Prospecting on LinkedIn can be an overwhelming task sometimes. With so many people and companies competing for attention, it’s easy to get lost in the noise.
But what if we told you there are simple, lesser-known methods to stand out and connect with your prospects?
In this post, we share nine powerful LinkedIn hacks to help you cut through the noise, build relationships, and drive more sales in 2024. These are the prospecting tips you need to achieve better results.
1. Use LinkedIn Groups To Connect With Qualified Prospects
LinkedIn groups are great for connecting with your ideal customers. Think of them as exclusive clubs where your target audience discusses industry topics and shares ideas.
Join groups that meet these criteria:
- Match your product niche or category
- Include your target audience
- Have at least a few thousand members
After joining a group, follow these steps: Use tools like Phantom Buster to export the member list. Filter the list to find those who fit your ideal customer profile (ICP). When reaching out, mention your shared group to build rapport. Your message could be:
‘Hey Michael, we’re both part of this group. Looking to connect with like-minded individuals. Let’s connect.’
This type of message usually gets a good response rate.
2. Search For Prospects At LinkedIn Events
There are a ton of events out there, but getting an attendees list for in-person events and conferences is hard. The next best thing you can do is attend LinkedIn events related to your product or industry.
Here’s the trick: Make sure you register for the event. This lets you see the full list of attendees. Use web scraping tools to gather their info, then filter by your criteria. Connect with the attendees and mention the event to start the conversation. It’s a ready-made prospect list. Don’t forget to be consistent in your follow-ups to maintain engagement and increase your chances of conversion.
3. Check Out LinkedIn Job Postings
Many sellers overlook LinkedIn’s Jobs feature. Companies hiring for roles related to your product signal they need solutions for those new hires. For example, if a software company is hiring SDRs, they most likely need tools to help those reps succeed.
Monitor job listings on LinkedIn to spot these opportunities. Set up job alerts for specific roles and industries that align with your offerings. This proactive approach ensures you stay updated on potential leads.
Once you identify a relevant job posting, research the company to understand its needs and pain points. Then, connect with the relevant decision-makers, such as the VP of sales or CMO, at those companies. Personalize your outreach by referencing the job listing and explaining how your product can support their new hires.
Timing is crucial here. Reach out soon after the job opening is posted, as this is when the need for solutions like yours is likely top of mind. Following up promptly can increase your chances of starting a conversation.
4. Reach Out To Former Employees Of Your Current Clients
Former employees of your current clients can be a secret weapon for generating momentum. They know your product very well and can be powerful advocates at their new jobs.
Also think about this: while they could bring in your competitor’s product, they might also bring in yours. They’re familiar with how your product works and can recommend it to their new company. You can send them a simple message like this one:
‘Hey Mark, I saw you transitioned from [X] company to [Y] company. I’m sure you remember using this tool. I wanted to have a chat about potentially introducing it to your new company because it helped you with [X, Y, Z].’
5. Target Former Employees Of Your Competitors
Ex-employees of your competitors understand your offering and might be open to new opportunities now that they’ve left your competitor. They’ve been using a tool similar to yours, giving you an advantage when connecting.
Use this insider knowledge to your benefit. You have a good topic to start with, making it a warm lead and increasing the chances of a connection. Send them a quick message like:
‘Hey Brian, we’ve built [competitor’s name] for smaller companies.’
or
‘Hey Brian, we’ve built [competitor’s name] for your industry.’
Take advantage of their familiarity with similar tools to spark interest and start a conversation.
6. Ask Your Current Clients (1st Connections) To Introduce You To Their Connections
Check your current clients’ first connections, filter out your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), and ask for introductions. You can easily do this on Sales Navigator by using the “Connections of” filter for a specific client. Then, filter for titles like “sales” and ask your first connection to introduce you to those selected people.
Personalize your request to show why the introduction would be valuable, highlighting any common interests or mutual benefits. Provide context by explaining to your current client why you’re interested in connecting with their contact and how it could benefit them as well, making the request more compelling. In your initial outreach, offer something of value, such as insightful content, a helpful resource, or a solution to a problem they might be facing.
7. Fully Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Here are some interesting facts provided by Kinsta:
- Adding a professional photo will get a user 14 times more views than other types of profile pictures, on average
- Adding at least five relevant skills increases your chance of being discovered and someone messaging you by more than 31 times what you would get if you didn’t
An optimized LinkedIn profile will get you more visibility and engagement. Use relevant keywords throughout your profile to increase visibility with your prospects. Add multimedia like videos or posts to make your profile more engaging. Carousels and polls are also great for generating engagement.
Lastly, verify your profile for a credibility boost. This helps build trust by verifying your identity and confirming your personal, educational, and workplace details. Additionally, highlight your top posts in the Featured Posts section and use personalized buttons like “Book an Appointment” or “Visit My Website” to further engage your profile visitors.
8. Monitor Your Social Selling Score
Did you know LinkedIn scores your social selling skills with a numerical ranking called the Social Selling Index (SSI)? A higher score means more visibility and influence on the platform.
To improve your SSI score, fill out all the customer-facing fields in your profile. Share insightful content regularly to position yourself as an industry expert. This means you’ve got to post regularly and engage with others. Also, don’t forget to get involved in relevant conversations or start new ones. These simple tweaks can give your score a major boost. Who knows, you might even earn a LinkedIn Top of Voice badge in the future!
9. Check Who’s Been Looking At Your Profile
This is a simple LinkedIn hack most people miss: Check who has been viewing your LinkedIn profile recently (you might need a premium account for this).
If someone views your profile, they’re likely interested and could be a potential prospect. This is especially useful if you post often on LinkedIn. Take the initiative and reach out to these viewers with a friendly but intriguing message.
You can also reference something specific about their profile or recent activity to make it more engaging. For example, mention a recent post they made or a shared interest. This approach shows that you’re not just sending generic messages but are genuinely interested in connecting with them.
With a warm lead like that, you’ll grab their interest. Don’t underestimate the power of a proactive outreach strategy based on profile views.
Which LinkedIn Hack Will You Try First?
We just shared nine LinkedIn hacks that can give you a competitive edge if used correctly. From leveraging LinkedIn groups and events to tapping into the networks of former employees, there are innovative ways to find and connect with your ideal prospects.
Implementing these hacks requires consistent effort, but the potential reward is substantial in terms of filling your pipeline with qualified leads. The key is to be resourceful and think beyond traditional prospecting tactics.
Don’t hesitate to try these lesser-known LinkedIn strategies. When used together, they can unlock new prospecting opportunities and drive better sales results in 2024 and beyond. It’s time to elevate your LinkedIn game and start prospecting like a pro.
Thank you to our guest contributor, Five Rings Marketing, for this insightful post on LinkedIn hacks for 2024. Your expertise and innovative strategies provide our readers with valuable tools to enhance their LinkedIn presence and drive business success in the coming year.
About Five Rings Marketing: Five Rings Marketing is a leading sales and marketing agency specializing in innovative strategies to drive growth and engagement. With a proven track record in helping businesses optimize their sales processes and expand their market reach, Five Rings Marketing stands out as a top partner for companies looking to achieve remarkable results.