Do you know that feeling? You’re busy on LinkedIn, one interesting profile after another passes by, and you think: here comes my next golden connection! But then… bam! Search limit reached. Super frustrating, especially when you know that there are still so many valuable contacts to discover.
Fortunately, there is good news: the LinkedIn search limit does not have to be a showstopper. With a few smart hacks, you can still continue searching and make connections without the limit getting in your way. In this article, I share my favorite tricks to bypass the search limit and get the most out of your LinkedIn prospecting.
Why is there a search limit on LinkedIn?
The search limit is a built-in restriction of LinkedIn. Free users are allowed to perform a limited number of searches per month. LinkedIn wants to encourage you to switch to a premium account, such as Sales Navigator.
But even without upgrading, you can approach your searches smarter. With targeted search terms, alternative tools and a bit of creativity, you can still get the most out of LinkedIn.
1. Use specific search terms
If you search on LinkedIn with broad terms like “marketing”, you might as well be looking for a needle in a haystack. You will get thousands of results, most of which are not relevant. Moreover, this will quickly exhaust your search limit. So make your searches more specific and targeted.
Example: Don’t just search for “Marketing Manager”, but add extra terms, such as “B2B” or “Tech Sector”. This will immediately give you a more filtered list of relevant profiles.
Pro tip: Use Boolean searches like AND, OR, and NOT to further refine your results. For example: “Marketing Manager” AND “Amsterdam” AND “SaaS”.
By searching specifically, you will not only work more efficiently, but you will also keep more of your search limit.
2. Use LinkedIn’s advanced search filters
Although free LinkedIn offers fewer search filters than a premium account, you can still use the available options wisely. Use filters like location, job title, or current employer to further refine your search.
Tip: Combine filters for an even more targeted search. For example, search for “Location: Amsterdam” and “Industry: Technology”. This will help you make the most of your available search capacity.
3. Use other social media as a resource
LinkedIn is great, but it’s not the only place to find leads. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Google can help you discover valuable connections. Once you’ve found someone, you can look up their LinkedIn profile directly.
Example: Search Google for “[name] LinkedIn” to find their profile without having to search on LinkedIn itself.
4. Expand your network wisely
LinkedIn prioritizes results within your first- and second-degree connections. The larger your network, the easier it is to search without running into limitations. By strategically expanding your network, you’ll have to search outside your existing connections less often.
Tip: Add people who are active in your industry. This increases your visibility and makes it easier to find relevant connections.
5. Use LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn groups are a hidden gem when it comes to networking. By joining a group in your niche, you can gain access to member profiles without affecting your search limit.
For example, search for “Marketing Expert” within a group and you will get a list of members who meet your search criteria. This does not affect your regular searches.
6. Consider upgrading to Sales Navigator
Do you regularly struggle with the search limit? Then it might be time to upgrade to Sales Navigator. Yes, it costs a little extra, but you get a lot in return. Think unlimited search options, advanced filters and detailed lead information. Everything you need to work even more targeted and efficient.
It is an investment, but the time and frustration you save often make it more than worth it. Plus, it can take your prospecting process to the next level. Sometimes working smarter is better than working harder!
7. Search smarter, not harder
If you’re doing the same search over and over again, you’re essentially wasting searches. Keep track of your results in a spreadsheet or CRM tool so you can easily save interesting profiles and revisit them later.
Practical hack: Use tools like Excel or Evernote to keep your prospecting organized. This prevents you from doing duplicate searches.
The LinkedIn search limit doesn’t have to limit you if you know how to search smarter. By refining your search terms, leveraging other platforms, and strategically expanding your network, you can maximize the results of your prospecting.
Want even more freedom? Then consider upgrading to Sales Navigator for fully unlimited searching and a boost to your prospecting.
Targets and KPIs:
- Better use of searches: Specific search terms yield more relevant results.
- Network growth: More connections means a greater search reach within your network.
- Efficiency: Fewer repeated searches thanks to smart storage of results.
How do you bypass the LinkedIn search limit? If you want more information, please contact us!
