1. It’s all in the Search Setup
One of the biggest advantages of the LinkedIn platform is the structured format of data about people. This means that you don’t have to combine everything in a general keyword search, you can actually specify search terms for specific fields. For example, if you are looking for someone who is currently working on Google, you can simply search for keywords. Unfortunately, this will match everyone with the word “Google” on their resumes, whether it’s from a previous job or just saying they know how to use a Google database. Instead, we recommend using advanced search, you can directly specify “Google” for the position in the field, or even specify the “Current position only” check box. This will give you a strict search and will only return people who are currently using Google as their current role.
The Magic of Boolean Search
People use different words to describe similar concepts on their profiles. For example, a Software engineer might have “Software” on their profile. However, they might also have “Full Stack” or “PHP”. LinkedIn search supports the concept of OR, which means that you can have LinkedIn return people who have any one of those terms in their profiles. (Please note, the “OR” has to be in capital letters)
So, in our search for a Java engineer, we might do a search for:
Software OR PHP OR Full Stack
This search will return people in your network who have any one of those terms in their profile.
The Magic of Boolean Search: AND. If you thought OR was fun, get ready for a real party when you add AND to the mix. AND allows you to insist that a person have both terms in their profile.So, if you want someone who has both Software and Engineer in their profile, you would type: Java AND Engineer
Combining these two tools will dramatically improve your ability to find new leads.
Quick Tip – Once your search is set up save it by copying it to a notepad as LinkedIn stores your filtered search in the URL. This allows you to quickly set up this search in the future
2. Connect to unlock more data (and email addresses)
While you don’t need to reach the maximum number of connections (30,000) to see the benefits, you should aim to get to at least 1000+ to maximize the “completeness” of your profile from LinkedIn perspective.
The bigger the number of 1st level connections, the more you can unlock different ways to engage your network. When a profile becomes a 1st level connection, you’re able to message them or get key contact information like email addresses or phone numbers.
Remember building a quality network takes time when done manually. The majority of marketers with large LinkedIn networks have used tools like eLink Pro, which allows you to take your target audience and automate connecting with them while keeping engagement authentic by allowing personalized messaging. Using eLink We’ve seen small profiles grow by 200 connections or more a month.
3. Get the Data to CSV
Now you have a large connection network filled with your ideal target audience – How do you get the database goldmine out of LinkedIn to a CSV for your CRM? Quite simply actually. With eLink Pro you just need to set up a search (using the URL we suggested you save) and let eLink get you a structured CSV of data by automatically Profile Viewing and Scraping up to 800 profiles and email addresses from your 1st degree network per day. You can watch how this works here: eLink-Pro Quick Start Guide | LinkedIn Automation 2021
4. Message to engage
Messaging is a hugely valuable tool that, when done right, can boost your engagement exponentially (Hey, it got you here, didn’t it?). Our trials and testing on what works best for people in Business development found that using a messaging method called the Bait and Hook increased replies and engagements by 43%.
This method leverages the model of providing value first, and then starting a conversation is the best way to build a professional relationship on LinkedIn. You’ll need an article, white paper, infographic or video that your target audience will find valuable or interesting. Then share it with your connections to provide value – at no cost or obligation – in a gesture of opening a conversation and introducing yourself and business to them.
An example message to a business Digital Marketer:
LinkedIn is one of the biggest lead generation platforms for B2B leads but staying ahead when it comes to finding quality leads and managing lead data can waste valuable time and be extremely complex. Here’s a video that explores this a bit deeper, and I thought that it might be valuable to you.
Here’s a link to more info {Link}
PS: I look forward to your feedback or questions you may have.
We suggest pairing this approach with automated messaging to scale the process. Here’s a how: Here’s a how: https://www.youtube.com/messaging