LinkedIn InMail is a powerful tool for professional networking and business development, offering a direct way to connect with prospects, industry leaders, and potential collaborators. Available via LinkedIn Sales Navigator, InMail lets you, as their website puts it, “have more conversations with the people that matter.” Whether you're sharing valuable content, inviting someone to an event, or simply making a new connection, a well-crafted InMail message can open doors to new opportunities. But how do you ensure your message stands out in a crowded inbox? In this article, we'll guide you through the process of writing LinkedIn InMail messages that get noticed, with actionable steps and the best LinkedIn InMail templates for sales tailored for various scenarios. As always, you can use the templates in Textpie. Define Your Objective Before you start typing, it's crucial to define the objective of your InMail message. What do you want to achieve? Are you looking to build a new relationship, introduce your product or service, or simply share valuable content?   The key to a successful LinkedIn InMail is to focus on relationship-building in your initial message. Instead of diving straight into a sales pitch, aim to establish trust and rapport with your recipient. Pro Tip: Always think about the value you're offering to the recipient. A message that clearly benefits them is more likely to get a positive response. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card, and it plays a significant role in how your InMail is received. An optimized profile enhances your credibility and makes it easier for recipients to trust you. Here’s what to focus on: Profile Photo: Use a professional, high-quality image that reflects your personal brand. Background Image: Choose a background image that represents your industry or personal brand. Headline: Your headline should be concise and highlight your expertise or the value you offer. Summary: Craft a compelling summary that tells your story and showcases your unique value proposition. Work History and Skills: Ensure your work history is up-to-date and relevant skills are endorsed by peers. ❗️Pro Tip: An optimized profile is not just about looking good; it shows that you are serious about your professional presence on LinkedIn. This can make recipients more inclined to respond to your InMail. Research Your Prospect Personalization is key to a successful LinkedIn InMail. Before you send a sales LinkedIn InMail message, take the time to research your prospect’s profile, recent activity, and interests. Here’s how to do it: Review Their Profile: Look for details that indicate their professional background, interests, and recent posts. Check Recent Activity: See what they’ve been sharing or commenting on. This can give you insights into what’s currently on their mind. Find Common Ground: Identify any mutual connections, shared groups, or common interests that can serve as conversation starters. ❗️Pro Tip: Mentioning a shared connection or a recent post they made can make your message feel more personal and relevant. {{banner_2}} Craft the Message When it comes to writing the actual InMail, there are a few key elements you need to get right: Catchy Subject Line: Your subject line is the first thing the recipient sees, so make it count. It should be intriguing enough to encourage them to open the message.Some of the subject lines you can use are: What do you think about [Company] and [Company] collaboration? Exciting opportunity: let’s chat about [Topic] Ideas to boost [Company]’s [Goal] Could we work together on [Project]? Unlocking [Company]’s potential with [Solution] Let’s connect: [Mutual Connection] suggested we should talk Are You Open to Discussing [Solution]? Helping [Company] achieve [Outcome] A new approach to [Problem] Thoughts on [Topic]? Let’s discuss! Personalized Greeting: Always address the recipient by name and, if possible, reference something specific about them or their work.You can go for one of these greetings: Hi [First Name], I noticed your recent post about [Topic] and wanted to reach out… Hello [First Name], congrats on your recent achievement at [Company]! I wanted to tell you how you can achieve even more with… Hi [First Name]! As someone passionate about [Industry], I think you’ll find this interesting… Dear [First Name], I came across your profile while researching [Topic or Industry]… Hi [First Name], I was impressed by your work at [Company] and wanted to connect… Hello [First Name], I’ve been following [Company]’s progress in [Industry] and would love to chat… Hi [First Name], your recent insights on [Topic] really resonated with me. Let’s discuss… Dear [First Name], as a fellow [Industry] professional, I wanted to share some ideas… Hey [First Name], your experience with [Project, Topic, or Industry] caught my attention… Hi [First Name], I’m impressed