Content

Building a Lead Pipeline with LinkedIn Sales Navigator

Valeria / Updated 01 may

Hear this out…

Simply using LinkedIn Sales Navigator WON’T BE ENOUGH

To build a strong lead pipeline, you need to know the ins and outs of its features.

Let’s examine the strategies and features within Sales Navigator that can help you effectively identify, engage, and nurture leads.

Key Highlights

  1. Go beyond basic searches with advanced filters and Boolean search.
  2. Use Scrupp to automate data collection and streamline CRM integration.
  3. Keep your lead pipeline full of fresh, high-quality prospects.
  4. Nurture valuable connections and reach decision-makers effectively.
  5. Turn LinkedIn Sales Navigator into a powerful, consistent lead generation tool.

1. Start with a Crystal-Clear Target Audience

Before diving into Sales Navigator, take time to outline who you’re targeting. This step is critical because LinkedIn’s advanced filters work best when you have a specific profile in mind.

Crafting a compelling LinkedIn profile is crucial for attracting the right leads. One of the most important parts of your profile is your summary. An example of a LinkedIn summary that resonates with your target audience should clearly articulate your value proposition and expertise. It should also highlight your achievements and demonstrate how you can solve their problems. Consider including keywords relevant to your industry to improve your profile's visibility in search results. Remember, your LinkedIn summary is often the first impression you make, so make it count. A well-written example of a LinkedIn summary will entice potential leads to learn more about you and your offerings, ultimately contributing to a stronger lead pipeline. Consider it your digital elevator pitch, highlighting your unique selling points and what sets you apart from the competition. You can also use an example of a linkedin summary as inspiration for your own summary.

  • -Define Ideal Client Profiles (ICPs): Create a profile of your ideal lead, detailing factors like industry, role, and company size.
  • -Leverage Buyer Personas: Use personas to align search filters with specific pain points or interests relevant to each type of lead.

2. Use Advanced Filters to Pinpoint High-Value Leads

Sales Navigator offers powerful filters, including industry, location, job title, and company size, that help you zero in on leads.

 Here’s how to make the most of these features:

  • -Combine Filters for Granular Searches: Use multiple filters simultaneously to narrow results, targeting specific industry roles.
  • -Spot Decision-Makers: Filter by job seniority to focus on roles like VP, Director, or CEO.
  • -Exclude Certain Profiles: Use exclusion filters to remove titles or industries that don’t match your criteria.

3. Use Boolean Search to Refine Results

Sales Navigator supports Boolean search, which helps create complex searches by combining keywords. 

This can be a huge time-saver when you’re looking for specific types of professionals.

  • -Craft Custom Searches: Use "AND," "OR," and "NOT" operators to tailor searches.
  • -Segment by Expertise: Boolean search allows you to filter for niche skills, industries, or roles, which improves the relevance of your results.

4. Save Leads and Accounts for Consistent Tracking

Once you find high-potential leads, make sure they’re easy to access later by saving them within Sales Navigator.

Staying informed about key events related to your leads is crucial for timely and relevant outreach. Sales alerts within Sales Navigator provide real-time notifications about job changes, company news, and other significant updates. These sales alerts enable you to personalize your communication and demonstrate genuine interest in your leads' professional journeys. Monitoring sales alerts also helps you identify opportunities to offer timely solutions or support, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion. Leverage these notifications to initiate conversations, congratulate achievements, or address emerging challenges, fostering stronger relationships and driving sales success.

  • -Save Profiles for Regular Updates: Sales Navigator keeps you updated on saved leads. It sends notifications about job changes, company news, or posts.
  • -Organize Leads into Lists: Create lists by segmenting saved leads based on factors like industry or buying stage. This keeps your pipeline organized and ready for targeted outreach.

5. Scrupp: Automate Your Data Collection and Organization

Building a pipeline often requires gathering additional contact information and organizing it efficiently. This is where Scrupp comes in. 

Scrupp integrates seamlessly with Sales Navigator to help you export leads into CRMs and stay updated without manual tracking.

  • - Scrupp collects verified emails and phone numbers, ensuring you have accurate contact details.
  • -Leads go directly to CRMs like Salesforce or HubSpot, saving time and reducing data-entry errors.
  • -With Scrupp, you can easily export lists of saved leads, keeping your pipeline flowing without the manual work.

6. Monitor Lead Activity and Engagement Signals

Sales Navigator provides insight into what your saved leads are posting, engaging with, or celebrating. Tracking these signals can be invaluable for personalized outreach.

  • -Engage with Posts: Comment or react to their posts, showing genuine interest in their work or achievements.
  • -Congratulate Milestones: Acknowledge promotions, anniversaries, or company growth; it opens the door for friendly, non-salesy interactions.
  • -Note Mutual Connections: Mutual contacts provide an easy conversation starter and build trust quickly.

7. Customize InMail Messages to Stand Out

While LinkedIn limits regular messaging, InMail offers a way to reach out without needing a connection request. 

