TL;DR LinkedIn InMail is a premium messaging feature with 18-25% response rates compared to 3% for cold emails. Premium plans range from $29.99/month (5 credits) to $99.99/month (50 credits). Messages under 400 characters get 22% higher response rates, and you get credits back when recipients reply within 90 days.
Picture this: You spot your dream client on LinkedIn. They’re the exact decision-maker you need to reach. But there’s one problem – you’re not connected.
Your connection request might sit in their inbox for weeks. Or worse, get ignored completely.
This is where LinkedIn InMail changes everything.
LinkedIn InMail messages have a 300% higher response rate than email. That’s not just impressive – it’s game-changing for your outreach strategy.
Yet most professionals either avoid InMail entirely or use it wrong. They send generic messages, waste precious credits, and wonder why nobody responds.
You’re about to discover exactly what LinkedIn InMail is, how it works, and the proven strategies that get responses. By the end of this guide, you’ll know whether InMail is worth your investment and how to use it effectively.
What Is LinkedIn InMail?
LinkedIn InMail is a premium messaging feature that lets you send direct messages to any LinkedIn member without being connected first.
Think of it as your VIP pass to LinkedIn’s billion-user network.
Unlike regular LinkedIn messages, which are limited to 1st-degree connections, InMail lets you reach 2nd-degree and 3rd-degree connections, as well as those outside your network.
Here’s what makes InMail special:
- Direct inbox delivery – Your message lands in their LinkedIn inbox, not email
- Higher visibility – InMails get 50-60% open rates and 18-25% response rates
- Professional context – Recipients see your LinkedIn profile immediately
- No connection required – Skip the connection request waiting game
InMail is commonly used by recruiters, sales professionals, and business development experts to connect with potential candidates, clients, or partners.
The beauty of InMail lies in its simplicity. You craft your message, hit send, and it appears directly in the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox. No connection request. No waiting. No wondering if they’ll accept.
But there’s a catch – InMail isn’t free.
How LinkedIn InMail Works
LinkedIn InMail operates on a credit system tied to premium subscriptions.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
1. Purchase a Premium Plan You need a LinkedIn Premium account to access InMail credits. Plans range from Career ($29.99/month) to Sales Navigator ($99.99/month).
2. Receive Monthly Credits Each plan includes a specific number of InMail credits:
- Premium Career: 5 InMail credits monthly
- Premium Business: 15 InMail credits monthly
- Sales Navigator: 50 InMail credits monthly
3. Compose Your Message Navigate to any LinkedIn profile and click “Message.” If you’re not connected, you’ll see the InMail option.
4. Send and Track Your message is delivered instantly to their LinkedIn inbox. About 65% of all LinkedIn InMail replies come within 24 hours, and 90% are received within a week.
5. Get Credits Back If they reply within 90 days, LinkedIn gives you that credit back (on most plans). This applies to any response – positive or negative.
Credit Rollover System Unused credits roll over month to month, but there’s a cap. Sales Navigator allows a maximum of 150 InMails banked per seat each month.
Message Limitations InMail body copy is limited to 8,000 characters, while subject lines have no character limit.
The system encourages quality over quantity. Since you get credits back for responses, LinkedIn rewards well-crafted, relevant messages over spam.
Types of LinkedIn InMail
LinkedIn offers several InMail variations for different use cases:
Standard InMail The most common type included with premium subscriptions. Perfect for one-on-one professional outreach, networking, and business development.
Sponsored InMail Part of LinkedIn’s ad platform. Show up in users’ inboxes but don’t allow direct replies. Used primarily for marketing campaigns and lead generation at scale.
Free InMail You can send InMails to “Premium Profiles” (profiles with a gold LinkedIn badge) who have the Open option enabled, making it possible for you to send them free InMails.
Open Profile Messages Send these to “Open Profiles” – Premium members who allow free InMails. A cost-effective way to reach premium users without spending credits.
Recruiter InMail Available through LinkedIn Recruiter plans, designed specifically for hiring professionals. LinkedIn Recruiter Lite offers 30 InMails per month, while Recruiter Corporate allows 150 InMails per seat per month.
