InMails are a feature on LinkedIn that allow users to directly message other members, even if they are not connected. With a standard LinkedIn account, users get 5 free InMails per month. With premium accounts, users get more InMails depending on their subscription level. So the number of InMails per month depends on the type of LinkedIn account a user has.
Standard LinkedIn Account InMails
With the free version of LinkedIn, users get 5 InMails per month. These can be used to message any LinkedIn member, even if they are not directly connected in your network. The 5 InMails renew at the start of each calendar month. Any unused InMails do not rollover to the next month.
So with a standard free LinkedIn account, the number of InMails per month is:
5 |
This means each month, standard account holders get 5 InMails to use. Since they do not rollover, you essentially get a fresh set of 5 InMails every month.
Premium LinkedIn Account InMails
If you upgrade to a premium LinkedIn account, you get more InMails per month. The number depends on which premium plan you choose:
LinkedIn Premium Career
With LinkedIn Premium Career, you get 25 InMails per month. So the number is:
25 |
LinkedIn Premium Business
With LinkedIn Premium Business, you get 50 InMails per month. The number is:
50 |
LinkedIn Premium Sales
With LinkedIn Premium Sales, you get 100 InMails per month. This plan has the highest number:
100 |
InMail Usage Considerations
When looking at how many InMails you get per month, here are some important factors to consider:
Response Rates
Since InMails go directly to the recipient’s inbox, they have higher response rates than standard LinkedIn messages. But response rates still vary greatly depending on who you are messaging. Expect a 10-30% response rate on average.
Importance of Personalization
Personalized InMails tend to get much higher response rates. Copy-pasted or overly generic InMails will often be ignored. Make each InMail relevant to the recipient.
Following Up
It often takes following up to get responses to InMails. Don’t count on one single InMail to get replies. Be prepared to follow up 3-5 times with non-responders.
Avoiding Spamming
While you want to follow up, avoid spamming recipients with relentless InMails. Carefully balance persistence with consideration in your follow ups.
Monitoring Open Rates
You can check if an InMail was opened to gauge interest before following up. Focus on those who open over those who ignore.
InMail Use Cases
Here are some examples of effective ways to use your allotted InMails per month:
Reaching Decision Makers
InMails let you directly contact executives and other influential people outside your network. Use InMails to introduce yourself and share information.
Following Up on Applications
If you apply for a job and want to contact the recruiter, send an InMail following up on your application.
Sharing Content
Send InMails to share content like articles, whitepapers, or videos that would benefit the recipient. Include a customized note explaining why you are sharing.
Establishing Contact
If you see someone you would like to connect with, use an InMail to introduce yourself and open up a line of communication.
Addressing Referrals
When someone refers you to one of their connections, use an InMail to follow up on the referral, mentioning who connected you.
InMail Alternatives
If you want to connect with LinkedIn members beyond your 5 or 25+ allotted InMails, here are some alternative options:
LinkedIn Connections
You can message your 1st degree LinkedIn connections free of charge. Nurture your network to have access to more members.
LinkedIn Groups
Participate in LinkedIn Groups relevant to your industry or interests. You can message group members for free.
Promoted Messaging
LinkedIn’s Promoted Messaging system lets you pay to send additional messages beyond your InMail allotment.
Other Contact Information
Look for member profiles that provide email addresses or other contact info where they can be reached outside of LinkedIn.
InMail History and Evolution
Here is a brief overview of how InMail capabilities have expanded over time:
InMail Launch – 2007
InMails were introduced in 2007 as a way to message LinkedIn members outside your network. Only premium account holders could send InMails.
OpenNetworkers – 2008
OpenNetworkers launched in 2008. This opt-in feature let any LinkedIn member receive InMails without a premium account.
Removal of OpenNetworkers – 2014
OpenNetworkers was removed in 2014, restricting InMails again only to premium account holders.
Addition of Attachements – 2015
In 2015, the ability to add attachments like photos and PDFs to InMails was introduced.
Messaging Redesign – 2016
A messaging redesign in 2016 combined InMails into the standard messaging platform while maintaining their distinction.
SMS InMails – 2017
An SMS feature was added in 2017, allowing InMails to be sent directly to member’s mobile phones if the number was provided.
InMail Pricing
The ability to send InMails comes with all of LinkedIn’s paid subscription packages. Here’s a breakdown of current LinkedIn premium pricing as of October 2022:
Premium Career
– Monthly price: $29.99/month
– Annual price: $239.88/year (price for full year paid upfront)
– InMails per month: 25
Premium Business
– Monthly price: $59.99/month
– Annual price: $479.88/year (price for full year paid upfront)
– InMails per month: 50
Premium Sales
– Monthly price: $79.99/month
– Annual price: $649.88/year (price for full year paid upfront)
– InMails per month: 100
Conclusion
In summary, the number of InMails you get per month on LinkedIn depends on the type of account you have. Standard accounts get 5, while premium accounts get anywhere from 25 to 100 based on the specific paid tier. To maximize your use of InMails, personalize your messages, follow up thoughtfully, monitor open rates, and consider alternative ways to make connections if you need to contact more people than your allotment allows.