How to Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator to Generate Leads (test)

Understanding how to use LinkedIn Sales Navigator is a must if you want to tap into a vast network of more than 1 billion professionals and secure a steady stream of leads flowing into your pipeline.

This powerful tool will make it easier for you to identify, target, and engage the right prospects and supercharge your lead-generation efforts.

Our guide will go beyond the pedestrian tactics and show you how to use LinkedIn Sales Navigator effectively and get more bang for your prospecting buck.

Read on to learn:

  • How to make the most of different LinkedIn Sales Navigator features
  • How to export the leads you generate to a campaign
  • If it’s worth investing in this premium product.

How to Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator

The following tried-and-true 7 tactics work like a charm. Both we at HeyReach and our users have tested them out and got some amazing results. Here are some numbers to prove this:

To make sure you can replicate this success, we’ll break down each tactic into actionable steps.

1. Target only the most active LinkedIn members

Targeting people who regularly share content, engage in conversations with other members, and contribute to discussions on the platform is an excellent tactic for generating leads.

You can expect higher response rates and more meaningful interactions since active users already value LinkedIn as a networking tool and are making the most of it.

When trying to attract the attention of LinkedIn’s most active members, the “Posted on LinkedIn” filter becomes your best friend.

Here’s how to leverage it like a pro:

  • Apply the “Posted on LinkedIn” filter. This will narrow down your results to members who have posted on LinkedIn in the last 30 days. If you’ve already been using LinkedIn Sales Navigator, you’ll notice that the platform dropped the “Posted Content” filter in favor of this updated version.
how to use linkedin sales navigator
  • Reach out to people who posted something recently. Once you have a list of active users, you can begin your outreach. To break the ice, click on the post you find interesting, hit the like button, and share your two cents about it in the comments section. Then you can strike up a conversation with the potential lead by sending a personalized message and using their recent post as a talking point.

Bonus tips

  • Offer value

Don’t just say, “Your recent post about your recent project was interesting. I’d like to have a chat about it.”

This is too generic and shows a lack of genuine engagement.

A better approach would be, “Your post about your recent project on renewable energy solutions caught my eye. I was particularly impressed by the innovative approach you took to solve the grid stability issue. In my own work, I’ve explored similar challenges and found some strategies that might complement your findings. Would you be open to a conversation about this?”

This specific and thoughtful message not only shows that you have actually read and understood their post but also positions you as an expert and someone who can add value to the conversation.

You can also share an insightful article related to their post, offer solutions to a problem they mentioned, or provide your unique take on things.

  • Follow up

Sometimes you’ll get crickets, but don’t give up just yet. If you don't receive a response right away, come up with a follow-up that offers some additional insights. Be persistent, but know when to call it quits.

Why this strategy works:

Instead of sending canned, generic messages to a bunch of potential leads and casting a wide net, prioritize quality over quantity.

It’s only logical that you’ll have more chances of getting a response and possibly building rapport with your prospects when they see that you’ve taken the time to understand what matters to them.  

2. Use the “Connections of” Filter for Strategic Networking

LinkedIn Sales Navigator’s “Connections of” filter is a game-changer in your quest for targeted leads. It works best for exploring the networks of your current clients or competitors' connections.

Result? A surefire way to boost your chances of finding potential customers who are already interested in your products or services.

Here's how to use Sales Navigator’s “Connections of” filter for LinkedIn prospecting.

Step #1: Identify your clients or competitors

Begin by running a search for your existing clients or competitors. Use filters like company name, industry, or specific job titles to narrow your search results accurately. This step lays the foundation for identifying valuable networks you can tap into.

Step #2: Unearth their connections

Once you generate a list of desired contacts, access the “Best path in” search and scroll to the “Connections of” section. Here, select the 1st connection whose connections you would like to view. This simple action will reveal profiles of people from your clients’ networks, opening up new avenues for potential business opportunities.

Step #3: Segment by job titles

To further refine your search, use the “Job Title” filter. Input job titles that align with your target audience, such as “Marketing Manager,” “Sales Director,” or “CEO.” This segmentation will allow you to focus your efforts on decision-makers and key stakeholders who have the authority to greenlight deals.

how to use linkedin sales navigator

Why this strategy works:

Using the “Connections of” filter piggybacks on existing networks of clients and competitors who are already within your industry’s ecosystem.

You practically leverage established relationships, creating a sense of trust and familiarity that cold outreach lacks. When you connect through a mutual contact, prospects are more likely to view your interaction positively, considering it as a vetted introduction rather than an unsolicited approach.

3. Target Prospects Who Recently Changed Jobs

Starting a new job is both exciting and stressful.

Professionals recently transitioning to new roles are more open to new opportunities, tools, or services to help them navigate their new positions. So, identifying and targeting them is a super smart move.

That’s where the “Changed Jobs” filter within LinkedIn Sales Navigator comes into play.

Here’s how you can make the most out of this approach:

  • Apply the “Changed Jobs” filter. This filter helps you find people who have updated their profiles with new job positions within the last 90 days. This transition period is often when new needs and opportunities arise, making it an ideal moment to reach out with empathy and present yourself as a valuable resource.
  • Refine your search. Use the Job title or Location filters to make sure your outreach is as relevant and targeted as possible. Segmenting the results by specific job titles relevant to your product or service will allow you to get in touch with decision-makers since they are most likely to be in the market for new solutions as they start their tenure. Adding the Location filter is particularly useful if your product or service is region-specific or you want to build a network in a particular area.
  • Craft a personalized message acknowledging their recent job change. Put the data you collected to good use and create a tailored message that will serve as a natural and engaging conversation starter.

Check out our cold message templates, or customize the one below::

“Congratulations on your new role as [Job Title] at [Company]! Transitioning to a new position brings exciting challenges and opportunities. I’ve been following [Prospect’s New Company] for a while and noticed you might benefit from [Your Product/Service]. It’s designed to help with [Specific Challenge]. I’d love to discuss how it could support your goals in your new role if you're open to it. Best wishes in your new venture!”

Why this strategy works:

By reaching out with a personalized, supportive message, you’re not only offering value but also establishing a connection at a potentially pivotal moment in their career. This method helps you build genuine connections, setting the stage for meaningful professional relationships.

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You can do many things with WaLead, but you don't have to know everything to start.

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