The figures prove it: prospecting on LinkedIn works! But if you're struggling to get positive responses from your prospects, you're probably making one of these mistakes.  

The good news is that with the right methods, you can become a LinkedIn prospecting guru in no time.

Some beginner mistakes can literally destroy your entire marketing efforts. Here's how to fix them to guarantee results.  

If reading isn't your thing, don't forget to listen to our podcast where we share all our tips and tricks for cold prospecting. 

Mistake 1: You use sales messages or you are not transparent about your intentions

You certainly know that you should not start your LinkedIn message with a sales pitch. This is probably one of the quickest ways to scare away a prospect.  

Sales pitches in a cold prospecting message simply don't work!

However, some sellers have tried the opposite approach, but still have not achieved satisfactory results. This one sounds like a networking tactic, where the salesperson may have done a good job with the prospect. The problem is he hasn't been transparent about why he's contacting him.  

He didn't tell him about his product or how his company can solve his problems. If this information is not communicated, the transition to the sales pitch may be very difficult.

This will only annoy the prospect when you're on the phone with them. And you're going to waste your time because those sales calls won't go anywhere.

Finding this balance for you to get results from LinkedIn lead generation.

The solution is to use personalization. Also, be transparent about your intentions.

What you want to do is make the cold LinkedIn message primarily focused on the prospect .

Also, for the sake of transparency and to respect your time and that of your prospects, you must indicate very clearly what you are working on. Mention what you do and why, just for perspective.  

Simply put, you need to be clear about your intentions to succeed on LinkedIn. 

Mistake 2: Your target audience list is broad

When it comes to getting results on LinkedIn, segmenting by “industry” doesn’t work. The fact is that Sales Navigator data can be inaccurate if you use the tool the wrong way.

The solution is to use an ultra-refined prospect list. If your prospecting list is too large, you risk sending a lot of cold messages to people who aren't interested in what you're selling.

On the other hand, if you have an ultra-refined prospect list, you are much more likely to succeed with your prospecting strategy.

>> Here's how to create an ultra-refined prospecting list tailored to your industry.

Mistake 3: Your follow-up message may be causing the problem

Receiving a follow-up message every day from a seller can be annoying, right?

Also, never following up (or following up months later) can also be a problem. 

Instead, wait 72 hours before sending tracking and add more personalization. The perfect cadence for LinkedIn is about 3-5 total follows ... And the ideal cadence is one follow-up message every 3 days.

If you still don't hear from the prospect, they may not have seen your message. If so, you can try another channel, like email or SMS .

With each follow-up message, add more personalization. You can mention a commonality, a mutual connection, a compliment or even a question in your messages.  

READ ALSO: 6 cold prospecting rules that will double your positive responses on LinkedIn

Mistake 4: Your CTA is unclear or requires too much commitment

If your prospecting message does not include a call to action, you will confuse the LinkedIn user. He won't know what you expect from him. They may therefore ignore your message.

For example, if you're hoping to get a sales call, mention that in your message. Or if you want to direct the reader to your website, add a link.  

Be clear and don't ask too much. The easier you prospect to respond , the better.

Keep it simple, like: “You can even say “yes” if you want to schedule a quick call.”

Here are some examples of low engagement CTAs: 

• “Yes, I want to try it!” »
• “Get more customers now!” »
• “Grow your business quickly!” »
• “Start your free trial today!” »
• “Use your discount before it’s gone.”
• “Add to cart or wish list”.
• “Join our exclusive newsletter”.
• “Grab your free sample – Limited quantities”.
• “Reserve your place at our webinar! »
• “Start the quiz and find out more.”

Mistake 5: You use LinkedIn automation tools for everything and anything

Keep in mind that LinkedIn algorithms don't like automation. If you automate everything you do, you risk having your account blocked. Or, prospects will know that you are a spambot and will not respond to your messages.  

The solution is not to automate everything. However, some automation is acceptable.  

Always be sure to write personalized messages specifically for the prospect. Also, always respond in real time as a human.  

You can manage all of this easily on an automation tool like Magileads .

By doing this, LinkedIn will not report your account. Plus, prospects will be more likely to engage with you because they know they're talking to a real person.  

Every Thursday at 6 p.m., we offer to answer all your questions about modern prospecting and show you how Magileads can radically transform your Marketing and Sales results.

You want to know more, contact us >>