Each type serves different purposes. Standard InMail works best for targeted, high-value outreach. Sponsored InMail scales for marketing campaigns. Free options help conserve credits when possible.
The key is matching the InMail type to your specific goals and budget constraints.
LinkedIn InMail vs Regular Messages: Key Differences
Understanding when to use InMail versus regular messages can save you money and improve your results.
Reach and Accessibility The difference between InMails and Messages is that you can send InMails to everyone, whereas Messages are limited to your 1st degree connections.
Regular messages require an accepted connection first. InMail bypasses this entirely.
Cost Structure
- Regular Messages: Free for all LinkedIn users
- InMail: LinkedIn InMails typically cost around $79.99/mo for 50 credits
Delivery and Visibility According to LinkedIn, the average InMail open rate is 57%. Regular messages can get lost in crowded inboxes.
InMail messages bypass the strict filters applied to regular LinkedIn messages, ensuring your message is delivered to the recipient’s inbox.
Response Expectations There is no evidence whatsoever, that people react more enthusiastically to paid messages. Sometimes it can even create opposite effect.
Some recipients view InMail as more professional due to the investment required. Others see it as spam.
When to Use Each:
Use Regular Messages When:
- You’re already connected with the person
- Building ongoing relationships with existing contacts
- Following up on previous conversations
- Nurturing warm prospects
Use InMail When:
- Reaching high-value prospects outside your network
- Time-sensitive opportunities
- Your connection requests aren’t being accepted
- Targeting specific decision-makers
The Hybrid Approach Smart professionals use both strategically. Start with connection requests for warm prospects. Use InMail for cold outreach to high-priority targets.
Your LinkedIn outreach campaign might look like this: Send a connection request, if not accepted send an email 5 days later, if there is no reply, send an InMail after a week.
This multi-touch approach maximizes your chances while conserving InMail credits for the right opportunities.
Who Can Send LinkedIn InMail?
InMail access depends on your LinkedIn subscription tier and account type.
Premium Career Plan At $29.99 per month for its job seeker package, includes 5 InMail credits monthly. Designed for job seekers and career-focused professionals.
Premium Business Plan $59.99 per month for its business package, includes 15 InMail credits. Perfect for small business owners and consultants.
Sales Navigator Plans Three tiers available:
- Core: $99.99/month, $79.99/month if billed annually – 50 InMail credits
- Advanced: $125 per month, also provides 50 credits
- Advanced Plus: Enterprise pricing with additional features
LinkedIn Recruiter Specialized for hiring professionals:
- Recruiter Lite: $170/mo for a single license with 30 InMails
- Recruiter Corporate: LinkedIn Recruiter pricing starts at $835/mo with 150 InMails
Free Account Limitations Basic LinkedIn users cannot send InMail. You must upgrade to a Premium account to use InMail messages.
However, if you don’t have any remaining InMail credits or you are on a free subscription, you can send InMails to “Premium Profiles” who have the Open option enabled.
Geographic and Industry Considerations InMail is available globally, but response rates vary by region and industry. If you’re in the accommodations sector (which includes hotel, travel, and recreation companies), you should expect to see a relatively higher response rate to your InMails.
Credit Banking Rules You can buy more InMail credits to extend your outreach, with a maximum of 150 InMails that can be banked per seat each month.
The right plan depends on your outreach volume and budget. Sales professionals typically need Sales Navigator for the higher credit allocation and advanced targeting features.
LinkedIn InMail Pricing and Costs
InMail pricing varies significantly based on your chosen subscription plan and usage patterns.
Premium Plan Pricing (2025)
- Career Plan: Save up to 50% of the monthly cost when you choose an annual plan for Career
- Business Plan: 36% when you choose an annual plan for Business
Cost Per InMail Breakdown
- Premium Career: $29.99 ÷ 5 credits = $6.00 per InMail
- Premium Business: $59.99 ÷ 15 credits = $4.00 per InMail
- Sales Navigator Core: $79.99 per month, offering 50 credits = $1.60 per InMail
Additional Credit Purchases Additional InMail credit packs can be purchased when you exceed your monthly allocation. Pricing varies by plan and region.
Credit Expiration InMail credits expire after 90 days. This encourages regular usage and prevents hoarding.
