LinkedIn messaging is a powerful tool for professional outreach, but it comes with limitations. Whether you’re using LinkedIn for lead generation, recruitment, or networking, understanding these limits is essential to avoid penalties and maximize your results.
Table of Content
- LinkedIn’s messaging limits and restrictions.
- The difference between InMail and direct messages.
- A step-by-step guide to optimize your LinkedIn outreach.
- Safe LinkedIn messaging practices.
- FAQs about LinkedIn messaging.
How Many LinkedIn Messages Can I Send Per Day?
LinkedIn messaging is a powerful tool for professional outreach, but it comes with limitations. Whether you’re using LinkedIn for lead generation, recruitment, or networking, understanding these limits is essential to avoid penalties and maximize your results.
What Are LinkedIn Messaging Limits?
LinkedIn does not officially publish an exact limit for the number of messages you can send per day to your 1st-degree connections. However, based on industry insights and user experience, it is recommended to send under 150 direct messages per day to avoid account restrictions.
For InMail messages—used to reach people outside of your network—the limits are determined by your LinkedIn Premium subscription plan:
- Basic Plan: No InMail messages.
- Premium Business: ~15 InMail credits per month.
- Sales Navigator: ~50+ InMail credits per month.
- Recruiter Plans: ~150+ InMail credits per month.
If you’re unsure about LinkedIn’s privacy policies around messaging, check out our blog: Are LinkedIn Messages Private? A Complete Guide.
LinkedIn Messaging Restrictions
LinkedIn enforces restrictions to prevent spam-like behavior and ensure a positive experience for its users. Here are the key restrictions to keep in mind:
1. Daily Message Limits
- For 1st-degree connections: Stay under 150 direct messages per day.
- For InMails: Limited by your subscription plan.
2. Weekly Connection Requests
- You can send up to 100 connection requests per week, including personalized messages sent with connection requests.
For more details on connection limits, read our guide: Maximize LinkedIn Connections and Invite Limits.
3. Spam-Like Behavior
Avoid sending:
- Generic, copy-paste messages to multiple people.
- Unsolicited promotional messages.
Pro Tip:
Personalizing each message is key to staying compliant with LinkedIn’s guidelines.
LinkedIn InMail vs. Direct Messages
To make the most of LinkedIn’s messaging features, it’s important to understand the difference between InMail and direct messages.
InMail Messages
- Used to contact users outside of your 1st-degree connections.
- Limited by the number of InMail credits included in your LinkedIn Premium plan.
- Best used for high-value prospects or leads.
Learn more about InMail in our guide: LinkedIn Premium Cost Guide.
Direct Messages
- Free to send to your 1st-degree connections.
- No hard limit, but staying under 150 messages per day is recommended.
- Ideal for nurturing relationships within your network.
Pro Tip:
Use InMails for outreach to non-connections and direct messages for building rapport with existing connections.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Safely Send LinkedIn Messages Without Exceeding Limits
To maximize your outreach efforts while adhering to LinkedIn’s guidelines, follow this step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Understand LinkedIn’s Messaging Types
Before you start, know the difference between direct messages and InMail. Use direct messages for your 1st-degree connections and InMail for reaching out to prospects outside your network.
Step 2: Segment Your Audience
- Use LinkedIn’s search filters to group your prospects based on industry, role, or location.
- Create targeted lists to ensure your messages are relevant and personalized.
Step 3: Personalize Your Messages
- Avoid sending generic templates.
- Reference something specific about the recipient, such as their recent post, job role, or company.
- Example: “Hi [Name], I saw your recent post on [topic] and found it insightful. I’d love to connect and discuss [specific topic].”
Step 4: Space Out Your Messages
- Don’t send all your messages at once. Spread them out across the day to mimic natural behavior.
- Tools like LeadCRM.io can help you schedule and automate your messages within safe limits.
Step 5: Monitor Engagement
- Keep track of responses to your messages. If someone doesn’t reply, avoid sending repeated follow-ups.
- Use LinkedIn’s “Message” tab to organize your conversations effectively.
Step 6: Leverage LinkedIn InMail for Non-Connections
- Use InMail strategically for high-value prospects.
- Include a concise call-to-action (e.g., “Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call next week?”).
Step 7: Avoid Automation Abuse
- Automation tools can save time, but overusing them risks account suspension.
- Use tools like LeadCRM.io responsibly, adhering to LinkedIn’s limits and policies.
Step 8: Stay Updated on LinkedIn Policies
- LinkedIn frequently updates its usage policies. Stay informed to adapt your strategy and avoid penalties.
Safe LinkedIn Messaging Practices
To make your outreach effective and compliant with LinkedIn’s guidelines, follow these best practices:
Personalize Every Message
- Avoid generic templates. Tailor each message to the recipient.
Engage Before Messaging
- Like or comment on a prospect’s post to build rapport before sending a message.
Avoid Overusing Automation Tools
- Use tools like LeadCRM.io to streamline outreach, but don’t rely on them to spam users.
Track Results
- Monitor your messaging performance and adjust your strategy based on response rates.
For additional tips on managing your LinkedIn connections effectively, check out: How to Manage and Organize Your LinkedIn Network.
Conclusion: Optimize Your LinkedIn Messaging Strategy
LinkedIn messaging is a powerful tool for professional outreach, but staying within limits and following best practices is crucial to avoid penalties. Personalize your messages, space them out, and leverage tools like leadCRM.io to automate your outreach responsibly.
Ready to elevate your LinkedIn outreach?
FAQs: LinkedIn Messaging Limits
1. What happens if I exceed LinkedIn’s messaging limits?
Exceeding limits can result in account restrictions or even suspension. Always stay within LinkedIn’s guidelines to avoid penalties.
2. How many InMail messages can I send per month?
The number of InMails you can send depends on your LinkedIn Premium plan. For example, Sales Navigator users typically receive 50+ InMail credits monthly.
3. Can I automate LinkedIn messages?
Yes, but use automation tools like leadCRM.io responsibly to avoid being flagged for spam.
4. Are LinkedIn messages private?
Yes, LinkedIn messages are private between the sender and recipient. For a detailed breakdown of LinkedIn’s privacy features, read our guide: Are LinkedIn Messages Private?.
5. How many LinkedIn messages can I send per day?
You can send up to 150 direct messages per day to your 1st-degree connections.
6. How can I improve my LinkedIn messaging strategy?
Personalize your messages, segment your audience, and space out your outreach to mimic natural behavior.
