LinkedIn has evolved into a dynamic arena for lead generation and business growth today. It is not just about who you know but how effectively you can reach and engage with potential clients, partners, or customers. And in a world dominated by data, the real magic lies not just in reaching out but in the data it generates. The ability to harness this data and integrate it seamlessly into your operations can make all the difference. One of the most commonly employed formats for this data is in the shape of a spreadsheet or a csv file. But how do you import and export these lists?

Let’s understand more about migrating data, importing and exporting CSV files, and how automation tools such as Salesflow help your lead-generation efforts.

What is a CSV File?

A CSV file, or “Comma-Separated Values” file, is a basic format for storing data like names, emails, and phone numbers. They are easy to work with as they can be opened and edited with a wide range of software and applications.

This simplifies the process of reaching out to your leads, keeping track of your interactions, and ultimately converting these leads into valuable business opportunities. 

Use Salesflow-Sales Navigator for Efficiency

Integrating your LinkedIn account with Salesflow grants you direct access to your Sales Navigator filters right from your dashboard(this feature is extended to premium LinkedIn Sales Navigator account holders only).

Click here to learn more about LinkedIn Sales Navigator!

What’s more, Salesflow’s LinkedIn automation tool seamlessly syncs with prominent business applications, including HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zapier, and Salesforce, ensuring a smooth process for exporting LinkedIn contacts to your CRM and creating lead lists tailored for you. 

First, let’s understand the requirements and common errors:

  1. User must have access to LinkedIn Sales Navigator.
  2. The .csv files must contain a profile link.
  3. The maximum number of contacts in a single .csv file allowed is 5000.
  4. Try to avoid duplicating the same information. In case of this error, Salesflow will identify and not convert that contact.
  5. The URLs must start with HTTPS.

Import Data from Sales Navigator Using Salesflow

  1. Firstly, setup your profile with Salesflow. Then, create a new campaign
how to import data from sales navigator

2. The next step is to choose campaign type, and proceed to set the connection messages and limits.

create a campaign for lead generation

(Please note that you can send a connection request without a message too, but we recommend using this feature. You can also use our AI generator for templates).

Get our guide on 100+ LinkedIn message templates that convert here!

3. Once you have set the campaign details, Click “Add contacts”. If you have a Sales Navigator account, our platform will automatically enable you to use the features. Please refresh the account in case of an error.

basic and sales navigator search

Basic Options:

With the Help of Scrapers

Data/Web scraping refers to the automated extraction of website information to an external repository, typically in a spreadsheet or CSV format. So, instead of laboriously sifting through web pages and manually transcribing data, users can delegate this task to third-party tools. However, these interfaces can be complex for non-developers to navigate.

In contrast, user-friendly tools like Apify, Mozenda, and Diffbot make data extraction accessible to everyone. As part of the broader strategy of lead generation, which entails identifying and targeting potential business clients, they become an asset. 

When your business is dependent on B2B prospecting, it becomes a no-brainer that you do not want to limit your lead generation efforts till the Sales Navigator search bar. Sure, it stands out as a potent tool but third-party platforms such as Crunchbase, Glassdoor, and Yelp showcase a distinct array of companies, broadening the scope of prospective leads. Moreover, they provide valuable insights into pain points that the Sales Navigator alone may not accurately identify. Let’s understand this process with an example:

Glassdoor- Apify

Glassdoor proves to be a valuable avenue for lead generation, particularly when your target market consists of businesses seeking outsourced capacity or service-based offerings. In such a scenario, you can seamlessly address these staffing needs, effectively acting as a solution to bridge the urgent gap.

1. Go to Glassdoor.

2. Search for companies hiring for the skillset you offer.

Glassdoor search bar

3. Click ‘more’ to add filters and get more specific on your ICP or buyer persona. Choose company size, location, the job function being hired for, and the seniority level. 

How to export these companies 

To extract your Glassdoor information, you’ll have to utilize one of the data scraping tools listed earlier. In this article we will demonstrate the process using Apify’s Glassdoor scraper to retrieve a roster of companies that are hiring.

  1. Copy the URL to your filtered list.
  2. Open Apify and paste the Glassdoor URL into the Apify Glassdoor script. Then, press start.
  3. After the script completes, export the results in CSV format, and you can use the list of hiring companies as your target list.

(Learn how to create powerful prospecting lists from Crunchbase, Google Maps, and Social Media.)

