LinkedIn InMail Best Practices for B2B Outreach 2026
LinkedIn InMail is premium outreach. You're paying for every message. Here's how to make each one count.
Why InMail Still Matters in 2026
- 3x higher response rate than cold email
- Direct access to decision-makers
- No gatekeepers to get past
- Professional context already established
The Anatomy of a High-Converting InMail
Subject Line (Critical)
Keep it under 40 characters. Make it personal or intriguing.
Good: "Quick question about [Company]'s growth" Bad: "Business opportunity you don't want to miss"
Opening Line (Hook)
Reference something specific about them:
- Recent post they shared
- Company news or announcement
- Mutual connection or experience
- Their career path
Body (Value)
Lead with what's in it for them. Not your features, their outcomes.
Call to Action (Simple)
One clear ask. Not three options. Not a calendar link AND a question.
InMail Template That Works
"Hi [Name],
Saw your post about [topic]. Spot on about [specific point].
We've been helping [similar role/company] achieve [specific result]. Thought you might find our approach interesting given [their situation].
Worth a quick chat to share what's working? Open to a 15-min call this week.
[Your name]"
Timing Insights for 2026
Best days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Best times: 8-10 AM (their timezone) or 5-7 PM Avoid: Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, weekends
Tracking and Follow-up
Response Rate Benchmarks
- Below 15%: Rework your approach
- 15-25%: Average performance
- 25-40%: Strong performance
- 40%+: Exceptional
Follow-up Strategy
If no response after 5-7 days, send ONE follow-up:
"Hi [Name],
Following up on my note last week. Totally understand if it's not the right time. Just wanted to make sure it didn't get buried.
[Your name]"
Managing InMail at Scale
The challenge is tracking InMail alongside regular LinkedIn messages, email, and other channels.
Dewx Portal brings all LinkedIn communication, including InMail, into your unified inbox, so you can:
- Track all outreach in one place
- Set follow-up reminders
- Use AI to personalize at scale
- Never lose track of a conversation
Ready to level up your LinkedIn outreach? Try Dewx.