LinkedIn InMail is a powerful tool for making direct contact with other LinkedIn members, even those you are not connected to. However, there are limits on how many InMails you can send to avoid spamming. Here is a look at the InMail sending limits on LinkedIn and tips for staying within the rules.
What is LinkedIn InMail?
LinkedIn InMail allows you to send direct messages to any LinkedIn member, whether they are in your network or not. Regular LinkedIn messages can only be sent to your 1st degree connections. With InMail, you can reach out to 2nd and 3rd degree connections or LinkedIn members you have no existing connection with.
InMail messages avoid spam filters and land directly in the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox, just like an email. This allows you to make first contact with people you otherwise would not be able to reach.
InMail Sending Limits
To prevent spamming and abuse, LinkedIn limits the number of InMails you can send. The limits depend on the type of LinkedIn account you have.
Basic Account InMail Limits
With a free basic LinkedIn account, you cannot send any InMails. You are limited to messaging your 1st degree connections only.
Premium Account InMail Limits
With a Premium Career LinkedIn account, you get 5 InMails per month. This allows you to reach out to a handful of targeted prospects or hiring managers each month.
Sales Navigator Account InMail Limits
A Sales Navigator subscription includes 25 – 30 InMails per month depending on your plan. This allows sales professionals to reach many prospects and initiate conversations.
Recruiter Licenses InMail Limits
Recruiter accounts get the highest InMail limits. The number of InMails depends on the size of your Recruiter license:
- Recruiter Lite license: 20 InMails per month
- Professional Recruiter: 50 InMails per month
- Master Recruiter: 75 InMails per month
- Corporate Recruiter: 150 InMails per month
Larger licenses designed for executive recruiters provide up to 300 to 800 InMails per month.
Going Over the InMail Limit
If you go over your monthly InMail limit, any additional InMails will not be sent. You will get an error message informing you have exceeded your limit.
The only way to send more InMails that month is to upgrade to a higher level LinkedIn account.
Buying More InMail Credits
On some LinkedIn account types, you can purchase additional InMail credits:
- Premium accounts: $10 for 5 extra InMails
- Sales Navigator Pro: $10 for 10 extra InMails
- Sales Navigator Team/Enterprise: $20 for 25 extra InMails
To purchase extra credits, go to your LinkedIn messaging page and look for the “Add more InMails” link.
InMail Sending Rules and Best Practices
When sending InMails, be sure to follow LinkedIn rules and email best practices. This will increase your deliverability and response rate.
Personalize Each Message
Avoid copy-pasting the exact same InMail to multiple people. Personalize the message with their name and make it relevant to them. Mention how you found their profile or are familiar with their work.
Keep it Short
Get to the point quickly and keep your message concise. Two or three short paragraphs is ideal. People are more likely to read and respond to a message that is clearly formatted and easy to scan.
Use a Descriptive Subject Line
Summarize your purpose for connecting in the subject line. For example, “Seeking Advice on Transitioning to Machine Learning.” Avoid generic subject lines like “Question for You.”
Add Value
Explain how contacting them would be mutually beneficial. Offer to share an insightful article, provide industry intel, or make a warm introduction.
Follow Up Tactfully
If they do not respond within a week, consider a short, polite follow up. But do not barrage them with multiple messages.
Respect Opt-Outs
If they ask you not to contact them again, honor their request and do not send additional InMails.
InMail Response Rate Tips
You can increase your InMail response rate by following best practices:
- Target recipients carefully – do research on their background to personalize your message and show you have common interests or connections.
- Craft a compelling, benefit-driven subject line.
- Keep your message concise yet persuasive.
- Highlight the value of connecting.
- Send InMails individually rather than batch sending.
- Follow up once if needed.
- Use InMails sparingly – space out your messages over time.
Conclusion
LinkedIn limits the number of InMails you can send monthly to prevent spam. Free accounts cannot send InMails. Premium accounts get 5 per month, Sales Navigator gets 25-30, and Recruiters get 20 to over 300 depending on their license.
You can purchase additional credits and optimize your messaging strategy to boost InMail response rates. Use InMails selectively to make meaningful connections.