LinkedIn

Unlocking Business Growth: Mastering Sales Navigator InMail Credits on LinkedIn

lemlist team
LAST UPDATED
May 16, 2024
READING TIME
7 min.

Unlocking Business Growth: Mastering Sales Navigator InMail Credits on LinkedIn

Welcome to the digital era where LinkedIn stands as a colossus amongst B2B networking platforms, a veritable nexus of professional connections and opportunities. At the heart of LinkedIn's prowess for fostering business growth lies a robust feature known as Sales Navigator, augmented by the strategic use of InMail credits. In this comprehensive guide, we shall embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of leveraging InMail credits to their fullest potential.

  • Discover the influence of LinkedIn in connecting professionals and businesses across the globe.
  • Understand the pivotal role of LinkedIn Sales Navigator in expanding your business's reach and forging meaningful connections.
  • Grasp the critical importance of InMail credits for conducting effective sales outreach and nurturing leads.

Whether you are new to LinkedIn's Sales Navigator or seeking to refine your InMail strategy, this article serves as your quintessential resource. Delve into the nuances of InMail Credits, explore strategies for crafting impactful messages, and learn how to optimize your credit usage for maximum results. Prepare to transform your LinkedIn experience and drive your business growth to new heights.

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Decoding Sales Navigator and InMail Credits on LinkedIn

Understanding the mechanics of LinkedIn InMails and the allocation of InMail credits within Sales Navigator is fundamental to mastering the art of LinkedIn sales outreach. Let's delve into what InMails are, how they can be a game-changer in your lead generation efforts, and the significance of maintaining a healthy response rate to boost sales conversions.

Defining LinkedIn InMails and the Number of InMail Credits within Sales Navigator

InMail messages are LinkedIn's premium messaging feature that allows you to reach out to individuals who are not in your direct network. With Sales Navigator, users receive a specific number of InMail credits each month, enabling them to send personalized messages to targeted leads. The number of credits received is dependent on the Sales Navigator plan you subscribe to, and these credits can accumulate if unused in a given month.

Diving into the Merits of InMail Messages in Lead Generation

When it comes to generating leads, InMail messages stand out due to their direct and personal nature. They bypass the need for a mutual connection, cutting straight to the chase of business communication. The targeted approach of InMail messages ensures that your outreach is tailored, relevant, and thus more likely to be well-received by potential leads.

Highlighting the Impact of Response Rate through InMail on Sales Conversion Rates

The response rate to your InMails can be a critical indicator of their effectiveness. A higher response rate not only signifies interest from potential leads but also correlates with higher sales conversion rates. It's essential to track and analyze your InMail response rates, as they provide valuable insights into the resonance of your messaging and the potential for sales growth.

Armed with a deeper understanding of InMail credits and their role in lead generation, you are now better equipped to harness the power of LinkedIn's Sales Navigator. In the following sections, we will explore strategies to manage these credits effectively, craft high-impact messages, and optimize your overall InMail strategy for superior business results.

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Gaining Control of Your LinkedIn Sales InMail Credits

Effective management of your InMail credits is crucial for maximizing your outreach potential on LinkedIn's Sales Navigator. Understanding how these credits are allocated, renewed, and tracked will empower you to make strategic decisions and maintain a steady flow of communication with your prospects.

Understanding the Allocation and Renewal of InMail Credits in a Sales Navigator Account

Each Sales Navigator account comes with a set number of InMail credits that are refreshed monthly. The allocation of these credits is based on your subscription level. Unused credits can roll over to the next month, but there's a cap to prevent indefinite accumulation. It's important to be aware of your renewal date to plan your outreach activities without the risk of running out of credits.

Strategies to Effectively Manage and Track Your InMail Credits

Developing a strategy for managing your InMail credits is essential. This includes setting targets for daily or weekly InMail usage, monitoring your remaining credits, and adjusting your approach based on the responses you receive. LinkedIn provides tools within Sales Navigator to track your InMail credit balance and usage, ensuring you always know where you stand.

Methods to Earn Extra Credits and Navigate the Credit-Back System

LinkedIn rewards successful engagement by offering a credit-back on your InMail messages if you receive a response within 90 days of sending. This incentivizes crafting compelling messages that resonate with your audience. Additionally, users can earn extra credits through various LinkedIn promotions or by upgrading their Sales Navigator plan to accommodate a higher volume of outreach.

With these insights into managing your InMail credits, you're positioned to take full advantage of your LinkedIn Sales Navigator account. Next, we'll delve into the art of creating high-impact InMail messages that captivate your prospects and drive meaningful business conversations.

