Introduction to LinkedIn Voice Messaging
Ever felt like your LinkedIn messages were getting lost in the shuffle? Enter LinkedIn voice messaging – a game-changer for connecting with your network. These 60-second audio clips allow you to add a personal touch to your outreach, making your message stand out in a sea of text-based communications.
But what’s the real buzz about LinkedIn voice messages? For starters, they’re a fantastic way to inject some personality into your professional communications. As Alex Knight, Cognism’s SDR Manager, puts it, "People don’t want to speak to a robot. They want to hear a human voice attached to the message." It’s like having a mini-conversation, right there in their inbox!
How to Send a LinkedIn Voice Message
Ready to give your thumbs a break from all that typing? Let’s dive into how you can start leaving voice notes for your connections.
Steps to send a voice message on desktop
- Log into your LinkedIn account and navigate to the messaging tab.
- Select the connection you want to message.
- Look for the microphone icon in the message box.
- Click and hold the icon to record your message.
- Release to stop recording and send.
Steps to send a voice message on mobile
- Open the LinkedIn app and tap on messaging.
- Choose your recipient.
- Tap the microphone icon next to the text field.
- Hold to record, release to send.
- You can slide away to cancel if you’re not happy with your recording.
Tips for recording a good voice message
- Keep it brief – aim for 30 seconds or less.
- Smile while you speak – it comes through in your voice!
- Find a quiet spot to avoid background noise.
- Practice your message once or twice before recording.
- Be yourself – authenticity is key!
Best Practices for Using LinkedIn Voice Messages
When to use voice messages
Voice messages are great for:
- Following up after connecting
- Providing quick updates
- Personalizing your outreach
- Explaining complex ideas briefly
As Callum Henderson, our Commercial Director, found out, "Voice messages are very effective at moving prospects down the funnel and speeding the whole sales process up."
Personalizing your voice messages
The secret sauce? Personalization. Don’t just recite a script – make it about them! Alex Rodriguez, our LinkedIn expert, suggests:
- Mentioning a recent post they’ve shared
- Congratulating them on a work anniversary or promotion
- Referencing a mutual connection or shared interest
Keeping voice messages concise and engaging
Remember, you’ve got 60 seconds, but aim for 30. Be clear, concise, and compelling. Start strong, deliver value, and end with a clear call-to-action. As Alex Knight advises, "You don’t want to send lengthy messages. Keep them to 30 seconds max; remember it’s time out of your prospect’s day."
Examples of Effective LinkedIn Voice Messages
Example 1: The Follow-Up
"Hey Sarah, it’s Alex from LinkedInSight. Great connecting with you yesterday at the Digital Marketing Summit. I loved your insights on content strategy. I’ve got some ideas on how we could amplify your approach using LinkedIn. Let’s grab a virtual coffee next week to discuss? Looking forward to hearing from you!"
Why it works: It’s personal, references a recent interaction, and offers value with a clear next step.
Example 2: The Warm Introduction
"Hi Tom, Alex here. I noticed you recently joined ABC Corp as Head of Sales. Congrats on the new role! I’ve worked with several sales leaders to optimize their LinkedIn strategies for lead gen. Would you be open to a quick chat about how we could supercharge your team’s LinkedIn presence? No pressure, just thought it might be helpful as you settle into the new gig."
Why it works: It acknowledges a recent career move, offers relevant expertise, and presents a low-pressure opportunity to connect.
Pros and Cons of LinkedIn Voice Messaging
Advantages
- Adds a personal touch to your outreach
- Helps you stand out in a crowded inbox
- Can convey tone and enthusiasm better than text
- Often leads to higher response rates
Disadvantages
- Not everyone is comfortable with voice messages
- Can’t be skimmed like text messages
- Might be overlooked if the recipient is in a public place
- Requires more effort to craft than a quick text message
FAQs
Q1: Can I send a LinkedIn voice message to anyone?
A: No, you can only send voice messages to your 1st-degree connections.
Q2: How long can a LinkedIn voice message be?
A: LinkedIn voice messages can be up to 60 seconds long.
Q3: Can I listen to a voice message before sending it?
A: Unfortunately, LinkedIn doesn’t currently offer a playback feature before sending. Make sure you’re happy with your message before releasing the record button.
Q4: Do I need the LinkedIn app to send voice messages?
A: Yes, voice messages can only be sent through the LinkedIn mobile app.
Q5: Can I delete a voice message after I’ve sent it?
A: Once sent, voice messages can’t be deleted or edited. Make sure you’re happy with your message before sending.
Q6: How can I improve my voice message technique?
A: Practice, practice, practice! Record messages for yourself first, listen back, and refine your approach. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from colleagues or connections.