LinkedIn is a powerful networking and communication tool used by professionals around the world. With over 722 million members, LinkedIn allows you to connect and build relationships with other professionals in your industry or location. However, you may sometimes want to send a message to someone on LinkedIn that you are not connected to. While LinkedIn requires you to connect to someone before sending an InMail message, there are a few workarounds that allow you to send messages without a connection.
Should You Send Unconnected Messages on LinkedIn?
Before utilizing these workarounds, consider whether it is appropriate to message someone you are not connected to. Most LinkedIn members prefer to only communicate with people in their network. Messaging strangers can come across as intrusive. Always respect other members’ privacy and preferences.
That being said, there are legitimate reasons you may need to send an unconnected message. For example, you may want to:
- Introduce yourself to someone you met at an event
- Follow up on a job application
- Ask a question of someone in your industry
- Reach out about a potential business partnership
The key is to make sure your message is professional, thoughtful, and brings value to the recipient. Avoid spamming people or using unconnected messaging for self-promotion.
Method 1: Send InMails Without Connecting
LinkedIn’s premium account types – Sales Navigator, Recruiter Lite, Business Plus, and Premium Career – include a certain number of InMails each month. InMails allow you to message any LinkedIn member, regardless of whether you are connected. The recipient can read the InMail and choose whether to reply.
The number of monthly InMails depends on your account type:
Account Type | Monthly InMails |
---|---|
Premium Career | 5 |
Sales Navigator | 25-50 |
Recruiter Lite | 20 |
Business Plus | 15 |
To send an InMail:
- Click “Connect” on a member’s profile
- Select “Send InMail” instead of adding to network
- Compose your message – remember to be professional and respectful!
- Hit send
One thing to keep in mind is that InMails have lower response rates than messages sent between connections. However, it can be an effective way to make an introduction if you have the right premium account.
Method 2: Send Connection Requests with Notes
Another option is to send a connection request along with a custom note. Here’s how:
- Click “Connect” on their profile
- Select “Add a note”
- Write a short, polite note explaining why you’d like to connect
- Note: Maximum 300 characters
- Send connection request
This allows you to essentially send a short message to someone without connecting. The downside is that they have to accept your connection request before they can read and reply to the note.
Method 3: Send Messages Through Shared Connections
If you have a shared LinkedIn connection with someone, you can send an unconnected message by having your mutual connection introduce you. Simply ask your connection to forward your note or invitation to the intended recipient. This warm introduction from a trusted source increases the likelihood your message will be well-received.
To find shared connections:
- Go to their profile
- Click “See connections in common” under their profile photo
- Message any shared connections asking for an introduction
This method works best when you already have an established relationship with the shared connection. Don’t ask people to introduce you to total strangers.
Method 4: Share Content and Mention the Person
Sharing posts, articles, or other content and mentioning the LinkedIn member you want to reach out to is another creative approach. When you mention someone, they receive a notification even without being connected. For example, you could share an article on a topic you know they are interested in based on their profile and mention them in the share text.
To do this:
- Share content on LinkedIn as you normally would
- Mention the member using the @ symbol + their name (e.g. @JohnSmith)
- Add a polite note explaining why you thought they’d find it relevant
This unobtrusive, value-focused approach establishes common ground and shows you took time to understand their interests. Just make sure not to spam mentions or send @ notifications too frequently.
Method 5: Connect Through Another Social Platform
If you are unable to connect or contact someone on LinkedIn directly, try reaching out on another social media platform like Twitter. Many LinkedIn members use multiple networks. Send them a polite message on Twitter, apply the same etiquette, and provide value without being pushy.
You can also look up their company website. Some include individual employee contact details or contact forms you can use to get in touch. Use this approach sparingly and only if you have a legitimate reason to contact them.
Is There a Way to Message on LinkedIn Anonymously?
No, LinkedIn does not allow anonymous messaging. All messages on their platform are tied to member accounts. Even InMails or notes sent without connecting list your name and profile details.
Some reasons LinkedIn prohibits anonymity include:
- Prevents spam and abuse
- Upholds member trust and safety
- Promotes open, ethical communication norms
- Maintains professional environment
The only way to message anonymously would be asking a mutual connection to introduce and share your note anonymously. This is poor etiquette though and risks damaging that person’s reputation or relationships.
If you feel the need to message someone anonymously, reconsider whether there are better, more transparent ways to make your introduction or share information.
Tips for Messaging Unconnected LinkedIn Members
When reaching out to people you are not yet connected with, keep these tips in mind:
- Personalize the message and explain why you are contacting them
- Introduce yourself professionally with relevant background
- Keep messages concise, thoughtful, and respectful
- Focus on providing value, not making demands or asking for favors
- Understand if they do not respond and do not bombard with frequent messages
- Thank them for their time and consideration if they do respond
- Build a relationship first before asking for meetings, referrals etc.
Conclusion
Messaging unconnected LinkedIn members takes thoughtfulness and care. While LinkedIn restricts how you can contact people outside of your network, the workarounds above give you options. Focus on creating value versus promoting yourself. With persistence, you may eventually make the new business connections you desire.