Is it better to send InMail or connect on LinkedIn?

With over 810 million members worldwide, LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for professional networking and making business connections. As a LinkedIn user, you have two main options for reaching out to new professional contacts on the platform: sending an InMail message or sending a connection request.

But which is the better option? Sending an InMail or connecting first? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the pros and cons of InMails vs. connections on LinkedIn so you can decide the best approach for your needs.

What is LinkedIn InMail?

LinkedIn InMail is the platform’s internal messaging system that allows you to send private messages to any LinkedIn member, even if you’re not connected. Some key things to know about InMail:

• InMail messages go directly to the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox.
• Recipients can reply directly back to your InMail.
• You don’t need to be connected to send an InMail.
• There is a limit on the number of InMails you can send per month as a free user. Paid subscriptions allow more InMails.

InMail is intended for sending more personal, customized messages and pitches vs. a generic connection request.

Pros of Sending an InMail

Here are some potential advantages of sending an InMail rather than a connection request:

1. Higher response rates

Studies have found that InMail has a response rate between 20-35%, while connection requests have a much lower response rate of around 10-15%. So you’re more likely to get a reply with an InMail.

2. More personalized approach

Since InMail allows you to write customized messages, you can explain who you are, reference shared connections, and share why you’d like to connect. This personal touch can increase open and response rates.

3. No need to connect first

InMail allows you to reach anyone on LinkedIn, even if they’re outside your network. So it avoids the need to connect with someone before you can message them.

4. Direct inbox delivery

InMail messages go directly to the recipient’s main LinkedIn inbox, so they are more likely to be opened than a connection request, which goes into a separate tab.

5. Can be used for cold outreach

If you want to conduct cold outreach to prospects and leads, InMail provides a way to directly engage them vs. hoping they accept your connection request.

Cons of Sending an InMail

There are also some potential downsides to consider with InMail:

1. Paid subscriptions required

As a free LinkedIn user, you only get 5 InMails per month. To send more messages, you need to upgrade to a premium account which starts at around $30/month. With connection requests, you can send unlimited requests for free.

2. Can be perceived as spammy

If your InMail comes across as a canned sales pitch, recipients may dismiss it as spam. So it’s important to personalize your messages and demonstrate you actually read their profile.

3. No notification if the message is unseen

With an InMail, you won’t know if the recipient ever saw your message. With a connection request, you will get notified if it’s accepted or ignored after a certain period of time.

4. Lower response rates from upper management

Research shows that executives and senior leaders have lower response rates to InMail, given the high volume of messages they receive. You may be better off connecting first to stand out.

5. Requires more effort

Writing a quality, personalized InMail takes more time and effort than sending a connection request. You need to craft the right message and subject line to motivate the recipient to open and reply.

Pros of Connecting First on LinkedIn

What are some potential upsides to sending a connection request before messaging?

1. It’s free

Sending LinkedIn connection requests is always free. So if you’re on a tight budget, this is a more affordable route than paying for InMail credits.

2. Allows two-way communication

Once accepted, either person can initiate messages, allowing for two-way communication.

3. Notifications if ignored

If your connection request is ignored for too long, you’ll get a notification it has expired. This provides some closure vs. an InMail that may go unseen.

4. Builds network organically

Making connections expands your 1st-degree network on LinkedIn organically, allowing you access to their connections after linking up.

5. Higher acceptance from those you know

People are much more likely to accept connection requests from people they already know or if you share connections.

Cons of Connecting First

Here are some drawbacks to keep in mind with sending connection requests:

1. Lower acceptance rates from strangers

Requesting to connect with total strangers or cold prospects has a low success rate, often less than 20%. Most people only accept requests from people they know.

2. 1st-degree limit on messages

You can only message 1st-degree connections on LinkedIn unless you pay. InMail allows you to message anyone.

3. Perceived as spam by some

Mass connection requests may be perceived as spam, especially if your invitation note is generic. Personalized InMail may better demonstrate your intent.

4. Harder to stand out

Your connection invitation goes into the “requests” tab in someone’s account. It can be easy to overlook or ignore. An InMail goes directly to their inbox.

