If you're using free LinkedIn to source leads, there’s one move that outperforms all others:

Engage before you connect.

In this article, we’ll break down a highly effective (and free) strategy to find high-quality prospects, warm them up through content engagement, and create natural conversation entry points — without pitch-slapping or blasting cold DMs.

Let’s get tactical.

Step 1: Search Broadly, Then Look for Activity

Start with a keyword related to your niche — like “HR tech.”

Use the People filter and browse for:

• Individuals with service-oriented titles (e.g., “Benefits Strategist,” not “Software Engineer”)

• People with active profiles (have posted recently)

• Public-facing professionals who appear open to collaboration

Tip: Avoid targeting people who are deep in full-time engineering roles unless they’re the buyer or influencer you need.

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Step 2: Scan Profiles Like a Human — Not a Bot

When you’re moving fast, you’ll judge based on titles. That’s why:

• A catchy headline (even with emojis!) matters

• A positioning statement like “Helping teams level up HR strategy” will get more clicks than “Strategic Human Resource Leader”

Look for signs of:

• Relevance to your niche

• Location or mutual connections

• A clear About section that signals thought leadership or collaboration mindset

• Active posting and comment history

If they check the boxes, classify them as an A or B prospect.

Step 3: Follow First — Don’t Pitch Yet

Instead of sending a connection request immediately:

✅ Follow the prospect
✅ Engage with their content over the next 5–7 days
✅ Comment thoughtfully to start showing up in their feed

Why this works:

• They get notified when you follow them

• They see your name in comments

• By the time you connect, you’re familiar — not a stranger

This builds multiple “micro touchpoints” before your first DM.

Step 4: Use Their Network to Find More Leads

Here’s the real hack:

Once you find an A-level prospect, go to their posts and look at:

• Who’s commenting?

• Who’s engaging regularly?

• Who else is in their orbit?

These are pre-qualified leads who share the same interests, industry, or stage — and they’re active.

Engage with them, too.

Step 5: Connect With Context

After you’ve followed, commented, and observed for a bit:

📩 Send a personalized connection request:

• Mention a post or comment thread

• Explain why you’d like to connect (collaboration, shared network, mutual interests)

By this point, they’ll likely recognize your name — increasing your acceptance rate and chances of a reply.

Bonus: Why This Works Better Than Cold Outreach

Cold DMs feel random. This feels intentional.

You’re not guessing — you’re researching, warming up, and engaging in public before going private.

And because you’re using LinkedIn’s algorithm + visibility tools to your advantage, you’re creating a prospecting engine without spending a dime.

Final Thought: Don’t Just Search. Strategize.

You’re not just looking for leads — you’re building momentum.

✅ Follow before you connect
✅ Engage before you message
✅ Earn trust before you ask

This is what real networking looks like on LinkedIn.

Want to see it in action? Watch Part 4 of Office Hours Episode 1:
“ How to Use LinkedIn Engagement to Warm Up A+ Leads (Without Sending a Cold DM)”

Or explore the full curriculum How to Grow and Convert on LinkedIn at [PursueNetworking.com]