Want better results from LinkedIn InMail? Focus on three things: timing, message length, and personalization. Here’s what you need to know:
- Timing: When you send matters less than you think. Most responses come within 24 hours, regardless of send time. However, Sunday to Thursday sees higher response rates, with Sunday being a hidden gem due to low competition.
- Message Length: Shorter is better. Messages between 25-50 words get 65% more replies. Keep it concise – your goal is to start a conversation, not overwhelm.
- Personalization: Tailored messages double response rates. Mention shared connections, recent achievements, or company news to show genuine interest.
Master InMail: 5 Best Practices for Higher Response Rates
Understanding LinkedIn InMail and Its Role in Outreach
LinkedIn InMail offers a direct way to communicate, bypassing the usual connection requirements. It’s a handy tool for sales professionals, recruiters, and marketers to reach out to prospects or customers without needing prior connections. The system works on a credit basis, where each message uses one monthly credit. These features make InMail stand out from traditional outreach methods.
What Makes LinkedIn InMail Different?
One of InMail’s standout benefits is its higher deliverability rates. Unlike cold emails that often get lost in crowded inboxes or flagged by spam filters, InMail messages go straight to the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox through LinkedIn’s internal system.
Another edge is the professional credibility it brings. When someone receives an InMail, they can instantly view your LinkedIn profile, including your work experience, recommendations, and mutual connections. This level of transparency helps establish trust and reinforces your professional image.
A unique feature of InMail is LinkedIn’s response guarantee. If your message doesn’t get a reply within seven days, LinkedIn refunds the credit, allowing you to try again. This makes each message more strategic and ensures you’re not wasting credits.
InMail messages also have a 2,000-character limit, which pushes senders to stay concise and focused. Interestingly, shorter, well-crafted messages often perform better, so this limit can work in your favor.
Using InMail with Automation Platforms
Automation tools take InMail’s advantages to the next level, making outreach even more efficient. Platforms like Closely integrate directly with LinkedIn, streamlining every step of the process – from finding prospects to managing follow-ups.
One major perk of automation is AI-powered personalization. These tools analyze LinkedIn profiles, company details, and recent activity to create personalized InMail messages automatically, saving time while keeping the outreach relevant.
Closely also offers a unified inbox that combines all InMail responses with email replies. This feature simplifies managing conversations across multiple channels, ensuring no response slips through the cracks.
Detailed analytics provided by such platforms track key metrics like open rates, response rates, and conversions. These insights help fine-tune future campaigns by identifying what works best – whether it’s a specific message template, timing, or personalization approach.
Automation also enhances campaign sequencing. For instance, you can create multi-step campaigns that combine InMail and email outreach. If a prospect doesn’t reply to your initial InMail, the system can automatically send a follow-up email after a set time.
For sales teams, automation tools include management features that allow leaders to track team performance across InMail campaigns. This oversight ensures consistent messaging, highlights successful strategies, and helps scale effective approaches across the team. By combining automation with LinkedIn InMail, teams can maximize their outreach efforts and achieve better results.
Best Timing for Sending LinkedIn InMails
When it comes to sending LinkedIn InMails, timing can make or break your chances of getting noticed. Hitting the inbox when your prospects are most active ensures your message doesn’t get buried or ignored.
Here’s a key stat: 65% of InMail responses come within 24 hours, and 90% are received within a week [1]. That means targeting your outreach during peak activity times is essential for success.
Research-Based Best Days and Times
LinkedIn’s data uncovers some clear trends for when InMails are most effective. If you want better engagement, aim to send your messages between Sunday and Thursday [1]. Messages sent on Fridays see a 4% dip in responses, while Saturdays fare even worse with an 8% drop [1].
Surprisingly, only 2% of InMails are sent on Sundays [1]. This low volume creates a golden opportunity – your message has less competition in the inbox. For busy professionals or executives, a Sunday InMail could stand out and increase the likelihood of a response.
| Day of Week | Response Rate Impact | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Higher engagement | Ideal for standing out due to low volume |
| Monday–Thursday | Consistently higher engagement | Solid choice for reliable performance |
| Friday | 4% fewer responses | Best to avoid unless unavoidable |
| Saturday | 8% fewer responses | Least effective day for outreach |
Tailor your timing to your audience. For certain industries or roles, Sunday’s quieter inbox may deliver better results.