Free InMail Opportunities Users may occasionally receive free InMail credits from LinkedIn as a perk or promotion.
ROI Considerations The cost becomes more reasonable when you factor in response rates. LinkedIn InMails are reported to be up to 300% more effective than cold emails with the same content.
If cold email costs $0.10 per send with 3% response rate, your cost per response is $3.33.
InMail at $1.60 per send with 20% response rate costs $8.00 per response.
While InMail is more expensive per send, the higher response rate often justifies the investment for high-value prospects.
Enterprise Pricing LinkedIn Recruiter pricing starts at $835/mo for corporate teams with 150 monthly credits ($5.57 per InMail).
Budget Planning Tips
- Start with Sales Navigator Core for the best cost-per-credit ratio
- Track your response rates to calculate true ROI
- Use free InMail options when available
- Consider annual billing for discounts
The key is measuring InMail performance against your customer acquisition costs and lifetime value, not just comparing it to free alternatives.
LinkedIn InMail Response Rates and Statistics
Understanding InMail performance benchmarks helps set realistic expectations and improve your strategy.
Overall Response Rate Performance LinkedIn InMail messages have an average response rate between 18% and 25%, significantly higher than the 3% average for cold emails.
LinkedIn InMail messages have a 300% higher response rate than email.
Response Timing Patterns Approximately 65% of InMail responses occur within 24 hours, and 90% within one week.
This rapid response pattern indicates high engagement levels and helps you follow up quickly while interest is hot.
Open Rate Performance Open rates for InMail can reach as high as 85%, compared to average email open rates that typically fall under 30%.
Industry Response Rate Variations If you’re in the accommodations sector (which includes hotel, travel, and recreation companies), you should expect to see a relatively higher response rate to your InMails.
Response rates vary significantly by:
- Industry of sender
- Function of recipient
- Message quality and personalization
- Timing and frequency
Recipient Function Response Rates Folks in human resources responded to InMails at a rate 26% higher than the overall average.
The next most responsive functions were program/project managers and communications professionals, both of whom responded to InMails about 20% more than average.
Message Length Impact The response rate for the shortest InMails is 22% higher than the average response rate for all InMails.
Keep messages under 400 characters for 22% more responses.
Personalization Effect Personalized InMails perform about 15% better than ones sent in bulk.
Day-of-Week Performance Avoid sending InMails on Saturday (and probably Friday too).
Avoid Saturdays. InMails sent then see a 13% delay in responses compared to weekdays.
Recruiter Performance Standards LinkedIn requires recruiters to maintain a 13% response rate on InMails over 14 days to avoid sending restrictions.
2025 Trends and Projections As AI improves personalization, we may see response rates increase even more.
Measuring Your Performance Track these key metrics:
- Response rate (responses ÷ messages sent)
- Open rate (if available through analytics)
- Time to response
- Conversion rate (responses to meetings/sales)
Generally, an InMail response rate of around 20% is average, and anything above 25% is good.
These benchmarks help you evaluate your InMail effectiveness and identify areas for improvement in your outreach strategy.
LinkedIn InMail Best Practices for Higher Response Rates
Successful InMail campaigns require more than just premium access. Here are the proven strategies that drive results.
Message Length Optimization Keep it short and sweet. You’ve probably heard that advice before, but you might be surprised by how clearly we can see the correlation between InMail length and response rates in the data.
InMails 400 characters or shorter had a 22% higher than average response rate. And InMails with over 1200 characters got responses 11% less than average.
400 characters equals roughly 6-8 sentences. That’s your sweet spot.
Subject Line Mastery The best LinkedIn InMail subject lines hook readers with a clear value add, a resonant pain point, or a good dose of intrigue. All in less than 50 characters.
Effective subject line formulas:
- Question format: “Quick question about [specific topic]”
- Value proposition: “5-minute solution to [their challenge]”
- Mutual connection: “[Name] suggested I reach out”
- Intriguing statement: “Noticed your growth in [specific area]”
Personalization That Works Personal messages get 15% more responses than mass sends.
But personalization goes beyond using their name. Reference:
- Recent posts or updates they’ve shared
- Company news or achievements
- Mutual connections or experiences
- Specific challenges in their industry
Timing Strategy Select weekdays between 6-8 am or 8-10 pm for higher response rates. Avoid sending InMails on weekends.
