LinkedIn is a powerful platform for professionals seeking to network, recruit, and generate leads. One of the standout features of LinkedIn is its InMail service, which allows users to send direct messages to anyone on the platform, regardless of whether they are in your network. However, this service is not free. It requires the use of InMail credits, a currency within LinkedIn that enables these direct communications. This article will explore everything you need to know about InMail credits in 2024, including how to buy them, how to use them effectively, and why they are essential for lead generation agencies.
Understanding InMail Credits
What Are InMail Credits?
InMail credits are a form of currency on LinkedIn that allow users to send messages to individuals who are not part of their direct network. This feature is particularly valuable for sales professionals, recruiters, and lead generation agencies aiming to reach out to potential clients, candidates, or business partners.
Why Use InMail?
InMail messages have several advantages over regular connection requests or emails:
- Direct Access: You can contact people outside your network.
- Higher Response Rates: InMail messages tend to have higher response rates compared to traditional emails.
- Professional Context: Messages are received within the LinkedIn platform, lending a professional context to your outreach.
How To Buy InMail Credits
LinkedIn Premium Accounts
The most straightforward way to obtain InMail credits is by subscribing to one of LinkedIn’s premium plans. Each plan provides a certain number of InMail credits per month. Here’s a breakdown:
- LinkedIn Premium Career: 5 InMail credits/month.
- LinkedIn Premium Business: 15 InMail credits/month.
- LinkedIn Sales Navigator Core: 50 InMail credits/month.
- LinkedIn Sales Navigator Advanced: 50 InMail credits/month.
- LinkedIn Recruiter Lite: 30 InMail credits/month.
- LinkedIn Recruiter: 150 InMail credits/month.
Purchasing Additional InMail Credits
If you find that the InMail credits included with your premium plan are insufficient, LinkedIn allows users to purchase additional credits. The cost of these credits can vary, and LinkedIn often adjusts prices, so it’s advisable to check the latest rates directly on the platform. Typically, additional credits are available in bundles, which provide some cost savings compared to buying individual credits.
Utilizing InMail Effectively
To get the most out of your InMail credits, it’s crucial to use them effectively. Here are some strategies:
Crafting the Perfect InMail Message
Personalization is Key
Personalized messages tend to have higher response rates. Use the recipient’s name and mention specific details that relate to them or their work. Reference their LinkedIn profile, recent posts, or their company to show that you’ve done your homework.
Clear and Concise Messaging
Time is valuable, so make sure your message is concise and to the point. Highlight the purpose of your outreach in the first few sentences to grab their attention.
Value Proposition
Explain why you are reaching out and what value you can provide. Whether it’s a job opportunity, a business proposition, or a valuable service, make sure it’s clear why responding to your message will benefit the recipient.
Call to Action
End your message with a clear call to action. Whether it’s scheduling a call, asking for a reply, or providing more information, make sure the next steps are easy to understand and execute.
Best Practices for InMail Outreach
Targeting the Right Audience
Ensure that you are sending InMail messages to the right people. Use LinkedIn’s advanced search features to identify individuals who match your ideal client or candidate profile. The more relevant your message is to the recipient, the higher your chances of receiving a positive response.
Engaging LinkedIn InMail subject lines
Crafting an attention-grabbing subject line is crucial to ensuring your InMail messages get opened and read.
Timing Your Messages
Timing can significantly impact the response rate of your InMail messages. Research suggests that messages sent early in the week and early in the day are more likely to be read and responded to. Experiment with different times to see what works best for your audience.
Following Up
If you don’t receive a response to your initial message, don’t be afraid to follow up. A polite reminder can often prompt a reply from a busy professional who might have overlooked your first message.
InMail Analytics
Tracking Your Success
LinkedIn provides analytics for your InMail messages, allowing you to track open rates, response rates, and overall performance. Use this data to refine your approach and improve your future InMail campaigns.
A/B Testing
Experiment with different subject lines, message content, and approaches to see what resonates best with your audience. A/B testing can help you identify the most effective strategies for your InMail outreach.
