Content Creation
Yasmina Akni Ebourki
Last updated: Sep 1, 2025
Ever received a LinkedIn message from someone you’re not connected with? That’s InMail—LinkedIn’s premium feature that lets you reach anyone directly.
It’s a powerful tool for sales, recruiting, and networking.
One well-written InMail can lead to a new client, an interview, or a business partnership.
But here’s the challenge: credits are limited, costs add up, and generic messages rarely work.
This guide will explain what InMail is, how it works, how many credits you receive, and how to craft messages that actually elicit replies.
What is LinkedIn InMail and Why It Matters
LinkedIn InMail lets you message anyone on LinkedIn, even if you’re not connected.
It’s a key tool for networking, sales, and recruiting because it removes the connection request barrier and gets your message straight to their inbox.
Pros of LinkedIn InMail
Regular LinkedIn messages only reach your first-degree connections. InMail removes that limit and opens doors to valuable opportunities.
Reach Anyone: Message people outside your network, no connection request needed
Direct to Decision-Makers: Contact CEOs, hiring managers, or clients directly
More Credible: Shows up in their LinkedIn inbox with your profile attached
Credit Refund: Get your credit back if they reply within 90 days
Precise Targeting: Use LinkedIn filters to find the right people fast
Cons of LinkedIn InMail
Before investing in LinkedIn Premium, it’s essential to understand its limitations. InMail is powerful, but it comes with trade-offs:
Limited Credits: Premium plans give as few as 15 per month
Expensive: Each message costs about $1–$3
No Reply Guarantee: Your message might still be ignored
Premium Required: Except for “Open Profile,” you need a paid plan
Risky if Misused: Spammy messages waste credits and hurt your reputation
Types of LinkedIn Inmails
If you’ve ever tried to understand the different types of LinkedIn InMails, you’ve probably faced confusion.
Should you use free InMails, paid credits, or sponsored messages? Choosing the wrong type can waste money or limit your reach.
Here’s a simple breakdown of each option so you can pick the right one for your goals:
Type | Who Uses It | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Free InMails | Anyone messaging an Open Profile user | No credits needed; direct access | Only works if the recipient has Open Profile enabled |
Paid InMails | Recruiters, sales teams, networkers | Full reach, credit refunds on replies | Limited credits; costs add up |
Sponsored InMails (Message Ads) | Businesses running campaigns | Targeted, scalable, automated | Less personal; requires ad budget |
1. Free Inmails
Not every InMail costs money. Free InMails are possible when the recipient has an Open Profile. This feature, available only to Premium members, allows anyone on LinkedIn to message them without spending credits.
Who is it for?
Free InMails are ideal for users who:
Want to connect with Premium members who keep their profiles open
Prefer genuine networking without paying for credits
How does it work?
If someone has Open Profile enabled, you can send them a message without using any InMail credits
You’ll see an “Open Profile Message” option on their profile
There’s no limit to how many of these messages you can send—but it only works if the recipient has the feature turned on
Free InMails are great for cost-free outreach, but the opportunity is limited. You can only use it when someone has chosen to keep their profile open.
2. Paid Inmails
Paid InMails are the standard LinkedIn messaging option for anyone using Premium, Sales Navigator, or Recruiter Lite.
They let you reach users outside your network, even second and third-degree connections, without needing a connection request.
Who are they for?
Paid InMails are best for:
Recruiters looking for candidates
Sales teams that are working on targeted outreach
Professionals who need to connect beyond their immediate network
How it works:
You send messages using InMail credits included with your Premium plan or purchased separately
If the recipient responds within 90 days, even with “Not Interested”, your credit is refunded
The main advantage of Paid InMails is reach. You can contact anyone on LinkedIn, not just your connections- and your message appears directly in their inbox, giving it higher visibility than a cold email.
Plus, if the recipient responds within 90 days, even with a “Not Interested,” LinkedIn refunds your credit.
The downside? You get a limited number of credits each month, and buying extra can be costly. Credits also expire if you don’t use them.
3. Sponsored InMails
Sponsored InMails are messages sent as part of paid LinkedIn Ads campaigns. They allow businesses to deliver automated, targeted messages directly to a defined professional audience based on demographics, job titles, industries, and other criteria.
Who are they for?
Sponsored InMails are ideal for:
Companies promoting products, services, or events
Marketing and sales teams running large-scale campaigns
Businesses aiming to generate leads or increase brand awareness
How it works:
Messages are sent through LinkedIn Ads campaigns, not individually
You can define exactly who receives your message based on professional and demographic filters
Sponsored InMails give you powerful targeting and broad reach, delivering messages straight to your audience’s inbox—ideal for branding, product launches, and scalable lead generation.
