If you want success with LinkedIn, getting your connection strategy right will give you a massive kick-start! In this blog we’re going to share the fundamental steps for growing your LinkedIn network and how to automate this process with Dux-Soup.
We’ll share:
If you’d like to watch the recent webinar on this topic, head on over to the Dux-Soup YouTube channel where we walk you through our tips for growing your brand awareness. The recording includes lots of demos using the tool, so you get a really clear picture of how to replicate the actions.
It’s a LinkedIn automation tool that can reduce the time you spend on manual LinkedIn activities. From simple actions such as sending connection requests and messages, to more advanced drip campaigns. Dux-Soup can automate all of this for you!
Using an automation tool to get your lead generation activities up and running on LinkedIn requires more than a few clicks of the mouse. There are a some things to consider before the magic can happen:
A connection strategy is a combination of all these things, there isn’t one size that fits all.
Take your time, do your research and make it work for you.
To get started, log in to your Google account and your LinkedIn account. Go to the Chrome Web Store install Chrome and make sure you accept the permissions.
If you’re a new user you can register for a free 2-week trial. With guides to help you through the installation process, the trial gives you access to all the Turbo features, so you can really get your LinkedIn automation journey off to a flying start.
Whether you're starting out or looking for ways to turn your business around, a great profile has the power to transform your business. Before you get going on anything else, make sure your LinkedIn profile is both up to date and relevant to your target audience. Your photo and headline are the first things people will see. If they don’t work no one’s going to spend time looking at the rest of your profile.
Earlier this year LinkedIn Marketing expert Tracy Enos held a fascinating webinar about how to create the perfect profile so your prospects can find you. Watch the video or read the blog to find out about her profile tips.
To build a strategy, you must also have a goal or objective. This could be to achieve…
Note: LinkedIn does have limits on activities so it’s important to be aware of what they will allow you to do on their platform. To find out more read our blog Using LinkedIn automation safely.
Once you have your goal, you can start to think about which steps to automate through Dux-Soup. Knowing what the Pro and Turbo editions have to offer will help to inform your strategy.
Here are the highlights:
Dedicate time to defining the persona’s of the people you want to target, and use it to find your audience.
The LinkedIn platform search capability is formidable! Once you’ve mastered it you can create the profile lists of your potential clients and customers. You can do this in various ways:
If your searches are effective, you’ll have a targeted and accurate list of prospects for your LinkedIn lead generation.
Now you have your list of targets, it’s time to think about your messaging strategy.
Just as most of us don’t like cold calls, most people don’t like getting “cold messages” on LinkedIn either. Whether you’re sending connection requests, 1st degree messages or InMails, the best way to capture the attention of a potential client is to personalize them. Flatter your targets; have them believe you found their profile while browsing LinkedIn and that you were motivated to reach out to them.
Do this by using markers in your connection requests to personalize your texts. Use _FN_/_LN_ (where appropriate).
When you compose a message, link it to the search criteria you used to find them. For example:
Hi _FN_,
Hope you are well. I am looking to connect with people in the _IN_ industry to swap ideas and came across your profile. I’m a big fan of _CN_ and would love to connect!
Best regards,
(Your name)
When you send your first message to a new prospect, they’ll probably visit your profile page to find out more about you. That’s a great start but if you’re looking to convert the prospect into a lead, getting them engaged in a conversation will get you closer to your goal.
Here are a few tips for crafting your campaign:
Here’s a sample campaign showing the actions and cadence of 12 activities:
If you’re just starting out with Dux-Soup there’s a demonstration of how to set up a Campaign using Dux-Soup on the webinar recording at 22:47min.
InMails are messages sent directly to a LinkedIn person you are not connected to. You can send InMails if you have a premium Sales Navigator or Recruiter account. The InMails are over and above the regular credits of your paid LinkedIn account.
By using the Dux-Soup InMail option with the correct skipping rules you can target those profiles that you can InMail for free.
Our top InMail hacks for getting more out of InMail and connecting with potential customers can be found in this arcticle - 5 InMail Tricks that are getting HUGE results.
Out of invites or InMails? Looking for a way to vary your strategy? Then visit profiles!
Make sure your privacy settings are correct and your visit is visible to prospects. Create your list using your searches, turn all your other Dux-Soup options off, and get Dux-Soup to visit hundreds of profiles per day.
Dux-Soup will gather their data which you can download at a later date. The prospect will be notified of your visit, and they may even choose to visit you back and engage with you directly.
A good connection strategy takes time and thought to set up. If you put the effort in and make it specific to your business you’ll improve the chances of turning your connections into paying customers.
The second half of this webinar was dedicated to questions the audience wanted to ask. There were plenty and many were answered with demonstrations of the tool. If you’d like to take a listen go to 29:19mins of the webinar.
Here’s a taste of some of the questions:
Handle your entire sales pipeline, track your performances, and in the end, close more deals.