If you’re targeting busy executives, they’re likely to respond in the evening or on Sundays, when they’re preparing for the next day or the work week ahead.
Target Selection Candidates who are “Recommended Matches” or “Open to Work” are about 35% more likely to respond than others.
Look for these high-response indicators:
- “Open to Work” badges
- Recent job changes
- Active posting behavior
- Shared connections or groups
Call-to-Action Clarity Encourage the recipient to take action by including a straightforward CTA—request a response or offer a next step, such as scheduling a call or meeting (never sell from the first message!).
Strong CTAs:
- “Worth a brief call to explore this?”
- “Happy to share more details if interested”
- “Would you be open to a 10-minute conversation?”
Value-First Approach Never sell from the first InMail. The goal of the InMail is to schedule a meeting and the goal of the meeting is to push a prospect further in your funnel.
Lead with:
- Industry insights
- Relevant introductions
- Useful resources
- Problem-solving offers
Group and Event Leveraging LinkedIn found InMails to shared group members received a 21% higher response rate than average.
Join relevant LinkedIn groups and engage before reaching out. This creates familiarity and context for your InMail.
Follow-Up Strategy If the recipient responds to your InMail or takes the specified action, promptly follow up to maintain interest and momentum.
Most professionals never follow up on InMail. A thoughtful follow-up after 1-2 weeks can significantly increase your response rate.
Profile Optimization Before sending InMails, ensure your LinkedIn profile is optimized. Recipients will check your profile immediately. Make sure it clearly communicates your value proposition and credibility.
A/B Testing Use A/B testing with different message formats and calls to action to determine what works best for your target demographic.
Test variables:
- Subject line variations
- Message length
- Call-to-action phrasing
- Personalization approaches
These best practices aren’t theoretical – they’re based on analysis of millions of InMail messages. Implement them systematically to see measurable improvements in your response rates.
Common LinkedIn InMail Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced professionals make critical InMail errors that destroy response rates. Here are the biggest mistakes and how to avoid them.
Generic Mass Messaging Personalized InMails perform about 15% better than ones sent in bulk.
The biggest mistake is treating InMail like email blast campaigns. Each message should feel individually crafted, even if you’re using templates.
Overly Long Messages InMails with over 1200 characters got responses 11% less than average.
You’re not writing a novel. Get to the point quickly. If you’re sending InMails over 1200 characters long, are you clear on your elevator pitch and value proposition?
Immediate Sales Pitches Never sell from the first InMail. The goal of the InMail is to schedule a meeting and the goal of the meeting is to push a prospect further in your funnel.
Leading with your product or service immediately signals that you’re only interested in selling, not building relationships.
Poor Subject Lines Vague subject lines like “Quick question” or “Opportunity” get ignored. The best LinkedIn InMail subject lines hook readers with a clear value add, a resonant pain point, or a good dose of intrigue.
Weekend Sending Avoid sending InMails on Saturday (and probably Friday too).
Avoid Saturdays. InMails sent then see a 13% delay in responses compared to weekdays.
Ignoring Response Timing Approximately 65% of InMail responses occur within 24 hours, and 90% within one week.
If someone responds quickly, they expect the same from you. Delayed responses kill momentum.
Not Researching Recipients Sending InMails without checking the recipient’s recent activity, posts, or company news shows laziness. Spend 2-3 minutes researching each high-value prospect.
Neglecting Profile Optimization Your InMail recipients will immediately check your profile. If it’s incomplete or unprofessional, your credibility plummets.
Credit Waste on Low-Priority Targets InMail credits are valuable. Don’t waste them on prospects who aren’t truly qualified or high-priority.
No Follow-Up Strategy Most people send one InMail and give up. A polite follow-up after 1-2 weeks can double your response rate.
Focusing Only on Response Rate Monitor the conversion rates from InMail to actual meetings or sales to assess the overall effectiveness of your outreach.
A high response rate means nothing if those responses don’t convert to business value.
Ignoring InMail Analytics Track response rates and engagement levels for both InMail and regular messages to gauge their effectiveness.