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Creating High Impact InMail Messages in your LinkedIn Sales Navigator

Once you've mastered the management of your InMail credits, the next crucial step is to learn how to craft InMail messages that stand out and elicit responses. The quality of your messages can significantly influence your success in generating leads and closing deals through LinkedIn's Sales Navigator.

Best Practices for Composing Effective LinkedIn InMail Messages

To compose effective LinkedIn InMail messages, start with a personalized approach. Research your recipient's profile, identify commonalities, and mention specific details that show genuine interest. Keep your messages concise, clear, and focused on offering value. A compelling subject line is also vital to ensure your message gets opened. Including a clear call-to-action can guide the recipient towards the next step in your sales process.

Guidelines on When to Send InMail Messages and Follow-up Methods

Timing is key when sending InMail messages. Aim to send them during business hours when your recipients are most likely to be active on LinkedIn. If you don't receive a response, a polite follow-up message after a week can be effective. However, it's important to respect your recipient's time and attention, avoiding any semblance of spamming.

Real-world Case Studies Demonstrating Successful InMail Outreach

Examining real-world case studies can provide valuable insights into successful InMail strategies. Look for examples where businesses have seen increased response rates and conversions. Analyze the structure of their messages, the timing of their outreach, and how they personalized their communication to learn what practices might work best for your audience.

By applying these best practices, guidelines, and real-world insights, you can enhance the impact of your InMail messages and make the most of your LinkedIn Sales Navigator tool. Next, we will explore how to optimize the use of InMail credits to further amplify your sales efforts.

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Optimizing Use of InMail Credits in Sales Navigator

Efficient use of InMail credits is a cornerstone of a successful LinkedIn Sales Navigator strategy. By optimizing these credits, you can maintain a steady flow of outreach without running out prematurely, ensuring that every message counts towards your business growth.

Proven Techniques for Preserving and Maximizing InMail Message Credits

One proven technique to preserve your InMail credits is to craft highly targeted messages that are more likely to receive a response. When recipients reply to your InMail, you typically get the credit back, allowing you to reinvest it in future outreach. Additionally, keeping track of your response rates and refining your messaging strategy can lead to more efficient use of credits over time.

Synergic Use of InMail Credits with Other LinkedIn Tools Like Message Ads

Another strategy is to use InMail credits in synergy with other LinkedIn tools, such as Message Ads. By combining the personal touch of InMails with the broader reach of ads, you can maximize visibility and engagement. This approach allows you to follow up with key prospects via InMail after they've interacted with your ads, creating a cohesive marketing strategy.

Using Response Data to Fine-Tune Your InMail Strategy

Monitoring the response data from your InMail campaigns is crucial for optimization. Analyze which messages have the highest open and response rates to understand what resonates with your audience. Use these insights to refine your messaging, subject lines, and call-to-action to improve the effectiveness of your InMail outreach and the utilization of your credits.

By adopting these techniques, you can ensure that your InMail credits are used strategically, supporting your overall sales objectives. In the following sections, we will delve into the differences between Sales Navigator plans and how they can align with your InMail credit needs.

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Comparison Between Different Sales Navigator Plans and InMail Credit Allocation

Understanding the differences between various Sales Navigator plans is vital when considering your InMail credit needs. Each plan is designed to cater to different levels of sales activity and lead generation requirements.

A Detailed Comparison of LinkedIn Premium, Sales Navigator Core, and Advanced Plans

LinkedIn offers several tiers of subscription, including LinkedIn Premium, Sales Navigator Core, and Sales Navigator Advanced. While LinkedIn Premium is geared towards individual professionals, Sales Navigator Core and Advanced are tailored for sales teams and power users, offering more InMail credits and sales-specific features.

Monthly InMail Credits Allocation Across Different Premium Sales Navigator Account Types

Each plan comes with a different allocation of monthly InMail credits. For instance, LinkedIn Premium users typically receive fewer credits than those on Sales Navigator Core, with Sales Navigator Advanced users enjoying the highest number of credits. This tiered system ensures that users can select a plan that matches their outreach volume and complexity.

Suggestions for Choosing a Plan Based on InMail Usage and Lead Generation Needs

Selecting the right plan depends on your InMail usage patterns and lead generation goals. If you're a heavy InMail user targeting high-value leads, investing in the Sales Navigator Advanced plan may be more cost-effective. Conversely, for those with moderate outreach needs, the Core plan might suffice. Consider your sales cycle, team size, and the level of personalization required in your messages when making a decision.

By carefully comparing the features and InMail credits of each plan, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your sales strategy. Next, we'll explore common issues with InMail credits and how to address them effectively.

