In the world of professional networking, LinkedIn is a staple. It’s the go-to platform for job seekers, recruiters, and industry experts alike. One of LinkedIn’s most powerful features is the InMail system. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about mastering InMails and using them effectively in 2022.
Understanding InMails: A Comprehensive Guide
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of InMails, let’s start with the basics. InMails are direct messages that allow you to connect with anyone on LinkedIn, even if you’re not already connected. They’re a powerful tool for networking, prospecting leads, and finding new career opportunities.
When it comes to professional networking, InMails are a game-changer. They allow you to connect with people who you may not have been able to reach otherwise. This could be someone in a different industry, a different location, or someone who simply has a large network that you want to tap into.
How InMails Work and Why They Matter
InMails work by allowing you to bypass the traditional connection request process. Instead of requesting to connect with someone and waiting for their approval, you can send them a direct message that they’ll receive in their LinkedIn inbox. InMails are particularly useful because they allow you to reach out to people who may be outside of your network or who aren’t active on the platform.
With InMails, you can craft a personalized message that highlights why you want to connect with someone. This could be to ask for advice, to learn more about their industry, or to discuss potential job opportunities. By being direct and concise in your message, you’ll increase the chances that the person will respond positively.
The Benefits of Using InMails for Professional Networking
There are many benefits to using InMails for professional networking. For one, they’re a great way to build relationships with people who may not be active on other social media platforms. Additionally, InMails allow you to reach out to people who may not be actively job searching, but who could be interested in learning about a new opportunity if it’s presented to them.
Another benefit of InMails is that they allow you to showcase your expertise and knowledge in a particular industry. By reaching out to someone with a thoughtful and well-crafted message, you’re showing that you’re serious about your career and are willing to put in the effort to make meaningful connections.
Overall, InMails are an incredibly valuable tool for professional networking. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, learn more about a particular industry, or explore new job opportunities, InMails can help you achieve your goals. So why not give them a try and see how they can benefit your career?
Maximizing Your InMail Quota: How Many InMails Do You Get?
When it comes to using InMails, one of the most important things to understand is your quota. As a basic LinkedIn user, you’ll receive a limited number of InMails each month. However, certain LinkedIn subscription plans come with a larger InMail quota.
It’s important to note that your InMail quota is not a fixed number. LinkedIn takes into account a variety of factors when determining your quota, such as your activity level on the platform and the number of responses you receive to your InMails. Therefore, it’s possible to increase your quota over time if you use InMails strategically and receive positive responses.
Understanding Your InMail Limit and How to Make the Most of It
If you’re working with a limited number of InMails per month, it’s important to use them strategically. One way to maximize your quota is by focusing on sending InMails to people who are likely to respond. This could be people who are in your industry, who have similar job titles, or who have similar interests listed on their LinkedIn profiles.
Another strategy is to personalize your InMails as much as possible. People are more likely to respond to messages that are tailored specifically to them, rather than generic messages that could be sent to anyone. Take the time to research the person you’re contacting, and mention something specific about their background or experience in your message.
It’s also important to be respectful of people’s time and attention. Don’t send InMails just for the sake of using up your quota. Make sure each message you send has a clear purpose and provides value to the recipient. This could be anything from offering a helpful resource or insight, to requesting a meeting or phone call to discuss a potential opportunity.
Overall, understanding your InMail quota and using it strategically can be a powerful tool for building your professional network and achieving your goals on LinkedIn. By focusing on quality over quantity and personalization over generic messaging, you can make the most of your InMail quota and see real results.
InMail Costs and How to Send Them for Free
LinkedIn’s InMails are a powerful tool that can help you connect with professionals outside of your network. However, as mentioned earlier, they come with a cost. If you’re a basic LinkedIn user, you’ll need to purchase InMail credits in order to send messages to people you’re not connected with. This can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you’re trying to reach out to multiple people.
But did you know that there are ways to send InMails for free? That’s right! In this article, we’ll discuss two different methods you can use to send InMails without having to spend a dime.
1. How to Earn Free InMail Credits on LinkedIn
One way to send InMails for free is by earning InMail credits through LinkedIn’s referral program. The process is simple: when you refer someone to a LinkedIn Premium subscription, you’ll receive InMail credits as a reward. The number of credits you receive will depend on the type of subscription your referral signs up for.
For example, if your referral signs up for a Business Premium subscription, you’ll receive 3 InMail credits. If they sign up for a Sales Navigator Team subscription, you’ll receive 30 InMail credits. The best part? There’s no limit to the number of referrals you can make, which means you can earn a lot of InMail credits if you refer enough people.
So, how do you get started? First, you’ll need to have a LinkedIn account. Then, head over to the “My Network” tab and click on “Refer a Connection.” From there, you can send an invitation to anyone you think would benefit from a LinkedIn Premium subscription. If they sign up using your link, you’ll receive your InMail credits.
2. How to Send InMails to Open Accounts for Free
Another way to send InMails for free is by targeting accounts that are open to receiving messages. By default, LinkedIn doesn’t allow InMails to be sent to accounts that have their settings set to “closed.” However, you can filter your searches to only show open accounts, allowing you to send InMails without using credits.
To do this, simply use the search bar at the top of your LinkedIn homepage to search for people or companies that you’re interested in connecting with. Then, click on the “All Filters” button to refine your search. Under the “Connections” section, select “2nd” and “3rd +” to show only people who are outside of your network. Next, under the “Location” section, select the location you’re interested in. Finally, under the “People” section, select “Open to new opportunities” to show only accounts that are open to receiving messages.
Once you’ve applied these filters, you should have a list of people or companies that you can send InMails to without using any credits. Keep in mind that these accounts may still be receiving a lot of messages, so make sure to craft a personalized message that will grab their attention.
In conclusion, InMails can be a powerful tool for connecting with professionals outside of your network. However, the cost of sending them can add up quickly. By using these two methods, you can send InMails for free and save yourself some money in the process.
Alternatives to InMails: When to Use What
While InMails are a great tool for networking and outreach, they’re not always the best option. Depending on your goals and the situation, there are other ways to reach out to people on LinkedIn.
1. Sending Connection Invites: When and How to Do It Right
Sending connection invites is a great alternative to InMails if you’re looking to build your network. When sending invites, be sure to personalize your message and explain why you’re interested in connecting with someone.
2. Email: A Classic Approach to Professional Networking
While LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool, it’s important not to overlook the value of email. If you’re able to find someone’s email address, sending a personalized message can be a great way to make a strong first impression.
3. Twitter: Leveraging Social Media for Networking
Finally, don’t forget about Twitter. While it’s not a traditional networking platform, Twitter can be a great way to connect with people in your industry and build relationships. Be sure to engage with people and participate in relevant conversations to build your network.
In conclusion, mastering InMails is an essential skill for anyone looking to succeed on LinkedIn. With the right strategies and messaging, you can use InMails to connect with new people, build your network, and find new career opportunities. Good luck!
