Hi all,

I'm running LinkedIn InMail campaigns targeting C-level executives at US nonprofit organizations. My offer is in the IT services space (cloud, cybersecurity, digital infra), and I'm trying to reach mid-market and SME enterprises — not micro businesses.

Here's what I’m seeing in terms of spend and CPL:

• $298.54 → 2 leads → $149.27 CPL
• $280.38 → 1 lead → $280.38 CPL
• $310.79 → 3 leads → $103.60 CPL
• $889.70 → 0 leads

Only 1 lead was truly qualified.

Despite narrowing down my targeting to C-level + nonprofit + US + company size filters, I keep getting leads from very small companies (under 20 employees). It’s off from my ICP.

My questions:

1. Is this CPL ($103–$280) typical for InMail in the US B2B market?
2. Why is LinkedIn still showing my messages to companies that don’t match my targeting filters?
3. Are C-level execs just not that responsive to cold InMail? Should I focus on their influencers instead (Directors, Senior Managers, etc.)?

Would love to hear your experience with InMail targeting and what worked for you.

Thanks in advance!