LinkedIn is a social networking site that’s specifically designed for professionals, and it’s an even better platform for prospecting and networking. Its interface and features include detailed information about professionals you can connect to—almost like an online resume—which can help you tailor a message according to your objective.
Read on to find out more about prospecting on the world’s largest professional network.
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What is LinkedIn prospecting?
LinkedIn prospecting is using LinkedIn to find people who might be interested in your products or services. LinkedIn makes it easy to search for prospects because of its advanced search features, ability to see a person’s connections, and contact details. Not sure where to start looking? LinkedIn’s Advanced People Search gives you several options for narrowing down your search. LinkedIn also has a wide variety of tools to help with researching and contacting prospects, such as Connectifier, Rapportive, Sales Navigator, and more. Here are 10 tips for better LinkedIn prospecting:
1. Join groups that are related to your industry
It is important to join LinkedIn groups to get noticed by people you may not have otherwise found. Join as many LinkedIn groups that are related to your industry or niche as possible, and make sure the group is open for members who aren’t already connected with other group members. This way, LinkedIn sends a notification of activity in the form of an email update whenever someone posts something.
2. Make sure you add a photo of yourself and fill out all the fields in your profile
Do not forget to add a profile photo of yourself to LinkedIn so people know who you are. All LinkedIn users should fill out their entire profiles, including education and the various jobs they have held in the past. This builds trust with LinkedIn members because it makes your profile more personal.
3. Use LinkedIn’s search function to find people that might be interested in what you have to offer
Try using LinkedIn’s advanced search feature to find LinkedIn members who might be interested in what you have to offer. LinkedIn has the ability to look up people based on their company, job title, location, and other factors that can come in handy when looking for prospects. LinkedIn provides a powerful tool called “People Search” that allows LinkedIn members to search for other LinkedIn users by entering their name, company, and job title. People who don’t have a LinkedIn account will not be found using this function. You can also use LinkedIn’s “Groups Search” tool or the “Advanced People Search” feature to find people based on the groups.
4. Follow people on LinkedIn who are in your field or industry, this will show them that you’re serious about networking and they’ll follow back
Following the correct people on LinkedIn can be important for making connections. The LinkedIn system is based on following and being followed by people who are in your field or industry so it’s a good idea to follow the LinkedIn members you want to connect with first before they know about you. Once LinkedIn users have recognized that you’re serious about networking, they will most likely begin following back.
5. Use keywords when describing yourself and what you do so that potential employers can find you more easily
The right words can help you reach the right people. LinkedIn has a search bar at the top of profiles and pages, so it’s important to use keywords that are relevant to your industry or field in order for potential employers to find you more easily. When writing about yourself on LinkedIn make sure you include as many useful words as possible!
6. Try adding more than one picture of yourself – it makes for a better first impression
Photos are a great way to make LinkedIn more social and less business-like. If you have a professional headshot, then add it as your primary photo. But if you’re like me and prefer candid photos of family or sporting events (no one wants to see me in my suit), then change the default LinkedIn picture with something else that shows off who you are. LinkedIn is the one place where it’s ok to have more than one picture, and you’ll want to take advantage of that.
7. Complete any skills that are not 100% complete so they show up in search results for recruiters looking for someone with those skills
Do not be afraid to showcase your skills and expertise. LinkedIn can be a great place to do it. LinkedIn is often used by recruiters looking for someone in your field, so why not make sure that you are easy to find when they search? Update any skills or expertise that need improving and use LinkedIn as an opportunity to show off what you know through status updates, groups, etc. Don’t forget LinkedIn’s search bar – recruiters will often look for certain keywords in profiles or job titles. Make sure your LinkedIn profile includes those words and you’ll be more likely to appear in search results!
8. Add value by sharing articles and information related to your industry
Share informative content regularly. LinkedIn members will appreciate it and your profile will be more visible in the searches they make on LinkedIn. You can also use LinkedIn Answers to share helpful information about industry topics that LinkedIn users are searching for.
9. Send messages at least once a week to maintain contact with potential clients or connections
Maintaining a connection with LinkedIn members that you have met in-person or online can help to build a relationship and trust. It is easy to forget about LinkedIn connections when we are busy with work, but it’s important to keep the communication going on LinkedIn! Make it a habit to reach out every day, even if it’s just for one minute at a time.
10. Use LinkedIn messages instead of email for a more personal touch
Who would want to read auto generated emails when they can just get a LinkedIn message instead? LinkedIn messages are much more efficient. They carry the same personal touch as an email but give you access to your prospect’s entire LinkedIn profile so that you know who exactly is sending a request and why (as opposed to LinkedIn requests sent by strangers). It also allows for some back-and-forth before your LinkedIn connection request is accepted. And LinkedIn messages are much more likely to be opened than a typical email, which means your contact will have a higher chance of reading what you wrote and engaging with it!
These are just some of the numerous tips and tricks that you can use in order to level up your LinkedIn prospecting. We hope that you give these a try so that you can find the one that suits your needs the most!
Learn more about LinkedProspect’s tool here!