Whether or not to include a subject line in a LinkedIn message is a common question among LinkedIn users. The subject line serves as a preview of your message that the recipient sees alongside your name and profile photo in their inbox. This can help provide context on the purpose of your message before the recipient opens it. However, some argue that a subject may not be necessary for short or casual messages. Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of using a LinkedIn message subject line to help you decide if it’s right for your message.
Pros of Using a LinkedIn Message Subject
Sets context for your message
Including a subject line allows you to summarize the purpose or topic of your message upfront. This gives the recipient immediate context that can help them prioritize reading and responding to your message. Without any subject, the recipient is left guessing what the message is about based solely on who you are. A subject can help signal if the message is related to an important work matter, an introduction, an invitation, or other purpose.
Increases open rates
Studies have found that email messages with subject lines have higher open rates than those without. Subjects give recipients a reason to open the message based on relevance to them. The same holds true for LinkedIn messages. A compelling or personalized subject makes a recipient more inclined to open and read your message sooner.
Enables recipient to screen messages
Your subject line not only compels opens, but also allows recipients to screen messages and prioritize which to open first. They can gauge urgency, relevance, and importance based on the subjects of messages in their inbox. A subject also helps them filter out messages they may not need to spend time on right away.
Keeps messages organized
LinkedIn organizes message threads by subject line. Using the same subject for follow-up messages keeps all related conversations organized in one thread. Changing or removing subjects creates multiple disjointed threads that become confusing.
| With Subject | Without Subject |
|---|---|
|
Initial message: Website Redesign Proposal Follow-up: Website Redesign Proposal |
Initial message: Website Redesign Proposal Follow-up: [No Subject] |
Signals professionalism
Using proper subject lines demonstrates communication etiquette and professionalism, similarly to email. It presents you as organized, clear, and respectful of the recipient’s time. Conversely, messages without subjects or vague subjects like “Hi” or “Question” appear lazy, hurried, or spammy.
Cons of Using a LinkedIn Message Subject
Causes overthinking
For casual or short messages, crafting the perfect subject line may cause unnecessary overthinking and writer’s block. You might spend excess time wordsmithing a subject compared to the simplicity of the message body. Avoiding a subject removes this obstacle.
Feels stiff or formal for casual notes
A subject line may introduce formality or stiffness to more casual catch-up messages between connections. The recipient may perceive a subject as an indicator of a serious or urgent matter for simple messages. A subject could come off as overly formal among close contacts used to casual correspondence.
Limits spontaneity
Requiring a subject line reduces spontaneity in sending messages. You may have an impulse to reach out to a connection but don’t have a clear messaging purpose yet. Adding a subject forces the need to identify your intent before messaging. Skipping the subject allows room for a conversation to organically develop.
Isn’t always necessary
For very short or simple messages, a subject provides little added context. “Thanks for the introduction” or “Hope you’re well” are clear enough in intent without a subject. The message content itself gets the intent across in some cases.
Can overpromise message relevance
It’s easy to make subject lines sound more important than they are to entice opens. Exaggerated or urgent-sounding subjects that turn out to be ordinary messages after opening may annoy recipients. Subjects should accurately reflect message content.
Best Practices for LinkedIn Subject Lines
If you choose to use subjects for your LinkedIn messages, here are some best practices:
Keep it concise
Write short, succinct subjects under about 60 characters to ensure the full subject shows in the preview pane without getting cut off.
Highlight purpose and topic
Clearly state the main purpose or topic of your message. Examples: “Meeting next week” or “Question about design proposal.”
Use professional language
Avoid slang, emojis, or casual speech like “Hey” or “Yo!” Opt for proper spelling and grammar.
Personalize when possible
Including the recipient’s name or company makes subjects more meaningful. Examples: “John, regarding next week’s meeting” or “Acme Co. partnership opportunity.”
Avoid urgency unless necessary
Use exclamation points, ALL CAPS, and urgent wording judiciously. Reserve for truly time-sensitive messages to avoid misuse.
Keep organized by thread
Reuse the same subject line for follow-up messages to maintain a cohesive thread.
Key Considerations for Using Subjects
Here are some final factors to consider when deciding whether to use a LinkedIn message subject:
Relationship with recipient
Less familiar contacts may expect subjects for clarity. Closer contacts allow flexibility.
Message purpose
Subjects work well for business proposals or meeting requests conveying key details upfront.
Message length
Longer, detailed messages benefit more from subjects than short messages.
Initiating vs. continuing threads
New threads need subjects to set the initial topic. Existing threads don’t always need subjects for follow-ups if context is clear.
Recipient preferences
Some people insist on subjects for organization. Adapt your style to known recipient preferences when possible.
Conclusion
LinkedIn message subjects provide valuable context for recipients at a glance. They can improve open rates, organization, and screening of important messages. However, subjects may not be necessary or appropriate in all situations depending on the recipient, relationship, message purpose, length, and preferences. Keep subject lines concise, clear, and professional when using them. Consider the context and recipient to determine when to include helpful subjects versus when brevity is best without one. With the right approach, LinkedIn message subjects can be powerful tools for effective communication.