The downside is that these messages are labeled as “Sponsored,” which can make them feel less personal and more likely to be ignored.
How LinkedIn InMail Credits Work
LinkedIn InMail can feel a little confusing at first. You get a limited number of credits each month, they can expire, and LinkedIn refunds them only under certain conditions (like when a recipient replies within 90 days).
The good news is that once you understand the system, sending effective InMails becomes straightforward.
Below is a step-by-step guide for sending InMails, both on regular LinkedIn and through Sales Navigator.
1. Sending an InMail on Regular LinkedIn (Premium)
Find Your Recipient
Use LinkedIn search or go directly to the person’s profile
Make sure they’re not a 1st-degree connection—InMail is for 2nd/3rd-degree connections or Open Profile users
Click “Message”
If they’re eligible for InMail, you’ll see a “Message” button with a note that this will use one of your InMail credits
Write Your Message
Include a compelling subject line, personalization, and a clear next step
Keep it concise (100–200 words) and relevant
Send and Track
After sending, check your Sent messages to track replies
If the recipient responds within 90 days, LinkedIn refunds the credit automatically
2. Sending an InMail through Sales Navigator
Sales Navigator gives you more advanced search and targeting options. Here’s how to send an InMail step by step:
Open Sales Navigator and Search
Use advanced filters (company, title, industry, location) to find your target audience
Go to the Profile
Click on the person you want to message
Click “Send InMail”
The interface clearly shows your remaining InMail credits
Craft Your Message
Personalize based on profile insights (posts, activity, company news)
Include a clear call-to-action: short call, meeting, or feedback request
Send and Monitor
Track responses in the Sales Navigator inbox
Use the reporting features to see which messages perform best
Since Sales Navigator provides more context, hyper-personalized messages often outperform generic templates, increasing reply rates and making better use of your credit
5 Best Practices for Writing Effective InMail Messages
Sending an InMail isn’t just about typing a message; it’s about crafting a message that people want to respond to.
Even experienced professionals often see low response rates because their messages feel generic or disconnected.
The key is personalization, clarity, and credibility. Below are five best practices to make your InMails more effective, along with tips you can implement immediately.
1. Crafting a Compelling Subject Line
Your subject line is the first thing your recipient sees. A strong line sparks curiosity without sounding spammy. Avoid vague phrases like “Quick Question” or “Hello.” Instead:
Reference something specific: “Thoughts on your recent post about AI in sales?”
Pose a value-driven question: “Could your team benefit from faster lead generation?”
Pro tip: Keep it under 60 characters so it’s fully visible on mobile. Testing different subject lines across similar prospects helps you identify what works best.
2. Personalizing the Message for Better Response Rates
Personalization goes beyond using someone’s first name. Mention:
A shared connection or mutual interest
A recent post or article they published
A specific challenge they face, based on their role or industry
Example template:
Hi [Name], I noticed your post on [Topic] last week and found your perspective on [Specific Point] really insightful. I work with [Company/Industry] on [Relevant Outcome] and thought it might be valuable to exchange ideas. Would you be open to a 10-minute chat next week?
The more specific and relevant, the better the response rate. Avoid generic sales pitches—they get ignored.
3. Keeping It Short and Clear
Professionals are busy. Long-winded messages rarely get read. Aim for 100–200 words and focus on one clear objective per message.
Start with a personalized hook
Briefly explain why you’re reaching out
End with a clear, low-friction next step (short call, feedback, or opinion)
Use short paragraphs and bullet points if you need to convey multiple pieces of information. This improves readability, especially on mobile devices.
4. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Before hitting “Send,” make sure your profile reflects your credibility. People check your experience and activity before responding. Key tips:
Professional photo and headline that clearly states what you do
Concise, value-oriented summary that highlights achievements
Up-to-date experience and relevant skills
5. Share Content and Position Yourself as an Expert
Publishing content on LinkedIn strengthens your perceived authority.
Before sending an InMail:
Post insights relevant to your target audience
Comment thoughtfully on posts in your industry
Share case studies, tips, or recent wins
If your recipient has seen your posts, your message isn’t coming from a stranger—it comes from someone who’s already contributing value. This dramatically increases the chance of a response.
Alternatives to LinkedIn InMail
Not everyone has a LinkedIn Premium account, and even if you do, you may want to save your InMail credits.
The good news is that there are several ways to connect with professionals without paying for LinkedIn’s premium messaging.
