In the world of LinkedIn, communication is key to building relationships, generating leads, and growing your professional network. Two popular methods of communication on the platform are InMail and messaging, often used interchangeably by many users. However, the question remains: Are InMail and messaging really the same?
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of LinkedIn communication, exploring the differences between InMail and messaging, and providing a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these tools like a pro.
The Basics Of InMail And Messaging
Before we dive into the differences, let’s start with the basics.
What is InMail?
InMail is a premium feature on LinkedIn that allows users to send personalized, targeted messages to anyone on the platform, even if they’re not connections. InMail messages appear in the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox and are subject to a character limit of 1,900 characters. This feature is particularly useful for sales teams, recruiters, and marketers looking to reach out to potential customers, candidates, or partners.
What is Messaging?
Messaging, on the other hand, refers to the regular conversation feature on LinkedIn. It’s a way for connections to communicate with each other through private messages. These messages are also subject to a character limit, but it’s much shorter than InMail, at 700 characters.
One of the primary differences between InMail and messaging lies in their purpose. **InMail is designed for prospecting and outreach**, allowing users to send targeted messages to potential customers, partners, or candidates. It’s a way to initiate conversations with people who aren’t yet connections.
**Messaging, on the other hand, is for existing connections**. It’s a way for you to communicate with people already in your network, discuss potential collaborations, share content, or simply stay in touch.
Think of InMail as sending a cold email to someone you’ve never met. You’re introducing yourself, stating your purpose, and hoping to initiate a conversation. Messaging, on the other hand, is like having a conversation with an old friend. You already have a connection, and you’re discussing topics of mutual interest.
The Key Differences Between InMail And Messaging
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the key differences between InMail and messaging:
1. Audience
**InMail: Anyone on LinkedIn**
With InMail, you can send messages to anyone on the platform, regardless of whether they’re a connection or not. This feature is particularly useful for sales teams, recruiters, and marketers who need to reach out to potential customers or candidates.
**Messaging: Only Connections**
Messaging, on the other hand, is limited to your existing connections on LinkedIn. You can only send messages to people who are already part of your network.
2. Character Limit
**InMail: 1,900 Characters**
InMail messages have a character limit of 1,900 characters, giving you more space to craft a compelling message, introduce yourself, and state your purpose.
**Messaging: 700 Characters**
Messaging has a much shorter character limit of 700 characters, making it ideal for brief conversations, quick updates, or simple questions.
3. Personalization
**InMail: More Personalization Options**
InMail allows for more personalization options, including the ability to add attachments, use email-style formatting, and include a subject line. This feature helps you craft a more professional, targeted message that’s likely to grab the recipient’s attention.
**Messaging: Limited Personalization**
Messaging, on the other hand, has limited personalization options. You can’t add attachments, and the formatting options are restricted.
4. Deliverability
**InMail: Higher Deliverability**
InMail messages have a higher deliverability rate compared to messaging. Since InMail is a premium feature, LinkedIn ensures that these messages are delivered to the recipient’s inbox, bypassing the usual messaging filters.
**Messaging: Lower Deliverability**
Messaging, being a free feature, has a lower deliverability rate. Your messages may end up in the recipient’s “Other” folder or even get lost in the noise of their inbox.
5. Cost
**InMail: Paid Feature**
InMail is a paid feature on LinkedIn, requiring a premium subscription or a certain number of InMail credits. The cost varies depending on your subscription plan and the number of InMail credits you need.
**Messaging: Free Feature**
Messaging, on the other hand, is a free feature on LinkedIn, available to all users with a basic account.
Busting The Myth: InMail Vs. Messaging For Lead Generation
Many users assume that InMail is superior to messaging for lead generation, but is that really the case?
**InMail for Lead Generation: The Pros**
* Higher deliverability rate
* More personalization options
* Ability to target specific audiences
* Attachments and email-style formatting
**InMail for Lead Generation: The Cons**
* Paid feature, requiring a premium subscription or InMail credits
* Limited to a certain number of InMail credits per month
* Risk of being marked as spam or deleted
**Messaging for Lead Generation: The Pros**
* Free feature, available to all users
* Higher response rates from existing connections
* Ability to nurture leads through personalized conversations
**Messaging for Lead Generation: The Cons**
* Limited to existing connections
* Lower deliverability rate
* Risk of getting lost in the recipient’s inbox
In reality, both InMail and messaging can be effective for lead generation, depending on your strategy and target audience. **InMail is ideal for cold outreach**, while **messaging is better suited for nurturing existing leads**.
Best Practices For Using InMail And Messaging
Now that we’ve explored the differences between InMail and messaging, let’s discuss some best practices for using these features effectively:
For InMail:
* Personalize your messages with the recipient’s name, industry, and company
* Keep your message concise, clear, and relevant to the recipient’s interests
* Use email-style formatting and attachments to make your message more professional
* Target specific audiences using LinkedIn’s filtering options
* Monitor your InMail credits and adjust your strategy accordingly
For Messaging:
* Keep your messages brief, concise, and relevant to the conversation
* Use emojis and informal language to build rapport with your connections
* Engage in meaningful conversations and ask open-ended questions
* Share relevant content, news, or updates to keep the conversation going
* Be respectful of your connections’ time and attention
Conclusion
In conclusion, while InMail and messaging share some similarities, they are not the same. InMail is a premium feature designed for prospecting and outreach, while messaging is a free feature for communicating with existing connections.
