LinkedIn's InMail feature is a premium messaging tool that allows users to send personalized messages to other professionals on the platform, even if they're not connected. With InMail, users can extend their professional network, generate leads, or find job opportunities. However, to take advantage of this feature, users need InMail credits, which are limited based on their LinkedIn subscription plan.

The importance of InMail credits cannot be overstated. For recruiters, InMail credits are essential for reaching out to potential candidates. Sales representatives rely on InMail credits to connect with decision-makers and influencers. Job seekers use InMail credits to get in touch with hiring managers and explore job opportunities. Business owners leverage InMail credits to build partnerships and generate leads.

In this article, we will delve into the world of LinkedIn InMail credits, exploring how they work, how to get more credits, and strategies for maximizing their effectiveness. Whether you're a seasoned LinkedIn user or new to the platform, this guide will help you unlock the full potential of InMail credits and take your professional networking to the next level.

Understanding LinkedIn InMail Credits

Before we dive into strategies for obtaining more InMail credits, it's essential to understand how they work and how they're allocated.

How InMail Credits Work

Here's the lowdown: one InMail credit allows you to send a message to a non-connected user on LinkedIn. When you send an InMail, the credit is deducted from your account immediately. If the recipient responds within 90 days, the credit is refunded to your account. This policy encourages you to craft messages that resonate with your targets and start meaningful conversations.

InMail credits expire and roll over to the next month if not used. This rollover policy applies to unused credits, not the total credits allocated to your account.

InMail Credit Allocation by Subscription Plan

LinkedIn offers various subscription plans, each with its own InMail credit allocation. Here's a breakdown:

• Free accounts: No InMail credits

• Premium Career: 5 credits per month, up to 15 total

• Premium Business: 15 credits per month, up to 45 total

• Sales Navigator Core: 50 credits per month, up to 150 total

• Recruiter Lite: 30 credits per month, up to 120 total

Limits of InMail Messages

Keep in mind the following limits when crafting your InMail messages:

• Subject line: 200 character limit

• Message body: 1900 character limit

• One active InMail per recipient at a time: You can't have multiple InMails pending with the same recipient. This encourages you to personalize your messages and respect the recipient's time.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's move on to strategies for obtaining more InMail credits and making the most of this powerful messaging feature.

Strategies to Obtain More InMail Credits

Now that you understand how InMail credits work and their importance in professional networking, let's dive into strategies to obtain more credits.

A. Upgrading LinkedIn Subscription Plans

One way to get more InMail credits is by upgrading your LinkedIn subscription plan. Here's a step-by-step guide to upgrading:

1. Log in to your LinkedIn account and click on your profile picture in the top right corner.

2. Click on "Settings & Privacy" from the dropdown menu.

3. Click on "Account" from the sub-menu.

4. Scroll down to the "Account type" section and click on "Change."

5. Select the subscription plan you want to upgrade to and follow the payment instructions.

Before upgrading, consider the cost versus benefit analysis. Will the additional InMail credits and features justify the increased cost?

B. Purchasing Additional InMail Credits

LinkedIn offers the option to purchase additional InMail credits. Currently, the pricing is $10 per credit, subject to change. You can buy credits through the LinkedIn interface:

1. Click on the "Messaging" tab on your LinkedIn homepage.

2. Click on "InMail" from the sub-menu.

3. Click on "Buy credits" and follow the payment instructions.

Businesses can also purchase bulk credits for their teams.

C. Earning Back InMail Credits

Achieving high response rates (aiming for 100%) can earn you back InMail credits. To encourage responses:

• Craft messages that are personalized, concise, and relevant to the recipient's interests.

• Use clear and attention-grabbing subject lines.

• Follow up on sent InMails to increase response likelihood.

D. Utilizing LinkedIn's Credit Return Policy

LinkedIn's 90-day response window allows you to earn back credits when recipients respond within this timeframe. Track your credit returns in your account and optimize your messaging strategies to maximize credit returns.

By implementing these strategies, you can increase your InMail credits and maximize your professional networking efforts on LinkedIn.

