When someone declines your InMail message on LinkedIn, it typically means they are not interested in connecting or responding to your message for some reason. There are a few potential reasons someone may decline an InMail:
They Aren’t Interested in Connecting
The most straightforward reason someone declines an InMail is that they aren’t interested in connecting with you on LinkedIn. They may not see any value in growing their network with your connection or engaging with you. If you don’t have any existing relationship, they may not want to connect with a stranger.
They Don’t Know You
If the recipient doesn’t recognize your name or company, they may assume your InMail is spam or sales-related. Even if you have the best intentions, a message from an unknown person comes across as suspicious. Make sure your message clearly explains who you are and why you want to connect.
Your Message Was Too Generic
A generic InMail copy-pasted to many people will almost always get rejected or ignored. Personalize each message with details about why you want to connect with that specific person. Reference their background, company, interests, or goals to show you did your research.
You Asked for Too Much
Requesting too much too soon from someone you don’t know well will set off red flags. Don’t ask for sensitive information, a job, or a favor right away. Build rapport first by connecting and starting a dialogue before making any requests.
You Messaged the Wrong Person
It’s possible you messaged the wrong “John Smith” on accident. Check that you selected the right profile before sending an InMail. Make sure to address them by their name and company to confirm you contacted the right person.
Their Settings Automatically Decline
Some LinkedIn members set their accounts to automatically decline all InMail messages from people not in their network. It filters out unsolicited contact attempts. Don’t take it personally, as their settings declined your message automatically.
They’re Too Busy to Connect
In some cases, the recipient is too busy to review InMail requests thoughtfully. They may rapidly decline all messages to avoid getting distracted from their work. Try sending messages on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday when people are typically less busy.
Your Industry Turns Them Off
If you work in a field with a bad reputation like insurance sales, recruiting, or multi-level marketing, many will instantly decline your InMails. Consider addressing their concerns upfront in your message.
You Have a Bad Profile
An incomplete profile missing a photo, background details, or recommendations can seem suspicious. Spend time beefing up your profile so you look more legitimate to prospective connections.
You Lack Shared Connections
Having shared connections on LinkedIn gives you credibility when messaging strangers. If you have no connections in common with the recipient, an InMail from you appears more questionable.
Their Industry Discourages Cold Messages
Some professions like medicine and academia frown upon unsolicited messaging from salespeople or recruiters. Respect professionals who prefer inbound warm introductions.
They Find Your Message Annoying
If your InMail comes across as annoying, pushy, or needy, many will instantly decline it. Avoid desperate sounding messages or linked content.
You Sent Too Many Requests
Mass-messaging many people in a short period can trigger LinkedIn’s spam filters. Spread out your requests over time, and personalize each one.
They Want to Avoid Misunderstandings
To prevent any misleading communication, some decline InMails to avoid inadvertently sending the wrong message. They may worry even replying could signal interest.
Your InMail Was Marked as Spam
If LinkedIn’s algorithms flag your message as suspicious, the recipient may not even see it before it gets declined automatically. Avoid content flagged as spam.
You Sent it to the Wrong Account Type
Consumer LinkedIn accounts don’t accept messages from freelancers or salespeople. Make sure you message other business accounts only.
Their Company Limits Outside Contact
Some companies prohibit employees from engaging with promotional messages to avoid distractions. Respect policies that limit unapproved external messaging.
You Didn’t Follow Business Etiquette
Messages with improper grammar, spelling, capitalization, or punctuation often get rejected. Use proper professional language and etiquette.
They Find Your Profile Suspicious
Profiles with stock images, no connections, or anonymous names come across as fake. Improve your page to avoid looking deceitful or fraudulent.
How to Handle a Declined InMail on LinkedIn
Don’t get discouraged if your InMail gets declined on LinkedIn. It’s common, especially when contacting people cold. Here are some tips for what to do after a declined message:
- Don’t take it personally or make assumptions. There are many possible reasons besides disinterest.
- Don’t argue or retaliate if someone declines or ignores you. Stay professional.
- Review your message and profile for any red flags that may have triggered the rejection.
- Wait a few months before attempting to contact that person again.
- Leverage shared connections to make a warm introduction instead of a cold InMail.
- Send fewer InMails per week so you don’t trigger spam settings.
- Personalize your messages more to show you did your research on the recipient.
- Focus on building relationships with those who do respond positively.
With persistence, relationship-building, and proper etiquette, most LinkedIn members will eventually accept your InMail. Declined messages are often just an indication you need to refine your outreach strategy.