The Hack - Automated LinkedIn Connection Request

AARRR stage - Referral

Growth Problem - How to Establish Personal Connections with Users

Haxplanation:

Most startups, even those in the B2B space, don't actively use LinkedIn for their marketing. Many growth hackers also aren't aware of its numerous benefits as a marketing tool and, as a result, don't focus much on 'hacking' it.

However, LinkedIn is a powerful network that stands out above the rest due to its focus on professionals. If used correctly, it can provide a very personal way to stay in touch with users. Especially, if you are a founder or growth hacker in a B2B startup then you should be eating LinkedIn connections for breakfast.

The only problem is that in order to connect with a user, you have to manually send them a connection request which - unlike Twitter - they can choose to accept or decline. And unlike Twitter, you can't automate the process. Also, some professionals are iffy about connecting with people they haven't done business with.

Here's a way to overcome these challenges.

Just Hack It:

• The process is actually pretty simple
• You need to set up an automated email that goes out to a user asking them to connect with you on LinkedIn
• As LinkedIn does require a user's email to be entered sometimes, you need to provide the email address you use for your account, just in case
• The trick here is to set the email trigger after some sort of meaningful event, such as a product demo or an autoresponder series where the user opened every single email
• Your goal is to connect to active users or prospects who have exhibited the right behaviors. Otherwise, all that work will be performed be in vain
• Plus, the added benefit of being connected on LinkedIn with your users is that you often become privy to the content isn't shared on their other networks
• Happy Linking!

Source or Inspiration:

WordStream email