Understanding LinkedIn’s Messaging Options
When it comes to reaching out on LinkedIn, you’ve got two main options: Connection Messages and InMail Messages. Let’s break these down, shall we?
Connection Messages
These are the notes you can attach when sending a connection request. They’re your first impression, so make ’em count! You’ve got a tight 300 characters to work with here, so every word needs to pull its weight.
InMail Messages
InMail is LinkedIn’s premium messaging feature. It lets you reach out to folks you’re not connected with yet. The cool thing? You get more space to play with – a 200-character subject line and a whopping 2,000 characters for the body. That’s plenty of room to make your pitch!
Differences and Use Cases
Connection messages are great for that initial hello. They’re short, sweet, and to the point. InMails, on the other hand, give you more room to elaborate on why you’re reaching out. Use these when you’ve got a more complex proposition or when you’re trying to reach someone outside your network.
Writing Effective LinkedIn Messages
Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s dive into crafting messages that actually get responses.
Subject Line Best Practices
Your subject line is your foot in the door. Make it count! Keep it short and snappy – remember, you’ve only got 200 characters for InMails. A good rule of thumb? Aim for 3-4 words max.
Here’s a pro tip from my own experience: personalization is key. I once increased my open rates by 26% just by including the recipient’s name in the subject line. Something like "Coffee chat, [Name]?" can work wonders.
Message Body Best Practices
When it comes to the body of your message, brevity is your best friend. Remember, we’re dealing with 8-second attention spans here. Get to the point quickly and make every word count.
I always tell my clients: "Imagine you’re texting a busy friend. How would you get your point across quickly?" That’s the mindset you need for LinkedIn messaging.
Personalization and Value Proposition
Here’s where you can really shine. Don’t just talk about yourself – show that you’ve done your homework. Mention something specific from their profile or recent activity. Then, clearly articulate what’s in it for them.
I once landed a major client by referencing a recent article they’d shared and explaining how our services could help address a challenge mentioned in that article. It’s all about making that connection.
Message Length and Character Limits
Now, let’s talk numbers. How long should your LinkedIn message actually be?
Connection Message Character Limits
For connection messages, you’re working with a tight 300 characters. That’s about 50-60 words. It’s not much, but it’s enough to make an impression if you use it wisely.
InMail Message Character Limits
With InMails, you’ve got more breathing room. You can use up to 200 characters for your subject line and 2,000 for your message body. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
Tips for Staying Within the Limits
In my experience, the sweet spot for InMail messages is between 200-400 characters. I’ve seen response rates jump by 16% when sticking to this range. Remember, less is often more when it comes to LinkedIn messaging.
A trick I often use is to write my message, then challenge myself to cut it in half. It forces you to focus on what’s truly important.
Follow-up Strategies and Automation
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get an immediate response. Follow-ups are crucial in LinkedIn outreach.
Importance of Follow-up Messages
I always tell my clients: "The money is in the follow-up." People are busy, and your first message might have gotten lost in the shuffle. A polite, value-adding follow-up can often be the key to starting a conversation.
Automating LinkedIn Outreach
Automation can be a game-changer for your LinkedIn strategy. Tools like LinkedFusion can help you send personalized messages at scale, saving you tons of time. But remember, automation should enhance your personal touch, not replace it.
FAQs
What is the ideal length for a LinkedIn message?
The ideal length for a LinkedIn message is between 200-400 characters. This length has been shown to get 16% higher response rates compared to longer messages.
Can you send messages to non-connections on LinkedIn?
Yes, you can send messages to non-connections using InMail if you have a premium LinkedIn account. Otherwise, you’re limited to messaging your connections or members of shared LinkedIn groups.
How many LinkedIn messages can you send per day/week?
LinkedIn doesn’t publicly disclose exact limits, but it’s generally safe to send 20-25 connection requests per day. For InMail, it depends on your account type – ranging from 3 to 30 per month.
Is it better to send a connection request with or without a message?
It’s almost always better to send a connection request with a personalized message. This can increase your acceptance rate and set the stage for a meaningful conversation.
What’s the best day to send LinkedIn messages?
Based on my research, Monday tends to get slightly higher response rates – about 2% higher than other weekdays. Avoid sending messages on weekends, especially Saturdays, which see 13% fewer responses.
How can I improve my LinkedIn message open rates?
To improve open rates, keep your subject lines short (3-4 words), personalize them with the recipient’s name, and make them intriguing. For example, “Quick question, [Name]?” can be effective.
Should I include links in my first LinkedIn message?
It’s generally best to avoid links in your first message. They can make your message look like spam and may distort how the message appears on the recipient’s screen. Build rapport first, then share resources in follow-up messages.