In the dynamic world of digital marketing and sales, standing out from the crowd is paramount. LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, offers a powerful tool to help you do just that – Sales Navigator and InMail credits. These credits unlock the ability to send direct messages to any LinkedIn member, regardless of whether you’re connected or not, opening up a world of new opportunities for lead generation and business development.
1. InMail credits allow you to bypass LinkedIn’s messaging limitations and directly reach potential leads and clients, regardless of connection status.
2. The number of InMail credits included in your plan varies based on your LinkedIn premium subscription level.
3. Creating personalized and compelling InMail messages with clear calls-to-action is crucial for boosting response rates.
4. A strategic approach to utilizing InMail credits can significantly enhance your lead generation efforts and sales pipeline on LinkedIn.
5. By understanding best practices and tracking metrics, you can optimize your InMail outreach and maximize the return on your investment.
At its core, an InMail is a direct message sent through LinkedIn’s messaging system. However, unlike regular messages, InMails can be sent to any LinkedIn member, even if you’re not connected. This feature is especially valuable for sales and marketing professionals looking to reach decision-makers, industry influencers, or potential clients outside their immediate network.
We have a post breaking down the differences between InMail and LinkedIn messages for you to find out.
InMail credits are specifically associated with LinkedIn’s Sales Navigator platform, a premium tool designed to streamline prospecting, lead generation, and sales activities. With Sales Navigator, you gain access to advanced search filters, real-time updates, and, of course, InMail credits to facilitate direct outreach.
One of the key advantages of InMails over regular LinkedIn messages is their visibility. InMails are prominently displayed in the recipient’s inbox with a “sponsored” tag, ensuring your message stands out and commands attention amidst the clutter of daily communications.
How Many InMail Credits Do I Get?
The number of InMail credits included in your LinkedIn subscription varies based on the specific plan you’ve chosen. Here’s a breakdown:
- Sales Navigator Professional: 20 InMails/month
- Sales Navigator Team: 30 InMails/month
- Sales Navigator Enterprise: 50 InMails/month
It’s important to note that these InMail allocations renew every month, so any unused credits from the previous month will not carry over. Consequently, it’s essential to develop a consistent strategy for utilizing your InMail credits effectively, ensuring you extract maximum value from your subscription.
How to Buy More InMail Credits?
For those who need to supplement their existing InMail credit allotment, LinkedIn offers the option to purchase additional credits, for $10 each. This allows you to scale your outreach efforts, although at a high price. We recommend using the InMail credits more effectively to save money.
To optimize your credit usage, learn how to improve your LinkedIn cold outreach.
How to Use InMail Credits Effectively
Possessing InMail credits is just the first step; the true key to success lies in crafting compelling messages that resonate with your target audience and drive meaningful engagement. Here are some essential tips for maximizing the impact of your InMail outreach:
1. Craft Attention-Grabbing Subject Lines
Your subject line is often the first (and sometimes only) thing a recipient will see, so it’s crucial to make it count. Aim for subject lines that are concise, intriguing, and tailored to your recipient’s interests or pain points. A well-crafted subject line can significantly increase the likelihood of your message being opened and read.
2. Personalize Your Messages
Generic, one-size-fits-all messages are a surefire way to get your InMail overlooked or ignored. Take the time to research your recipient’s background, industry, and potential challenges. Weave this information into your message to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and understand their specific needs. Personalization fosters a deeper connection and increases the chances of a positive response.
3. Provide Clear Value and a Call-to-Action
Your InMail should clearly articulate the value you can offer to the recipient, whether it’s a solution to a problem, valuable insights, or a mutually beneficial opportunity. Additionally, include a clear and specific call-to-action, such as scheduling a call, reviewing a piece of content, or providing feedback. This clarity establishes expectations and makes it easier for the recipient to take the next step.
4. Leverage InMail Analytics
LinkedIn’s Sales Navigator platform provides valuable analytics and insights into your InMail outreach. Track metrics such as open rates, response rates, and message performance to identify what resonates with your audience. Use this data to continually refine and optimize your messaging strategy, ensuring you’re delivering the most effective and impactful InMails possible.
Can I Get My InMail Credit Back?
One of the notable features of LinkedIn’s InMail system is the credit refund policy. If you don’t receive a response to your InMail within 90 days, LinkedIn will automatically refund that credit back into your account balance. This policy ensures that you’re not wasting valuable credits on messages that go unanswered, allowing you to reinvest those credits in new outreach efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do InMail credits expire?
While InMail credits do not technically expire, they are subject to a rolling 90-day expiration period. This means that any unused credits from the previous 90 days will be automatically removed from your account balance. To avoid losing credits, it’s essential to maintain a consistent cadence of outreach and utilize your credits regularly.
Is there a limit to how many InMails I can send in a day/month?
LinkedIn does not impose a strict daily or monthly limit on the number of InMails you can send. However, the platform does monitor sending levels to ensure users aren’t engaging in spamming or abuse. As long as you follow best practices and maintain a reasonable sending cadence, you should not encounter any issues.
What’s the difference between InMail and regular LinkedIn messages?
The primary difference between InMail and regular LinkedIn messages lies in the recipient pool. Regular messages can only be sent to individuals with whom you share a 1st-degree connection on LinkedIn. InMails, on the other hand, allow you to bypass this limitation and reach anyone on the platform, regardless of your connection status. Additionally, InMails are prominently displayed with a “sponsored” tag, increasing their visibility in the recipient’s inbox.
Can I use InMail credits on a basic LinkedIn account?
No, InMail credits are exclusively available to LinkedIn Premium and Sales Navigator subscribers. If you’re using the free version of LinkedIn, you will not have access to InMail credits or the ability to send direct messages to non-connections. Upgrading to a paid subscription plan is necessary to unlock these powerful outreach capabilities.
Conclusion
By understanding the nuances of LinkedIn InMail credits and implementing best practices for their utilization, you can unlock a world of new opportunities for lead generation, business development, and building valuable professional connections on the world’s largest professional network.
