LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 810 million members worldwide. It allows users to connect with other professionals, search for jobs, follow companies, and join industry groups. One of LinkedIn’s key features is messaging, which enables users to communicate directly with connections and build relationships.
However, sometimes when you send a message on LinkedIn, it may not show up in the recipient’s inbox. There are a few potential reasons why your sent messages are not being delivered on LinkedIn.
Your message went to the recipient’s “Other” folder
When you send a message to someone you are not directly connected to on LinkedIn, it will go to their “Other” folder rather than their main inbox. Many LinkedIn users do not regularly check this other folder, so your message may go unnoticed.
To avoid this, try connecting with the recipient first before messaging them. If you are unable to connect, you can include a note in your message that it is going to their Other folder and request they check for it there.
You have been blocked or banned
If someone has blocked you on LinkedIn, any messages you send them will not show up. Blocking prevents all communication, so your messages will not be delivered.
You may also be unable to message someone if LinkedIn has banned or restricted your account for violating their terms of service. For example, mass messaging people unsolicited content could get your messaging privileges revoked.
LinkedIn’s spam filters blocked your message
LinkedIn utilizes advanced spam filters to block messages that appear to be malicious, contain inappropriate content, or look to be part of a mass messaging campaign. If your message gets flagged as spam, the recipient will not see it.
To prevent this, avoid sending duplicate messages, don’t include suspicious links, and personalize each message you send. Make sure your content is relevant and thoughtful.
You have surpassed LinkedIn’s daily messaging limit
To deter spam and abuse, LinkedIn limits the number of messages that free users can send per day. This daily limit is around 300 messages.
If you have hit your daily cap, any additional messages will be blocked from being delivered. The only workaround is to wait until the next day when your messaging quota resets.
There is an error with the recipient’s inbox
In rare cases, a glitch with the recipient’s inbox settings may prevent your message from being delivered properly. They may have messaging turned off or custom filters that are inadvertently blocking you.
If you are certain none of the other reasons explain the missing messages, kindly ask the recipient to check their settings and inbox functionality on their end.
LinkedIn is experiencing technical issues
Like any technology platform, LinkedIn can suffer outages and technical glitches that affect services like messaging. Issues with their servers could result in delayed or failed message delivery.
Check LinkedIn’s status page at https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin to see if they have reported any ongoing issues. If so, try messaging again later once they resolve the problem.
Your account lacks the credits to send messages
Free LinkedIn accounts have a limited number of credits that can be used to message people outside of your network. If you are out of credits, your messages will fail to send until your credits replenish or you purchase more.
Watch your remaining credit balance. When it’s low, you’ll need to wait for credits to renew on a timed basis or opt for a premium paid account with unlimited messaging capabilities.
How to troubleshoot and fix undelivered LinkedIn messages
If your LinkedIn messages are not going through, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Check if the recipient received it in their Other folder
- Review your sent messages to see if errors display
- Try resending the message in case of temporary glitch
- Connect with the recipient then resend the message
- Use LinkedIn’s advanced search to confirm you are not blocked
- Review LinkedIn’s spam and moderation policies
- Confirm your account and inbox settings are configured properly
Additional tips include:
- Personalize each message with a customized subject and content
- Avoid sending bulk messages to multiple people
- Be thoughtful with your messaging frequency and volume
- Write clear, relevant messages free of typos/grammar issues
- Consider upgrading to a premium account with unlimited messaging
With some diligence, you can troubleshoot and fix any issues with messages not showing up. LinkedIn messaging is a key communication channel for professionals, so take steps to use it effectively.
Why LinkedIn messages are important for professional networking
While frustrating when they fail, LinkedIn messages provide important benefits for networking and career development when used properly. Key reasons LinkedIn messaging matters:
- Start relationships: Initiate new connections by introducing yourself.
- Maintain connections: Keep in touch with your network by checking in.
- Deepen relationships: Have meaningful dialogues to build rapport.
- Share opportunities: Forward jobs, articles, and other resources.
- Coordinate meetups: Set up calls, coffees, events via messaging.
- Stand out: Communicate directly instead of just applying online.
- Convey your expertise: Share insights, advice, and thought leadership.
- Get introduced: Request contacts who can help you network.
- Give back: Be helpful by answering questions and assisting connections.
Messaging enables you to build relationships, network smarter, share knowledge, and expand your reach. Invest time into messaging thoughtfully and strategically.
Best practices for professional communication on LinkedIn
To maximize the impact of your LinkedIn messages, utilize these best practices:
- Personalize invitations and messages with context and warmth.
- Communicate your unique value, interests, and story.
- Write cleanly and eloquently with perfect grammar and spelling.
- Reply promptly when you receive messages.
- Send thoughtful messages that add value for the recipient.
- Avoid spamming or aggressive hard sells.
- Limit messaging frequency to avoid seeming pushy.
- Develop relationships offline too with phone, email or in-person meetings.
- Remember your brand is reflected in how you communicate.
- Be helpful, humble, and professional at all times.
LinkedIn messaging enables direct communication, but avoid treating it like other social media. Your messages are an extension of your professional brand and conduct yourself accordingly. Network authentically and focus on service over self-interest.
Conclusion
LinkedIn messaging is a powerful platform for broadening connections, deepening relationships, and advancing your career. However, technical issues sometimes prevent sent messages from being delivered or seen.
Troubleshoot undelivered messages by checking for blocks, bans, spam filters, account limits, technical problems or user errors. Use best practices for professional communication and relationship building when messaging.
With a thoughtful, patient approach focused on quality over quantity, LinkedIn messaging can open up new opportunities and strengthen your network.
