In today’s competitive landscape, reaching out to potential candidates and clients through LinkedIn InMail can be a powerful tool—if used effectively. Here are some Best Practices to keep in mind.
1. Craft Catchy Subject Lines
Your subject line is the first impression a recipient forms of your message. A strong subject line should be:
- Short: Avoid subject lines over ten words, as they contribute to a 19% below-average response rate.
- Positive: Use language that motivates the recipient to open the message.
- Personalized: Incorporate the recipient’s name or a detail relevant to their profile.
For example, instead of using a generic subject line like “Open Sales Role,” try something more engaging such as “Bethania, we’d love you at Freshing!” This approach intrigues the recipient and establishes an immediate connection.
2. Optimize Message Length
With 75% of all InMail messages being opened on cell phones, the length of your message plays a crucial role. Remember, they probably grabbed their phone for something other than reading your InMail message.
Keep your messages concise and to the point. Focus on starting a conversation rather than overwhelming the recipient with excessive details.
3. Personalization: The Key to Engagement
Generic messages are a sure way to lose the interest of quality candidates. Mentioning a specific detail from a candidate’s profile can increase response rates by 10%. Additionally, referencing a mutual connection or shared experience can boost response likelihood by up to 27%.
For example, a strong personalized message might say: "I see that you worked at Flexis in Berlin. We would love to adopt the same training model at our company." Such messages demonstrate that you’ve done your research and genuinely value the recipient’s background.
4. Structure the Body of Your Message
The body of your InMail should be succinct, engaging, and focused on the recipient’s goals. Avoid copying and pasting job descriptions or making the message solely about the role you’re looking to fill. Instead, frame the opportunity as a way to help the recipient achieve their aspirations.
Best practices for body content include:
- Highlighting the recipient’s qualifications and achievements.
- Explaining how the opportunity aligns with their career goals.
- Using a conversational tone to build rapport.
For example: “Taking a look at your profile, it’s clear you’re a passionate high achiever from your ongoing learning journey. Here at Freshing, we value upskilling our people and encourage everyone to partake in the education opportunities we offer.”
5. Include a Clear Call-to-Action
End your message with a specific and actionable request. Avoid ambiguous phrases like “Let me know if you’re interested.” Instead, suggest a time for a quick chat or invite the recipient to share their availability. For instance: “Are you free for a 15-minute call this week? I’m available Tuesday between 3-6 PM. Let me know what works best for you.”
6. Timing and Follow-Up
When sending InMail messages, timing can greatly impact response rates. Use the data in your InMail Report to learn the times your target audiences read and respond to the InMail you send. Avoid sending multiple messages within a short period, as it can appear pushy. Instead, follow up respectfully after 1-2 weeks, providing additional details or clarifying any points.
Conclusion
Effective InMail communication is both an art and a science. By implementing these best practices, you can significantly enhance your outreach efforts, build stronger connections, and achieve higher response rates. Remember, the key lies in personalization, brevity, and strategic timing. Start refining your InMail approach today and watch your engagement soar!