The number of InMail credits you get per month on LinkedIn depends on what type of LinkedIn account you have. LinkedIn offers several account types for individual users, each with varying levels of features and functionality. The number of InMails you can send for free each month depends on your account type.
LinkedIn Free Account
With a free LinkedIn account, you do not get any free InMail credits per month. InMail is considered a “premium” feature on LinkedIn and is not included with a free account. The only way to send InMails with a free account is to purchase them individually as needed. InMails can be purchased in packs of 3 for $10.
LinkedIn Premium Career Account
With a LinkedIn Premium Career account, you get 5 free InMail credits per month. These 5 credits renew on a monthly basis and do not roll over if unused. Here are some key things to know about InMail with Premium Career:
- You get 5 free InMails per month
- Any unused InMails expire at the end of each month
- You can purchase additional InMails as needed beyond the 5 free ones
- InMail credits can be used to contact any LinkedIn member, even if they are not in your network
The Premium Career plan costs $29.99 per month if paying monthly, or $240 if paying annually. This plan is best for those actively searching for a job or looking to connect with professionals outside of their existing network.
LinkedIn Premium Business Account
With a Premium Business account, you get 25 free InMail credits each month. As with the other account types, these 25 credits expire if not used by the end of the month. Here are the key details on InMail with Premium Business:
- 25 free InMails per month
- Unused InMails expire at the end of each month
- Additional InMails can be purchased as needed
- InMails can be used to contact any LinkedIn member
The Premium Business account costs $59.99 per month if paying monthly, or $468 per year with annual payment. This expanded account is ideal for sales professionals, recruiters, and those who want to be able to connect with a large number of professionals monthly.
LinkedIn Premium Sales Account
The Premium Sales account offers the highest number of free InMail credits per month at 50. This account type is specifically designed for sales professionals who need to reach out to a high volume of prospects and leads. Here are the key InMail details for Premium Sales:
- 50 InMails per month
- Any unused InMails expire monthly
- Additional InMails can be purchased as needed
- InMails can contact any LinkedIn member
The Premium Sales account costs $79.99 per month if paying monthly, or $628 if paying annually. This is LinkedIn’s highest level account, providing sales professionals with the most tools and highest InMail limit.
Summary of InMail Credits by Account
| Account Type | Free InMails Per Month |
|---|---|
| Free Account | 0 |
| Premium Career Account | 5 |
| Premium Business Account | 25 |
| Premium Sales Account | 50 |
As shown in the table above, the number of free InMail credits you get each month varies significantly depending on which LinkedIn account you have. Free accounts get none, while Premium Sales accounts get 50 per month. Consider which account best matches your needs for connecting with other professionals.
Getting the Most from Your Free InMails
Since free InMail credits are limited each month for Premium account holders, it’s important to use them strategically. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your free InMails each month:
- Prioritize recipients carefully – Reserve InMails for your top prospects and leads each month
- Personalize each message – Make sure to customize the InMail so it is specific and relevant to the recipient
- Follow up promptly – Respond quickly if the recipient replies to your InMail
- Track responses – Monitor if InMails are generating responses and leads
- Adjust your strategy – Refine your targeting and messaging based on response rates
- Use sparingly – Space out InMails over the month rather than sending all at once
Leverage LinkedIn Connections First
Before using your limited InMails, tap into your existing LinkedIn network. Look through your 1st-degree connections and groups for potential prospects first before going to InMail. Often you can message connections or make introductions without having to use InMails at all.
Follow-Up Tactfully
If an initial InMail goes unanswered, consider a follow up. But be careful not to bombard recipients with multiple messages. Generally one follow up is appropriate if spaced a few weeks after the initial InMail.
Track InMail Metrics
Pay attention to response rates and conversion rates from your InMails. This can help you refine your targeting and messages over time. Many sales reps maintain InMail metrics to optimize their strategy and results.
Purchasing Additional InMail Credits
Once your free InMail credits are used up for the month, you have the option to purchase additional credits as needed. Here are some key things to know about purchasing extra InMails:
- InMails can be purchased in packs of 3, 10, 25, 50, or 100
- Larger packs offer lower per-InMail pricing
- Credits do not expire once purchased
- Extra credits roll over month to month if unused
- InMails are purchased directly through LinkedIn
The current InMail pricing is as follows:
| Number of InMails | Price | Per InMail Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3 InMails | $10 | $3.33 |
| 10 InMails | $30 | $3 |
| 25 InMails | $60 | $2.40 |
| 50 InMails | $100 | $2 |
| 100 InMails | $180 | $1.80 |
As you can see, the per-InMail price decreases as you purchase larger packs. The 100 pack at $1.80 per message is the best value if you need to purchase a lot of extra credits.
Tips for Buying Additional InMail Credits
Here are some tips when it comes to purchasing extra InMail credits:
- Buy in bulk for better value – Larger packs offer lower per-InMail pricing
- Monitor usage – Track how quickly you use InMails to anticipate needs
- Set a budget – Decide a max budget for purchased credits each month
- Leverage promotions – Watch for limited InMail credit deals from LinkedIn
- Share credits on team plans – Pool InMail credits if on a Premium team or sales plan
InMail Alternatives
In addition to InMail, there are a few other ways you can potentially contact LinkedIn members without using up InMail credits:
LinkedIn Connection Request
Sending a connection request is free and lets you include a customized message. This only works if you share another LinkedIn connection with the member already, or if they are open to receiving invites from anyone.
LinkedIn Group Message
Participating in the same LinkedIn groups as another member allows you to message them for free. You can utilize groups relevant to your industry or target members.
Promoted InMail Ads
LinkedIn’s advertising platform lets you send InMail-style sponsored messages. These work like InMails but are more mass-targeted and delivered via ads.
LinkedIn Open Profile Invitation
Members with “Open Profile” have opted to allow anyone to send them InMail-like messages for free. You can filter searches on LinkedIn to find those with this setting.
Maximizing Your LinkedIn Presence
In addition to strategically utilizing your InMails, focus on building up your LinkedIn presence in other ways. A stronger profile and network expands your reach and ability to connect with members.
Complete Your Profile
Fully optimize your LinkedIn profile with industry keywords, a detailed work history, skills, accomplishments, recommendations, and media. This helps you come up in searches.
Engage With Content
Commenting on posts, sharing articles, joining discussions, and posting valuable content can all help expand your network and visibility.
Expand Connections
Grow your LinkedIn network by proactively connecting with colleagues, partners, prospects, and industry leaders. A larger first-degree network improves your access.
Utilize LinkedIn Groups
Join LinkedIn groups related to your business, interests, university, and associations. Engage in group discussions and connect with members.
Follow Company Pages
Follow company pages on LinkedIn not just to keep up with their news, but also to connect with their employees and followers.
Conclusion
The number of InMail credits you get on LinkedIn each month depends on the type of account you have. Free accounts get zero, while Premium accounts receive between 5 and 50 credits per month. These credits renew monthly but expire if unused. Once your free credits are used up, you can buy more in packs of 3, 10, 25, 50 or 100.
To maximize the value of your free and paid InMails, personalize your messages, track response metrics, and refine your approach over time. And focus on expanding your LinkedIn network and engagement for broader connectivity beyond just InMail.
