How to Increase Your LinkedIn InMail Response Rates
Ever sent a LinkedIn InMail that disappeared into the void faster than your last Tinder match? Yeah, we've all been there.
But here’s some good news: LinkedIn InMails actually get WAY more love than traditional emails. In fact, they boast a response rate of around 18-25%, compared to a measly 3% for those boring old emails. Pretty impressive, right?
But wait—before you get trigger-happy sending those messages, you've gotta know how to write an InMail that won’t get ghosted.
No pressure, but crafting the right InMail to the right person is kinda essential. So, buckle up and let’s dive into some foolproof tips for crafting InMails that’ll actually get opened, read, and—fingers crossed—replied to!
Oh, and a quick pro-tip before we dive in: if you're tired of doing all the manual outreach yourself, try automating it with a friendly helper like leadplay.io. It'll take care of bulk messaging to hundreds of connections without breaking a sweat—or your patience.
What Exactly Is LinkedIn InMail?
You know how LinkedIn lets you connect and chat with folks in your professional network, right? But what about those juicy connections who haven’t accepted your invite yet—or worse, don’t even know you exist? Enter: InMail.
Think of it as LinkedIn's premium 'skip-the-line' pass, letting you message anyone on the platform, whether you’re connected or not.
But here’s the catch: it's a premium feature. Translation? You’ve gotta pony up some cash. LinkedIn gives you 'credits' each month, depending on your subscription. Use them wisely, or you'll end up crying into your coffee about all those lost leads.
How to Send an InMail (Easy-Peasy Guide):
- Search for your target (no, not in real life—stick to LinkedIn!)
- Click on their profile.
- Spot that sneaky “More” button and click it.
- Hit “Message” in the dropdown.
- Write a snappy subject line.
- Type your message.
- Hit “Send.”
Ta-da! You've just sent an InMail without even breaking a sweat. But hold your applause, because the real challenge starts with the subject line.
Why Subject Lines Are Make-or-Break
Let's be real: your subject line is the dating profile photo of your InMail. It's gotta look good enough for someone to swipe right—otherwise, it's straight to the virtual bin.
Here's how to craft subject lines that scream “Click me, I’m irresistible!”:
- Keep it Short & Sweet: Long subjects are like long-winded speeches—no one's paying attention.
- Mention Mutual Connections: Instant credibility boost. Who doesn't trust their buddy Dave?
- Make It Curious or Funny: Curiosity didn't kill the LinkedIn message—it boosted the open rate!
- Be Specific: Vague lines get swiped left, pronto.
- Add Urgency: Just a pinch of urgency, though—no desperation vibes allowed!
Some Subject Line Inspiration to Steal (We Won't Tell!)
Feeling stuck? Here are some quick winners to swipe:
- “Referred by [Mutual Connection]” (because no one ignores Dave’s friend)
- “Exclusive tip to boost your sales” (just make sure you actually have the goods)
- “Loved your blog post on [Topic]!” (ego stroking never fails)
- “Can we skip the boring small talk?” (direct, funny, and intriguing—perfect combo!)
Write Messages They’ll Actually Read
Great, your subject line got them interested. Now keep that momentum going:
- Personalize It: If it feels robotic, it'll end up in the trash faster than your leftover lunch.
- Stay Clear & Brief: This isn’t your autobiography—shorter is better.
- Humor is Your Friend: A little wit makes you memorable (just don’t overdo it, Chandler).
- Avoid Hard Selling Immediately: Build rapport first. Save the pitch for later, Romeo.
Don't Forget the Call-to-Action (but Keep It Chill)
Always close with an easy next step. Think: scheduling a quick chat, asking a question, or suggesting a coffee meetup (virtual or not). Just don't make it sound like homework.
Final Thoughts
LinkedIn InMail is your best friend for reaching prospects, recruiters, or connections outside your network. It’s powerful, effective, and has a response rate to brag about—but only if you nail that subject line and make your message worth opening.
Oh, and remember—tools like leadplay.io can save you tons of effort, freeing you up for more exciting things. Like figuring out how Dave always knows everyone on LinkedIn.