Pro tip: Combine personalized messaging with strategic timing, and you could see up to a 15% improvement in success rates [2]. Timing and relevance go hand in hand.
Using Data to Optimize Send Times
Building on these insights, leveraging data can take your timing strategy to the next level. Smart timing doesn’t just boost immediate response rates – it can also improve the overall success of your campaigns.
Advanced tools, like AI-powered automation, can analyze behavioral patterns to pinpoint the best send times. For example, tracking social triggers – such as job changes, promotions, or recent LinkedIn activity – can reveal the perfect moment to reach out [2]. These triggers might include things like company news mentions or when a prospect engages with your content by liking or commenting.
AI tools can also monitor recipient activity, such as profile views, posting habits, or new connections in your network. These signals often indicate heightened engagement and a greater likelihood that your message will be well-received.
Here’s how data can guide your strategy:
- Social triggers: Job changes, promotions, or recent interactions signal when a prospect is more likely to respond.
- Activity monitoring: AI can track when someone is actively engaging on LinkedIn, like commenting or posting, to identify the right time for outreach.
- Engagement history: Analytics tools can show when your InMails are being opened or responded to, helping you refine your timing over time.
For instance, if a prospect views your profile or connects with someone in your network, it’s a strong sign they’re active and potentially open to outreach. Similarly, milestones like personal achievements or company updates can provide a natural opening for a timely, relevant message.
Writing Effective LinkedIn InMails: Length and Structure
Crafting a successful LinkedIn InMail hinges on two key elements: message length and structure. These factors can determine whether your prospect takes the time to read and respond – or simply hits delete.
Finding the Right Message Length
When it comes to InMail, shorter is better. Data shows that InMails under 400 characters have a 22% higher response rate compared to the average for all InMails [1]. On the flip side, messages exceeding 800 characters tend to see lower response rates [1].
The sweet spot? Aim for 50-125 words, which usually means about 2-3 sentences [3][6]. This length strikes the perfect balance: enough room to convey your main point without overwhelming your prospect.
Why does brevity work so well? Over 50% of InMail messages are opened on smartphones by busy professionals [5]. Long-winded messages can feel daunting on a small screen, leading recipients to skip them altogether. A concise message respects their time while mimicking the feel of a quick, personal chat [6].
Think of your InMail as an elevator pitch. Your goal isn’t to close a deal in one go – it’s to spark interest and encourage a response, paving the way for a deeper conversation.
Once you’ve nailed the length, the next step is structuring your message for maximum impact.
Key Components of High-Impact Messages
A well-structured InMail grabs attention, builds interest, and encourages action. Here’s how to break it down:
- Subject Line: You’ve got 200 characters to make your first impression [3][5]. Skip generic phrases like "Quick question" or "Following up." Instead, reference something specific – like their company, role, or a recent achievement. A personalized subject line shows this isn’t just another mass message.
- Personalized Opening: Start with a connection point that feels genuine. Maybe it’s a shared connection, recent company news, or an insight from their LinkedIn activity. The goal is to show you’ve done your homework and have a valid reason for reaching out.
- Concise Value Proposition: Clearly explain why you’re contacting them and what’s in it for them. Focus on their potential benefit instead of rattling off product features. Use plain language – no one wants to wade through industry jargon [3][4][5]. Remember, this is the start of a conversation, not the time for a full sales pitch.
- Clear Call-to-Action: Wrap up with a specific, low-pressure request. For example, instead of saying, "Let me know if you’re interested", try something like, "Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call next Tuesday?" Specific asks are easier to respond to and show you value their time.
By following this structure, your message flows naturally, creating a conversational tone that feels authentic – not robotic or scripted.
Using AI for Message Optimization
Writing personalized InMails at scale can feel overwhelming, but AI tools like Closely make this process faster and more effective. Instead of spending hours crafting individual messages, AI helps you create concise, tailored content while maintaining a personal touch.