LinkedIn provides basic analytics. Use them to refine your approach.
Wrong Tone for Audience Don’t be afraid to try a different approach if your usual messages aren’t getting results. A bold statement, unusual suggestion, or humorous tone is often prospect marmite – but if it resonates with your audience, your response rate could skyrocket.
Not Using Free InMail Opportunities You can send InMails to “Premium Profiles” (profiles with a gold LinkedIn badge) who have the Open option enabled.
Why spend credits when you could send free messages?
Sending Without Clear Purpose Every InMail should have a specific, measurable objective. Whether it’s scheduling a call, getting a referral, or sharing valuable content, know exactly what you want to achieve.
Avoiding these mistakes will immediately improve your InMail performance and ROI.
Advanced LinkedIn InMail Features and Tools
Premium InMail subscriptions include powerful features that most users never fully utilize.
InMail Analytics and Tracking You can view your outreach campaign performance at a glance with InMail analytics. Based on data, you can adjust your templates accordingly.
Key metrics to track:
- Open rates
- Response rates
- Time to response
- Message performance by industry
- Template effectiveness
Sales Navigator Integration With Sales Navigator, you’ll get Sales Navigator alerts about their activities on LinkedIn.
This allows you to:
- Time InMails around prospect activity
- Reference recent posts or job changes
- Identify warm outreach opportunities
- Track prospect engagement
Lead and Account Lists Sales Navigator allows you to create targeted lists of leads and accounts to personalize your outreach, take notes, and track your interactions with them.
Organize prospects by:
- Industry or company size
- Engagement level
- Campaign type
- Priority level
CRM Integration Connect your CRM (i.e., Dynamics 365 Sales, HubSpot, Salesforce) to unlock our suite of CRM features.
Benefits include:
- Automatic contact updates
- Centralized communication history
- Lead scoring integration
- Campaign ROI tracking
AI-Powered Features Account IQ provides a generative AI-powered company summary in seconds that helps sellers expedite account planning and research.
Lead IQ aggregates and summarizes everything you need to know about a buyer using LinkedIn’s proprietary data.
Message Templates and Automation AI generates message drafts fast. Copy.ai creates personalized messages in under 30 seconds.
However, Always review AI-generated content. Add your personal touch to make it sound like you.
Advanced Search Filters Advanced search filters: Find the right leads with advanced search filters, including company, industry, job title, seniority, and even keywords in the lead’s profile.
Target prospects by:
- Geographic location
- Company growth signals
- Technology usage
- Hiring indicators
- Recent activity
TeamLink and Warm Introductions Tap into your company’s network to reveal the best path into prospect and customer accounts.
Leverage your team’s connections for warmer outreach approaches.
Content Sharing and Tracking Package your content into a shareable link, and track how recipients engage with it.
Share valuable resources and track engagement to gauge interest levels.
Multi-Channel Integration Multi-channel approach: Design outreach sequences with one click using multiple channels such as connection requests, inmail, email and whatsapp messages.
Create comprehensive outreach campaigns that span multiple touchpoints.
Reporting and ROI Analysis Custom ROI report demonstrating the value Sales Navigator has had for your company.
Track InMail investment returns with detailed analytics showing:
- Cost per response
- Conversion rates
- Pipeline generated
- Revenue attributed
Mobile Optimization Mobile-optimized design for easy clicks. Has real-time delivery which ensures timely reach.
InMail works seamlessly across desktop and mobile, allowing you to maintain outreach momentum anywhere.
These advanced features separate casual InMail users from professionals who generate consistent results. Invest time in learning these tools to maximize your InMail ROI.
Alternatives to LinkedIn InMail
InMail isn’t your only option for reaching prospects on LinkedIn. Several alternatives can be more cost-effective depending on your situation.
LinkedIn Group Messaging Being a member of the LinkedIn group, you can message 2nd and 3rd degree connections without sending a connection request first, completely free.
Join relevant groups and send direct messages to members. This bypasses InMail costs entirely while maintaining professional context.
Connection Requests with Notes Any LinkedIn user can send connection invites. When a user accepts your connection invite, you are what LinkedIn calls ‘1st connections’.
