How to Get More InMail Credits on LinkedIn: A Complete Guide

LinkedIn has become an essential tool for professionals looking to network, find job opportunities, or connect with potential clients. One of the standout features of LinkedIn is the InMail system, which allows users to send direct messages to other

Understanding InMail Credits and Their Benefits

InMail credits are a premium feature on LinkedIn that allows you to reach out to members outside your immediate network. Here’s a deeper look at what they are and why they matter:

1. What Are InMail Credits?

InMail credits are essentially the currency for sending messages on LinkedIn to users who aren’t in your connections. Each premium LinkedIn account comes with a set number of InMail credits each month, depending on the subscription type. For instance:

• Sales Navigator: Starts with 20 InMail credits per month.
• Recruiter Lite: Offers 30 InMail credits monthly.
• Premium Career: Provides 5 InMail credits each month.

Unused credits can roll over to the next month, but there’s a cap, so be sure to keep track!

2. Why Are InMail Credits Important?

InMail credits unlock a world of opportunities by allowing you to connect with potential employers, clients, or collaborators who aren’t directly connected to you. Here are a few benefits:

• Enhanced Visibility: InMails often have a higher response rate than regular emails. You get to stand out in someone’s LinkedIn inbox, which is generally considered less cluttered than traditional email.
• Targeted Outreach: You can specifically tailor your messages to individuals in your industry or target demographic, increasing the likelihood of a positive response.
• Build Relationships: InMails allow you to establish rapport with your audience by initiating conversations, making it easier to nurture professional relationships.

3. How to Use InMail Credits Effectively

Maximizing your InMail credits requires strategy. Here are some tips:

1. Personalize Your Message: Take the time to research the individual and personalize your message. Mention a common interest or specific reason for reaching out.
2. Keep It Short and Engaging: Busy professionals appreciate brevity. Get to the point quickly while maintaining an engaging tone.
3. Follow Up: If you don’t receive a response, consider sending a polite follow-up message after a week or so.

In summary, InMail credits are a powerful asset for networking on LinkedIn. Understanding their value and how to use them strategically can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities in your professional journey. Ready to unlock the full potential of your LinkedIn experience? Let’s look at how you can acquire more InMail credits in the next section!

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3. Ways to Increase Your InMail Credits

If you’re looking to boost your InMail credits on LinkedIn, you’re not alone! Many professionals want to connect with potential leads, network with industry peers, or simply reach out to prospects without waiting for them to connect with you first. Here are some effective strategies to help you increase those precious credits:

• Upgrade Your LinkedIn Account: One of the simplest ways to increase your InMail credits is by upgrading to a premium account. Premium memberships like Sales Navigator or Recruiter Lite come with a higher number of InMail messages. For example, Sales Navigator users get 20 InMail credits monthly, while Recruiter Lite users can get up to 30!
• Referral Program: LinkedIn occasionally runs referral programs where you can earn additional InMail credits by referring others to upgrade their memberships. Keep an eye on your LinkedIn notifications for any such offers!
• Engage Actively: The more you engage with your network, the more opportunities you’ll have to earn additional credits. LinkedIn sometimes rewards active users with bonus credits, especially if you’re involved in discussions, sharing valuable content, or networking.
• Use Them Wisely: InMail credits expire after 90 days if not used. To maximize your credits, send messages to highly relevant contacts rather than random individuals. This not only increases your chances of responses but also helps build valuable connections.
• Participate in LinkedIn Groups: Joining LinkedIn groups related to your industry can help you connect with professionals. Sometimes, being part of a group increases your chances of obtaining additional InMail credits through collaborations and group activities.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively increase your InMail credits, making it easier to connect with the right people in your professional sphere.

Also Read This: Can You Message on LinkedIn Without Premium? Messaging Tips for Non-Premium Users

4. Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile for More InMail Opportunities

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital storefront, and optimizing it can lead to more InMail opportunities. Here are some targeted tips to enhance your profile and attract more InMail messages:

• Professional Photo: First impressions matter! Use a high-quality, professional photo where you’re clearly visible. Profiles with photos receive 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages!
• Compelling Headline: Your headline should reflect who you are and what you do. Instead of just listing your job title, consider adding your value proposition. For example, “Digital Marketing Specialist | Helping Brands Grow Online through Data-Driven Strategies” gives insight into your expertise.
• Detailed Summary: Craft a summary that tells your story. Use this space to highlight your achievements, skills, and what you’re passionate about. Be authentic and let your personality shine through—this makes you more approachable!
• Showcase Skills and Endorsements: Highlight your top skills and gather endorsements from colleagues. This builds credibility and makes you more attractive to potential contacts who might want to reach out via InMail.
• Custom URL: Personalize your LinkedIn profile URL. A clean URL looks more professional and is easier to share. Instead of the random string of letters, use your name or a variation of it.

By optimizing your profile with these tips, you create a more appealing presence, enhancing your chances of receiving InMail messages from recruiters, potential clients, and other professionals in your field.

