What’s the best way to interact with LinkedIn members? Direct messages or LinkedIn InMail? There’s no one-fits-all approach, so you must adjust your outreach methods to each recipient.
In this article, we’ll explain the difference between these two options and which one you should use for best results.
What is LinkedIn InMail?
The main benefit of LinkedIn InMail lies in its ability to bypass traditional connection requirements, offering a direct line to the inbox of nearly any LinkedIn member.
As a feature reserved for LinkedIn Premium subscribers, InMail holds a particular reputation and functionality that standard messaging does not.
LinkedIn InMail is a premium messaging service that allows you to send messages to other LinkedIn members outside your direct network.
One of advantage of InMail is the allocation of InMail credits that come with a LinkedIn Premium subscription, empowering users to reach out to a broader audience.
Adhering to InMail Best Practices can significantly enhance your chances of receiving a higher response rate, turning cold outreach into warm conversations.
To maximize the effectiveness of InMail, it’s important to craft albania phone number list personalized, relevant, and respectful messages of the recipient’s time.
This might include referencing shared interests, mutual connections, or specific aspects of the recipient’s professional background. Doing so elevates your message above the noise of generic outreach.
What are LinkedIn Direct Messages?
LinkedIn Direct Messages are the platform’s standard feature for communication between connected members.
Accessible to all users, direct messages offer a more informal way to engage with your network.
Accessing and utilizing LinkedIn Direct Messages is straightforward, allowing quick and easy communication with your first-degree connections.
While not as expansive as InMail, Direct Messages are an excellent way to maintain and strengthen relationships within your professional circle.
Developing techniques for crafting direct message communications is essential for engaging effectively with LinkedIn members, especially when warming up prospects or following up after an initial connection.
When using direct messages, the key is to be conversational and genuine.
Unlike InMail, which is often used for first-time outreach, direct messages should feel like a continuing dialogue. This approach fosters trust and can lead to more meaningful professional interactions.
LinkedIn InMail vs Direct Messages: outreach guide
When considering whether to use LinkedIn InMail or Direct Messages for outreach, you’ll need to select the method that aligns with your specific goals.
Each has its advantages and can be more effective depending on the outreach context and the prospect’s nature.
For reaching out to new prospects, particularly in networking, recruiting, or sales, InMail may be the preferred choice due to its ability to contact LinkedIn members outside your immediate network.
Direct Messages, however, are ideal for nurturing and deepening relationships with existing connections, where a level of rapport has already been established.
Understanding the pros and cons of different scenarios can significantly impact the effectiveness of your outreach efforts, whether you’re looking to expand your network or drive business results.
For instance, cold outreach campaigns can benefit from the personalized touch that InMail provides, as it shows the recipient that you’ve invested in the platform and, by extension, in connecting with them.
On the other hand, a warm prospect who has already shown interest might respond better to a Direct Message’s casual and familiar tone.
By carefully weighing these aspects and customizing your approach, you can craft a strategic outreach plan that maximizes the strengths of both InMail and Direct Messages.
How to select the right outreach method
Choosing between LinkedIn InMail and Direct Messages begins with clearly understanding your outreach objectives. Consider the following factors:
Target Audience: Is your target a second-degree connection or someone with no mutual connections? InMail is particularly effective for reaching out to the latter.
Message Purpose: Are you looking to make a sales pitch, request a meeting, or simply introduce yourself? The formality and perceived value of InMail might make it more suitable for formal requests.
Urgency: If the matter is time-sensitive, a Direct Message may get you a quicker response from those already in your network.
Adapt to your prospects
Each type of prospect—whether for networking, recruiting, or sales—has unique expectations and preferences for communication:
Networking: InMail can be a powerful tool for establishing new professional relationships, offering a formal way to introduce yourself and your value proposition.
Recruiting: Recruiters often prefer InMail due to its professional context and higher visibility among non-connections. It can signal a serious inquiry.
Sales: Sales professionals may use a mix of both, starting with InMail for initial contact and switching to Direct Messages once a dialogue has been established.
Each outreach method should be adapted based on the prospect’s industry, seniority, and your existing relationship with them.
Examples of effective cold LinkedIn InMail outreach campaigns
Effective LinkedIn InMail campaigns often share common characteristics:
They start with a personalized greeting that references specific details about the recipient’s profile or content they’ve shared.
The body of the message clearly articulates the reason for reaching out and the potential value to the recipient.
A strong call-to-action invites the recipient to engage further, whether through a reply, a phone call, or a meeting request.