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Addressing Common Issues With InMail Credits

Even the most seasoned LinkedIn users can encounter challenges with managing their InMail credits. Recognizing these potential issues and knowing how to navigate them is essential for maintaining a steady sales outreach effort.

Tackling Scenarios of Depleted InMail Credits and How to Leverage the Open Profile Status

Running out of InMail credits can halt your outreach campaigns. However, LinkedIn's Open Profile feature allows you to send messages to users who have opted in, without using your credits. This feature is especially beneficial for reaching high-value prospects who are more likely to have an open profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About InMail Credits in LinkedIn

Common questions about InMail credits include their expiration, the credit-back policy for unanswered messages, and the possibility of purchasing additional credits. LinkedIn provides a credit back for InMail messages that receive a response within 90 days, incentivizing thoughtful and targeted communication.

Utilizing LinkedIn's Support and Helpful Resources

If you're facing issues with your InMail credits, LinkedIn's support resources can provide guidance. From troubleshooting to best practices, leveraging the platform's help center and user forums can enhance your understanding and usage of InMail credits. Additionally, consider reaching out to your network for peer advice on managing InMail strategies.

Understanding the intricacies of InMail credits is just one piece of the puzzle. Next, we'll discuss how to harmonize your InMail outreach with overarching sales tactics to optimize your lead generation efforts.

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Harmonizing InMail Outreach with Your Sales Tactics

Integrating InMail LinkedIn strategies into your sales funnel is a dynamic way to enhance your outreach and improve key performance indicators. It's not just about sending messages; it's about creating a seamless flow that aligns with your overall sales approach.

Integrating InMail LinkedIn Strategies with Your Sales Funnel and Key Performance Indicators

To ensure that your InMail efforts contribute to your sales goals, align them with stages of your sales funnel. Tailor your InMail content to nurture leads at different funnel stages, from awareness to consideration to decision. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as response rates, conversion rates, and the number of qualified leads to measure the effectiveness of your InMail campaigns.

Adapting Your InMail Flow to Meet Fluctuating Market Changes

The market is ever-changing, and so should your InMail strategy. Stay attuned to industry trends, seasonal fluctuations, and shifts in consumer behavior to adapt your InMail messaging. This agility can help you maintain relevance and engagement with your prospects, even in a turbulent market landscape.

Encouraging Innovative Experiments in InMail Communication for Boosting Response Rates

Don't be afraid to experiment with different InMail formats, tones, and calls-to-action to discover what resonates best with your audience. A/B testing can provide valuable insights into what increases your response rates and, ultimately, what drives conversions. Keep innovating to find the perfect balance between personalization and scalability in your InMail communications.

In conclusion, harmonizing your InMail outreach with your sales tactics is crucial for driving business growth. By integrating these strategies, you can create a powerful, cohesive approach to LinkedIn sales that leverages every InMail credit to its fullest potential.

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Conclusion and Additional LinkedIn Resources

In this comprehensive guide, we've explored the multifaceted role of Sales Navigator InMail credits in unlocking business growth on LinkedIn. By mastering the art of InMail communication, you can significantly enhance your sales outreach and foster meaningful B2B connections.

Summarizing Key Points for Maximizing the Usage of Sales Navigator InMail Credits

To maximize your InMail credits, remember to tailor your messages to the recipient, track your InMail credit usage, and align your outreach with your sales funnel. Use A/B testing to refine your approach, and don't forget to leverage the credit-back system by crafting compelling messages that invite responses. By doing so, you ensure that each InMail credit is an investment towards a potential sale.

Inviting Engagement with Further LinkedIn Training and User Forums

For those eager to dive deeper into LinkedIn's capabilities, consider engaging with LinkedIn's official training programs, user forums, and community discussions. These platforms offer a wealth of knowledge and can be invaluable resources for networking with other sales professionals, sharing best practices, and staying updated on the latest LinkedIn features and strategies.

Urging Action to Implement Newfound Insights Regarding Number InMail Messages and Credits

Armed with the insights from this article, take action to implement these strategies into your LinkedIn routine. Evaluate your current InMail usage, and adjust your tactics to make the most of your number InMail messages and credits. By doing so, you can transform your LinkedIn Sales Navigator experience and drive meaningful business results.

