LinkedIn has become an invaluable platform for building professional connections and expanding your network. With over 722 million users worldwide, it’s no surprise that LinkedIn messaging can feel overwhelming at times. The free version of LinkedIn allows you to send only a limited number of messages per month before requiring you to upgrade to a premium account. However, there are some clever workarounds that will allow you to send unlimited messages without having to pay. This guide will walk you through several methods for getting around LinkedIn’s messaging limits so you can connect with more people and grow your network.
Understanding LinkedIn’s Messaging Limits
LinkedIn imposes monthly limits on the number of messages you can send to protect the quality of connections and prevent spamming. Here’s a quick overview of the messaging allowances for each account type:
- Basic (Free) Account: Allows 30 messages per month
- Premium Business Account: Allows 1,500 messages per month
- Premium Career Account: Allows 8,000 messages per month
Once you hit your limit, LinkedIn will prohibit you from sending more messages until the next month starts. Attempts to message after the limit result in an error saying you’ve reached your cap.
These restrictions can hinder relationship-building and lead generation efforts. But there are ways to work around the caps so you can keep the conversations going without paying. The key is maximizing your free monthly allotment.
Strategies for Messaging More With a Free Account
Here are some clever techniques to stretch your limited number of free monthly LinkedIn messages:
1. Leverage Your Connections List
One simple way to get more mileage from your 30 free messages is to focus exclusively on sending messages to people already in your LinkedIn network. Sending messages to 1st-degree connections doesn’t count against your monthly limit.
Do an audit of your Connections list and target those you’d like to further engage with. Reach out to see how they’re doing, share an interesting article, or make plans to meet up.
2. Maximize Message Length
Did you know that LinkedIn counts each message you send separately, regardless of length? That means a long 200-word message subtracts 1 from your monthly limit, the same as a short 2-word message.
To capitalize on this quirk, get into the habit of sending more lengthy, value-driven messages. Combine multiple short messages into one longer one. Go beyond one-sentence pleasantries and share ideas, articles, and personalized comments to keep the other person engaged.
3. Follow Up Strategically
Following up on a conversation doesn’t count toward your monthly allotment. So if someone responds to your message, you can continue the dialogue as long as needed without chipping away at your limit.
When reaching out cold to new prospects, think strategically about ways to get them to respond so you can follow up after. For instance, ask smart questions that necessitate a reply or share interesting insights that will hook them into wanting to continue the chat.
4. Use Connection Requests Wisely
Here’s a little-known hack: When sending someone a connection request, you can include a 300-character message that doesn’t subtract from your free monthly allowance.
Use this to your advantage by personalizing connection requests with value-driven messages. Share why you’d like to connect, how you can help them, or a compliment on their work.
5. Automate with Drip Campaigns
Setting up automated messaging campaigns is a savvy way to maximize your 30 free LinkedIn messages each month. Tools like Drift and Mixmax help you create targeted drips so you can focus on having deeper, strategic conversations.
When you segment and customize your automated messages, it doesn’t feel spammy. Set up a cadence focused on your ideal audience and preferred messaging frequency.
Upgrading to Send More Messages
If you’re committed to ramping up your LinkedIn messaging, upgrading to a premium paid account is a wise investment. Here’s an overview of the two paid options:
Premium Business
- 1,500 messages per month
- Message anyone, even if they’re not a 1st-degree connection
- See full profile views list
- Create branded content
- Premium support
- Costs $49.99/month
Premium Career
- 8,000 messages per month
- Message anyone
- See full profile views list
- Take unlimited Learning courses
- Costs $29.99/month
Weigh whether the increased messaging and added perks are worth the monthly spend based on your outreach goals and budget.
Messaging Best Practices
Whatever LinkedIn messaging strategy you use, be sure to avoid spamming others. Here are some best practices:
Personalize Each Message
Avoid copy-pasted generic messages. Mention the person’s name, company, content they’ve shared and why you’d like to connect.
Add Value
Don’t just pitch yourself or your company. Offer insights, share resources, and demonstrate you want to build a relationship, not just land a sale.
Use a Professional Tone
Even informal LinkedIn conversations deserve proper punctuation, grammar, capitalization and a courteous tone.
Follow Up Thoughtfully
If someone doesn’t respond, don’t harass them with multiple follow-ups. Send just 1 or 2 polite check-ins before moving on.
Monitor Open and Reply Rates
Keep an eye on your messaging effectiveness. A low open or reply rate signals your outreach needs improvement.
Conclusion
With the right strategy, you can maximize your LinkedIn messaging within the constraints of the free monthly limit. Focus on quality over quantity by personalizing your outreach, combining short messages into longer conversations, and automating thoughtfully. If needed, upgrade to a premium account to expand your messaging capabilities. Apply these tips to boost connections while maintaining high etiquette.