Also Read This: How to Write a Message to a Recruiter on LinkedIn: A Simple Guide

5. Engaging with Your Network to Earn InMail Credits

When it comes to maximizing your InMail credits on LinkedIn, one of the most effective strategies is to actively engage with your network. Not only does this foster relationships, but it can also open the door to earning those coveted credits. Here’s how you can get started:

• Personalized Messages: When reaching out to your connections, send personalized messages that resonate with their interests or recent activities. For instance, if a connection recently shared an article about digital marketing, you could say, “I loved your insights on digital marketing trends! Have you considered how AI is shaping our industry?” This creates a genuine connection.
• Join and Participate in Groups: LinkedIn Groups are a goldmine for networking. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share valuable content. Your active participation can increase your visibility. As you gain more engagement, you can attract new connections who might then give you access to additional InMail credits.
• Comment on Posts: Liking and commenting on your connections' posts can significantly increase your engagement. Instead of just a thumbs-up, leave thoughtful comments that add value. This not only strengthens your existing relationships but also keeps you on their radar, leading to more opportunities.
• Share Your Expertise: Offer to help your connections by sharing your expertise. Whether it’s giving advice or sharing relevant resources, being a helpful connection can encourage others to return the favor. For example, if you’re a career coach, offer insights on resume building in a conversation.
• Attend Webinars and Virtual Events: Participate in LinkedIn-hosted webinars or events related to your field. These platforms allow you to meet like-minded professionals and can lead to new connections. Networking in these environments can result in more opportunities to use InMail.

By engaging genuinely and consistently with your network, not only do you strengthen your professional relationships, but you also position yourself to earn more InMail credits through various LinkedIn initiatives. Remember, it’s about creating a reciprocal environment where connections feel valued.

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6. Leveraging LinkedIn Premium Membership for Additional Credits

Investing in a LinkedIn Premium membership can be a game-changer for those looking to increase their InMail credits. Here’s how you can leverage this membership effectively:

• Types of Premium Membership: LinkedIn offers several types of Premium memberships, including Career, Business, Sales, and Hiring. Each type comes with its unique set of features, including varying amounts of InMail credits. For example, while a Career plan might offer 3 InMail credits per month, a Sales plan could provide up to 20! Choose the plan that aligns with your goals.
• Access to Additional Features: With Premium membership, you gain access to features like LinkedIn Learning, which can help you build skills and connect with industry experts. These connections can lead to more interactions and ultimately more InMail opportunities.
• InMail Credits as Part of Your Plan: As a Premium member, you not only get monthly credits but are also rewarded for sending InMails. If your InMail message receives a reply, you typically get that credit back, giving you even more opportunity to reach out.
• Insights and Analytics: Premium membership provides detailed insights into who’s viewed your profile and how potential employers or connections are engaging with your content. Use this data to tailor your InMail strategies and target the right connections.
• Trial Offers: If you're unsure about committing to a Premium membership, take advantage of LinkedIn's trial periods. This allows you to experience the full benefits and see how more InMail credits can impact your networking.

By leveraging a LinkedIn Premium membership, you can significantly enhance your networking capabilities, allowing for targeted outreach and increased InMail credit opportunities. Don’t hesitate to make this investment if networking is a priority for you!

Also Read This: How to Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator to Generate Leads for Your Business

7. Best Practices for Using InMail Effectively

When it comes to crafting the perfect InMail on LinkedIn, the difference between a response and silence often boils down to a few key best practices. Let’s dive into some actionable tips that can boost your InMail response rate!

1. Personalize Your Message: Always start with a personalized greeting. Mention the recipient's name and reference something specific about their profile or recent activity. For example, if they just posted about a project, you might say, “I loved your recent post on XYZ project!”

2. Keep It Brief: No one wants to read a novel. Aim for clarity and conciseness. A short paragraph or two is usually sufficient. For instance:

• Introduce yourself and your purpose right away.
• State how their expertise or experience relates to your outreach.

3. Have a Clear Call to Action: Don’t leave them guessing what you want. Whether it’s a chat, a coffee meeting, or a phone call, be specific. You could say, “Would you be open to a 15-minute chat next week?”

4. Timing Matters: Consider when you send your InMail. Avoid weekends or late evenings. Aim for Tuesday to Thursday during business hours, when professionals are more likely to check their messages.

5. Follow Up: If you don’t hear back, it’s perfectly fine to send a polite follow-up message after a week. Keep it friendly and reiterate your interest. Something like, “I just wanted to follow up to see if you had a chance to think about my previous message.”

6. Use a Professional Tone: Maintain a professional yet friendly tone. Avoid slang and overly casual language. Remember, you’re making a first impression!

7. Test Different Approaches: Don’t hesitate to experiment with various styles and formats. Try different subject lines, openings, or calls to action to see what resonates best with your target audience.

By following these best practices, you’ll not only enhance your chances of getting responses but also foster meaningful connections that can lead to exciting opportunities!

8. Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In conclusion, maximizing your InMail credits on LinkedIn isn’t just about quantity but also about quality. Here are some key takeaways to remember:

• Understand Your Need: Identify why you require additional InMail credits and plan accordingly.
• Engage with Your Network: Boosting your LinkedIn presence through connections and interactions can provide valuable opportunities to earn more credits.
• Utilize InMail Wisely: Each InMail should be crafted thoughtfully using the best practices we discussed. Personalization and professionalism are key!
• Monitor Your Results: Keep track of your response rates and adjust your approach based on what works best.

LinkedIn InMail can be a powerful tool in your professional toolkit. By utilizing it effectively and strategically, you can unlock new opportunities, network with industry leaders, and advance your career. So, go ahead—craft those InMails with confidence!