The title of your InMail on LinkedIn is one of the most important elements that will determine whether your message gets opened and read. With over 800 million members on LinkedIn, standing out in someone’s crowded inbox is a challenge. An effective title should quickly communicate who you are, what value you provide, and compel the recipient to read further.
Keep it Short and Descriptive
LinkedIn InMail titles are limited to 100 characters, so you need to make every word count. Get right to the point about who you are and what you want to discuss, while keeping it professional. Some good formulas include:
[Your Name] + [Your Company] + [Purpose of Reaching Out] |
John Smith, ACME Inc – Discussing Partner Opportunities |
[Your Name] – [Industry Expertise] Inquiry |
Mary Johnson – Healthcare Industry Insights |
Avoid vague titles like “Business Proposition” or “Let’s Connect.” Go with specific details that show you did your research on the recipient’s role and company.
Highlight Common Connections
Including any shared connections in the title helps provide legitimacy and a reason for contacting someone out of the blue. This establishes a mutual point of reference and makes it more likely your message will get opened.
Mutual Connection: [Common First Name] + [Common Last Name] |
Mutual Connection: Bob Smith |
[Your Name] – Referred by [Referrer First Name] [Referrer Last Name] |
Mary Johnson – Referred by Jane Doe |
If you have multiple shared connections, just highlight the most influential or relevant one to convey your reason for connecting.
Emphasize Value
The recipient needs to understand right away why it is worth their time to read your message. Bring up a shared goal, opportunity, or expertise that indicates the value you can provide them or their company.
[Your Company] + [Industry Synergy] |
ACME Software – Healthcare IT Solutions |
[Your Name] – [Relevant Specialty] |
Michael Smith – Supply Chain Optimization |
Focus on how you can help them or what problems you can solve for them. Avoid self-promotion about you or your company without explaining the usefulness to their needs.
Spark Interest with Specific Opportunities
If you are reaching out about a specific opportunity, event, or useful information, mentioning it upfront provides a compelling reason to open your message. Give just enough details to spark their curiosity to learn more.
[Conference Name] Invitation – [Month Year] |
Digital Media Summit Invitation – March 2023 |
[Study/Report Name] – Valuable Insights |
McKinsey Leadership Study – Valuable Insights |
Timely news, announcements, or other updates relevant to their company are other options for creating an appealing title that conveys value.
Follow Up on Previous Conversations
If this person is already familiar with you, refresh their memory by referencing your last conversation or meeting. Add a time frame for context.
Following Up – [Previous Interaction] |
Following Up – Coffee Last Week |
[Your Name] – Great Catching Up at [Event Name] |
Mary Johnson – Great Catching Up at Dreamforce |
This reminds them of shared positive experiences and makes them more inclined to open your message.
Request Informational Interviews
When reaching out to request advice or an informational interview, be upfront about your purpose so they are not surprised.
[Industry] Informational Interview Request |
Healthcare Informational Interview Request |
[Your Name] – Requesting Career Advice |
Michael Smith – Requesting Career Advice |
Flattery can help in getting their attention, but only when paired with a specific request for limited time and input.
Send Congratulations or Well Wishes
If you see they were promoted, hired somewhere new, or mentioned in the news, congratulate them in your title to start the message on a positive note.
Congrats on [Achievement/Milestone]! |
Congrats on the Promotion! |
Well Wishes for [Event/Situation] |
Well Wishes for Your Retirement |
People appreciate personalized messages acknowledging major events or activities in their lives.
Conclusion
The LinkedIn InMail title sets the tone for the rest of your message. Be clear about your purpose for connecting, highlight common ground, and focus on providing value to the recipient. Keep it professional yet personalized and avoid vague or generic phrases that could apply to anyone. With a compelling, benefit-driven title, your InMail is more likely to get the attention it deserves.