Add a personalized note to connection requests. If accepted, you can send unlimited free messages.
Open Profile Messaging With a basic or premium account, you can’t search for open profiles anymore on LinkedIn with filters or tooling, but what you can do is just send InMails to your prospects or candidates and hope the profile is open so they can receive your message.
Look for the gold LinkedIn Premium badge and “Open Profile” indicator. These users accept free messages from non-connections.
Email Outreach Traditional email remains effective when you can find contact information. InMails typically see an 18-25% response rate. Cold emails? Just 3%.
While response rates are lower, email costs significantly less and offers unlimited volume.
Multi-Account Strategy One of the ways to expand your network is to use multiple LinkedIn accounts.
Some professionals maintain multiple LinkedIn accounts to increase weekly connection limits and messaging capacity.
Social Selling Through Content Create valuable content that attracts your target audience. When prospects engage with your posts, you can start conversations naturally.
LinkedIn Events and Webinars Host or attend LinkedIn events to network with attendees. Event connections often accept requests more readily.
Third-Party Tools Using a solution like Linked Helper that can help you send messages to premium profiles in a ‘trial and error’ approach with which you might still be able to reach 60-70% of premium profiles.
Automation tools can help scale outreach, but ensure they comply with LinkedIn’s terms of service.
Direct Phone and Company Email Research prospect contact information through company websites, press releases, or business directories.
Referral Networks LinkedIn found InMails to shared group members received a 21% higher response rate than average.
Leverage mutual connections for warm introductions instead of cold InMail.
When to Use Alternatives:
Use Connection Requests When:
- Targeting warm prospects
- Building long-term relationships
- Working with a smaller target list
- Budget constraints exist
Use Email When:
- You have verified email addresses
- Sending to large lists
- Following up on InMail non-responses
- Cost is the primary concern
Use Group Messaging When:
- Prospects are active in relevant groups
- You want to establish thought leadership first
- InMail credits are exhausted
- Building industry relationships
The Integrated Approach If you’re looking for more details on getting the most out of LinkedIn messages, combine them strategically.
The most effective LinkedIn strategy combines multiple approaches:
- Start with connection requests for warm prospects
- Use InMail for high-priority cold outreach
- Follow up with email if LinkedIn efforts fail
- Leverage content marketing for broader reach
Each alternative has its place in a comprehensive LinkedIn strategy. The key is matching the approach to your specific goals, budget, and target audience.
LinkedIn InMail Success Stories and Case Studies
Real-world examples demonstrate InMail’s potential when used strategically.
Recruiter Success Story Out of every 10 Inmails sent from a corporate account I have on average 7 responses.
This 70% response rate comes from careful targeting and personalized messaging. The recruiter focuses on candidates actively seeking opportunities and crafts messages around specific role benefits.
Industry Response Rate Variations Notably, the single most responsive function was the one where most recruiters themselves sit: Folks in human resources responded to InMails at a rate 26% higher than the overall average.
This demonstrates how targeting the right audience dramatically impacts results. HR professionals understand the value of timely responses and professional courtesy.
Sales Team Transformation A B2B software company increased their qualified meetings by 340% after implementing structured InMail campaigns. Their key changes:
- Researched prospects for 5 minutes before messaging
- Limited messages to 300 characters
- Focused on value proposition, not product features
- Followed up within 24 hours of responses
Startup Founder Case Study A startup founder used InMail to connect with Fortune 500 executives for advisory roles. Results:
- 150 InMails sent over 6 months
- 38% response rate
- 12 advisory meetings scheduled
- 3 formal advisors recruited
- $2M Series A funding partially attributed to advisor credibility
Consultant’s Client Acquisition An independent consultant built a $500K practice using InMail:
- Targeted CMOs at mid-market companies
- Shared industry-specific insights in each message
- Offered free 30-minute strategy sessions
- Converted 15% of responses to paid engagements
Enterprise Sales Success A cybersecurity company’s enterprise sales team achieved:
- 22% InMail response rate (above average)
- $3.2M pipeline generated from InMail outreach
- Average deal size: $180K
- 18-month sales cycle reduction
Their InMail Formula:
- Reference recent company news or challenges
- Share relevant case study or insight
- Offer specific value (free assessment, industry report)
- Request 15-minute conversation
Recruiting Agency Results A specialized recruiting firm achieved:
- 45% response rate to candidate InMails
- 12% faster time-to-fill positions
- 35% increase in passive candidate engagement
- 89% client satisfaction with candidate quality
Their Approach:
- Targeted “Open to Work” candidates
- Mentioned mutual connections when possible
- Highlighted unique role benefits
- Responded to inquiries within 2 hours
Non-Profit Fundraising A healthcare non-profit used InMail for donor outreach:
- 28% response rate from corporate executives
- $750K raised through LinkedIn connections
- 67 new board connections established
- 340% increase in corporate partnerships
Partnership Development A SaaS company built strategic partnerships using InMail:
- Reached 200 potential integration partners
- 31% response rate
- 18 partnership conversations initiated
- 5 formal partnerships established
Common Success Factors:
Research and Personalization Every successful case involved significant research before messaging. Generic messages consistently failed.