Benefits of Using InMail for Lead Generation
Direct Access to Decision-Makers
InMail allows you to bypass gatekeepers and reach decision-makers directly. This can significantly shorten the sales cycle and improve your chances of closing deals.
Higher Engagement Rates
Compared to traditional email marketing, InMail messages typically see higher open and response rates. This increased engagement can lead to more meaningful interactions and better conversion rates.
Professional Context
Messages sent via InMail are received within the LinkedIn platform, where professionals are already in a business mindset. This context can make your outreach efforts more effective and well-received.
Cost-Effectiveness
While there is a cost associated with purchasing InMail credits, the return on investment can be substantial if used correctly. The ability to directly reach high-value prospects can justify the expense.
How Lead Generation Agencies Can Leverage InMail
Niche Targeting
Lead generation agencies can use InMail to target specific niches or industries. By tailoring messages to address the unique needs and pain points of different sectors, agencies can enhance their outreach effectiveness.
Enhancing Email Validation
One of the challenges in email marketing is ensuring that your contact list is accurate and up-to-date. By combining InMail outreach with email validation tools, lead generation agencies can improve the quality of their leads and ensure that their messages reach the right people.
Building Relationships
InMail is not just for cold outreach. Agencies can use it to nurture existing relationships and stay top-of-mind with potential clients. Regular, personalized communication can help build trust and foster long-term business relationships.
How To Buy InMail Credits: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Log into Your LinkedIn Account
Navigate to LinkedIn and log into your account. Ensure you are using an account with a premium subscription, as InMail credits are typically associated with premium plans.
Step 2: Access Your Premium Subscription
Go to the LinkedIn homepage and click on your profile picture or the “Me” icon in the top right corner. From the dropdown menu, select “Access My Premium.”
Step 3: Purchase Additional Credits
In the premium account dashboard, you will find an option to purchase additional InMail credits. Click on this option, choose the number of credits you need, and complete the purchase process using your preferred payment method.
Step 4: Verify Your Credits
Once the purchase is complete, navigate to your InMail settings to verify that the additional credits have been added to your account. You are now ready to start using them for your outreach campaigns.
Common Questions About InMail Credits
Do InMail Credits Expire?
Yes, InMail credits typically expire if not used within a certain period, usually one month for monthly credits associated with premium plans. However, purchased credits may have different expiration terms, so it’s important to check the details in your LinkedIn account.
Can I Roll Over Unused InMail Credits?
For most LinkedIn premium plans, unused InMail credits do not roll over to the next month. It’s a “use it or lose it” policy, so it’s crucial to utilize your credits within the allotted time frame.
What Happens If My InMail Is Responded To?
One of the benefits of InMail is that if your message receives a response (even if it’s a negative one), LinkedIn will credit that InMail back to your account. This feature encourages users to craft compelling messages that elicit responses.
Can I Use InMail for Group Messaging?
InMail is designed for individual messages, not group messaging. However, you can send multiple InMail messages to different individuals within a group or organization if needed.
How Can I Get More InMail Credits?
If you consistently run out of InMail credits, consider upgrading your premium plan to one that offers more credits, or purchase additional credits as needed. Regularly reviewing your usage and adjusting your plan accordingly can help ensure you always have enough credits for your outreach needs.
Boost Your InMail Efforts: Maximize Your Outreach with Golden Leads
InMail credits on LinkedIn are a valuable tool for professionals and lead generation agencies aiming to reach potential clients and partners. By understanding how to purchase and use these credits effectively, you can enhance your outreach efforts and achieve better results. Remember to personalize your messages, target the right audience, and utilize LinkedIn’s analytics to refine your strategy.
For lead generation agencies, combining InMail outreach with reliable email validation tools like Golden Leads can further boost your success. Since LinkedIn Sales Navigator limits the lead display to 2,500 per search, Golden Leads surpasses this restriction by extracting data without limitations while prioritizing your LinkedIn profile’s safety.
Golden Leads helps ensure that your contact lists are accurate and up-to-date, reducing the chances of your messages bouncing or being ignored.
Ready to take your lead generation to the next level? Try Golden Leads for free today and see how it can enhance overall lead generation efforts.