Here’s how AI simplifies the process:
- It analyzes prospect profiles and LinkedIn activity to generate personalized openings and value propositions.
- It balances brevity with completeness, ensuring your message hits all the right notes without overloading the recipient.
- It maintains consistent quality across hundreds of messages, following proven frameworks while adapting to each prospect.
Even better, AI learns from your campaign performance, fine-tuning messages over time for better results. This approach not only saves time but also ensures your InMails are as impactful as possible, seamlessly integrating with your broader outreach strategy.
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Personalization Strategies That Increase Response Rates
Adding a personal touch to your InMail campaigns can make all the difference. While structured, concise messaging sets the foundation, personalization brings the human element that helps your outreach truly connect with recipients. It’s this thoughtful approach that can turn a message from being ignored into sparking a meaningful response.
Personalized InMails have been shown to boost acceptance rates by 40% [1], and when sent individually rather than in bulk, they achieve about 15% higher response rates [7][2]. These stats highlight how tailoring your outreach can significantly improve engagement.
How to Personalize Effectively
Personalization goes far beyond just addressing someone by name. It’s about showing that you’ve done your homework and genuinely understand what matters to the recipient. Here are a few strategies to make your outreach stand out:
- Mention shared connections or employers. A mutual connection is a great way to establish credibility. For instance, referencing a shared former employer in your message can increase response rates by 27% [1]. Before reaching out, check if you have mutual contacts or if someone at your company is connected to the recipient.
- Acknowledge specific achievements. Highlighting accomplishments like a project they led, an article they published, or an award they received shows that you’ve taken the time to learn about them [1].
- Engage with their content first. Interact with their recent posts or articles by liking or commenting. This warms up the relationship and makes your InMail feel like a natural continuation of the conversation.
- Find commonalities beyond work. Shared interests, alumni connections, or similar career paths can help your message feel more relatable and genuine.
- Focus on active LinkedIn users. Targeting users who are frequently active – those with many connections, group engagements, or regular updates – can lead to a 27% boost in response rates [2]. These users are more likely to engage with your outreach.
By tailoring each message to reflect the recipient’s interests and background, you increase the likelihood of building a meaningful connection.
Scaling Personalization with AI
While personalizing every message can be time-intensive, AI-powered tools like Closely make it easier to maintain that personal touch at scale.
- Quick profile analysis. AI can analyze a prospect’s role, background, and activity to identify key personalization points, saving you 10–15 minutes per prospect [8][9].
- Authenticity at scale. These tools ensure each message feels unique and tailored, even when reaching out to many prospects [8][9].
- Consistent brand voice. AI can adapt to your company’s tone and style, ensuring your outreach reflects your brand while still addressing individual interests [9].
With tools like Closely, you can create a large volume of personalized messages without losing the authenticity or connection that makes them effective. This approach allows you to expand your outreach while still building meaningful relationships.
Measuring and Improving InMail Campaign Performance
Tracking the performance of your InMail campaigns is a must if you want to fine-tune their timing, length, and level of personalization. Keeping tabs on how your messages perform helps you uncover what’s working and replicate those successful tactics. Without proper measurement, you’re essentially flying blind, missing out on chances to make your campaigns better.
Top-performing sales professionals don’t leave their campaigns up to chance. They rely on real data to test, measure, and improve. This approach turns a decent campaign into a highly effective one, eliminating the guesswork. Let’s dive into the key metrics you should focus on to sharpen your InMail strategy.
Key Metrics for Success
- Open Rates: While LinkedIn doesn’t provide open-rate data, message acceptance is a solid alternative to track. If your acceptance rates are consistently low, it’s time to revisit your subject lines or targeting strategy.
- Response Rates: Responses are a direct measure of engagement. Experiment with your messaging to figure out what resonates best with your audience.
- Conversion Rates: Keep an eye on tangible outcomes – like scheduled meetings, demos, or closed deals. This metric ensures your efforts are translating into real business results.
- Time to Response: How quickly recipients reply can tell you a lot. Fast responses often indicate strong relevance and personalization, while slower replies might signal areas for improvement.
