A great feature of LinkedIn is having private discussions with people you wish to form a relationship. If you’re on LinkedIn, you’ve probably noticed that you have two options: direct message and inMail. 

Which is better, LinkedIn InMail or Messages? It is a question I have been asked a lot, so I did some research to find an answer.

Comparison and contrast: how do they differ? Let’s have a look!

Compare and Contrast: LinkedIn InMail vs. Message

If you want to communicate privately with another LinkedIn member, you can use LinkedIn InMail and messages. Here’s what makes them different.

• The only people you can message on LinkedIn are your 1st-degree connections. You can do this if you already have a free account, as long as you’re connected to that person. You must first send them an invite if you aren’t already connected.
• You can use LinkedIn InMail to message someone you are not yet connected to – so, first-, second-, and third-degree connections. However, this feature is paid. It is only available to subscribers. Based on which subscription you have, you get a specific number of “credits.”
• If you have a premium account, you cannot use your InMail credits to send InMail using Sales Navigator or Recruiter. It means you can’t move credits around.

Which is better: LinkedIn InMail Vs. Messages?

Although, there is a difference between LinkedIn Inmail and message. The truth is that both forms of communication have a place in sales, so it’s not about better than messages. 

However, InMails have distinct merits over messages. Here is how LinkedIn InMails are more beneficial than Messages:

You can prove your credibility

In your InMail, you can introduce the person and tell them how you know them. In addition to showing your ability to refer others, it demonstrates your character and credibility.

InMails are much more concise, meaning that readers aren’t bombarded with information because there isn’t any! It leaves a better impression on the reader, which is good news for you!

However, LinkedIn members can opt not to receive InMail by updating their preferences.

You can network professionally.

Detecting that you are regularly exchanging InMails so that LinkedIn highlights your name in their autoresponder every time you send one (meaning they see you as an active LinkedIn user!) can go a long way in establishing trust.

InMail is free to use, so you won’t have to pay a cent! That way, you don’t have anything to lose. InMails can be personalized by including links that offer additional information.

You only have one shot at making a good impression with InMail. Once the email has been sent, it can’t be taken back or resent. By adding more pressure, you can write better content, which usually results in more sales.

You Can Schedule Your Inmail

InMails can be scheduled to go out at specific times throughout the day when a higher likelihood of a response will occur. It is an excellent feature for sales reps in lead generation and prospecting since it means sending more messages without getting blocked or flagged as spam.

They appear in the recipient’s inbox rather than the “other” folder where other emails tend to land. You build trust, rapport, and credibility by placing your message in front of the reader.

Contact information is provided for further follow-up if needed. It includes personal and business information, such as a phone number, email address, and website.

Differences Between InMail And a Connection Request

Both are important when it comes to creating leads. Here are some of the critical differences between Inmail and connection request: 

Pricing:

The connection request is free, but the inMail is not. To send an Inmail, you need a premium membership of $29.99 to $119.95 per month.

Reach:

 Using a standard connection request, you can only connect with people you already know. However, InMail lets you chat with anyone. 

Limitations:

Connection requests can be sent as often as possible, while InMail credits are limited. InMail credits range from 15 to 60 per month, depending on the subscription.

Efficiency:

There is some hit and miss when it comes to standard requests based on who you try to connect with. LinkedIn claims that its InMail messages have an open rate of 50% because of their targeted and stand-out nature. 

Additional tools:

Standard connections do not include any extras. LinkedIn Premium gives insights into how your InMail is performing through analytics tracking.

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Sending An InMail: Things to Consider

The above data shows that LinkedIn InMails are more effective than emails, but there is more to it. Here are things you should consider while sending InMAILS

• Ethics and honesty are essential! Do not abuse this form of communication, as it will catch up with you eventually – so always act professionally.

• The recipient must desire messages. If they don’t want to accept messages, it won’t work (free or not; if no one is interested in hearing from you, your efforts will be futile).

• Keeping in touch over time will ensure those who missed your initial message get back to you. Aim for quality over quantity when composing your InMail, since it will reflect how many responses you get.

• Be consistent and let the results happen naturally over time, don’t expect success with the first or second message. Keep at it, and don’t give up too soon.

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Conclusion

You can communicate with other professionals through LinkedIn InMail, arguably the most powerful professional networking site in the world!

Since LinkedIn InMails are written specifically for each recipient, rather than anyone who might be interested, they are far more effective than bulk email messages.

Additionally, they are more likely to be open, increasing their success. 

LinkedIn InMail is an excellent way to reach your LinkedIn connections, but messages on LinkedIn are less effective because they’re buried in people’s inboxes, and many people won’t see them.