Success on LinkedIn doesn’t come from simply posting updates or running ads. It hinges on precision: reaching the right people with the right message at the right time. This is where verified contacts come into play.
Verified contacts allow marketers to focus their efforts on prospects who are not just relevant but reachable. When paired with LinkedIn’s unique targeting capabilities, verified contact data becomes a powerful tool for amplifying the success of your campaigns. This article dives deep into how verified contacts elevate LinkedIn marketing campaigns, tackles common challenges, and offers expert-backed strategies to make the most of your outreach efforts.
Why verified contacts are vital for LinkedIn marketing campaigns
For marketers, verified contact data isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s vital ‘bread and butter.’ Here’s why it matters:
- Eliminate wasted effort: Verified contacts ensure you’re engaging with people who are reachable, saving time otherwise spent on chasing invalid or outdated leads.
- Boost credibility: High-quality, verified data allows you to craft personalized outreach messages, creating a professional and trustworthy impression.
- Higher conversion rates: Targeting the right audience with verified information increases the chances of turning leads into clients.
In an ecosystem where 59% of marketers rank lead quality as more important than lead quantity, verified contacts provide a clear competitive edge.
How to build a verified LinkedIn contact list
Step 1: Define your target audience
Before diving into LinkedIn’s vast pool of professionals, clarify who you’re trying to reach. Use criteria like:
- Job titles (e.g., CEO, Marketing Director, etc.)
- Industries and niches (e.g., SaaS, healthcare, etc.)
- Company size and growth stage.
Pro tip: Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator to refine your searches with advanced filters, such as years of experience or company revenue.
Step 2: Leverage tools to verify contact data
Exporting LinkedIn contact data is a good start, but it’s not enough. Tools like Wiza ensure the data you gather is accurate and actionable.
- Wiza integrates seamlessly with LinkedIn to extract email addresses from profiles.
- It validates email data, removing invalid or outdated addresses.
Step 3: Keep your list updated
Contacts change jobs frequently, making regular updates essential. Use tools like Hunter.io or Lusha to refresh your contact data and maintain accuracy.
Crafting outreach strategies for verified contacts
Personalize your messages
Generic outreach is a surefire way to lose attention. Verified contacts give you the confidence to personalize your approach with relevant insights about each recipient.
Why it works: Personalization shows effort and relevance, increasing the likelihood of a response.
Use multi-touch campaigns
A single message often isn’t enough. Create a sequence of touchpoints, such as:
- Initial connection request with a personalized note. Example: “I recently came across your [post/article/project] on [topic] and found it insightful. I’d love to connect and learn more about your work at [Company].”
- Follow-up message offering valuable content (e.g., whitepapers, case studies, etc.). Example: “Thanks for connecting! I noticed your team is working on [specific challenge or goal]. We recently published a [whitepaper/case study] on [topic] that might be useful for you. Let me know if you’d like me to share it!”
- Direct outreach via email after establishing a connection. Example: “I wanted to follow up with a quick note about [specific solution or offering]. At [Your Company], we’ve helped [similar company/industry] achieve [specific result]. I’d love to explore how we might support your goals.”
Common challenges in LinkedIn campaigns and how verified contacts help
Challenge 1: Low engagement rates
- Even with great content, many campaigns fail because they don’t reach the right audience.
- Solution: Verified contacts ensure that your messages land in the right inbox, improving engagement rates.
Challenge 2: Lack of personalization
- Sending mass messages often results in low response rates.
- Solution: Use verified data to tailor messages based on recipients’ job roles, company pain points, and recent activities.
Challenge 3: Inefficient targeting
- Broad targeting wastes resources on unqualified leads.
- Solution: Pair verified contacts with LinkedIn’s audience filters to create hyper-targeted campaigns.
Pro tip: For best results, segment your verified contact list into categories like industry, seniority, and specific challenges.
Tools to enhance LinkedIn marketing campaigns
1. Wiza
- What it does: As mentioned earlier, its standout feature is extracting and verifying email addresses from LinkedIn profiles.
- Why it’s valuable: Ensures your outreach efforts are focused on accurate and high-quality data.
2. Shield Analytics
- What it does: Tracks performance metrics like engagement, reach, and audience demographics.
- Why it’s valuable: Helps refine your LinkedIn content strategy based on what works.
3. Canva
- What it does: Assists in creating visually appealing LinkedIn posts, ads, and infographics.
- Why it’s valuable: Eye-catching visuals drive higher engagement on LinkedIn.
Engage beyond the feed
While posting content regularly is essential, true LinkedIn success often happens outside the feed. Engagement occurs through personal interactions that build trust and strengthen professional relationships.
Actionable strategies include:
- Direct outreach messages: Instead of relying solely on public posts, send thoughtful messages that connect with your network’s needs. Avoid generic pitches and focus on delivering value. Example: “I admire the work you’re doing at [Company]. I’d love to connect and discuss [specific topic or shared interest].”
- Commenting with substance: Skip the “Great post!” comments. Share detailed insights or ask follow-up questions to demonstrate your expertise.
Example to copy and paste:
Hi [Author’s Name], this is a fantastic post on [topic]! I especially liked your point about [specific aspect]. From my experience working with [related industry/client], I’ve found that [share personal insight, data, or case study] really aligns with what you’re saying.
Have you also considered [follow-up question] as a potential solution to [related challenge]?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!
- Celebrating milestones: Congratulate connections on new roles, promotions, or business achievements. These small acts keep your relationships warm and authentic.
Example to copy and paste:
Hi [Recipient’s Name],
Congratulations on your recent promotion to [New Role]! I saw your announcement and just wanted to say how excited I am for you. It’s clear that your hard work and dedication are paying off, and I’m sure you’re going to accomplish even greater things in this new position.
Wishing you all the best as you continue to achieve new milestones! Let me know if you ever want to catch up.
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Engage meaningfully on LinkedIn
Engaging purposefully creates top-of-mind awareness, turning casual connections into business opportunities. LinkedIn offers unparalleled opportunities for marketers, but it requires expertise, strategy, and a personalized approach. From engaging directly with decision-makers to navigating challenges with verified contacts, LinkedIn provides the tools to elevate your campaigns.
Whether through tailored connection requests, thoughtful engagement, or leveraging tools like Wiza for verified data, LinkedIn can become a pivotal part of your B2B marketing strategy. Focus on authentic interactions, value-driven outreach, and strategic use of tools to unlock LinkedIn’s full potential.
Commonly asked questions and answers
- How do I personalize connection requests effectively?
Start with a specific reference to their work or shared interest, explain why you want to connect, and end with an open-ended invitation to chat. - What’s the advantage of using verified contact tools like Wiza?
Wiza eliminates guesswork by extracting accurate email addresses from LinkedIn profiles, enabling precise outreach and reducing time wasted on bad leads. - How can I stand out in LinkedIn messages?
Be concise, address their pain points, and offer a clear value proposition. Avoid generic templates and prioritize personalization. - What are the key metrics to track LinkedIn success?
Monitor profile views, connection acceptance rates, post engagement (likes, comments, shares), and direct responses to messages to assess your effectiveness.