- Message Engagement Depth: Look at how deeply recipients engage with your profile, such as viewing your recent activity. This can offer clues about their interest level.
By focusing on these metrics, you can use targeted insights to consistently improve your campaigns.
Using Analytics for Continuous Improvement
Tools like Closely’s dashboard transform raw data into actionable insights, helping you identify trends and refine your strategy. A/B testing is a powerful way to compare different elements of your messages, like subject lines or personalization techniques, to see what works best.
Timing tools can help you figure out when your audience is most active, ensuring your outreach lands at the right moment. Personalization analysis highlights the elements that drive the most engagement, so you can double down on what works.
Other features like campaign velocity tracking, segmentation analysis, and predictive scoring help you identify high-value prospects and understand response patterns more clearly.
Make it a habit to review your campaign performance in real time. Adjust underperforming strategies promptly to keep things on track. By consistently analyzing and improving based on these key metrics, you’ll create InMail campaigns that engage effectively and deliver meaningful results.
Conclusion: Maximizing LinkedIn InMail Results
Getting the most out of LinkedIn InMails boils down to a few key elements: thoughtful timing, clear and concise messaging, and genuine personalization. When these ingredients are paired with regular analysis and refinement, your outreach efforts can become a steady source of new opportunities.
Timing is everything. Experiment with different send times and track your results to align your outreach with when your audience is most active. Adjusting based on real data ensures your messages land at the right moment.
Keep it short and impactful. A well-crafted InMail grabs attention quickly and delivers its message without overwhelming the reader. Finding that sweet spot between brevity and effectiveness is crucial.
Make it personal. Generic templates rarely resonate. Instead, tailor your messages to reflect recent company updates, shared connections, or notable achievements of your prospects. This level of personalization not only boosts engagement but also shows you’ve done your homework. The challenge is scaling this approach without spending excessive time on each message – this is where automation tools can be a game-changer.
Tools like Closely combine personalization, timing optimization, and performance tracking, allowing you to maintain a personal touch while focusing on the bigger picture. They simplify the process, helping you stay strategic without sacrificing the human element.
Finally, remember that success comes from testing and learning. Rely on data, not guesswork, to refine your approach. By experimenting with different strategies and analyzing performance metrics, you can continuously improve and see meaningful results over time.
FAQs
What’s the best way to personalize LinkedIn InMail messages to boost response rates?
To make your LinkedIn InMail messages stand out, start by including details specific to the recipient. This could be their name, job title, industry, or even something from their recent activity. Highlighting these points shows you’ve taken the time to learn about them and adds a personal touch. If you share any mutual connections or interests, mentioning them can help build an instant connection.
Keep your message short, warm, and focused on how you can offer value or assist them in reaching their goals. Skip the generic phrases and overly formal tone – aim for a conversational and relevant approach. A well-personalized, clear, and concise message often has a better chance of getting a reply.
What are the advantages of using automation tools like Closely to manage LinkedIn InMail campaigns?
Automation tools, like Closely, simplify LinkedIn InMail campaigns by taking care of repetitive tasks such as sending connection requests and follow-up messages. This not only saves time but also minimizes the need for manual effort. With these tools, scaling your outreach becomes more manageable while maintaining consistency and ensuring everything is trackable – key factors for improving campaign performance.
Beyond that, automation allows for precise timing and personalization, even on a larger scale, which can lead to better response rates and stronger engagement. By fine-tuning these critical aspects, Closely lets you concentrate on building genuine connections and reaching your outreach goals with greater ease.
Why is it important to measure LinkedIn InMail campaign performance, and which metrics should I prioritize?
Measuring how your LinkedIn InMail campaigns perform is crucial to figuring out what’s working and where you can improve. By keeping an eye on the right metrics, you can fine-tune your strategy, increase response rates, and see better results overall.
Key metrics to watch include open rates, response rates, and acceptance rates. These indicators give you a clear picture of how well your messages are connecting with your audience. On top of that, tracking engagement levels provides insight into the broader impact of your outreach efforts. Regularly reviewing these numbers helps ensure your campaigns remain effective and aligned with your objectives.