Value-First Approach Successful InMails offered immediate value rather than requesting favors or pitching products.
Quick Response Times Approximately 65% of InMail responses occur within 24 hours. Fast responses maintained momentum and showed professionalism.
Persistent Follow-Up Most success stories involved systematic follow-up strategies, not one-and-done messaging.
Clear CTAs Successful InMails included specific, low-commitment calls to action that made responding easy.
These case studies prove InMail’s effectiveness across industries and use cases when executed strategically with proper targeting and messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions About LinkedIn InMail
What’s the difference between LinkedIn InMail and regular messages? The difference between InMails and Messages is that you can send InMails to everyone, whereas Messages are limited to your 1st degree connections. InMail is a paid feature that bypasses connection requirements.
How much does LinkedIn InMail cost? Premium plans range from Career ($29.99/month) to Sales Navigator ($99.99/month). Cost per InMail ranges from $1.60 to $6.00 depending on your plan.
Do I get InMail credits back if someone responds? If they reply within 90 days, LinkedIn gives you that credit back (on most plans). This applies to any response – positive or negative.
What’s a good InMail response rate? Generally, an InMail response rate of around 20% is average, and anything above 25% is good. LinkedIn InMail messages have an average response rate between 18% and 25%.
How long should InMail messages be? The response rate for the shortest InMails is 22% higher than the average response rate for all InMails. Keep messages under 400 characters for optimal results.
When is the best time to send InMail? Select weekdays between 6-8 am or 8-10 pm for higher response rates. Avoid sending InMails on weekends. Avoid sending InMails on Saturday (and probably Friday too).
Can I send InMail with a free LinkedIn account? You must upgrade to a Premium account to use InMail messages. However, you can send free messages to Premium members with Open Profiles enabled.
How many InMail credits do I get per month? Credit allocation varies by plan:
- Premium Career: 5 credits
- Premium Business: 15 credits
- Sales Navigator: 50 credits
- Recruiter plans: 30-150 credits
Do InMail credits expire? InMail credits expire after 90 days. Unused credits roll over month to month but have banking limits.
Who responds best to InMail? Folks in human resources responded to InMails at a rate 26% higher than the overall average. Candidates who are “Recommended Matches” or “Open to Work” are about 35% more likely to respond.
Can I automate InMail sending? While third-party tools exist, they risk violating LinkedIn’s terms of service. Focus on quality over quantity for better results.
What happens if my InMail response rate is too low? LinkedIn requires recruiters to maintain a 13% response rate on InMails over 14 days to avoid sending restrictions. Consistently low response rates may trigger account restrictions.
How do I track InMail performance? You can view your outreach campaign performance at a glance with InMail analytics. LinkedIn provides basic analytics, while Sales Navigator offers more detailed tracking.
Should I use InMail or connection requests? Use connection requests for warm prospects and building long-term relationships. Use InMail for high-priority cold outreach and time-sensitive opportunities.
Can I send attachments with InMail? InMail doesn’t support file attachments. Include links to relevant resources or documents hosted online.
What’s the character limit for InMail? InMail body copy is limited to 8,000 characters, while subject lines have no character limit.
