Why Export LinkedIn Contacts?
As a LinkedIn marketing strategist, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable your network can be. But here’s the thing – keeping all those connections locked up in LinkedIn isn’t doing you any favors. That’s where exporting your LinkedIn contacts comes in handy.
Think about it – you’ve spent countless hours building up your professional network. Why limit yourself to only interacting with them on LinkedIn? By exporting your connections, you’re opening up a world of possibilities.
First off, it’s a great safeguard against losing touch. We’ve all had that moment of panic when we can’t remember the name of that key contact we met at a conference last year. With an exported list, you’ll always have that information at your fingertips.
But it’s not just about keeping track of names. Exporting your LinkedIn contacts allows you to integrate them into your broader marketing and sales strategies. Imagine being able to seamlessly add these connections to your CRM or email marketing platform. Suddenly, you’re not just limited to LinkedIn’s built-in tools – you can leverage your entire marketing tech stack to nurture these relationships.
And let’s not forget about the potential for data analysis. When you export your contacts, you’re not just getting names and email addresses. You’re getting a wealth of information about your network’s demographics, industries, and job titles. This data can be invaluable for refining your marketing strategies and identifying new opportunities.
Lastly, and this is something many people overlook, exporting your contacts is a crucial backup measure. While it’s rare, accounts can get hacked or suspended. By regularly exporting your connections, you’re ensuring that you don’t lose access to your valuable network, even if something goes wrong with your LinkedIn account.
How to Export LinkedIn Connections
Now that we’ve covered why exporting your LinkedIn connections is so important, let’s dive into the how. There are actually a few different methods you can use, depending on your needs and the tools at your disposal.
Export Connections from LinkedIn Account
This is the most straightforward method, and it’s available to all LinkedIn users. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Log into your LinkedIn account and click on the "Me" icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
- Select "Settings & Privacy" from the dropdown menu.
- In the left sidebar, click on "Data privacy."
- Scroll down to the "How LinkedIn uses your data" section and click on "Get a copy of your data."
- Select "Connections" from the list of data types.
- Click "Request archive."
LinkedIn will then send you an email with a link to download your connections. It’s that simple!
Export Connections from LinkedIn Sales Navigator
If you’re using Sales Navigator, you have access to more advanced search and filtering options. Here’s how to export your connections:
- Perform a search in Sales Navigator using your desired filters.
- Once you have your results, look for an "Export" button. This might be located in different places depending on your view.
- Click "Export" and choose your preferred file format.
Remember, Sales Navigator has some limits on how many results you can export at once, so you might need to break larger searches into smaller chunks.
Export Connections from LinkedIn Search Results
This method requires a bit more technical know-how, but it can be incredibly powerful. You’ll need to use a LinkedIn scraping tool. Here’s a general outline of the process:
- Perform a search on LinkedIn for the connections you want to export.
- Copy the URL of your search results.
- Paste this URL into your chosen LinkedIn scraping tool.
- Let the tool work its magic and export the results for you.
Remember, while these tools can be incredibly useful, it’s important to use them responsibly and in line with LinkedIn’s terms of service.
Utilizing Exported Contacts
Once you’ve got your hands on that precious list of connections, what do you do with it? The possibilities are endless, but here are a few of my favorite strategies:
Build Lead Lists
Your exported LinkedIn connections are a goldmine for lead generation. Use the data to create targeted lists based on industry, job title, or any other relevant criteria. These lists can form the backbone of your outreach campaigns.
Update CRM Contacts
If you’re using a CRM (and you should be!), importing your LinkedIn connections can help keep your database up-to-date. This ensures that you always have the most current information about your contacts at your fingertips.
Find Potential Candidates
For those in recruitment or HR, exported LinkedIn connections can be a fantastic resource for finding potential candidates. You can easily sort and filter the data to identify individuals with the skills and experience you’re looking for.
Remember, the key to making the most of your exported contacts is to use them ethically and responsibly. Always respect people’s privacy and preferences when it comes to communication.
FAQs
Can I export all my LinkedIn contacts at once?
Yes, you can export all your LinkedIn connections at once. However, LinkedIn does impose a limit of 10,000 contacts per day and 1,000 profile views per day.
What format will my LinkedIn contacts be exported in?
LinkedIn typically exports contacts in a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file format. This can be easily opened in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
What information about my contacts will be included in the export?
The export usually includes basic information such as name, email address, current company, job title, and the date you connected on LinkedIn.
Can I import my exported LinkedIn contacts into a CRM or other software?
Absolutely! Most CRM and marketing automation platforms have features that allow you to import CSV files. Just make sure to map the fields correctly during the import process.
How do I export my LinkedIn contacts to Excel or Outlook?
Once you’ve exported your contacts from LinkedIn as a CSV file, you can easily open it in Excel. For Outlook, you’ll need to use the import function and select the CSV file as your data source.
Is it legal to export LinkedIn contacts?
Yes, it’s perfectly legal to export your own LinkedIn contacts. However, it’s important to use this data responsibly and in accordance with data protection laws in your region.
How often should I export my LinkedIn contacts?
I recommend exporting your contacts at least once a quarter. This ensures you always have an up-to-date backup of your network.