Maximizing the Effectiveness of InMail Credits

With a solid understanding of how InMail credits work and how to obtain more, it's time to focus on maximizing their effectiveness. After all, sending InMails is just the first step – you want to ensure they drive meaningful conversations and ultimately, achieve your goals.

Researching and Targeting the Right Recipients

Before crafting your InMail messages, you need to identify the right people to send them to. LinkedIn's search filters can help you narrow down your search based on factors like location, industry, job title, and more. Use these filters to find potential connections who align with your objectives.

When researching potential recipients, look for:

• Decision-makers and influencers in your industry

• Common interests or connections that can help establish a connection

• Profiles that indicate they're active and engaged on LinkedIn

Crafting Compelling InMail Messages

A well-crafted InMail message is essential to grabbing recipients' attention and encouraging them to respond. Here are some tips to help you write effective InMails:

Start with a compelling subject line that's concise and informative. You have 200 characters to work with, so make every one count!

In the message body, aim for a clear and concise structure that includes:

• A personalized greeting that addresses the recipient by name

• A brief introduction that establishes your connection or value proposition

• A clear call-to-action (CTA) that tells the recipient what you're asking them to do next

Remember to keep your message body concise, ideally between 100-200 words. Use the RABT method to structure your message:

• Research: Establish a connection or relevance to the recipient's interests

• Approach: Introduce yourself and your value proposition

• Benefit: Explain how the recipient will benefit from your proposition

• Transition: Include a clear CTA and encourage the recipient to take action

Timing Your InMail Sends

The timing of your InMail sends can significantly impact response rates. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

Send InMails during peak hours, typically between 6-8 AM, when recipients are more active and receptive. Avoid sending InMails on weekends or during holidays when response rates tend to be lower.

Consider the recipient's time zone and schedule your InMails accordingly. You can use tools like WorldTimeBuddy or TimeAndDate to ensure you're sending InMails at the right time.

Be mindful of seasonal fluctuations in your industry. For example, if you're targeting educators, you may want to avoid sending InMails during summer breaks or holidays when they're less likely to be active.

Following Up on Sent InMails

After sending an InMail, it's essential to follow up and keep the conversation going. Here are some tips to help you do so effectively:

When to send follow-up InMails: Wait at least a week after the initial InMail, and ideally, within 10-14 days. This allows the recipient time to process your initial message and respond thoughtfully.

Balance persistence with respect for the recipient's time. Don't bombard them with follow-up InMails if they haven't responded. Instead, space out your messages and mix up the content to keep the conversation fresh.

Use other channels in conjunction with InMail. If the recipient hasn't responded to an InMail, try reaching out via email or phone. This can help you re-engage them and keep the conversation going.

By implementing these strategies, you'll be well on your way to maximizing the effectiveness of your InMail credits and driving meaningful conversations that achieve your goals.

Alternative Strategies to Complement InMail Usage

In this section, we'll explore alternative strategies to complement your InMail usage, helping you maximize your professional networking efforts on LinkedIn.

Building Your LinkedIn Network Organically

While InMail credits can be a powerful tool, it's essential to grow your network organically as well. This approach helps you build genuine connections, increase your visibility, and create a strong foundation for your professional online presence.

Here are some ways to grow your network organically:

• Engage with content in your field: Like, comment, and share posts from others to spark meaningful conversations and build relationships.

• Participate in relevant LinkedIn groups: Join groups where your target audience is active, share your expertise, and provide value to the community.

• Attend virtual and in-person networking events: Expand your network by attending webinars, conferences, and meetups where you can connect with others in your industry.

Utilizing LinkedIn's Free Messaging Features

Don't forget about LinkedIn's free messaging features, which can be just as effective as InMail credits. These features allow you to connect with others, build relationships, and even generate leads.

Here are some ways to leverage free messaging features:

• Connect with mutual connections: Identify shared connections and request introductions to expand your network.

• Engage in group discussions: Participate in group conversations to build your reputation as a thought leader and establish relationships.

• Respond to posts and comments: Engage with others' content to spark conversations and build connections.

