Best practices for writing InMails on LinkedIn
Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 8:18 am
1. Personalize your message
By personalizing your InMails, you demonstrate respect, relevance, and genuine interest in connecting with the recipient. These are key factors in successful networking and effective communication.
Some practical tips on how to effectively personalize your InMail:
Avoid generic greetings like “Dear.” Take a moment to research the recipients’ profiles and address them by their first name.
Mention a specific detail in their profile that caught your interest. This shows that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in your prospect.
Refer to common contacts and interests. This will help you establish a connection and make your message more relevant.
Customize your message to fit the recipient’s specific needs or challenges. Explain how your expertise or services can benefit them.
Does automation compromise personalization?
Not with Snov.io! Use Snov.io's AI and Spintax's smart variables to personalize at scale.
Try it today
Automation compromises personalization?
2. Create an attractive subject line
The subject line is your first impression. If you want your InMail to win the competition in a user's chat, craft it well.
Make it clear, concise and intriguing enough . You need to attract the recipient to open your message, right?
Personalize . Mention the recipient's name or a specific point of interest.
Avoid being promotional. Sales messages often annoy recipients. If they see any uae phone number data hint of a pitch in the subject line, they probably won't open your InMail.
3. Focus on the value proposition instead of your benefits
It doesn’t matter when you send your InMail if your offer doesn’t mean anything to them. You need to make sure your message includes something that prospects actually need at that moment. A well-written message with a strong value proposition is more likely to get a response.
Here are some tips on how to create value for your prospects:
Start your message by clearly explaining the purpose. Don't beat around the bush.
Avoid bragging about your advantages. Refocus your InMail to tell prospects how you can help them solve a problem or achieve goals.
Keep your message short and to the point. People are busy, so respect their time. Aim for 3-4 concise sentences in the body.
4. Call to action (CTA)
What’s an InMail without a compelling call to action? A call to action in an InMail invites recipients to take specific steps. For you, this would mean getting desired results, such as responses, meetings, or increased engagement.
When writing a compelling call to action, keep these tips in mind:
Clearly state what you want the recipient to do after reading your message. Would you like them to schedule a call, visit your website, or connect on another platform?
Highlight the benefits. Explain why taking these next steps may bode well for them. For example, will they gain new opportunities or build valuable relationships?
Offer a choice. If possible, give prospects flexibility on how to follow your CTA. For example, let them choose the time that works best for a demo call.
Stick to one CTA . Just like emails, InMails are not the place for multiple CTAs. Don’t confuse recipients and build your message around a single call to action.
5. Review before sending
While it's natural, typos and other inaccuracies can leave a bad impression on your prospects. Make sure your InMail is well-written by proofreading it before clicking the 'Send' button.
Use services like Grammarly to quickly analyze grammatical errors and other problems.
Avoid unethical language or slang if you spot any.
Here are some additional tips on how to write a LinkedIn InMail that converts:
Please follow up if you do not receive a response within a reasonable time frame (e.g. 3-5 days).
Attach relevant content (e.g. articles, case studies) if it adds value.
Keep your tone professional but friendly. Don't be too familiar, especially in initial communication.
Avoid making assumptions about the recipient. Research their profile and tailor your message accordingly.
Respect their privacy and do not make discriminatory or offensive comments.
Here's an example of a good InMail structure to keep:
By following these steps, you'll create InMails that capture attention and generate productive conversations.
→ Check out this article to discover the secrets of writing an effective and authentic sales pitch. Included are top tips from industry professionals, examples, and helpful templates.
3 InMail templates to use
Recommendations are all well and good, but are you looking for applicable solutions? We've prepared 3 InMail templates for the most common purposes that you can save for your own use:
1. Connect with a potential client
Subject: Helping businesses achieve [desired outcome]
Hello [Customer Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am [Your Title] at [Your Company]. We help businesses achieve [Desired Outcome] through [Your Services].
I noticed your recent post about [Challenge mentioned in your LinkedIn post]. We have helped several clients overcome similar challenges [Briefly mention a success story].
I'd love to hear more about your specific goals and see if there's a potential fit. Would you be willing to have a quick call next week?
InMail highlights a specific value proposition relevant to the client’s business.
You demonstrate your awareness of the recipient’s current challenges and provide a success story from another client to build trust.
The message includes a clear call to action, which entices the prospect to continue the conversation.
2. Contacting a thought leader or influencer
Subject: I appreciate your input on [topic of interest]
Hello [Thought Leader Name], This is [Your Name], [Your Title] with a keen interest in [Industry/Topic]. I’ve been following your work for some time, and I particularly appreciate your perspectives on [Specific Area of Your Expertise]. Your recent post on [Specific Publication/Article] sparked some interesting insights for me, especially regarding [Mention a specific point]. I’d love to connect and have a brief conversation to learn more about your perspective on [Topic of Interest]. Perhaps we can explore opportunities for collaboration in the future.
What do you think?
You acknowledge the person's expertise up front and mention a specific piece of their work.
InMail demonstrates your genuine interest in the recipient's ideas and perspectives.
You offer the possibility of future collaboration without being demanding (consider this closing line asking for feedback: “What do you think?”).
