LinkedIn InMail Strategies That Get Replies

Why InMail Often Fails – And How to Fix It

Getting someone’s attention on LinkedIn can feel like a challenge, especially when you use InMail. The trick isn’t just reaching out—it’s reaching out in a way that gets a reply. There’s a huge difference between an InMail that gets ignored and one that sparks a conversation.

If you’ve been sending out InMails without much luck, there’s a good chance you’re missing a few key strategies. Let’s break down the reasons InMails fail and how to fix them so you can start getting the replies you want.

Keep It Short and To The Point

People’s inboxes are crowded. The last thing anyone wants is to read a long, drawn-out message. If your InMail is more than a few short sentences, chances are, it won’t get read. Keep your message concise and clear.

What To Do:

• Focus on one main idea. Stick to one reason why you’re reaching out.
• Make it easy to read. Use short sentences and clear language.
• Respect their time. The goal is to show that you value their time by keeping your message brief.

Personalize Your Message

Generic messages are easy to spot. If you send an InMail that feels like it could be going to 100 people, don’t expect a response. A personalized message shows you’ve put thought into the outreach and that you know who you're contacting.

What To Do:

• Reference something specific about their profile, such as a recent post or shared connection.
• Avoid using the same message for everyone. Tailor your InMail to each person.
• Be specific about why you’re reaching out to them personally.

Be Clear About Why You’re Reaching Out

People want to know why you're contacting them. Don’t leave it vague. A clear and direct approach is always better than a mysterious one. Being upfront helps build trust and prevents the person from feeling like they’re about to be sold something.

What To Do:

• Be honest. Let them know what you want to talk about.
• Be upfront about your intentions. Whether you want to network, ask for advice, or learn more about their work, say it clearly.
• Make it relevant to them. If you want to work with them or learn from them, explain why you think they'd be the right person to help.

Give Before You Get

No one likes to feel like they’re just a means to an end. That’s why a good InMail message doesn’t just ask for something right away. Instead, offer value first. Share an insight, offer help, or make a connection. It’s about creating a sense of goodwill, so when you do ask for something, it doesn’t feel one-sided.

What To Do:

• Offer value upfront. Share something useful like an article they might find interesting or a recommendation.
• Be generous. Even if it’s just a compliment or showing appreciation for their work, it’s about creating a positive exchange.
• Show your interest. Ask thoughtful questions that show you're genuinely curious about their work or perspective.

Avoid Being Salesy

Nobody likes a pitch in their LinkedIn inbox. If you’re using InMail to sell something, chances are, it’s not going to work. Sales pitches are easy to ignore, especially if the recipient doesn’t feel like they know you. Instead of jumping straight into selling, aim for building a relationship first.

What To Do:

• Focus on connection, not a sale. Approach the conversation with the goal of connecting or learning, not immediately closing a deal.
• Let the relationship build. You can pitch later, but not in your first message.
• Respect boundaries. If they’re not interested, don’t push it.

Craft a Catchy Subject Line

The subject line is the first thing someone sees when they get your InMail. If it doesn’t grab their attention or spark curiosity, they won’t open it. A good subject line is concise, relevant, and intriguing without being misleading.

What To Do:

• Keep it short. Aim for under 5 words.
• Be specific. Reference something in their profile or a topic of mutual interest.
• Avoid clickbait. Don’t use tricks to get them to open your message—be genuine.

Use a Friendly, Conversational Tone

The best InMails don’t sound like they came from a robot or a sales script. They sound like real, natural conversations. Be professional, but also approachable. People are more likely to respond when they feel like they're talking to a person rather than receiving a cold message.

What To Do:

• Use a natural voice. Keep it conversational.
• Show genuine interest. Be warm and friendly, but not over the top.
• Avoid jargon. Use simple language instead of buzzwords.

Make Your Call to Action Simple

Your InMail shouldn’t be a wall of text. After reading, the recipient should immediately know what they need to do next. A clear, straightforward call to action is essential.

What To Do:

• Make it easy to respond. Ask clear, simple questions that invite a reply.
• Provide options. If you want to set up a meeting, offer a couple of specific times.
• Don’t push too hard. Make the action easy and low-pressure.

Timing Matters

When you send your InMail can affect whether it gets read. Timing influences the chances of your message being seen at the right moment. InMail sent during certain days or times may have a higher response rate than others.

What To Do:

• Send during business hours. Avoid weekends and holidays.
• Time it well. Early in the week, between 9-11 AM, is often the best time to catch someone’s attention.
• Don’t overdo follow-ups. A polite follow-up can be effective, but don’t send multiple messages if you don’t get a response.

Be Professional, But Human

Even though LinkedIn is a professional network, that doesn’t mean your message has to be stiff. People appreciate a friendly, human touch. Let your personality shine through, but keep it appropriate.

What To Do:

• Be polite. Show respect in your tone, but don’t be overly formal.
• Add a personal touch. Mention something about their work or background to show you're engaged.
• Be mindful of tone. Avoid coming off as too casual or too rigid.

Avoid Overloading With Information

While it’s important to explain why you’re reaching out, avoid overwhelming the recipient with too much information. The goal is to spark a conversation, not bombard them with everything about your business or project.

What To Do:

• Focus on the key points. Only include the most relevant information that will help them understand why you're reaching out.
• Don’t go into details. Save specifics for when they reply and you can continue the conversation.

Follow-Up (But Don’t Be Annoying)

Sending a polite follow-up message after an InMail has been ignored can work, but it’s important to keep it low-pressure. People get busy, and a simple nudge can be all it takes to get a response.

What To Do:

• Be polite and respectful. Acknowledge that they may be busy and offer a brief reminder.
• Keep it short. Just a couple of sentences to remind them of your original message.
• Don’t badger them. If they don’t respond after a follow-up, it’s time to move on.

Review and Refine

The best InMails are the result of practice and refinement. Every time you send one, take a step back and think about what worked and what didn’t. Review the replies you’ve gotten and adjust your strategy accordingly.

What To Do:

• Test different approaches. Experiment with your messaging to see what resonates.
• Track your results. Look for patterns in your responses to understand what works.
• Keep improving. Never stop refining your approach to make it more effective.

Conclusion

InMail can be an incredibly effective tool for getting responses and building connections, but only if you approach it thoughtfully. With a clear, concise message, a personalized touch, and an offer of value, you can turn a cold outreach into a meaningful conversation. And, by being respectful, professional, and human, you’ll build better relationships in the long run.