Leveraging LinkedIn's Content Creation Tools

Content creation is an essential aspect of professional networking on LinkedIn. By creating and sharing valuable content, you can increase your visibility, establish your authority, and attract potential leads.

Here are some ways to leverage content creation tools:

• Publishing articles on LinkedIn: Share your expertise through well-written, informative articles that showcase your knowledge and skills.

• Creating and sharing valuable posts: Craft posts that provide value to your audience, whether it's through sharing industry news, offering tips, or asking thought-provoking questions.

• Using LinkedIn Live: Leverage LinkedIn Live to increase your reach, engage with your audience in real-time, and build a loyal following.

By implementing these alternative strategies, you can complement your InMail usage, build a stronger professional network, and achieve your goals on LinkedIn.

Measuring and Analyzing InMail Performance

Tracking your InMail performance is crucial to understanding what works and what doesn't. By analyzing your metrics, you can refine your strategies, optimize your messaging, and maximize your ROI. Here's how to do it:

Key Metrics to Track

• Open rates: The percentage of recipients who opened your InMail.

• Response rates: The percentage of recipients who responded to your InMail.

• Conversion rates: The percentage of recipients who took a desired action, such as scheduling a meeting or making a purchase.

These metrics will give you a bird's-eye view of your InMail campaign's performance. By monitoring them regularly, you can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.

Using LinkedIn's Analytics Tools

LinkedIn provides built-in analytics tools to help you track your InMail performance. To access these tools:

1. Navigate to your LinkedIn inbox.

2. Click on the "Sent" tab.

3. Click on the "Analytics" button next to each InMail.

Here, you'll find a wealth of data, including open rates, response rates, and conversion rates. Use this information to refine your messaging, adjust your targeting, and optimize your InMail campaigns.

A/B Testing InMail Campaigns

A/B testing, also known as split testing, is a powerful way to optimize your InMail campaigns. By testing different variables, such as subject lines, message formats, and calls-to-action, you can determine what resonates with your audience and what doesn't.

Here are some ideas for A/B testing your InMail campaigns:

• Test different subject lines to see which one generates the highest open rate.

• Experiment with different message formats, such as plain text vs. HTML.

• Try different calls-to-action, such as "Schedule a meeting" vs. "Learn more."

By continuously testing and refining your InMail campaigns, you can increase your response rates, conversion rates, and ultimately, your ROI.

Best Practices and Etiquette for InMail Usage

As you start using InMail credits to connect with other professionals on LinkedIn, it's essential to maintain a level of professionalism and respect for the recipients. Here are some best practices and etiquette guidelines to keep in mind:

Respecting Recipient Privacy and Preferences

Before sending an InMail, make sure you're not violating LinkedIn's user agreement or the recipient's privacy settings. Avoid sending unsolicited messages or spam, as they can lead to account restrictions or even termination.

Also, be mindful of recipients who have opted out of InMail or have specified certain preferences. Respect their choices, and don't try to circumvent their settings.

Maintaining Professionalism in All Communications

Proofread your InMail messages carefully to avoid typos, grammatical errors, and overly casual language. Keep your tone professional and respectful, just as you would in a face-to-face conversation.

Avoid using overly pushy or sales-y language, as it can come across as insincere or aggressive. Focus on providing value to the recipient, rather than solely promoting your own interests.

Building Genuine Relationships, Not Just Selling

InMail should be used to build relationships, not just to make a sale or pitch a product. Focus on understanding the recipient's needs and interests, and how you can help them.

Aim to provide value in every interaction, whether it's sharing relevant content, offering expert advice, or simply being a sounding board for their concerns.

By following these best practices and etiquette guidelines, you can ensure that your InMail usage is effective, respectful, and professional. Remember, building genuine relationships takes time and effort, but it's worth it in the long run.

Case Studies: Successful InMail Strategies

In this section, we'll explore real-life examples of professionals who have successfully utilized InMail credits to achieve their goals. These case studies will provide valuable insights and inspiration for optimizing your own InMail strategy.