Determining the cost per lead on LinkedIn is essential for assessing the efficiency of your lead generation efforts. This metric helps evaluate whether your investment in Sales Navigator or LinkedIn advertising is yielding a favorable return. To calculate your cost per lead on LinkedIn, divide your total spending on LinkedIn activities (including Sales Navigator subscriptions, ad spend, and tool costs) by the number of qualified leads generated. Continuously monitor and optimize your strategies to lower your cost per lead by refining your targeting, improving your messaging, and leveraging cost-effective tools like Scrupp to enhance your lead generation process.

Here’s how to make each InMail count:

  • -Personalize Based on Insights: Reference the lead’s recent activity or mutual connections.
  • -Use a Compelling Subject Line: Craft a subject that’s relevant to their role or interests.
  • -Focus on Value: Keep your message short, and mention how your solution addresses their specific challenges.

Personalized InMails stand out more and have a higher response rate. This eventually helps you build stronger connections.

8. Use TeamLink to Expand Your Network

If you’re part of a larger team, Sales Navigator’s TeamLink feature lets you see potential connections through colleagues. This can greatly expand your reach and credibility.

LinkedIn is an invaluable platform for sourcing B2B leads, offering unparalleled access to professionals across diverse industries and roles. To effectively generate B2B leads on LinkedIn, focus on defining your ideal customer profile and leveraging Sales Navigator's advanced search filters to identify relevant prospects. Engage with industry-related content, participate in relevant groups, and share valuable insights to establish yourself as a thought leader. Personalize your outreach messages, highlighting the specific benefits your solution offers to address their unique challenges. By consistently nurturing relationships and providing value, you can transform LinkedIn into a powerful engine for B2B lead generation.

  • -Identify Common Connections: TeamLink shows colleagues who can introduce you to mutual contacts.
  • -Expand Outreach Across Departments: Leverage connections from different departments to increase lead opportunities.

*Having an introduction from a trusted contact often increases response rates and builds rapport faster.

9. Leverage Lead Recommendations to Spot New Opportunities

Sales Navigator automatically suggests similar leads. So you can get a steady stream of potential prospects. This feature is especially useful for filling your pipeline without additional searches.

  • -Spot Similar Profiles: LinkedIn’s algorithm recommends leads based on saved profiles. This helps you find similar contacts quickly.
  • -Build Out Account Contacts: If you’re targeting a specific company, recommendations help you find other decision-makers within that organization.

*Note: Lead recommendations keep your pipeline flowing and give you a constant source of fresh prospects.

10. Schedule Reminders for Follow-Ups

Consistent follow-up keeps your lead generation alive. Sales Navigator’s reminders can help you stay on top of follow-up activities.

Beyond Sales Navigator, LinkedIn lead generation ads cost can be another avenue for acquiring leads. The cost depends on factors such as targeting criteria, ad format, and bidding strategy. Sponsored Content, Lead Gen Forms, and Message Ads are common options, each with varying price points. While LinkedIn lead generation ads can offer broad reach, it's essential to carefully monitor campaign performance and optimize targeting to maximize ROI. Consider A/B testing different ad creatives and audience segments to identify the most cost-effective strategies. Remember that organic strategies, like content marketing and engagement, can complement paid advertising, reducing overall lead generation ads cost.

  • -Set Reminders for Each Lead: Schedule follow-ups for specific dates. This ensures no lead is forgotten.
  • -Organize Follow-Ups by Buying Stage: Prioritize follow-ups based on where leads are in the buying process.

11. Use Analytics to Refine Your Pipeline Strategy

Review analytics within Sales Navigator. That way, you can understand what’s working in your outreach strategy.

Understanding LinkedIn lead generation pricing is crucial before investing in Sales Navigator. The cost varies depending on the Sales Navigator plan you choose, with options tailored for individual professionals, sales teams, and enterprises. While the investment can seem significant, consider the potential ROI from targeted lead generation. Evaluate the features offered in each tier, such as advanced search filters, InMail credits, and lead recommendations, to determine which best aligns with your business objectives. Factor in the cost of supplementary tools like Scrupp, which enhances Sales Navigator by providing verified email addresses and streamlined CRM integration, further optimizing your lead generation efforts.

  • -Track Response Rates: See which messages or approaches are getting responses.
  • -Analyze Profile Views and Engagement: Note which leads view your profile or interact with your content.
  •  

Turn LinkedIn Sales Navigator into a Lead-Generating Machine

Building a lead pipeline with LinkedIn Sales Navigator takes more than just running a few searches. 

Thanks to advanced filters, Boolean search, and Scrupp – you can set up an efficient system that keeps fresh leads coming in. 

They help you nurture connections, reach the right decision-makers, and keep your pipeline full of high-quality prospects. Ready to make Sales Navigator your go-to for consistent, powerful lead generation?

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 75

Export Leads from

Sales Navigator, Apollo, Linkedin
Scrape 2,500 Leads in One Go with Scrupp
Create a B2B email list from LinkedIn, Sales Navigator or Apollo.io in just one click with the Scrupp Chrome Extension.

Export Leads Now