Messaging someone directly on LinkedIn is a great way to make an introduction and start building a professional relationship. LinkedIn’s messaging allows you to communicate privately with your connections as well as people outside of your direct network. Here are some tips on how and when to send LinkedIn messages to maximize your chances of getting a response.
Who Can You Message on LinkedIn?
There are three main categories of people you can message on LinkedIn:
- Your 1st-degree connections – These are people you are directly connected to on LinkedIn. Messaging them is straightforward and they are most likely to respond since you already have an established connection.
- 2nd and 3rd-degree connections – You can message anyone up to 3 degrees away in your network. The further away the connection, the less likely they are to respond to an outreach message. Use discretion when messaging distant connections.
- Non-connections – LinkedIn allows you to message anyone on the platform, even if you are not connected. This is useful for making cold outreach messages, but response rates tend to be low. Make sure your messaging strategy is tailored for non-connections to maximize effectiveness.
Where to Find the LinkedIn Message Button
The LinkedIn messaging button is located in a few places on the platform:
- Profile pages – When viewing someone’s profile, the “Message” button will be on the intro card that summarizes their info.
- Search results – A “Message” button appears next to each person’s name in your search results.
- Notifications panel – Access messages by clicking the notifications icon and going to the “Messages” section.
- Mobile app – Tap the Messaging icon on the app’s toolbar to view message threads.
This consistent placement of the Message button makes it easy to connect with people across the platform.
How to Start a New Message Thread
Starting a new message thread with someone on LinkedIn only takes a few clicks:
- Go to their profile page or locate them in search results.
- Click the blue “Message” button next to their name.
- Type your message in the text box that appears.
- Optional: Attach any files, images, or media you want to include.
- Click “Send” to deliver your message.
And that’s it! The recipient will now see your message in their LinkedIn inbox. Use the message window to continue the conversation thread as needed.
Tips for Crafting Effective LinkedIn Messages
Not all LinkedIn messages will get a response. Here are some best practices for creating messages that spark engagement:
- Personalize the message – Mention how you found them, something unique about their experience, or a shared connection to show you took the time to review their profile.
- Keep it short and focused – Get to the point within 2-3 sentences so the recipient immediately knows why you are reaching out.
- Ask an open-ended question – Give them a reason to respond by asking about their work, experience, or interests.
- Watch your tone – LinkedIn messaging is professional communication. Avoid overly casual language and use proper grammar/punctuation.
- Suggest moving the conversation offline – Messaging is not designed for long chats. Offer to connect via email, phone, or meeting.
Test different messaging strategies to see what works best for your goals and audience.
Things to Avoid When Messaging on LinkedIn
There are also some things you will want to avoid when reaching out:
- Sending blanket, mass messages – People can tell when you are blasting generic messages.
- Hard selling/pitching your product – Soft selling is ok, but don’t be overly promotional without permission.
- Asking for favors immediately – Build rapport before making asks or requests.
- Inappropriate language/content – Keep all communications professional.
- Spamming people who don’t respond – Don’t harass people who don’t write back.
- Typos and grammatical errors – Proofread before hitting send!
Following best practices and avoiding these mistakes will position you for messaging success on LinkedIn.
Message Etiquette Tips
Here are some top tips for maintaining proper etiquette when messaging contacts:
- Use a formal salutation – “Hi [First Name]” or “Dear [First Name]” are safe options.
- Include a subject line – Summarize your reason for messaging in 1-4 words.
- Avoid using chat acronyms/slang – Write messages in complete sentences with proper punctuation.
- Respect people’s time and availability – Only message during business hours unless you know they are comfortable with after-hours outreach.
- Let conversations flow naturally – Don’t force replies quickly if the pace tapers off. People get busy.
- Close the loop – If a conversation goes cold, send a polite follow-up before moving on.
Minding your manners goes a long way towards building meaningful professional relationships through LinkedIn messaging.
Following Up on LinkedIn Messages
If someone hasn’t replied to your initial message, follow these tips for appropriate follow-up:
- Wait at least 1 week before following up.
- Be concise and don’t resend your original message.
- Consider changing the message or offer if it wasn’t compelling.
- Ask if they received your previous message.
- Don’t follow up more than 2-3 times total.
- Accept if someone clearly does not want to engage – don’t harass them.
Persistence pays off, but also know when to walk away and refocus your efforts elsewhere.
Settings and Preferences
Adjust these settings related to LinkedIn messaging:
- Notifications – Choose how and when you receive new message alerts.
- Privacy – Limit who can send you messages or hide when you are active/online.
- Blocking – Prevent specific people from contacting you.
- Message organization – Create folders, star important messages, etc.
- Signatures – Automatically append a signature to your messages.
Set up your messaging preferences so that connecting with people on LinkedIn aligns with your style and needs.
LinkedIn Message Limits
LinkedIn does limit how many messages you can send, especially to protect their community from spammers. These are the current message limits:
- Free Accounts – 30 messages per month to non-connections.
- Premium Accounts – No limit on messages to anyone.
- Maximum recipients – You can message up to 100 recipients at once.
- Mass messages – If you send bulk messages, your account can be restricted.
Stay within LinkedIn guidelines to avoid any messaging limitations on your account.
LinkedIn InMail
InMail is LinkedIn’s premium messaging product and offers a few key benefits:
- Unlimited messages to anyone on LinkedIn, regardless of your network.
- Higher response rates and inbox placement.
- See when your message is opened.
- Advanced analytics on your messaging performance.
Upgrade to a premium account if you want heavy LinkedIn messaging capabilities.
Conclusion
LinkedIn messaging allows for direct, private communication that can strengthen relationships and spark opportunities. Use personalized, friendly messages within the platform’s guidelines to start conversations and build your professional network. With the right strategy, LinkedIn messaging can become an invaluable tool for connecting with colleagues and contacts.
