Sending an InMail message on LinkedIn and not getting a response can be frustrating. InMail is supposed to make it easier to connect with professionals you don’t already know on LinkedIn. So why would someone not respond to your carefully crafted InMail?
There are a few common reasons why you may not be getting responses to your LinkedIn InMail messages:
1. Your message wasn’t personalized enough
Generic InMail messages are easy to ignore or delete. If your message sounds like it could have been sent to anyone, the recipient is less likely to respond. Take the time to personalize your InMail by referring to something specific on the person’s profile, like their work history, education, skills, or interests. Let them know why you are reaching out to them specifically.
2. Your message was too long
You only have a limited amount of space for your InMail message, so don’t use it all up. Get right to the point within the first paragraph or two. Long-winded messages can make you seem self-focused or oblivious to the recipient’s time constraints. Keep your initial InMail focused and ask to continue the conversation over email or phone if needed.
3. Your message sounded sales-y
If your InMail comes across as a sales pitch, it will likely be ignored or even reported as spam. Avoid language that is overly promotional. Do not immediately launch into touting your product or service. Establish a connection first and wait for the recipient to ask for more information before you start selling.
4. You asked for too much too soon
Requesting something significant right off the bat, like a referral or job opportunity, can seem presumptuous. Get a dialogue going first and build rapport before asking for favors or making big requests. Offer value to the recipient before expecting something in return.
5. Your profile was incomplete
Recipients are more likely to respond to an InMail if your profile is robust and professional-looking. Make sure your profile is completed with a photo, summary, work history, education, skills, recommendations, and connections. The recipient will check out your profile before deciding to respond. An empty or sloppy profile conveys laziness or lack of credibility.
6. You’re not connected to any shared connections
InMail goes to the recipient’s “Other” folder unless you share a 1st-degree connection. Shared connections give you additional credibility, making the recipient more likely to open and respond to your message. Try to establish connections with people in the recipient’s network or industry before reaching out cold via InMail.
7. The recipient gets too much InMail
Higher-level executives and influencers tend to get bombarded with InMail constantly. Yours may have gotten lost in the shuffle. Follow up if you don’t receive a response within a week. But avoid sending more than one or two follow-up messages, as you don’t want to annoy the recipient by clogging up their inbox.
8. You messaged the wrong person
Mistaken identity happens, especially if you were quick-connecting on mobile and mis-clicked a profile. Double check that you have contacted the right person for your intended purpose before pressing send. If you realize after the fact that your InMail went to the wrong recipient, apologize for the mix-up and retract your message before it’s opened.
9. Your subject line was boring
Don’t use vague subject lines like “Meeting Request” or “Question.” Craft a compelling subject line that grabs the recipient’s attention and gives them a reason to open your message. Refer to a point of commonality you share, mention a referral, or pose an interesting question.
10. You messaged at a bad time
Avoid sending InMail on weekends or holidays, as many professionals ignore their LinkedIn messages during time off. Mid-week afternoon is often a good time to message working professionals. Pay attention to signs that the recipient is on vacation or otherwise out of the office, and wait until they return to connect.
11. You lack credibility or relevance
Study the recipient’s background before messaging them to ensure you are qualified to be in their network. Highlight common ground and explain how you are relevant to their industry and interests. If there is no logical reason for you to connect, your message may simply feel like a waste of their time.
12. You came across as needy or entitled
Avoid language that might convey neediness, desperation, or entitlement, as these qualities are unattractive. Be respectful of the recipient’s time and position. Build a rapport first before asking for something substantial. Offer value instead of just taking value. Follow up politely but know when to move on.
13. You messaged too frequently
Don’t barrage someone who didn’t respond to your first InMail with repeated messages. One additional InMail may be appropriate, but no more than that. Take the non-response as a possible sign of disinterest and move on. Otherwise you risk being perceived as a pest.
14. You contacted someone you have no business contacting
Make sure it is appropriate for you to be contacting the recipient in the first place. Just because you can send someone an InMail doesn’t mean you should. Consider factors like seniority, industry, geographic location, etc. Don’t waste VIP’s time or annoy strangers without a good reason.
15. You used offensive or inappropriate language
Extremely informal language, unprofessional slang, profanity, or anything remotely offensive should never be used in InMail. Always err on the side of formality. Do not make inappropriate jokes or assumptions. And never use language that could be perceived as racist, sexist or otherwise prejudiced.
Tips for Getting Responses to LinkedIn InMail
While you can’t control how others use LinkedIn, you can take steps to maximize your chances of getting InMail responses:
- Personalize each message to the recipient’s profile and interests.
- Craft a compelling subject line that gives context.
- Keep the initial message focused and conversational.
- Highlight common connections or credentials.
- Provide value and avoid aggressive sales pitches.
- Use the recipient’s name and industry-specific terms.
- Follow up once if no response, but then move on.
- Write polite, professional, grammatically correct messages.
- Send InMail individually rather than defaulting to “bulk.”
With persistence, patience, and personalized outreach, it is possible to get responses to your LinkedIn InMail messages. But also know when to cut your losses and refocus your networking efforts elsewhere if someone remains unresponsive. Not every InMail needs to receive a reply in order to be considered successful.
