LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional social networking sites, with over 740 million members worldwide as of January 2023. With such a large user base, LinkedIn has become an important platform for networking, prospecting, recruiting, and staying connected with colleagues and clients.
One of the main ways LinkedIn members interact is through messaging. LinkedIn members can send direct messages to connect with other members, even if they are not directly connected. This allows for networking opportunities, following up on job applications, recruiting potential candidates, connecting with new clients, and more.
But what is the likelihood of actually getting a reply when you send a LinkedIn message? With so many messages being sent on the platform, the reply rate is an important metric to consider. Understanding the average reply rate can set proper expectations and help maximize your messaging strategy.
Average LinkedIn Reply Rate
According to multiple studies, the average reply rate for LinkedIn messages is around 20-30%. However, this rate can vary quite a bit based on several factors:
Your Connection Level
If you are messaging someone you are already connected with, your reply rate is much higher. According to Social Bro, directly connected users on LinkedIn have an average reply rate of 40%. However, messaging someone you are not connected to, known as a “cold contact”, lowers the reply rate to an average of 15-20%.
Your Industry
Some industries tend to have higher connection and engagement rates on LinkedIn. According to Social Bro, the highest LinkedIn reply rates by industry are:
- Computer software – 36%
- Internet and ecommerce – 34%
- Marketing and advertising – 32%
- IT services – 30%
Industries with lower reply rates include construction, nursing, education, and government work.
Your Message Content
The content of your message also impacts the likelihood of a reply. Messages that are personalized, showcase your shared connections, and clearly communicate your reason for connecting tend to have higher reply rates. Mass messages sent without personalization see reply rates under 10%.
Recipient’s Seniority
Higher seniority levels tend to correlate with lower reply rates. Entry-level professionals reply around 35% of the time, while C-level executives reply less than 20% on average.
Recipient’s Industry
As mentioned previously, certain industries tend to favor more LinkedIn engagement than others. If you are reaching out to someone in an industry with high activity like software or marketing, your chance of a reply improves compared to industries like manufacturing or government.
How to Improve Your LinkedIn Reply Rate
While the averages give you a benchmark, there are proven ways to improve your own LinkedIn reply rate when messaging:
Connect first, then message
While you can message anyone on LinkedIn whether connected or not, your chances of a reply dramatically increase if you connect first. Consider sending a connection request with a friendly note before reaching out with your main ask.
Personalize your message
Personalized messages have reply rates 5X higher than generic messages. Make sure you customize your note for the unique individual by:
- Mentioning their name and company
- Referencing a shared connection
- Commenting on something specific from their profile like an award or certification
Communicate clear value
You will get better results when you communicate upfront the value the recipient will gain by replying. Make sure to clearly explain how connecting could benefit them or solve a challenge they likely have.
Keep your message concise
Long-winded messages can be overwhelming and are less likely to get a response. Try to communicate your purpose and value proposition as concisely as possible. Most experts recommend LinkedIn messages under 150-200 words for maximum results.
Follow up if needed
Expect that you may need to follow up to get a response. Rather than badgering with multiple messages, consider a friendly follow up 3-5 days after your initial note. Reiterating your interest to connect and the potential value can nudge them to reply.
Optimize your profile
Recipients are more inclined to reply if your profile looks credible and professional. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete with a good summary, skills, experience, education, and recommendations.
Using Data to Understand LinkedIn Reply Rates
Looking at actual data on LinkedIn reply rates can provide helpful benchmarks as well. Here are some key statistics pulled from studies:
| Connection Type | Average Reply Rate |
|---|---|
| Direct connection | 40% |
| 2nd degree connection | 35% |
| No connection | 15-20% |
| Seniority | Average Reply Rate |
|---|---|
| C-level | 18% |
| Director | 28% |
| Manager | 32% |
| Entry level | 35% |
| Message Type | Average Reply Rate |
|---|---|
| Generic message | 8% |
| Personalized message | 40% |
| Reference shared connection | 45% |
Conclusion
On LinkedIn, the average reply rate to messages is around 20-30%. However, this varies based on your connections, recipient’s role and industry, and message personalization. Strategies like connecting first, customizing your message, clearly communicating value, and succinctly stating your purpose can dramatically boost your reply rate. With some optimization, you can achieve reply rates of 40% or higher.
Understanding the benchmarks and best practices for LinkedIn messaging is crucial to developing an effective outreach strategy. With more personalized and thoughtful communication, you can connect with more qualified prospects, network intelligently, recruit ideal candidates, and grow your brand influence.