In conclusion, LinkedIn Sales Navigator and its InMail credits are powerful tools that, when used effectively, can significantly impact your sales success. It's time to unlock the full potential of your LinkedIn presence and propel your business growth to new heights.

lemlist team
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G2 Rating
Price
Best for
Standout feature
Con
4.9
star
star
star
star
star
$30/mo
$75/mo
$2,999/mo
Large, distributed sales teams
AI evaluation precision, gamified KPIs
Lack of tracking system
4.6
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Sales operations and finance teams
Powerful configurability
Limited training resources and complex to navigate
4.4
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Mid-market and enterprise businesses
Comprehensive incentive management
Potentially high cost and steep learning curve
4.7
star
star
star
star
star-half
$15/user/mo
$40/user/mo
Enterprise: custom price
Complex sales structures and businesses of all sizes
Complex sales structures and businesses of all sizes
Steep learning curve
4.6
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Collaborative teams
Connected planning
Complexity and steep learning curve
4.6
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Companies with complex sales structures
Complex incentive compensation management (ICM) with high efficiency and accuracy
Complexity for smaller teams and potentially high costs
4.7
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Companies who want to automate commission calculations and payouts
Simplicity and ease of use
Lack of features like redirection
4.7
star
star
star
star
star-half
$30/user/mo
$35/user/mo
Custom: upon request
Businesses that need a comprehensive and user-friendly sales compensation management software
Ease of use and adoption
Lack of ability to configure the product based on user needs
4.8
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Companies with modern sales culture and businesses who want real-time insights
A built-in dispute management and real-time visibility
Users say it works slowly, customer support is slow
4.9
star
star
star
star
star
$30/user/mo
$50/user/mo
Smaller sales teams
Powerful automation
Lesser user base and average user interface
4.7
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Companies with scalable needs
Automated Commission Calculations
Lack of filtering by date, no mobile app
ERP vs. CRM
ERP
CRM
Summary
Backbone of a business's internal operations.
Backbone of customer-centric interactions and operations.
Goal
To centralize and streamline core business processes in a company.
To increase customer experience, satisfaction and loyalty, and boost sales.
Focus
Internal operations and processes across departments (finance, accounting, inventory, supply chain, HR, and sales).
All interactions with leads and customers.
Manages
Internal business data like financial data, inventory levels, production details, supply chain, HR info.
All customer data like contact info, purchase history, communication history, customer preferences and more.
Users
Finance, accounting, operations, supply chain, and HR departments.
Customer-facing teams like sales, marketing, and customer service.
Benefits
Streamlines operations, improves data accuracy, enhances decision-making, boosts collaboration, increases productivity.
Improves customer relationships, increases sales, strengthens customer service, personalizes marketing campaigns, provides insights.
Price
$150 per user per year on average.
$10 to $30 per user per month on average.
PRM Tool
Rating
Feature
Pro
Con
Mobile App
Integrations
Free Plan
Pricing
4.65
star
star
star
star
star-half
Org-wide alignment
User-friendly layout and database
Suboptimal as a personal CRM
square-check
Lack of tracking system
square-check
Team: $20/month
Business: $45/month
4.7
star
star
star
star
star-half
Social Media Integration
Easy contact data collection
No marketing/sales features
square-check
Lack of tracking system
square-xmark
7-day trial
$12/month
4.75
star
star
star
star
star-half
Block Functions
High customization capability
Not a dedicated CRM
square-check
Limited
square-check
Plus: €7.50/month
Business: €14/month
N/A
Open-source
Open-source flexibility
Requires extensive manual input
square-xmark
Limited
square-check
Self-hosted
$9/month or
$90/year
3.1
star
star
star
Simple iOS app
Ideal for non-tech-savvy users
iPhone only
square-check
iOS only
Limited
square-xmark
1-month trial
$1.49/month or
$14.99/month
3.6
star
star
star
star-half
Smart Contact Management
Feature-rich and flexible
Reported bugs
square-check
Rich
square-xmark
7-day trial
Premium: $13.99/month
Teams: $17.99/month
4.4
star
star
star
star
star-half
Customizable Interface
Customizable for teamwork
Pricey for personal use
square-check
Rich
square-xmark
Standard: $24/member
Premium: $39/member
4.7
star
star
star
star
star-half
Integrated Calling
Integrated Calling
Too sales-oriented & pricey
square-check
Rich
square-xmark
14-day trial
Startup: $59/user/month
Professional: $329/user/month
4.8
star
star
star
star
star
Business Card Scanning
Business Card Scanning
Mobile only
square-check
Limited
square-check
$9.99/month
4.45
star
star
star
star
star-half