5. Unable to customize much

Connection requests only allow a brief note, limiting your ability to customize your outreach vs. the message flexibility of InMail.

When to Use Each Approach

Given the pros and cons, when should you use InMail vs. connection requests? Here are some best practices:

Use InMail when:

• Conducting cold outreach to prospects
• Reaching executives and senior leaders
• Following up after meetings and events
• You want to personalize your message
• You are willing to pay for credits

Use connection requests when:

• Connecting with people you already know
• Looking to expand your network organically
• Following up after meeting someone in-person
• On a tight budget
• You want notifications if ignored

Use both when:

• Conducting outreach campaigns with multiple touchpoints
• Connecting with new professional contacts after an introduction
• Building relationships with prospects over time

The most effective approach often involves a combination of personalized InMails and targeted connection requests to build new relationships.

Tips for Using InMail and Connections

Here are some top tips to get the most out of InMail and connection requests on LinkedIn:

For Quality InMails:

• Personalize each message with custom language
• Keep subject lines short, clear and compelling
• Highlight shared connections or interests
• Ask questions to prompt a reply
• Follow up if you don’t get a response

For Effective Connection Requests:

• Personalize your invitation note
• Send invites to those within your network
• Target prospective customers and partners
• Follow up after in-person meetings
• Connect with company alumni

For Both:

• Research the recipient’s profile and role
• Make the value clear in your message
• Follow up with multiple touchpoints
• Send personalized invites and messages
• Demonstrate shared interests and connections

InMail and Connection Request Limits

LinkedIn imposes monthly limits on the number of InMails and connection requests you can send, depending on your account type. Here’s an overview of the limits:

So free users have very tight InMail limits, requiring an upgrade for more credits. But you can send unlimited free connection requests.

InMail vs. Connection Request: Final Recommendation

So in summary, here is our final recommendation on whether you should send an InMail or connect first when reaching out to prospects and contacts on LinkedIn:

Use InMail when:

• You need more message customization for personal outreach
• You want to contact senior executives and leaders
• You are conducting cold outreach and prospecting
• You are willing to pay for subscription credits

Use connection requests when:

• Connecting with people you already know
• Looking to expand your organic network
• Following up after in-person meetings and events
• You are on a tight budget

Use both when:

• Conducting relationship-building outreach over time
• Running campaigns with multiple touchpoints
• Following introductions to new professional contacts

The most effective approach often involves using both personalized InMails and well-targeted connection requests. This allows you to customize your messages while also organically growing your network.

The key is personalizing both your InMails and your connection invites, researching each recipient, and demonstrating shared interests and connections. With the right strategy, you can productively use both tools to build new relationships on LinkedIn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to send an InMail or connect first on LinkedIn?

It depends on your specific goals. InMail allows more customization for cold outreach, while connecting first may work better for expanding your organic network and messaging contacts you already know. Using both approaches together is often most effective.

Do InMails have higher response rates?

Yes, studies show InMails have response rates between 20-35%, significantly higher than the 10-15% response rate for connection requests. The ability to personalize InMail messages contributes to the higher response rates.

Can you send InMails without connecting first?

Yes, a key benefit of InMail is the ability to send messages to any LinkedIn member without needing to connect first. However, you are limited to 5 free InMails per month.

What are the limits on InMails and connections?

Free LinkedIn members can only send 5 InMails but unlimited free connection requests per month. Paid subscriptions provide more InMail credits but maintain no limits on connections.

Is it better to connect or send InMail when reaching out to executives?

Research shows executives and senior leaders often ignore connection requests but have higher response rates to personalized InMail messages that demonstrate value. InMail is generally better for contacting higher-level prospects.

What is the best way to send an InMail or connection request?

Personalize your message, research the recipient’s profile, highlight shared connections or interests, make your value clear, and follow up if needed. Customizing your invites and InMails is key for the best results.

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2. Is LinkedIn Messaging Public?
3. Do LinkedIn Messages Cost Money?
4. Is LinkedIn Message Private?