By understanding the differences between these two features, you can craft a more effective communication strategy on LinkedIn, leveraging InMail for cold outreach and messaging for nurturing existing leads.
Remember, both InMail and messaging have their strengths and weaknesses, and the key to success lies in using them strategically, with a clear understanding of their purpose and target audience.
So, the next time you’re deciding between InMail and messaging, ask yourself: **Am I prospecting for new leads or nurturing existing connections?** The answer will guide your communication strategy, helping you achieve your goals on LinkedIn.
What Is InMail And How Does It Work?
InMail is a messaging feature on LinkedIn that allows users to send personalized, targeted messages to other users they are not connected with. It works by giving users a certain number of InMail credits, which can be used to send messages to users outside of their network. InMail messages are more effective than traditional emails because they are delivered directly to the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox, and they often have higher open rates and response rates.
The way it works is that users can browse through LinkedIn’s vast network of professionals, identify potential leads or connections, and then craft a personalized message to send to them. InMail messages can be used to pitch products or services, request meetings or demos, or simply to connect with others in the same industry. With InMail, users can reach out to anyone on LinkedIn, regardless of whether they are connected or not, making it a powerful tool for sales, marketing, and networking.
What Is The Difference Between InMail And LinkedIn Messaging?
The main difference between InMail and LinkedIn messaging is who you can send messages to. LinkedIn messaging is a feature that allows users to send messages to their connections, or people they have already connected with on the platform. InMail, on the other hand, allows users to send messages to anyone on LinkedIn, regardless of whether they are connected or not.
While LinkedIn messaging is free and unlimited, InMail requires credits to send messages. This means that users have to be more strategic and targeted with their InMail messages, as they are limited in number. Additionally, InMail messages are often more formal and professional than LinkedIn messages, as they are used to connect with people outside of one’s network.
How Do I Get InMail Credits?
InMail credits are awarded to users based on their LinkedIn membership level. Users with a free membership are given a limited number of InMail credits, while users with a premium membership are given a larger number of credits. Additionally, users can purchase additional InMail credits if they need more.
It’s worth noting that not all LinkedIn membership levels offer InMail credits. For example, the free “Basic” membership does not offer InMail credits, while the premium “Business” and “Recruiter” memberships do. Users can check their LinkedIn account to see how many InMail credits they have available and to learn more about purchasing additional credits.
What Is The Character Limit For InMail Messages?
The character limit for InMail messages is 1,900 characters, which is roughly equivalent to 300-400 words. This limit is in place to encourage users to be concise and targeted with their messages, and to prevent spamming or unsolicited messages.
While the character limit may seem restrictive, it’s actually a good thing. It forces users to focus on the most important information and to craft a clear, compelling message that resonates with the recipient. Additionally, the character limit helps to ensure that InMail messages are scannable and easy to read, making it more likely that recipients will engage with them.
Can I Use InMail For Spamming Or Cold Emailing?
No, InMail should not be used for spamming or cold emailing. InMail is a premium feature on LinkedIn that is intended to be used for personalized, targeted outreach to other professionals. LinkedIn’s terms of service prohibit spamming and unsolicited messaging, and users who violate these terms may have their accounts suspended or terminated.
Instead, InMail should be used to craft thoughtful, personalized messages to people who are likely to be interested in what you have to say. This could include people who have shown interest in your industry or niche, or people who have recently changed jobs or taken on new roles. By using InMail strategically and targeting the right people, users can get better results and build meaningful connections on LinkedIn.
Can I Schedule InMail Messages In Advance?
No, InMail messages cannot be scheduled in advance. Once a user crafts an InMail message, they must send it immediately. This means that users need to be strategic about when they send their InMail messages, and make sure they are sending them at a time when the recipient is likely to be active and engaged.
While it may seem inconvenient to not be able to schedule InMail messages, it’s actually a good thing. It forces users to be more thoughtful and intentional with their messages, and to consider the recipient’s perspective and schedule. By sending InMail messages at the right time, users can increase their chances of getting a response and building a meaningful connection.
How Do I Track The Performance Of My InMail Messages?
LinkedIn provides users with metrics to track the performance of their InMail messages. These metrics include the open rate, response rate, and bounce rate for each message. Users can access these metrics by going to their LinkedIn dashboard and clicking on the “InMail” tab.
By tracking the performance of their InMail messages, users can refine their strategy and improve their results over time. For example, they may experiment with different subject lines or message bodies to see what resonates best with recipients. By using data to inform their approach, users can get better results from their InMail campaigns and build more meaningful connections on LinkedIn.