Nothing ruins a perfectly crafted outreach message like a “character limit exceeded” error. LinkedIn has strict constraints on how much you can write depending on your connection status. Here is the definitive breakdown.
The Limits You Need to Know
1. Connection Requests (The Invite)
- Limit: 300 Characters
- Best Practice: This is extremely tight. Focus on a single personal connection or a one-sentence value proposition. Do not try to pitch here.
2. InMail (Premium Feature)
- Limit: 1,900 Characters (approx. 200–350 words)
- Best Practice: Just because you have 1,900 characters doesn’t mean you should use them. High-performing InMails are typically under 800 characters.
3. Direct Messages (Connected)
- Limit: 8,000 Characters
- Best Practice: Once you are connected, the limit is very generous. However, long messages are often perceived as spam. Break your points into smaller paragraphs for readability.
How to Maximize a 300-Character Invite
When sending a connection request, every character counts. Here is a proven formula:
- Greeting: “Hi [Name],” (10 chars)
- Context: “Resonated with your recent post on AI.” (40 chars)
- Bridge: “I help SaaS teams scale outreach.” (35 chars)
- CTA: “Love to share ideas and connect.” (30 chars)
- Total: ~115 characters.
Example:
“Hi Sarah, your recent article on B2B lead gen was spot on. I work with similar growth teams at [MyCompany] and would love to exchange insights. Open to connecting?”
Tips for Better Messaging
- Avoid “Filler” Phrases: Skip “I hope this finds you well” or “I know you’re busy.” These waste valuable characters.
- Use Bullet Points: They use fewer characters than full sentences and are easier to scan.
- Check on Desktop: Mobile keyboards can make messages look shorter than they actually are. Always draft your main templates on a computer.
Conclusion
Understanding these limits will help you write tighter, more effective copy. By respecting your prospect’s time and LinkedIn’s constraints, you’ll see a significant increase in your acceptance and response rates.
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