LinkedIn’s direct messaging feature allows you to privately communicate with other members without sharing your actual email address. Direct messaging can be useful for establishing new connections, following up after meeting someone, or having more in-depth conversations than are appropriate for LinkedIn’s public feed.
Who Can You Direct Message on LinkedIn?
You can direct message any LinkedIn member who is not in your first-degree network. That means you can direct message:
- Second-degree connections (connections of your connections)
- Third-degree connections
- Group members
- LinkedIn members who you are not connected to at all
You cannot direct message first-degree connections, since you already have access to their contact information. The messaging feature is intended to allow you to communicate with new or less familiar connections.
How to Start a Direct Message Conversation
Starting a new direct message conversation is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Go to the profile page of the person you want to message. Make sure they are in your second or third-degree network, or are not connected to you at all.
- Click the “More” icon (the three dots) next to the “Message” button at the top of their profile.
- Select “Send direct message” from the dropdown menu.
- Type your message in the text box that appears.
- Click the paper airplane icon to send your message.
The person you messaged will receive a notification of your message. They can then reply back to you directly if they choose.
How to Find Your Existing Conversations
Once you’ve started messaging someone, you can find your existing conversations in a few places:
- On your LinkedIn home page, look for the envelope icon in the top navigation bar. This will show your most recent conversations.
- Go to the Messaging section under your profile icon. Here you will see a list of all your current message threads.
- If you are on the profile page of someone you have an existing conversation with, look for the envelope icon next to their name at the top of their profile.
How to Continue a Conversation
To send a follow-up message or continue an existing conversation:
- Navigate to the conversation thread in one of the ways described above.
- Click on the conversation you want to open.
- Type your message in the text box at the bottom of the thread.
- Hit enter or click the paper airplane icon to send.
The conversation will now display all messages between you and the other person in one continuous thread. Use this messaging thread to keep the dialogue going.
Tips for Direct Messaging Etiquette
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using LinkedIn’s direct messaging feature:
- Personalize your message: Avoid generic messages like “Let’s connect!” and say something specific about why you want to get in touch.
- Remind them who you are: Unless you just met someone in person, refresh their memory on where they know you from.
- Be clear and concise: Get to the point of your message within the first 1-2 sentences.
- Follow business etiquette: Use proper grammar, spelling and punctuation. Avoid using abbreviations or slang.
- Avoid anything inappropriate: Do not use messaging to send anything offensive, discriminatory or unprofessional.
Following these etiquette tips will give you the best chance at a response and build goodwill, whether you already know the person or are trying to connect with someone new.
Direct Messaging on Mobile
The LinkedIn mobile app makes it easy to carry on conversations from your phone or tablet. Just tap on the Messages icon on the app’s main menu to view your messaging inbox and start new conversations.
Notifications of new messages will also appear in your mobile device’s notification bar, allowing you to jump right into the conversation. The mobile messaging interface has all the same features as the desktop website.
Who Can See Your Direct Messages?
Direct messages on LinkedIn are private between you and the recipient. No one else will be able to see the content of your conversations.
However, anyone looking at your LinkedIn profile will be able to see if you are connected with someone through direct messaging. They just won’t see the actual messages.
Is There a Size Limit for Messages?
LinkedIn does not publish any specific character limits for direct messages. However, very long messages may get cut off with a note to continue your message in a new message.
For readability, it is best to keep your messages concise. You can always continue a long dialogue by sending follow-up messages back and forth.
Can You Direct Message Groups?
No, LinkedIn does not allow you to direct message an entire group. You can only message individual members one-on-one.
However, you can post a discussion within a LinkedIn group to reach all group members. Groups allow members to have public discussions related to shared interests and topics.
Troubleshooting Direct Messages
Here are some common issues that can occur with LinkedIn direct messaging and how to fix them:
- Can’t start a new message: This usually means the person is already a 1st degree connection. You can only message 2nd and 3rd degree connections or unconnected members.
- Conversation disappeared: One of you may have deleted or reported the conversation thread. You’ll need to start a new one.
- Can’t send messages: Your sending privileges may be temporarily restricted. This can occur if messages were reported. Try again later.
- Not receiving messages: Check your LinkedIn notification settings. You may have alerts turned off.
If issues persist, you can contact LinkedIn’s customer support for additional help.
Closing Thoughts
LinkedIn’s messaging feature provides a quick and easy way to make valuable connections through your extended network. Following best practices for professional communication will help ensure your messages are well-received.
With the ability to communicate privately with over 740 million members, LinkedIn messaging opens up many new networking possibilities. Use it strategically as part of your overall approach to building relationships and expanding your professional community.
