InMail messages on LinkedIn are a great way to directly contact people you are not already connected to. With over 750 million members, LinkedIn offers access to a massive professional network. However, sending effective InMail messages that get responses can be challenging. Proper structuring and planning of your InMails is crucial for success.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover how to optimally structure your LinkedIn InMails in 11 steps:
1. Keep it short and focused
The first key to writing effective InMail messages is keeping them focused and concise. With so many messages flooding people’s inboxes, you want yours to stand out. Get straight to the point within the first paragraph with a clear reason for contacting them. Avoid long-winded intros and excess filler content.
Experts recommend InMails should be no longer than 4-5 sentences or around 50-100 words. Anything longer risks the recipient disengaging or skimming. Use clear, direct language to communicate why you are contacting them specifically.
2. Personalize with research
One of the biggest mistakes people make with InMail is taking a generic, spray-and-pray approach. To stand out, it’s essential to personalize your messages based on research on the recipient’s profile and background.
Look at their work experience, education, skills, interests and achievements. Find something specific that you share in common or a unique reason they are relevant to your purpose. Referencing personalized details shows you respect their time and establishes common ground.
3. Structure as a narrative
Rather than just listing questions or statements, structure your InMail as a narrative. Introduce yourself, explain why you are reaching out, and tell a story around your purpose that flows naturally.
This narrative structure makes the message more engaging and personable. It feels like a conversation starter rather than a robotic list of statements. Use paragraph breaks between key sections and ideas.
4. Pose questions to encourage replies
Where appropriate within your narrative, pose 1-2 questions tailored around the recipient’s expertise or interests. This engages them in a dialogue and makes it easy for them to respond.
For example, if they work in a certain industry, you could ask: “Based on your experience in [industry], how important is [x] for success?” Questions give them an opening to share their perspectives.
5. Focus on their needs, not just yours
A common InMail mistake is focusing entirely on your own needs rather than the recipient’s. While you will reference your purpose, also emphasize how connecting could benefit them in some way.
Do your research to identify ways your proposition could be useful for their work or goals. Perhaps you could offer industry insights, connections, or opportunities of interest. The motivation should be win-win rather than one-sided.
6. Choose an appropriate greeting
How you greet the recipient helps set the tone. Using their first name builds rapport. But make sure it is appropriate based on your existing connection level. Terms like “Hi [first name]” may be too familiar for people you do not know.
In such cases, “Hi [full name]” or simply “Hi” are safer options. Never use overly casual greetings like “Hey” or “Yo” in InMails.
7. Structure your proposal clearly
Be clear and specific about your purpose for connecting. Vague introductions suggesting “we should connect” or “I’d like to chat” are ineffective. Have a clear proposal in mind, and communicate it directly.
For example: “I’m building a [service] to help people [achieve X goal], and I’d love get your insights on challenges people face with [relevant topic]. Are you open to a 15-minute phone call on [date]?”
The recipient needs to immediately grasp who you are and the value of responding.
8. End with a call-to-action
Closing your InMail with a specific call-to-action gives the recipient clarity on the next step. End by proposing a meeting, asking questions, or posing a request.
For example: “If you’re open to discussing this further, I’d love to schedule a call. Please let me know if you have any availability next week.”
Having an obvious next action makes responding simpler.
9. Use a professional sign-off
As with any professional communication, sign off appropriately. “Best” or “Sincerely” both work for InMail. Include your full name. Avoid overly casual closings like “Thanks” or just your first name, which can seem presumptuous.
A professional sign-off matches the polite, formal tone you want for InMails.
10. Proofread before sending
With any important message, it’s essential to proofread before hitting send. Double check for typos, grammar issues, unclear phrases, or other errors that could undermine your professionalism.
Read your InMail out loud to catch any parts that sound awkward or confusing. Refine it until the wording is concise, clear, and mistake-free. The quality of your writing represents you.
11. Follow up persistently (but politely)
Since InMail recipients are often busy strangers, do not expect an instant reply. Follow up 2-3 times if needed, allowing 1-2 weeks between attempts.
Persistence and professionalism pay off. However, immediately re-sending the same InMail multiple times comes across as spammy. Vary your follow-up messages to show genuine interest in connecting.
Conclusion
Mastering how to structure your LinkedIn InMails significantly improves results. Applying these best practices of keeping it concise, personalized, narrative-driven, and action-oriented establishes you as a thoughtful communicator worth responding to. Invest time tailoring each message to the individual. With the right approach, InMail can expand your professional network and opportunities.
| InMail Best Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Keep it short and focused | Avoids overwhelming recipients and highlights key message |
| Personalize with research | Shows you respect their time and establishes common ground |
| Structure as a narrative | Creates an engaging, personable flow |
| Pose questions | Encourages easy replies by prompting perspectives |
| Focus on their needs | Emphasizes the win-win motivation |
| Choose an appropriate greeting | Sets a professional yet warm tone |
| Structure your proposal clearly | Enables recipient to immediately grasp value |
| End with a call-to-action | Provides clarity on desired next step |
| Use a professional sign-off | Matches polite, formal communication style |
| Proofread before sending | Ensures quality writing representing you |
| Follow up persistently (but politely) | Shows genuine interest in connecting |
Tips for writing effective InMail messages
Here are some additional tips to make your LinkedIn InMails more effective:
- Avoid generic subject lines like “Meeting Request.” Craft a compelling customized subject.