The message is concise, and the tone is respectful and friendly.
By personalizing your InMails, you demonstrate respect, relevance, and genuine interest in connecting with the recipient. These are key factors in successful networking and effective communication.
Some practical tips on how to effectively personalize your InMail:
Avoid generic greetings like “Dear.” Take a moment to research the recipients’ profiles and address them by their first name.
Mention a specific detail in their profile that caught your interest. This shows that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in your prospect.
Refer to common contacts and interests. This will help you establish a connection and make your message more relevant.
Customize your message to fit the recipient’s specific needs or challenges. Explain how your expertise or services can benefit them.
Does automation compromise personalization?
Not with Snov.io! Use Snov.io's AI and Spintax's smart variables to personalize at scale.
Try it today
Automation compromises personalization?
2. Create an attractive subject line
The subject line is your first impression. If you want your InMail to win the competition in a user's chat, craft it well.
Make it clear, concise and intriguing enough . You need to attract the recipient to open your message, right?
Personalize . Mention the recipient's name or a specific point of interest.
Avoid being promotional. Sales messages often annoy recipients. If they see any uae phone number data hint of a pitch in the subject line, they probably won't open your InMail.
3. Focus on the value proposition instead of your benefits
It doesn’t matter when you send your InMail if your offer doesn’t mean anything to them. You need to make sure your message includes something that prospects actually need at that moment. A well-written message with a strong value proposition is more likely to get a response.
Here are some tips on how to create value for your prospects:
Start your message by clearly explaining the purpose. Don't beat around the bush.
Avoid bragging about your advantages. Refocus your InMail to tell prospects how you can help them solve a problem or achieve goals.
Keep your message short and to the point. People are busy, so respect their time. Aim for 3-4 concise sentences in the body.
4. Call to action (CTA)
What’s an InMail without a compelling call to action? A call to action in an InMail invites recipients to take specific steps. For you, this would mean getting desired results, such as responses, meetings, or increased engagement.
When writing a compelling call to action, keep these tips in mind:
Clearly state what you want the recipient to do after reading your message. Would you like them to schedule a call, visit your website, or connect on another platform?
Highlight the benefits. Explain why taking these next steps may bode well for them. For example, will they gain new opportunities or build valuable relationships?
Offer a choice. If possible, give prospects flexibility on how to follow your CTA. For example, let them choose the time that works best for a demo call.
Stick to one CTA . Just like emails, InMails are not the place for multiple CTAs. Don’t confuse recipients and build your message around a single call to action.
5. Review before sending
While it's natural, typos and other inaccuracies can leave a bad impression on your prospects. Make sure your InMail is well-written by proofreading it before clicking the 'Send' button.
Use services like Grammarly to quickly analyze grammatical errors and other problems.
Avoid unethical language or slang if you spot any.
Here are some additional tips on how to write a LinkedIn InMail that converts:
Please follow up if you do not receive a response within a reasonable time frame (e.g. 3-5 days).
Attach relevant content (e.g. articles, case studies) if it adds value.
Keep your tone professional but friendly. Don't be too familiar, especially in initial communication.
Avoid making assumptions about the recipient. Research their profile and tailor your message accordingly.
Respect their privacy and do not make discriminatory or offensive comments.
Here's an example of a good InMail structure to keep:
By following these steps, you'll create InMails that capture attention and generate productive conversations.
→ Check out this article to discover the secrets of writing an effective and authentic sales pitch. Included are top tips from industry professionals, examples, and helpful templates.
3 InMail templates to use
Recommendations are all well and good, but are you looking for applicable solutions? We've prepared 3 InMail templates for the most common purposes that you can save for your own use:
1. Connect with a potential client
Subject: Helping businesses achieve [desired outcome]
Hello [Customer Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am [Your Title] at [Your Company]. We help businesses achieve [Desired Outcome] through [Your Services].
I noticed your recent post about [Challenge mentioned in your LinkedIn post]. We have helped several clients overcome similar challenges [Briefly mention a success story].
I'd love to hear more about your specific goals and see if there's a potential fit. Would you be willing to have a quick call next week?
InMail highlights a specific value proposition relevant to the client’s business.
You demonstrate your awareness of the recipient’s current challenges and provide a success story from another client to build trust.
The message includes a clear call to action, which entices the prospect to continue the conversation.
2. Contacting a thought leader or influencer
Subject: I appreciate your input on [topic of interest]
Hello [Thought Leader Name], This is [Your Name], [Your Title] with a keen interest in [Industry/Topic]. I’ve been following your work for some time, and I particularly appreciate your perspectives on [Specific Area of Your Expertise]. Your recent post on [Specific Publication/Article] sparked some interesting insights for me, especially regarding [Mention a specific point]. I’d love to connect and have a brief conversation to learn more about your perspective on [Topic of Interest]. Perhaps we can explore opportunities for collaboration in the future.
What do you think?
You acknowledge the person's expertise up front and mention a specific piece of their work.
InMail demonstrates your genuine interest in the recipient's ideas and perspectives.
You offer the possibility of future collaboration without being demanding (consider this closing line asking for feedback: “What do you think?”).
The message is concise, and the tone is respectful and friendly.