by your leadership at [Company] and wanted to connect… Clear Purpose: Get to the point quickly. State the purpose of your message in a way that highlights the benefit to the recipient. Concise Content: Keep your message short and to the point. Busy professionals don’t have time to read long messages. ❗️Pro Tip: Avoid jargon and buzzwords. Write in a clear, conversational tone that’s easy to understand. Be sure to check out our article on effective opening lines for professional emails. Include a Call to Action A strong call to action (CTA) is essential in encouraging the recipient to respond. Your CTA should be clear and make it easy for them to take the next step. Examples of effective CTAs: “Could we schedule a quick call next week to discuss this further?” “Would you be interested in a free audit of your LinkedIn profile?” “I’d love to hear your thoughts on this—could we connect for a brief chat?” ❗️Pro Tip: Asking a question in your CTA can increase the likelihood of getting a response, as it invites the recipient to engage with you. Follow Up If you don’t get a response to your first InMail, don’t be discouraged. Following up is a crucial part of the process as it helps you boost the reply rate. Here’s how to do it effectively: Timing: Wait at least a week before sending a follow-up message. This shows persistence without being pushy. Message Content: Reference your previous message and reiterate the value you’re offering. Keep it polite and concise. Here are some of the lines you can use: I wanted to follow up on the message I sent you last week regarding [Subject] I wanted to circle back on the collaboration idea I mentioned in my previous message. I’m following up on the invitation I sent you for [Event] I wanted to quickly follow up on the message I sent about how [Product] could benefit [Company] I’m confident that our solution can help you achieve [Goal]. I genuinely believe that working together on [Project] could be mutually beneficial. I understand you might be busy, but I would love to hear your thoughts on this and see if there's a good time for us to connect. Please let me know if you're interested, and we can schedule a brief chat at your convenience. ❗️Pro Tip: A well-timed follow-up can demonstrate your professionalism and persistence, both of which are valued in business. LinkedIn InMail Templates for Sales To make things even easier, here are some ready-to-use LinkedIn InMail templates for different sales scenarios. Feel free to use these InMail templates for sales or customize them to fit your needs. Reaching Out to a Potential Collaborator {{template_2040}} Read more about Reaching Out to a Potential Collaborator Inviting to an Event Subject: Exclusive Invitation to [Event] Hello [Name], I’d like to personally invite you to [Event], where we’ll be discussing [Topic]. It would be great to have someone with your expertise join us. Let me know if you’re interested, and I’ll send you the details. Cheers,[Name] Offering a Service or Product to a Decision-Maker {{template_2041}} Read more about Offering a Service or Product to a Decision-Maker Content Promotion Subject: Thought You’d Enjoy This [Content] Hello [Name], I recently published a [Content] on [Topic], and I think you’d find it valuable given your interest in [Field]. Here’s the link: [Link to Content]. Would love to hear your feedback! Best,[Name] Reaching Out to a Mutual Connection by Recommendation Subject: [Mutual Connection] Suggested We Should Connect Hi [Name], [Mutual Connection] recommended that we connect, as they believe we could benefit from each other’s expertise. I’d love to hear more about what you’re working on and explore potential collaboration opportunities. Best regards,[Name] Inviting Industry Professionals to Join Your Community Subject: Join Our Growing Community of [Professionals] Hi [Name],We’re building a community of [Professionals] and would love to have someone with your background join us. Are you open to learning more about what we’re doing? Looking forward to your reply,[Name] Inviting a Guest Speaker to Your Event {{template_2042}} Read more about Inviting a Guest Speaker to Your Event Conclusion Crafting an effective LinkedIn InMail message is about more than just sending a note—it's about building relationships and providing value. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create InMails that stand out, resonate with your recipients, and drive meaningful engagement. Remember, the templates provided here are just a starting point. Customize them to fit your voice and the specific needs of your audience. With practice, you'll become more confident in your messaging and see better results from your LinkedIn outreach. To put all these effective LinkedIn InMail messages at your fingertips, try Textpie - a text expander tool designed to streamline and boost your professional communication.