publication] highlighting the top strategies for [article topic].
The piece covers [key points] with insights from [notable names] that I think could be useful for any [job title] looking to take their skills up a notch.
I’d be happy to send over a copy if you’d like to take a look and provide any feedback from your own experience at [company name]. Just let me know!
Hope your week is off to a great start,
[Your Name]
More LinkedIn DMS Tips
Here are some final tips for effectively messaging your LinkedIn connections:
- Mention shared groups and interests for better relevance
- Follow up with connections who engage
- Ask open-ended questions to spark conversation
- Send messages from your profile on desktop for higher response
- When possible, reference recent profile updates or work anniversaries
- Segment contacts based on job role, industry, or profile keywords
- Test different messaging styles and track response rates
With a thoughtful approach, LinkedIn DMS outreach can help you establish new professional relationships, promote your brand, and qualify more sales prospects from your network.
