The Power of InMails on LinkedIn
In the world of professional networking, LinkedIn InMails are like golden tickets. They allow you to reach out to anyone on the platform, even if you’re not connected. But here’s the catch: LinkedIn limits the number of InMails you can send, especially if you’re not a premium user. So, how can you maximize your outreach without breaking the bank? Let’s dive into some clever strategies to get unlimited InMails on LinkedIn.
Send InMails to Open Profiles
Open Profiles are your secret weapon for unlimited InMails. These are LinkedIn members who’ve opted to receive messages from anyone, not just their connections. The best part? Messaging them doesn’t cost you any InMail credits!
To spot an Open Profile, look for the “Message” button on their profile page. If you see “Free Message” when you click it, congratulations! You’ve found an Open Profile. As Alex Rodriguez, a LinkedIn growth hacking expert, often says, “Open Profiles are like finding a $20 bill in your old jeans – an unexpected bonus that can really pay off.”
But manually searching for Open Profiles can be time-consuming. That’s where tools like Evaboot come in handy. They can scan your Sales Navigator search results and identify Open Profiles at scale. Once you have a list of Open Profiles, you can use outreach tools like Linked Helper to automate your messaging.
Maximize LinkedIn’s InMail Refund Policy
Here’s a little-known fact: LinkedIn will refund your InMail credit if you get a response within 90 days. This means that if you’re crafting compelling messages that people want to respond to, you could potentially send unlimited InMails without ever running out of credits.
The key here is to focus on quality over quantity. As Rodriguez puts it, “Your InMail is competing with dozens of others in a busy professional’s inbox. Make it count!” Here are some tips to increase your response rates:
- Personalize your message based on the recipient’s profile or recent activity
- Keep it concise – respect their time
- Clearly state the value you’re offering or why you’re reaching out
- End with a specific, easy-to-respond-to call to action
Contact LinkedIn Group Members
LinkedIn groups are goldmines for networking, and they come with a hidden perk: you can message other group members for free, even if you’re not connected. While these messages aren’t technically InMails, they serve the same purpose – allowing you to reach out to 2nd and 3rd-degree connections.
To make the most of this feature:
- Join groups relevant to your industry or target audience
- Engage in group discussions to build visibility
- Use the member list to find potential contacts
- Craft personalized messages referencing the shared group
Rodriguez advises, “Don’t just join and start messaging. Contribute value to the group first. It’s like warming up before the big game – it sets you up for success.”
Reach out to LinkedIn Event Attendees
LinkedIn events are another fantastic opportunity for unlimited outreach. When you’re attending or hosting an event, you can message other attendees without using InMail credits. This feature is particularly powerful because it gives you a built-in conversation starter – the event itself.
Here’s how to make the most of this feature:
- Regularly check for relevant events in your industry
- RSVP to events, even if they’re virtual
- Use the “Networking” tab to view and message other attendees
- Follow up after the event to continue the conversation
As Rodriguez notes, “LinkedIn events are like digital cocktail parties. They’re the perfect setting for making new connections and nurturing existing ones.”
FAQs
Q: Is it against LinkedIn’s terms of service to use these methods?
A: No, these methods are all within LinkedIn’s guidelines. However, always use them responsibly and avoid spammy behavior.
Q: Can I use automation tools for sending InMails?
A: While automation tools exist, LinkedIn discourages their use for sending messages. It’s best to personalize your outreach manually.
Q: How many Open Profiles can I expect to find in a typical search?
A: This varies widely depending on your industry and search criteria. In some searches, you might find 5-10% of profiles are open.
Q: Will people know if I’ve viewed their profile while looking for Open Profiles?
A: If your profile viewing settings are set to public, yes. You can change this in your privacy settings if you prefer to browse anonymously.
Q: How often should I message group members or event attendees?
A: Quality over quantity is key. Focus on meaningful interactions rather than mass messaging.
Q: Can I use these methods for cold outreach?
A: While you can, it’s always best to warm up your outreach by engaging with the person’s content or finding a mutual connection first.
By leveraging these strategies, you can significantly expand your LinkedIn outreach without burning through your InMail credits. Remember, the goal isn’t just to send more messages, but to make more meaningful connections. As Alex Rodriguez often reminds her clients, “On LinkedIn, quality always trumps quantity. Make every interaction count!”