- Strike a balance between formal and casual language. Be professional but also warm and personable.
- Mention any mutual connections to establish rapport and credibility.
- Reference their specific skills, experience, or knowledge to convey you understand their value.
- Be clear on your specific ask, proposal, or purpose for connecting.
- Stay positive, humble, and avoid sounding entitled to their time or help.
- Highlight why requesting their insights or perspectives could be worthwhile for them.
- Be sincere and authentic – people connect with realness.
Following structured InMail best practices combined with personal authenticity will improve your results reaching out to new professional contacts.
InMail Templates
While each InMail should be personalized, having template language can help accelerate the drafting process. Here are a few sample InMail template examples:
LinkedIn InMail Template 1
Subject: Seeking your [industry] expertise
Hi [name],
My name is [your name] and I’m the founder of [company], a startup focused on [problem your company solves]. With your experience as a [current title] at [company name], I’d love to pick your brain on the challenges you see working in the [industry] industry.
Specifically, based on your insights, how important of an issue is [relevant problem] for leaders in your field? As we look to tailor our solution, your perspective would be invaluable. Would you have 15-20 minutes for a quick call sometime in the next week?
I look forward to connecting. Please let me know if any times could work for you.
Best,
[Your name]
LinkedIn InMail Template 2
Subject: Connecting fellow [university] alums
Hi [name],
My name is [your name] and I also graduated from [university name] in [year]. I wanted to reach out as a fellow [university mascot] to introduce myself!
I now work at [your company] leading [your role]. I see you work at [their company] – your career path looks really interesting. As fellow [university] grads I’d love to connect and learn more about your journey since our alma mater.
Would you be open to networking over a coffee or phone call sometime? Please let me know if you’re available – I’d enjoy reconnecting with a fellow [university] alum.
Best,
[Your name]
LinkedIn InMail Template 3
Subject: Quick question on [relevant skillset]
Hi [name],
My name is [your name] and I work at [your company] developing [products/services relevant to recipient’s industry]. I noticed you have extensive experience in [recipient’s skillset] from your time at [past company names].
As we work on [launching a new product/entering new market], I wanted to pick your brain. In your opinion based on your background, what are 1-2 biggest challenges companies face when [relevant situation]? Any insights you may have would be greatly appreciated.
Please let me know if you’d have 10-15 minutes for a quick call to connect. I look forward to hearing your perspective.
Best,
[Your name]
Common LinkedIn InMail Mistakes to Avoid
While a well-crafted InMail can open doors, poor execution can easily turn off recipients. Here are some key mistakes to avoid:
- Using a generic subject line that will get lost in the shuffle, rather than one compelling them to open.
- Starting with a vague, rambling introduction rather than getting to the point.
- Making it all about your needs rather than conveying mutual value.
- Using overly formal or stiff language rather than connecting person-to-person.
- Having typos or grammar issues that convey carelessness.
- Selling too aggressively or pitching services without permission.
- Asking for a job or endorsement from someone you have no existing relationship with.
- Sending templated messages with names inserted without personalizing.
- Pressuring them to connect or respond after one attempt rather than following up politely.
- Forgetting to include a clear call-to-action on next steps.
Steer clear of these missteps, and thoughtfully craft each InMail to showcase value, insight, and care for the recipient’s time. Patience and persistence with polite follow-ups also help yield responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many InMails can I send per month?
The number of InMails you can send depends on your LinkedIn account level. Here is the breakdown:
- Basic accounts: 0 InMails per month
- Business Plus accounts: 25 InMails per month
- Sales Navigator Team accounts: 30 InMails per month
- Sales Navigator Professional accounts: 50 InMails per month
- Recruiter accounts: 50-200 InMails per month depending on level
- You can also purchase additional InMail credits beyond any limits.
So if you maximize your allocated InMails with an effective, personalized outreach strategy, you can connect with many new contacts each month.
What is the optimal InMail length?
Experts recommend keeping your InMail concise at 50-100 words or 4-5 sentences. Anything longer risks overwhelming busy recipients or encouraging skimming. Stay laser focused on introducing yourself and communicating your specific purpose or questions. Avoid extraneous details.
How should I structure my InMail subject line?
Craft a compelling, personalized subject line that grabs attention and conveys your unique reason for contacting them. Avoid generic phrases like “Meeting Request” or “Quick Question.” Instead be specific like “Seeking your legal insights on contract law for a research project.”
How long should I wait for a response before following up?
Don’t expect an instant reply. Wait 1-2 weeks before politely following up. Remember recipients are busy and contacted constantly. Follow up persistently 2-3 times if needed. If no response after 3 attempts, it’s usually best to move on.
What are LinkedIn’s rules around sending InMails?
Carefully follow LinkedIn’s guidelines, including:
- Don’t spam with repeat InMails if no response.
- No aggressive hard selling.
- No inappropriate content.
- No requesting illegal or unethical actions.
- No buying/selling prohibited goods or services.
Violating LinkedIn’s policies can get your account restricted or banned.
