LinkedIn InMail vs Email: Which is Better For Outreach?

In the world of professional networking and outreach, two prominent tools have emerged as frontrunners: LinkedIn InMail and traditional Email. These communication channels have distinct advantages and disadvantages, making the choice between them a crucial decision for anyone looking to connect with potential clients, partners, or employers.

In this guide, we'll delve into the realm of LinkedIn InMail vs Email outreach, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each method. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your outreach journey, we'll provide you with valuable insights and tips to help you make an informed choice.

Introduction

Before we dive into the specifics of LinkedIn InMail and Email, let's briefly outline their purposes and key differences.

LinkedIn InMail: LinkedIn InMail is a premium messaging service within the LinkedIn platform. It allows you to send direct messages to people you are not connected with on the platform. This is particularly useful for professional networking and business development.

Email: Email, on the other hand, is a universally used electronic communication tool. It's versatile and can be used for various purposes, including personal and professional communication.

Cold Email vs LinkedIn InMail

One of the primary considerations when choosing between LinkedIn InMail and Email outreach is whether you are engaging in cold outreach or targeting warm leads.

Cold Email: Cold emailing involves reaching out to individuals or organizations with whom you have no prior connection. This method requires a compelling subject line and message to capture the recipient's attention.

Example:

"Subject: Exciting Opportunity to Grow Your Business!"

"Hello [Name], I recently came across your company and was impressed by your work in [industry]. I believe we can collaborate to achieve even greater success together."

LinkedIn InMail: LinkedIn InMail can also be used for cold outreach, but it's typically more effective when connecting with professionals within your industry or network. You have the advantage of viewing the recipient's LinkedIn profile, allowing for a more personalized approach.

Example:

"Hi [Name], I noticed your impressive background in [industry] and thought it would be great to connect. I'm also passionate about [shared interest] and believe we could benefit from connecting."

Personalization and Customization

Personalization is a critical aspect of successful outreach. Let's compare how LinkedIn InMail and Email handle this.

LinkedIn InMail: With LinkedIn InMail, you can tailor your message based on the recipient's LinkedIn profile. Mentioning mutual connections, shared interests, or recent achievements can help you establish a more personal connection.

Example:

"I see that you and [Mutual Connection] have worked together at [Company]. It's always great to connect with professionals who share my passion for [industry]."

Email: Personalizing emails can be more challenging, but it's still possible. You can use the recipient's name, reference their company or recent news, and craft a compelling message that resonates with their needs or interests.

Example:

"Hello [Name], I read about [Recent Achievement] at [Company] in the news and wanted to reach out. Your company's innovative approach aligns perfectly with our goals at [Your Company]."

Deliverability and Open Rates

When it comes to getting your message in front of your target audience, both LinkedIn InMail and Email have their advantages and disadvantages.

LinkedIn InMail: Messages sent through LinkedIn InMail are less likely to end up in spam folders since they come from a trusted platform. However, not all LinkedIn users regularly check their InMail, so your message may go unnoticed.

Email: Email open rates can vary widely, depending on your subject line and sender reputation. While email offers a broader reach, it's essential to craft compelling subject lines to increase the chances of your message being opened.

Response Rates

The ultimate goal of outreach is to elicit a response. Here's how LinkedIn InMail and Email compare in terms of response rates.

LinkedIn InMail: LinkedIn InMail often boasts higher response rates than cold emails, primarily because it's seen as a more professional platform. However, responses may vary depending on your messaging approach and the quality of your connections.

Example:

"Thank you for reaching out, [Your Name]. I'm interested in learning more about your proposal. Let's schedule a call to discuss further."

Email: Email response rates can be lower for cold outreach, but a well-crafted message can still garner positive responses. It may take more follow-up emails to establish a connection and receive a reply.

Example:

"Hi [Name], I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to introduce myself and explore potential collaboration opportunities. Looking forward to hearing from you."

Cost Considerations

Cost is a crucial factor, especially for individuals or small businesses with limited budgets.

LinkedIn InMail: LinkedIn InMail is a premium feature that often requires a subscription or the purchase of InMail credits. Costs can add up if you plan to send multiple messages regularly.

Email: Sending cold emails is typically free, aside from the costs associated with email marketing platforms or tools for larger outreach campaigns.

Building Relationships

Building lasting relationships is often the primary goal of outreach efforts. Let's see how LinkedIn InMail and Email support relationship-building.

LinkedIn InMail: LinkedIn is a platform built for professional networking, making it easier to maintain and nurture connections over time. You can engage with your connections through posts, comments, and direct messages.

Email: While email can support relationship-building, it often requires more effort to transition from initial contact to a meaningful connection. Consistent follow-ups and valuable content can help foster relationships.

Automation and Scaling

If you're looking to scale your outreach efforts, automation is a key consideration.

LinkedIn InMail: LinkedIn InMail does not provide the same level of automation options as email marketing platforms. Scaling may require more manual effort and could be limited by LinkedIn's messaging restrictions.

Email: Email outreach can be easily automated using various tools and platforms. You can schedule emails, set up drip campaigns, and track engagement, making it a powerful choice for large-scale outreach.

Legal and Compliance

Staying compliant with legal regulations is crucial when conducting outreach campaigns.

LinkedIn InMail: LinkedIn's terms of service and messaging guidelines must be followed to avoid account restrictions or bans. Generally, LinkedIn InMail is subject to fewer legal restrictions compared to email.

Email: Email outreach must comply with strict regulations such as the CAN-SPAM Act, which requires the inclusion of an opt-out mechanism and accurate sender information. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties.

Choosing the Right Tool for Your Outreach

In the LinkedIn InMail vs Email debate, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice ultimately depends on your specific goals, audience, and resources. Here are some tips to help you decide:

Know Your Audience: Consider where your target audience is most active and receptive.

Personalization Matters: Regardless of the platform, personalized and well-crafted messages are more likely to yield positive results.

Test and Analyze: Experiment with both LinkedIn InMail and Email outreach to see which one resonates better with your audience. Use tracking tools to analyze open rates, response rates, and conversion rates.

Budget and Resources: Evaluate your budget and available resources. If you're on a tight budget, email outreach may be a more cost-effective option.

Legal Compliance: Ensure that you understand and adhere to the legal regulations governing your chosen outreach method. This is crucial to avoid potential legal issues.

Hybrid Approach: Consider using a combination of both LinkedIn InMail and Email outreach. For example, you could start with LinkedIn InMail to establish a connection and then follow up with email for more in-depth communication.

Conclusion

In the LinkedIn InMail vs Email outreach battle, there is no clear winner. Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your specific goals and audience.

Remember that a successful outreach strategy often combines the strengths of both approaches.

Ultimately, the key to effective outreach is thoughtful planning, personalization, and a genuine desire to build meaningful connections. Whether you choose LinkedIn InMail, Email, or a combination of both, the quality of your outreach efforts will determine your success.

So, go ahead, choose the method that aligns with your goals, and embark on your outreach journey with confidence. Whether you're connecting with potential clients, partners, or employers, a well-executed outreach strategy can open doors and create valuable opportunities in the professional world. Happy networking!