When it comes to LinkedIn prospecting, many professionals stick to basic search functions and connection requests. But to truly maximize the platform’s potential, you need to dig deeper. By leveraging lesser-known features and strategic techniques, you can uncover valuable prospects who may otherwise go unnoticed.
In this blog, we’ll explore nine creative ways to find new leads on LinkedIn and refine your outreach strategy for better results.
1. Utilize the “More Profiles to Browse” Sidebar
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to discover new prospects is through LinkedIn’s “More Profiles to Browse” feature. When you visit a client or ideal prospect’s profile, LinkedIn suggests similar professionals in the right-hand sidebar.
Pro Tip: Identify patterns in the suggested profiles, such as industry or location, to tailor your outreach messages accordingly.
2. Connect with Prospects in New Roles
A job change is a powerful trigger event that makes prospects more open to new business relationships.
How to Find Them:
- Click the “My Network” tab and go to the “Catch up” section.
- Select “Job changes” to see recent role transitions within your network.
Pro Tip: Set a weekly reminder to check for job changes and engage with prospects early in their new roles.
3. Leverage Shared Connections
Mutual connections build instant trust. If you have a 1st-degree connection at a target company, explore their network for potential leads.
How to Do It:
- Visit the profile of your mutual connection.
- Scroll to the “Connections” section and identify prospects in your target industry.
Pro Tip: Avoid reaching out through direct competitors. Instead, gather information to personalize your approach before making a connection.
4. Explore Skill Endorsements
The “Skills & Endorsements” section on LinkedIn is often overlooked but can be a goldmine for finding professionals in relevant fields.
How to Do It:
- Check your target prospect’s profile and scroll down to their endorsed skills.
- Take note of individuals who have endorsed them—they may have similar roles and needs.
Pro Tip: Target professionals with niche skills that align with your offerings for more effective outreach.
5. Use LinkedIn’s School Pages to Find Alumni
Shared educational experiences create a natural bond and can make outreach feel more personal.
How to Do It:
- Go to your alma mater’s LinkedIn page.
- Click on the “Alumni” tab and filter by industry, location, or company.
Pro Tip: Reference a common professor, course, or school event to build rapport.
6. Monitor Comments on Prospect’s Posts
People who engage with your prospects’ content are already interested in similar topics. Engage with them to build connections organically.
How to Do It:
- Visit a prospect’s recent post and review the comments.
- Identify individuals contributing to the conversation and check their profiles.
Pro Tip: Mention their comments in your outreach to make the message feel more personal.
7. Engage with Users Who Interact with Your Posts
Your own content engagement is a strong indicator of interest. Prospects who like or comment on your posts may be prime candidates for outreach.
How to Do It:
- Navigate to your profile and click on “Posts & Activity.”
- Review who has engaged with your posts and check their profiles.
Pro Tip: Start conversations with a light approach, such as, “I noticed you liked my post on [topic], and I’d love to hear your thoughts!”
8. Set Up Job Search Alerts for Ideal Prospects
If a company is hiring for a role related to your industry, it could be the perfect time to connect with decision-makers.
How to Do It:
- Go to the LinkedIn Jobs page and enter your target company.
- Use filters to refine the search and set job alerts.
Pro Tip: Once a job posting closes, search the company page for new hires and engage with them before pitching.
9. Use Google Boolean Search for Hidden LinkedIn Profiles
LinkedIn’s search has limitations, but Google’s Boolean operators can help uncover more prospects.
How to Do It:
- In Google, type: site:linkedin.com/in “Marketing Manager” AND “San Francisco”
- Use quotation marks for exact phrases and Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine results.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different job titles and industry keywords to expand your search results.
Final Thoughts
LinkedIn prospecting is much more than sending connection requests. By exploring hidden features, leveraging personal connections, and engaging strategically, you can build a more effective outreach strategy.
At Market Quotient, we specialize in helping businesses optimize their LinkedIn lead generation with expert remote talent solutions. Looking to scale your LinkedIn prospecting efforts? Contact us today to learn how we can help you generate high-quality leads consistently.