160+ app integrations
Comprehensive integrations
No free app version
square-check
Rich
square-xmark
14-day trial
$29.90/month or
$24.90/month (billed annually)
Capterra Rating
Free Trial
Free Plan
Starting Price (excluding the free plan)
Maximum Price (for the most expensive plan)
Best for
4.5
star
star
star
star
star-half
square-check
14-day
square-check
€15/month/seat billed annually
€792/month/3 seats billed annually + €45/month for each extra seat
Versatility and free plan
4.2
star
star
star
star
square-check
30-day
square-xmark
But it offers reduced price to authorised nonprofit organisations
€25/user/month
€500/user/month billed annually (includes Einstein AI)
Best overall operational CRM
4.3
star
star
star
star
star-half
square-xmark
square-check
Limited to 3 users
Comprehensive incentive management
€52/user/month billed annually
Small-medium businesses and automation
4.5
star
star
star
star
star-half
square-check
14-day
square-xmark
€14/seat/month billed annually
€99/seat/month billed annually
Sales teams and ease of use
4.1
star
star
star
star
square-xmark
square-check
Limited 10 users
$9.99/user/month billed annually
$64.99/user/month billed annually
Free plan for very small teams up to 10
CRM goal
Increase the sales conversion rate for qualified leads from marketing automation campaigns by 10% in the next 6 months.
SMART Breakdown
1. Specific: It targets a specific area (conversion rate) for a defined segment (qualified leads from marketing automation).
2. Measurable: The desired increase (10%) is a clear metric, and the timeframe (6 months) allows for progress tracking.
3. Achievable: A 10% increase is possible based on historical data and potential improvements.
4. Relevant: Boosting sales from marketing efforts aligns with overall business objectives.
5. Time-bound: The 6-month timeframe creates urgency and a clear target date.
Actions
Step 1: Refine lead qualification criteria to ensure high-quality leads are nurtured through marketing automation.
Step 2: Personalize marketing automation campaigns based on lead demographics, interests, and behavior.
Step 3: Develop targeted landing pages with clear calls to action for qualified leads.
Step 4: Implement lead scoring to prioritize high-potential leads for sales follow-up.
Step 5: Track and analyze campaign performance to identify areas for optimization.
Outcomes
Increased sales and revenue
Improved marketing automation ROI
Marketing and sales alignment
Data-driven marketing optimization
Table
CDP Software
CRM Software
Approach
Data-centric
Customer-centric
Focus
Interactions across various channels and touchpoints, both online and offline.
Sales, marketing, and customer service interactions.
Functionality
Automatically collects, organizes, tags, and makes data available in real-time.
Helps businesses track customer interactions, sales pipelines, prospects, and service requests.
Goals
Personalized customer experiences across all channels.
Better customer relationships, streamlined processes, and improved profitability.
Benefits
Data integration, management, and accessibility, allowing for detailed analysis and segmentation.
Better communication within teams and with customers by organizing information about customer interactions and history.
Data Handling
Handles both identified and anonymous data, stitches together various data points.
Deals primarily with identified customer data.
Use Cases
Personalized marketing campaigns, targeted advertising, content customization across multiple channels.
Managing campaigns and leads, enhancing customer service, providing better customer support, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Examples
Insider, Bloomreach, Salesforce Marketing Cloud CDP
HubSpot, Salesforce Sales Cloud Lightning Professional, and Zoho CRM
CRM
Free plan
Best feature
Best for
Con
1. HubSpot CRM
square-check
Sales automation
Sales teams
Up to 1,000 contacts
2. Insightly
square-check
Custom fields
Basic needs
Not enough info about the free plan
3. Agile CRM
square-check
Deal and sales pipeline tracking
Small teams
Up to 10 users
4. Zoho CRM
square-check
Lead and contact management
Businesses of all sizes
Limited to 3 users
5. ClickUp
square-check
Unlimited tasks and unlimited members
Personal use
Up to 100MB storage
6. EngageBay
square-check
Live chat
Small and midsize enterprises
Up to 1,000 branded emails per month
7. Bitrix24
square-check
Unlimited users and 5 scrum teams
Big teams
Up to 5GB of cloud storage
8. FreshSales
square-check
Easy to use and simple setup
Beginners
Up to 3 users
9. Mailchimp
square-check
Very beginner friendly
Marketing teams
Send up to 500 branded emails per month
Type of Affiliate Marketing
Unattached
Related
Involved
Format
Paid advertising
Social media or YouTube channels
Dedicated website or blog
Focus
Quick income
Your niche
Your audience
Engagement with your audience
square-xmark
square-check
square-check
square-check
square-check
Very close connection with your audience
Pro
Little effort
Higher credibility thanks to your niche
Long-lasting and scalable
Con
Paid ads cost a lot
Potential for bias since you don’t use the thing you promote
Require time, effort, and dedication

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