Direct messaging on LinkedIn can be an effective way to connect with other professionals, but it’s important to use discretion. Here are some quick answers to key questions about LinkedIn direct messaging etiquette:
Is it appropriate to direct message someone you don’t know on LinkedIn?
Generally, no. Cold direct messaging people you don’t know well or have no existing relationship with can come across as overly salesy, promotional, or even creepy. It’s better to try connecting through shared connections first.
When is it OK to direct message someone on LinkedIn?
It can be appropriate to direct message people you already know or have an existing professional relationship with. For example, messaging someone you met at a conference, worked with at a previous job, or engaged with through comments and posts can lead to productive conversations.
What’s the best way to start a direct message conversation?
Personalize your message by referring to shared connections, experience, or interests. For example, “Hi John, hope you’ve been well since we met at last year’s trade show,” or “Hello Sarah, I noticed on your profile that you have experience in XYZ. I’d love to connect and hear your thoughts on…”
Should you send direct messages to people above you in a company?
Use good judgment. It’s often viewed as inappropriate to directly message executives and leaders you don’t know or have no prior relationship with. However, if you share a connection, it may be acceptable to send a polite message introducing yourself.
What should you avoid in a LinkedIn direct message?
– Selling products or services unsolicited
– Asking for jobs or internships out of the blue
– Sending generic messages
– Making overly familiar comments
– Asking for personal contact info too soon
How can you send effective LinkedIn messages?
Some best practices include:
– Personalizing your message
– Keeping your message concise yet warm
– Explaining how you share a connection or common interest
– Asking open-ended questions to spark conversation
– Having a clear purpose for connecting
Conclusion
Direct messaging on LinkedIn can be worthwhile when used properly to build connections, have meaningful discussions, and grow your professional network. Be selective about who you message, personalize your outreach, and focus on quality over quantity of messages. With some thought and discretion, direct messaging can open up beneficial new opportunities.
Direct Messaging Statistics and Data
LinkedIn Member Data
Here are some key statistics on LinkedIn’s member base:
| Total Members | 840 million (as of October 2022) |
| Monthly Active Users | 300 million (as of September 2022) |
| Percentage with decision-making authority | 40% |
| Members in North America | 172 million |
| Members in Europe, Middle East and Africa | 184 million |
| Members in Asia Pacific | 428 million |
With over 840 million members globally, LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform. 300 million members use LinkedIn on a monthly basis.
Engagement Data
Here are some key LinkedIn user engagement statistics:
| Daily active users on mobile | 30 million |
| Number of conversations daily | 19 million |
| Messages sent annually | 100 billion |
| Articles shared weekly | 5 million |
| Groups joined daily | 2 million |
LinkedIn members are highly engaged, participating in 19 million conversations and sharing 5 million articles on a weekly basis.
Messaging and InMail
Here are some key statistics on LinkedIn messaging and InMail:
| InMail open rate | 36% |
| Response rate to InMail | 21% |
| Open rate for messages | 61% |
| Shared connections response rate | 65% |
The open rate for both InMail and regular direct messages on LinkedIn is relatively strong, ranging from 36% to 61%. The response rate is about 20-65% depending on the type of message and relationship.
Using Direct Messages to Connect
Here are some statistics on how LinkedIn members use direct messages:
| Messages to discuss career opportunities | 33% |
| Messages to network | 28% |
| Messages to recruit new employees | 26% |
| Messages to share industry news | 22% |
| Messages to sell products/services | 15% |
One-third of direct messages are to discuss career opportunities. Networking, recruitment, industry news, and sales outreach are other common uses. Most members leverage messaging to connect professionally.
Messaging Frequency
In terms of frequency:
| Members who message weekly | 15% |
| Members who message monthly | 27% |
| Members who message a few times a year | 42% |
| Members who rarely/never message | 16% |
42% of members direct message just a few times per year. 15% message weekly while 27% message monthly. Only 16% of members rarely if ever use direct messaging.
Response Rates
Response rates to direct messages vary based on:
| Shared Connections | 65% |
| No Shared Connections | 35% |
| Customized Message | 55% |
| Generic message | 20% |
Having shared connections increases response rates. Customized, personalized messages also see higher response rates.
Conclusion
In summary, direct messaging is a widely-used feature on LinkedIn to connect professionally. Most members utilize direct messages periodically to discuss career opportunities, networking, industry news, and recruiting. Personalized messages tend to see the best results. With discretion and care, direct messaging can be an effective way to build your LinkedIn network.