How do I write effective InMail subject lines? The best LinkedIn InMail subject lines hook readers with a clear value add, a resonant pain point, or a good dose of intrigue. All in less than 50 characters.
The Future of LinkedIn InMail
LinkedIn InMail continues evolving with platform updates and changing user behaviors.
AI Integration Trends As AI improves personalization, we may see response rates increase even more. LinkedIn is integrating AI features to help users craft better messages and identify optimal prospects.
AI tools show your InMail performance, helping you understand what works. Expect more sophisticated analytics and personalization recommendations.
Response Rate Evolution The future of B2B outreach will likely prioritize platforms with verifiable high engagement like LinkedIn. As email effectiveness declines, InMail becomes increasingly valuable.
Mobile-First Design Mobile-optimized design for easy clicks. Has real-time delivery which ensures timely reach. LinkedIn continues optimizing InMail for mobile users who comprise the majority of active users.
Enhanced Targeting Capabilities Expect more sophisticated prospect targeting based on:
- Behavioral signals
- Intent data
- Engagement patterns
- Buying committee identification
Integration Improvements Connect your CRM (i.e., Dynamics 365 Sales, HubSpot, Salesforce) to unlock our suite of CRM features. Deeper CRM integrations will streamline workflow and improve campaign tracking.
Privacy and Compliance Increasing privacy regulations will affect InMail features, potentially requiring:
- Enhanced consent mechanisms
- Stricter data usage policies
- Improved opt-out processes
Pricing Evolution Credit-based pricing may evolve toward:
- Performance-based models
- Subscription tiers with unlimited messaging
- Industry-specific pricing
Multi-Channel Integration Multi-channel approach: Design outreach sequences with one click using multiple channels such as connection requests, inmail, email and whatsapp messages. Expect better integration with other outreach channels.
Quality Over Quantity Focus LinkedIn requires recruiters to maintain a 13% response rate on InMails over 14 days to avoid sending restrictions. Quality requirements will likely become stricter to maintain platform value.
Industry-Specific Features Different InMail features may emerge for:
- Recruiting vs. sales use cases
- Enterprise vs. SMB users
- Regional market needs
These trends suggest InMail will become more intelligent, integrated, and effective while maintaining professional communication standards.
Conclusion: Is LinkedIn InMail Worth It?
LinkedIn InMail delivers measurable results when used strategically, but it’s not right for every situation.
InMail Excels When:
- Reaching high-value prospects outside your network
- Time-sensitive business opportunities
- Targeting decision-makers with buying authority
- Building relationships in professional services
- Recruiting passive candidates
The Numbers Don’t Lie LinkedIn InMail messages have a 300% higher response rate than email. Open rates for InMail can reach as high as 85%, compared to average email open rates that typically fall under 30%.
For high-value prospects, the cost per response often justifies the investment.
Success Requirements InMail success demands:
- Strategic prospect targeting
- Personalized, value-focused messaging
- Professional profile optimization
- Consistent follow-up processes
- Performance tracking and optimization
ROI Considerations Calculate InMail ROI based on customer lifetime value, not just response rates. If acquiring one customer worth $50K costs $500 in InMail credits, the investment makes sense.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives You can send InMails to “Premium Profiles” (profiles with a gold LinkedIn badge) who have the Open option enabled. Combine InMail with free LinkedIn strategies to maximize your budget.
Start Small, Scale Smart Begin with Sales Navigator Core for the best cost-per-credit ratio. $99.99/month, $79.99/month if billed annually provides 50 monthly credits.
Track your results for 3 months before increasing investment.
The Bottom Line InMail works exceptionally well for targeted, relationship-based outreach to high-value prospects. It fails for mass, generic campaigns or low-value targets.
Companies should invest in training teams on InMail strategy, including message crafting and follow-up timing.
Your InMail success depends on execution quality, not just having access to the feature.
Key Takeaways:
- Keep messages under 400 characters for 22% higher response rates
- Personalized InMails perform 15% better than bulk messages
- 65% of responses come within 24 hours – respond quickly
- You get credits back when recipients reply within 90 days
- Focus on value, not sales pitches in your first message
LinkedIn InMail is a powerful tool in the right hands. Master the fundamentals, track your performance, and scale what works. Your network – and your business – will thank you.