InMail messages allow LinkedIn members to directly contact other members, even if they are not connected. This enables outreach to people you otherwise might not be able to connect with. However, because InMail goes directly into the recipient’s inbox, many people wonder what the response rate is for these messages.
According to LinkedIn, the average InMail response rate is around 10-15%. However, response rates can vary significantly based on factors like:
- The quality and relevance of the message
- Whether the sender is already connected to the recipient in some way
- The seniority level and function of the recipient
- The industry the recipient works in
Here are some tips for boosting your InMail response rate:
Personalize Each Message
Generic InMail blasts are unlikely to get responses. Take the time to personalize each message, referencing the recipient’s background, experience, company, location, shared connections, etc. This shows you took the time to actually look at their profile before reaching out.
Keep It Short and Concise
InMail messages have tight character limits. Get right to the point—who you are, why you’re reaching out, and what you’d like to discuss or request. Long-winded messages are less likely to be fully read or elicit a response.
Highlight Common Ground
Look for shared experiences, associations, interests, connections, groups, etc. that you have in common with the recipient. Pointing out these areas of common ground can make them more receptive to your outreach.
Include a Clear Call to Action
Don’t just end your message without any direction on what you’d like the recipient to do. Include a specific CTA like requesting a meeting, asking for a phone call, or inviting them to connect on LinkedIn.
Follow Up Politely
If you don’t get a response within a week, consider sending a polite follow up message. Briefly reiterate who you are and why you’d like to connect. But don’t harass the recipient with multiple messages if they don’t respond.
Leverage Shared Connections
If you and the recipient have shared connections, consider asking one of those connections to personally introduce you first. An InMail from someone you already know is much more likely to get a response than a cold outreach.
Target Appropriate Recipients
Focus your efforts on recipients who are more likely to respond and benefit from your outreach, based on their role, industry, experience level, etc. For example, targeting Directors and VPs may yield better results than C-level execs.
Send from a Complete Profile
Make sure your own LinkedIn profile is fleshed out and optimized to represent you in a professional manner. InMail from incomplete profiles with sparse details often get ignored.
Monitor Response Frequency
Pay attention to any patterns in who responds and who doesn’t. Use that to refine your outreach strategy and focus on prospects more likely to engage.
Follow Up by Phone
If an initial InMail goes unanswered after 1-2 weeks, try following up directly by phone instead. Sometimes a more personal outreach method is needed to get a response.
Offer Value in Each Message
Give the recipient a reason to respond by highlighting what’s in it for them. Offer to share an interesting article, provide industry insights, introduce them to someone, etc.
Use InMail Sparingly
Don’t overdo it on the number of InMails you send out. Sending high volumes can actually lower your response rate and get you flagged by LinkedIn.
Test Different Subject Lines
Try A/B testing different subject line phrasings to see which ones have the highest open rates. Subject line optimization can have a big impact.
While InMail response rates are not sky-high, carefully targeting your messages and personalizing your outreach can help boost results. Test and refine your messaging strategy to maximize your InMail effectiveness.
