How to find leads on LinkedIn without cold outreach
Skip the connection-request spam. Search LinkedIn posts, not profiles, for people asking for recommendations or describing a problem you solve. Read the comments where their peers chime in, and add a genuinely useful comment before you ever send a message. Heardly finds and ranks those posts for you.
Why cold outreach stopped working
Everyone’s inbox is full of connection requests that turn into sales pitches, and most people have learned to ignore them. But the same people post in public when they need help: “we’re looking for a tool that…”, “has anyone worked with…”. Those posts are warm leads, and the person has already told you what they need.
The trick is to show up in that conversation as someone helpful, before you ever pitch.
5 steps to find leads on LinkedIn
- 1
Search posts, not people
Use LinkedIn search and switch the filter to Posts, sorted by latest. You’re looking for people talking about a need, not job titles.
- 2
Use buying phrases
Search the words people use when they need help. The phrase table below is a good place to start.
- 3
Read the comments
Colleagues often reply “we have the same problem” or tag someone who does. Those people are warm leads too.
- 4
Comment first, message second
Add a genuinely useful public comment. Send a message only after they reply, and mention their post so it’s clearly not a template.
- 5
Let your profile do the selling
When people see your comment, they click your profile. Make your headline say who you help and how, so they can reach out to you.
Phrases that signal a buyer
| Search for | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| “Looking for recommendations for…” | Ready to choose. Often comparing a few options this week. |
| “Has anyone used…” | Shortlisting. Wants honest experiences, not a pitch. |
| “We’re evaluating…” | A team decision with budget behind it. |
| “Switching from [tool]” | Unhappy with what they use now. Open to alternatives. |
| “We’re hiring for…” | They have the problem and a budget. Sometimes a tool solves it faster. |
Mistakes that get you ignored
Pitching in the first message
It’s the fastest way to be ignored. Start with their post, not your product.
“Great post!” comments
They add nothing and nobody remembers them. Add a specific, useful thought.
Copy-pasted comments
People notice templates. Write to the person in front of you.
Connecting with no context
A blank request from a stranger rarely gets accepted. Mention the post you both commented on.
Skip the hours of searching
Describe your product once. Heardly searches LinkedIn (plus Reddit, Instagram, TikTok and X), reads the comments too, ranks every post by how well it fits, and drafts a helpful comment you can edit and post yourself.
Questions about finding leads on LinkedIn
Is this allowed on LinkedIn?
Yes. Reading public posts, commenting and messaging people yourself is how LinkedIn is meant to be used. Heardly never logs into your LinkedIn account and never posts or messages for you.
Should I comment or send a message first?
Comment first. A helpful public comment builds trust, and the person can see who you are before you message. Send a message once they reply or engage.
What kinds of businesses find leads on LinkedIn?
Anyone selling to professionals: software, agencies, consultants, coaches, recruiters and B2B services. If your buyers are consumers, TikTok, Instagram or Reddit may work better, and Heardly can suggest which.
Your next customers are already asking
Heardly finds them for you. Start with the $8 Starter Pack.