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June 20, 2024

Best subject lines for LinkedIn InMails

John Kim
Co-founder @ Paraform

Crafting catchy subject lines for your LinkedIn InMails is crucial for grabbing attention and getting those all-important responses.

As a recruiter, your goal is to grab attention, create interest, and encourage action—all within a few words.

Here are some tips for writing winning subject lines:

Why Subject Lines Matter

Subject lines are the gateway to your message. A compelling subject line:

  • Grabs Attention: Stands out in a crowded inbox.
  • Generates Interest: Sparks curiosity about the content.
  • Conveys Relevance: Shows the message is pertinent to the recipient.
  • Encourages Action: Prompts the recipient to open and respond.

Tips for Crafting Effective Subject Lines

1. Be Clear and Concise

Clear and concise subject lines leave no room for ambiguity, making it easier for recipients to understand the purpose of your message instantly.

Example: “Exciting Job Opportunity at [Company Name]”

2. Personalize Your Message

Personalizing subject lines with the recipient's name or referencing a mutual connection can make your message feel more relevant and engaging.

Example: “John, Let's Connect About Your Recent Post on [Topic]”

3. Highlight a Benefit

Emphasizing the benefit to the recipient can increase the chances of your message being opened. Make it clear what's in it for them.

Example: “Increase Your Visibility: Guest Blog Opportunity”

4. Create a Sense of Urgency

Incorporating urgency can prompt the recipient to act quickly, ensuring your message gets prioritized.

Example: “Last Chance to Apply for the Marketing Director Role”

5. Ask a Question

Posing a question in your subject line can pique curiosity and encourage the recipient to open the message to find the answer.

Example: “Looking for New Career Opportunities?”

6. Keep It Professional

Maintain a professional tone that aligns with LinkedIn's business-oriented nature. Avoid overly casual or informal language.

Example: “Invitation to Speak at Our Annual Conference”

7. Use Keywords

Using relevant keywords related to the recipient’s field or interests can make your message stand out.

Example: “Opportunities in Data Science at [Company Name]”

Examples of Effective Subject Lines

For job opportunities

  • “Opportunity Knocks: Senior Developer Role at [Company Name]”
  • “Join Our Team: Exciting Product Manager Position”
  • “Your Skills in Marketing Are a Perfect Fit for Us”

For networking

  • “Connecting with Fellow Industry Leaders”
  • “Let's Collaborate: Exploring Synergies Between Our Companies”
  • “Invitation to Join My Professional Network”

For recruitment marketing

  • “Discover How Our Solution Can Boost Your Sales”
  • “Special Offer for [Recipient’s Company Name]”
  • “Exclusive Webinar Invite: Learn the Latest in [Industry]”

For partnerships and collaborations

  • “Proposal for a Strategic Partnership”
  • “Collaboration Opportunity: Enhance Your Service Offering”
  • “Exploring Potential Synergies Between Our Teams”

For follow-ups

  • “Following Up on Our Recent Conversation”
  • “Quick Question Regarding Our Last Meeting”
  • “Reminder: Confirming Our Scheduled Call”

Testing and Optimization

A/B testing

Experiment with different subject lines to see which ones perform best. A/B testing provides valuable insights into what resonates with your audience.

Example: Test “Your Next Career Move: Marketing Director Role” versus “Exciting Marketing Director Opportunity at [Company Name]” and compare the open rates.

Monitor and adjust

Regularly monitor the performance of your subject lines. Identify trends and adjust your strategy based on what works best.

Seek feedback

Ask for feedback from recipients, especially those with whom you've established a good rapport. They can provide insights into what caught their attention.

Crafting compelling subject lines on LinkedIn is both an art and a science. By being relevant and personal, you can significantly increase the chances of your messages being opened and responded to. 




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