Sending mass InMail messages on LinkedIn can be a great way to reach out to many prospects and potential connections at once. However, there are specific guidelines and limitations set by LinkedIn on sending mass InMails that you need to follow to avoid having your account restricted. The key is to personalize and customize each message rather than blasting the same generic text to everyone.
What is Mass InMail on LinkedIn?
Mass InMail refers to sending the same InMail message to multiple LinkedIn members at once instead of personalizing each message. InMail is LinkedIn’s internal messaging system that allows you to contact any member even if you are not connected.
With a premium Business Plus, Sales Navigator, Recruiter, or Career subscription plan, you get a certain number of InMail credits each month to message members. Mass InMail lets you leverage these credits to reach more prospects in less time.
LinkedIn’s Guidelines on Mass InMails
LinkedIn has strict rules against sending spammy or duplicative InMail messages. If you send mass identical InMails, your account may get restricted. Here are some key guidelines to follow:
- Personalize each message – Do not copy-paste the same generic text.
- Customize the subject line for each recipient.
- Make sure content is relevant to the recipient.
- Do not make false claims or use misleading language.
- Include an easy opt-out option.
- Follow up sparingly if you get no response.
- Do not send more than 300 InMails per day.
- Do not target members who you have no shared connections with.
How to Send Mass InMails on LinkedIn
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to properly send mass InMails while following LinkedIn’s guidelines:
1. Compile Your List of Prospects
First, put together a list of the LinkedIn members you wish to contact via InMail. You can export a list of prospects from Sales Navigator or LinkedIn Recruiter. You can also search for relevant members using keywords and filters directly on LinkedIn.
Avoid targeting complete strangers. Focus on prospects with some connection back to you, whether they are in your industry, went to your school, worked at a company you follow, etc.
2. Segment Your List
Once you have your prospect list, divide it into segments or categories based on factors like industry, job role, geographic location, company size, etc. Personalizing messages gets much easier when sending InMails to similar subsets of prospects versus the entire list.
3. Craft Your InMail Templates
For each segment you created, draft a unique InMail template you can customize and send to those prospects. Make sure to include relevant personalization tokens like first name, company, job title, etc. Have a compelling but honest subject line.
Focus the content on the recipient and how you can help them. Avoid generic language. Keep sentences short and scannable. Include a clear call-to-action focused on the recipient’s needs.
4. Personalize and Send
With your templates ready, go through your list segment by segment personalizing each message. Change up the wording, add custom details, alter sections as needed before sending.
Do not blast the identical InMails even within segments. Put in the time to customize and tailor each message.
Also, do not go over the 300 InMails a day limit. Space out your messaging over multiple days to be safe.
5. Follow Up Strategically
If you get no response after your initial InMail, follow up selectively with recipients who you really want to connect with. But avoid pestering people who never responded.
Change your approach in the follow-ups. Try a new compelling subject line, tweak the message content, focus on providing value, and see if you get better results.
Tools to Manage Mass InMailing
Doing all the list segmentation, personalization, and follow-ups for mass InMails manually is tedious and time-consuming. Using the right tools can automate and simplify the process.
Here are some popular tools with InMail personalization features:
- Woodpecker – Browser extension to automate outreach on LinkedIn.
- Mailshake – InMail templates and sequencing features.
- Outreach.io – Prospecting automation with compliance checks.
- Quickmail – Personalize and schedule InMail campaigns.
- Drift – AI assistant for messaging prospects.
Research thoroughly before picking a tool that aligns with your goals. Proper configuration is key to effective InMail automation.
What to Avoid with Mass InMails
While mass InMails can generate quality leads, some common mistakes can hurt your outreach efforts:
- Spraying and praying – Blindly blasting generic InMails to any profile.
- Using spammy subject lines – Avoid clickbait or misleading language.
- Sending identical messages – Personalize each InMail.
- Ignoring opt-outs – Respect member preferences.
- Being dishonest – Do not make false claims to trick people.
- Aggressive follow-ups – Avoid badgering unresponsive prospects.
Sending thoughtful, value-focused InMails to targeted prospects in a genuine way will get you much better returns than bulk messaging spam.
Conclusion
When used properly, mass InMail can expand your reach and help you engage qualified prospects on LinkedIn at scale. Just make sure to follow LinkedIn’s guidelines, personalize your messages, segment your outreach lists, and avoid spamming behavior.
Leverage tools to automate the process but still customize each InMail. Focus on providing value rather than making a hard sales pitch. With a strategic approach, mass InMail can become an integral part of your LinkedIn lead generation efforts.