Introduction
In today’s digital age, having a prospect’s phone number can be a game-changer for your sales outreach. LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, is a goldmine of information – including those elusive phone numbers. But how can you tap into this resource effectively? In this article, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of finding phone numbers on LinkedIn, from free methods to paid tools, and even introduce you to the concept of waterfall enrichment. Let’s dive in and unlock the power of direct communication!
Why Get Phone Numbers from LinkedIn?
You might be wondering, “Why bother with phone numbers when we have email and LinkedIn messaging?” Well, let me tell you, there are several compelling reasons:
- Cost-effective: Compared to purchasing contact lists, finding numbers on LinkedIn is relatively inexpensive.
- Reliable data: LinkedIn profiles are usually maintained by the users themselves, ensuring up-to-date information.
- Easy to find: With the right tools, retrieving phone numbers can be a breeze.
- Higher conversion potential: A phone call can be more personal and immediate than an email, potentially leading to better results.
As my colleague Sarah from San Francisco once said, “A phone number is like a direct line to your prospect’s ear – use it wisely, and you’ll see your conversion rates soar!”
Free Methods to Retrieve Phone Numbers
Before we dive into paid tools, let’s explore some free methods to get those digits:
Manual Method: Accessing Contact Info of Connected Profiles
This old-school approach can still yield results:
- Connect with your prospect on LinkedIn
- Once connected, visit their profile
- Click on the “Contact info” section
- If they’ve shared it, you’ll see their phone number
Remember, this method only works for your 1st-degree connections and depends on whether they’ve chosen to display their number.
Automated Method: Using Tools Like La Growth Machine
Some LinkedIn automation tools can help streamline this process. For instance, La Growth Machine can automatically retrieve contact information when you connect with someone. While it’s not entirely free, it’s included in your subscription if you’re already using the tool for outreach.
Paid Tools for Finding Phone Numbers
When free methods fall short, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Here are some popular paid tools for finding phone numbers on LinkedIn:
Kaspr
Kaspr is a Chrome extension that enriches contact information directly from LinkedIn profiles. It’s user-friendly and provides comprehensive data, but be aware that it also collects data from your profile visits.
Datagma
Similar to Kaspr, Datagma is another Chrome extension for data enrichment. It’s one of the more affordable options but may have a smaller database compared to some competitors.
Lusha
Lusha is known for its extensive database that goes beyond LinkedIn. While it’s on the pricier side, it often provides phone numbers when other tools come up short.
ContactOut
ContactOut offers a balance of affordability and functionality. It works similarly to the other tools mentioned, with a Chrome extension that pops up on LinkedIn profiles.
As my colleague John in New York always says, “These tools are like fishing nets – the wider you cast, the more likely you are to catch what you’re after.”
Waterfall Enrichment: The Ultimate Solution
If you’re serious about finding phone numbers at scale, waterfall enrichment is the way to go. But what exactly is it?
Waterfall enrichment is a process that searches multiple databases sequentially until it finds the information you need. Tools like FullEnrich use this method to provide the most comprehensive data possible.
The benefits of waterfall enrichment include:
- Higher success rates in finding phone numbers
- Access to multiple data sources through a single tool
- Time-saving automation
- Improved data accuracy
By leveraging waterfall enrichment, you’re essentially combining the power of multiple tools into one streamlined process. It’s like having a team of researchers working for you around the clock!
FAQs
Can you export phone numbers from LinkedIn?
LinkedIn doesn’t provide a direct export feature for phone numbers. However, you can use third-party tools to extract this information from profiles you have access to.
Who can see contact info on LinkedIn?
By default, your 1st-degree connections can see the contact info you’ve chosen to share. You can adjust your privacy settings to control who sees what information.
Does LinkedIn show phone numbers?
LinkedIn will display phone numbers if the user has chosen to share this information on their profile. However, many users opt not to include their phone numbers.
Can you search LinkedIn by phone number?
LinkedIn doesn’t offer a feature to search profiles by phone number. This type of reverse lookup isn’t supported on the platform.
Is it legal to collect phone numbers from LinkedIn?
While it’s legal to collect publicly available information, it’s important to comply with data protection regulations like GDPR and respect users’ privacy preferences.
How accurate are the phone numbers found through these methods?
The accuracy varies depending on the method and tool used. Waterfall enrichment typically provides the most up-to-date and accurate information.
What should I do if I can’t find a prospect’s phone number on LinkedIn?
If you can’t find a phone number, consider alternative contact methods like InMail, email, or reaching out to mutual connections for an introduction.