Finding your LinkedIn prospects 

Once you have your list of companies, you have two options. You can use a tool like Google Apps Script to populate your list with prospects. Or, you can upload your CSV to LinkedIn to save these companies as a target account list. Once saved, you can use Sales Nav search to find users with relevant job titles at these companies.

Use Salesflow to create a campaign

import from csv

In case, you are using a data scraper tool or extension, this is the option suited for you. It allows you to import a pre-saved lead list from the basic options. However, data scraping tools have their own limitations. Salesflow allows you to use Sales Navigator directly, saving time and effort.

(Can’t decide between data scraper or Salesflow? Click here to get more insights!)

Using imported searches proves to be a highly efficient method for simplifying the prospecting process, ultimately saving valuable time for your sales team and granting access to advanced filters and Boolean search capabilities. 

You can use this option just like you conduct a search on Sales Navigator and save the search criteria. You can create multiple lists for multiple campaigns mitigating the manual effort or a third-party scraper.

Export Data from Salesflow to a CSV

Suppose you create a campaign successfully and have connected with X people. How can you save and share this data with your team members? How can you use this data to further scale your campaign with e-mails, or integrate it with other CRMs? Let’s take a look:

  1. Navigate to the ‘Campaigns’ section and choose the specific campaign for which you intend to generate a lead list. Click on Export.
export lead list for lead generation

2. Choose the extension CSV. You can also choose to export lists to Excel.

choose the csv extension

Seamless data migration using CSV files is a catalyst for exceptional lead generation. With the power of data at your disposal, your campaigns become more targeted, more effective, and more efficient. 

Platforms such as Salesflow even take care of the additional steps by allowing you to use the sales navigator directly from the dashboard. There’s no need to buy a data-scraping tool or hire a professional. The steps are simple, easy to follow, and effective.

Data Security and Compliance

In the realm of lead generation, safeguarding sensitive client information is of paramount importance. As businesses and professionals engage in outreach campaigns, they often handle a trove of data that includes personal and confidential details of potential clients or customers. 

Ensuring the security and compliance of this data is not merely a best practice; it’s an ethical and legal obligation, especially in lead generation where sensitive client information is involved. Salesflow takes the lead in this aspect, maintaining stringent security measures and adhering to legal standards, guaranteeing the protection of your valuable data.

Find out more about LinkedIn Automation safety by clicking through.

Native Integrations with Salesflow 

If you are scaling your outreach efforts, chances are that you are using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. In this case, seamless integration between your CRM and LinkedIn Sales Navigator for real-time activity updates is imperative.

These platforms are usually robust, if integrated with Sales Navigator. Salesflow allows native integrations for CRMs such as Salesforce, Pipedrive, and Hubspot. Zapier can also be used in conjunction with these integrations to automate the workflows further. 

integration with CRM

Click here to know how to integrate LinkedIn with CRMs using Salesflow.

Leveraging CSV Lead Lists: Beyond Lead Generation for Marketing and More

Your meticulously curated lead lists are versatile assets with a number of applications beyond lead generation. As an expert, it’s crucial to understand how to maximize the potential of these lists:

  • Precision Marketing: Harness the data within your lead lists for highly targeted marketing campaigns. Utilize demographics, job titles, and behavioural insights to boost conversion rates.
  • Nurturing Client Relationships: Track lead interactions to tailor communications. This builds trust and lays the groundwork for lasting relationships.
  • Sales Funnel Advancement: Guide leads through your sales funnel seamlessly, from initial contact to deal closure, enhancing the efficiency of your sales process.
  • Market Research: Extract insights and perform market analysis by studying lead behavior and trends. This informs your strategic decisions and keeps you ahead in your industry.
  • Partnerships and Collaborations: Identify potential partners or collaborators within your lead lists for joint ventures and strategic alliances that expand your horizons.
  • Recruitment and Talent Acquisition: Extend the use of your lead lists for talent acquisition by identifying potential employees, streamlining the hiring process.

In closing, the ability to smoothly import and export CSV contacts from LinkedIn represents a pivotal aspect of data management. It’s a skill that can save you time, reduce errors, and empower you to leverage your professional network more effectively. Furthermore, through the seamless integration capabilities and advanced data analytics offered by Salesflow, automation can be an indispensable ally for your business.

Take action today

Unlock the potential of seamless data migration with Salesflow. Log in to your Salesflow account or start your trial now to experience the future of efficient and effective professional networking!