Recruiter Success Story

Meet Jane, a recruiter specializing in tech talent acquisition. Jane was struggling to reach top candidates through traditional messaging channels. She turned to InMail, carefully crafting personalized messages that highlighted her understanding of the candidates' skills and interests.

Over a period of three months, Jane sent 20 InMails, achieving an impressive 70% response rate. Of these responses, 40% resulted in scheduled interviews, and 20% led to successful placements.

Jane attributes her success to:

• Thorough research on target candidates, ensuring relevance and personalization in her InMails.

• Using attention-grabbing subject lines that resonated with her audience.

• Keeping her messages concise, clear, and free of jargon.

Sales Representative Case Study

John, a sales representative for a B2B software company, faced a common challenge: breaking through the noise and reaching decision-makers. He leveraged InMail to connect with key stakeholders, using credits to send targeted messages that addressed specific pain points and offered valuable solutions.

In a six-month campaign, John sent 50 InMails, generating a 30% response rate. These responses translated to 12 meetings, with 6 resulting in sales conversions worth over $100,000.

John's key takeaways include:

• Segmenting his target audience to tailor his InMails and increase relevance.

• Focusing on the recipient's benefits, rather than just pitching his product.

• Timing his sends strategically, avoiding weekends and holidays.

Job Seeker Success Story

Rachel, a marketing professional, was struggling to land interviews despite her impressive resume and cover letter. She turned to InMail to connect with hiring managers and key decision-makers in her industry.

Over two months, Rachel sent 15 InMails, achieving a 40% response rate. These responses led to 5 interviews, with 2 resulting in job offers.

Rachel credits her success to:

• Researching companies and tailoring her InMails to specific job openings.

• Highlighting her unique skills and experiences in her messages.

• Following up on her InMails with a polite, professional tone.

These case studies demonstrate the potential of InMail credits when used strategically and with a focus on personalization, relevance, and value-add. By incorporating these principles into your own InMail approach, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your professional goals.

Future of LinkedIn InMail and Networking

As we look to the future, it's essential to consider the emerging trends and potential changes that could impact the way we use LinkedIn InMail and approach professional networking.

AI-assisted messaging is one trend that's gaining traction. With the help of artificial intelligence, LinkedIn may soon be able to provide more personalized and effective InMail suggestions, making it easier for users to craft compelling messages that resonate with their recipients.Another trend to watch is the rise of video InMails. While LinkedIn has already introduced video messaging, it's likely that we'll see more features and integrations that enable users to create and send video content directly through the platform.

As LinkedIn continues to evolve, we may see changes to the InMail credit system. One possibility is that LinkedIn could revise the allocation of credits, perhaps offering more credits to users who engage actively with the platform or achieve high response rates.Additionally, LinkedIn might introduce new features or integrations that complement the InMail system. For example, the platform could provide more advanced analytics tools, enabling users to track the performance of their InMail campaigns more effectively.While it's impossible to predict exactly what changes LinkedIn will make, one thing is certain: the platform will continue to adapt to the needs of its users, providing new ways to connect, communicate, and build relationships.

Conclusion

Now that you've reached the end of this comprehensive guide on how to get more InMail credits, it's time to put your newfound knowledge into practice. Remember, obtaining and using InMail credits effectively is a crucial part of successful professional networking on LinkedIn.

Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you and your goals. Whether you're a recruiter, sales representative, job seeker, or business owner, InMail credits can be a valuable tool to help you achieve your objectives.

Don't be afraid to try new approaches, like upgrading your subscription plan, purchasing additional credits, or refining your messaging techniques. Continuously track your performance, analyze your data, and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Most importantly, remember that InMail credits are a means to an end. Focus on building genuine relationships, providing value to your recipients, and fostering long-term connections. By doing so, you'll not only maximize your InMail credits but also become a more effective and respected professional in your industry.

Finally, stay up-to-date with the latest developments in LinkedIn's InMail system and professional networking trends. As the platform continues to evolve, new features and opportunities will emerge. By staying adaptable and proactive, you'll be well-positioned to take advantage of these changes and remain ahead of the curve.

Good luck on your LinkedIn journey, and may your InMail credits bring you the connections and success you deserve!