1. Email Outreach
Email remains one of the most reliable outreach tools, especially when paired with LinkedIn research. Start by reviewing your target’s profile to understand their role, interests, and recent activity.
This context helps your message feel personal and relevant rather than “cold.”
One way to find email addresses is by exporting your LinkedIn contacts.
While not everyone shares their email, for those who do, you can save their information in a secure location outside LinkedIn.
2. Using Social Media DMs
Not every professional conversation has to start on LinkedIn. Many people are active on other platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, or Facebook.
Some LinkedIn users even keep their profiles Open, which allows you to send them a message directly without being connected.
If you notice someone engages frequently on another platform, reaching out there can be effective. The key is to keep your first message short, polite, and focused.
Once you’ve started a conversation and built some rapport, you can move it to LinkedIn or email for a more formal exchange or professional follow-up.
3. Attending LinkedIn Events for Networking
LinkedIn Events are a smart way to connect with professionals without Premium.
Whether they’re virtual or in-person, events let you engage with attendees through chat or discussion threads.
If you meet someone during an event, following up with a message that mentions the session you both attended makes your outreach feel natural and relevant. It gives you a reason to connect, instead of sending a cold message out of the blue.
You can also join LinkedIn groups in your field. When you participate in discussions, your profile becomes familiar to others. Later, when you send an InMail or connection request, the recipient has already seen your name and activity, which makes your message feel much warmer.
Conclusion: Is LinkedIn InMail Worth It in 2025?
By now, you know the costs, limits, and best practices of LinkedIn InMail. The real question is: does it actually help you reach your goals?
If your success depends on connecting with people beyond your immediate network—whether for sales, hiring, or partnerships—InMail can be a powerful tool.
It’s not the cheapest method, but the combination of targeted reach, credibility, and potential high response rates often justifies the investment.
For occasional outreach, free alternatives can work. But for active networkers, recruiters, and sales professionals, a Premium account with InMail is often worth it.
Remember: every LinkedIn message should start with your profile and posts.
Your activity shapes how people perceive you before they even open your message. If you’re unsure where to start, tools like MagicPost can help you generate LinkedIn posts in seconds—giving you a professional presence that makes every InMail more effective.
FAQ
1. How many InMail credits do you get per month?
It depends on your plan: Premium Career gives you 5 credits, Premium Business includes 15, and Sales Navigator Core jumps to 50. Recruiter Lite offers 30.
2. Can you send InMail without Premium?
Not directly — unless the person has an Open Profile, you share a LinkedIn group, or they accept your connection request with a personalized note.
3. Does LinkedIn refund unused InMail credits?
Unused credits roll over for up to three months. After that, they expire, so it’s best to use them strategically rather than letting them sit.
4. Can you buy extra InMail credits?
Yes. LinkedIn sells additional credits (usually around $10 for 10 credits) if you run out during the month.
5. Are there free trials for LinkedIn Premium?
Often, yes. LinkedIn frequently offers a one-month free trial to new users so you can test Premium features before committing.
6. How can I maximize my InMail response rate?
Personalize every message, keep it short and clear, and focus on what’s valuable to the recipient. A relevant subject line and a clear reason for reaching out make a big difference.
Buy LinkedIn Connections: Risks, Costs, and Alternatives
Thinking of buying LinkedIn connections? Discover the risks, costs, and smarter ways to grow your network without harming your professional reputation.
Last update: Sep 2, 2025
LinkedIn Search by Name: How Find Anyone Faster & Easier
Learn how to master LinkedIn search by name or email. Discover filters, Boolean tricks, and pro tips to find anyone on LinkedIn faster and connect like a pro.
Last update: Aug 14, 2025
Does LinkedIn Show Who Viewed Your Profile?
Does LinkedIn show who viewed your profile? Learn what others see, how to browse anonymously, and the differences between free and premium accounts.
Last update: Aug 7, 2025
How to Announce New Job on LinkedIn: (+ 5 Pre-Made Templates)
Master your new job announcement on LinkedIn. Grow your network, attract opportunities, and grab 5 plug-and-play post templates to make it effortless.
Last update: Aug 5, 2025
How to Build a Personal Brand on LinkedIn That Gets You Noticed
Wondering how to build your personal branding on LinkedIn? Discover 10 proven steps to grow your visibility, authority, and attract the right opportunities.
Last update: May 21, 2025
How to Send a Perfect LinkedIn Connection Request (+ Templates)
To send a good LinkedIn connection request, navigate to the contact’s page, click “Connect,” and add a personalized message. Here are a few templates for you.
Last update: Sep 9, 2024