LinkedIn InMail
InMail is a LinkedIn message you can send to a member you are not connected with, using a paid plan's InMail credits. It lets you reach people before they accept a connection request.
InMail is a direct message to someone outside your network. It is a paid LinkedIn feature, and the number of messages you can send depends on your subscription. Because each one uses a limited allowance, teams tend to save InMail for high-value prospects.
The main use is reaching someone who is unlikely to accept an unknown connection request, or someone you want to contact without waiting. The message format is similar to a normal LinkedIn message, but the subject line and first sentence do extra work because the recipient sees it from a stranger.
InMail works best with the same discipline as any cold message: be specific, short, and ask for one small thing. As with other channels, check that merge tags and personalization fields are filled in before anything is sent.
Common questions
Do you need a paid plan to send InMail?
Yes. InMail is tied to paid LinkedIn plans, and the monthly allowance depends on the plan you have.
When is InMail better than a connection request?
When you want to reach a high-value person who may not accept a connection from a stranger, or when you do not want to wait for acceptance. For broad outreach, connection requests are the more common route.
Related terms
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