In the era of social networking, being able to connect to the right person is a game changer. As LinkedIn needs no introduction as the place ideal for searching and finding high-scoring prospects, successful lead generation is often a connection away.
Why?
Because direct messaging (where you can make your pitch) is available for connected users only. Or not?
If you, as a marketer or salesperson, have heard about LinkedIn InMails but do not yet understand completely which benefits they offer, this article breaks it down for you.
Let’s get started.
What are LinkedIn InMails?
Available either as a LinkedIn premium feature or for a LinkedIn InMail automation tool users, InMails are private messages that users get a chance to send to professionals outside their connections lists.
Such messages get labeled as InMail and immediately notify recipients about their arrival. Distinctly, InMails get delivered only when the prospects are active.
If you are using a free LinkedIn account, you’ve probably noticed that direct messages are available for your connections only. Besides, if a member has decided to adjust their Preferences settings to block InMails, it will be impossible to private-message such a person.
Possibilities that InMail Functionality Brings
So if we try to identify advantages of using InMails, some of them include but are not limited to the following possibilities:
- Connecting with active and passive leads
- Building customized message templates
- Running drip campaigns
- Tracking InMails effectiveness
- Outreach to practically any LinkedIn user, with or without premium accounts
- Forwarding full-bodied content (and you do not need to scrape further for emails to connect)
Credits for InMail Messages Explained
To ensure LinkedIn members’ inboxes are not slammed with spammy messages, the platform’s algorithms allow sending further InMails only if a prospect responds to the first one. It is done to stimulate senders to share valuable pieces of content.
To ensure the receiver sees a message, the system will send them a reminder three days after the initial InMail. So, if a lead interacts with such a message within the 90-day period, LinkedIn will return the credits. If not, you’ll need to wait for the next month and improve the effectiveness of your content.
In fact, pending messages do not count, while “quick replies” will count as a response.
LinkedIn allots credits every first day of their subscribers’ billing cycles, which number entirely depends on your plan.
How to Start Using LinkedIn InMail
Any tool is no good unless tested. To have your take on the functionality and whether it meets your goals to the full, we’d recommend trying one of the following options:
Opt for a 30-day Free Trial
This option is one of the easiest ways to test whether LinkedIn InMails meet your goals or not in the short run.
A 30-day free trial of a LinkedIn Premium plan will give you access to the functionality and the ability to have from 5 to 50 credits depending on the tier you choose.
Use a LinkedIn Automation Tool
Most LinkedIn automation tools highlight the InMail feature as a vital part of lead nurturing and generation. Such messages get actively used in building drip campaigns.
For example, Linked Helper 2, the secure non-cloud software that runs in a LinkedIn window in the overlay mode, allows you to bypass this platform’s limitations and automate the process of sending InMails in bulk to any user with an open profile. In other words, with the tool, you can overcome the connection step and reach your leads’ inboxes immediately.
Thus, the functionality will let you integrate the feature into your sales funnel or drip campaigns, as well as facilitate the process of connecting with prospects, job candidates, influencers, etc.
The solution comes with a free 14-day trial period, which should be enough to run and test your first InMail campaigns. Should you choose to switch to a paid plan, it will cost you from $15 to $45 per month.
Go Premium
If you have the budget, one of the options would be to go premium. However, compared to using an automation tool, there will still be certain limitations, determined by your subscription tier.
How many InMail messages are available if you opt for this option?
- Premium Career — 5 credits ($29.99/month)
- Premium Business — 15 credits ($47.99/month)
- Recruiter Lite — 30 credits ($99.95/month)
- Sales Navigator Core — 50 credits ($64.99/month)
Bottom Line
Now that you know how effective LinkedIn InMails are for marketers and salespeople, it’s high time to think through your drip campaigns to make the best use of the functionality and coax your prospects through the sales funnel.
So wait no more and start connecting. Happy selling!