What Does Inmail Mean on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is a social media platform that has revolutionized the way professionals network and connect with each other. One of the key features of LinkedIn is its messaging system, which allows users to communicate with each other via private messages.

In addition to regular messages, LinkedIn offers a unique type of communication called “InMail”. InMail is a premium messaging feature on LinkedIn that allows users to send messages to people they are not connected with, without the need for an introduction or an existing relationship.

In this article, we will delve deeper into what InMail means on LinkedIn and how it works, as well as explore some of its benefits and limitations.

Table of Contents

How InMail works on LinkedIn

InMail is a premium messaging feature on LinkedIn that allows users to send messages to people they are not connected with. To use InMail, LinkedIn members must have a Premium account or purchase InMail credits. Each InMail credit allows users to send one message to a recipient who is outside of their network.

When sending an InMail, it is important to keep in mind that recipients may not be familiar with the sender, so it’s crucial to craft a compelling message and subject line that will grab their attention. LinkedIn offers tips and best practices for using InMail effectively, such as personalizing the message and keeping it concise.

InMail also offers the ability to track and manage messages, allowing users to see when a recipient has viewed their message and choose to withdraw the message if they no longer wish to send it. Additionally, LinkedIn offers InMail response guarantees for certain premium accounts, ensuring that users receive a response to their InMail within a certain timeframe or receive a credit back.

Benefits of Using InMail on LinkedIn

Here are some of the benefits of using Inmail on LinkedIn:

It helps you reach out to potential clients or job opportunities without an introduction or existing relationship.

It helps to increase response rates compared to regular messages.

Ability to personalize messages and subject lines to grab recipient’s attention.

Option to track and manage messages to see when a recipient has viewed them.

It provides easy access to a wider network of professionals outside of one’s own network.

It encourages efficient communication for time-sensitive matters.

It provides opportunities to connect with industry leaders and influencers.

It improves chances of securing new business or job opportunities.

Limitations and Considerations for Using InMail on LinkedIn

Now that we already know about the benefit of using Inmail on LinkedIn can we also learn about its limitations? Here are some of the limitations and things you should consider when using Inmail on LinkedIn:

Limited number of InMail credits per month for standard LinkedIn members.

Need to craft a compelling message and subject line to increase response rates.

Inability to send InMail to individuals who have opted out of receiving them.

Potential for InMail to be perceived as spam, leading to negative consequences.

Difficulty in targeting specific job titles or industries with InMail.

Risk of damaging professional reputation by sending inappropriate or irrelevant messages.

Higher cost for Premium LinkedIn accounts with larger numbers of InMail credits.

InMail is not always effective for building long-term relationships and may not lead to immediate results.

The Difference Between Paid and Free InMail

InMail is a messaging system on LinkedIn that allows users to send messages to other LinkedIn users they are not connected with. While InMail is a useful tool for professional networking and outreach, there are some differences between paid and free InMail.

1. Quantity of messages

The most significant difference between paid and free InMail is the quantity of messages that can be sent. With a free LinkedIn account, users can only send a limited number of InMail messages each month, depending on their account type. However, with a paid LinkedIn account, users can send a higher volume of InMail messages, depending on their subscription level.

2. Delivery rate

Paid InMail messages have a higher delivery rate than free InMail messages. LinkedIn prioritizes paid InMail messages over free messages, so paid InMail messages are more likely to reach their intended recipients.

3. Response rate

Paid InMail messages also tend to have a higher response rate than free InMail messages. LinkedIn users are more likely to respond to a paid message since it indicates that the sender is serious about networking or outreach.

4. Features

Paid InMail messages also come with additional features, such as the ability to see when the recipient has read the message or to customize the message with the recipient’s name.

5. Cost

Lastly, the cost is a significant difference between paid and free InMail. Paid InMail messages require a subscription to LinkedIn’s premium service, which can be costly depending on the user’s needs and the subscription level they choose.

While free InMail is a useful tool for networking on LinkedIn, it has limitations. Paid InMail messages offer more flexibility, higher delivery rates, and better response rates, making them a better option for users who need to reach out to a large number of people or want to network more effectively on LinkedIn.

However, the cost may be a limiting factor for some users, so it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both options before deciding which one to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, InMail is a premium messaging feature on LinkedIn that allows users to send messages to people they are not connected with. It is a powerful tool for networking and reaching out to potential clients or job opportunities, but it is important to use it strategically and respectfully.