LinkedIn Automation Tools

Should I use third-party automation tools on LinkedIn? If not, why not?

In short, the use of third-party automation tools is against LinkedIn’s terms of use. By using them, you run the risk of getting banned.

“So what if I get banned?” We hear you ask.

LinkedIn has developed rapidly since its introduction as a platform to power online recruitment.

It’s now the perfect platform to nurture your target audience and generate leads!

Do you really want to spend months, if not years, developing a professional network and building relationships only to have it snatched away? We know for a fact that none of our LinkedIn clients would want to risk this!

As specialists in LinkedIn Lead Generation, we have spent a considerable amount of time developing successful lead generation strategies for business owners and sales directors in both B2B and B2C industries. For many of our clients, LinkedIn has become the most effective marketing tool for lead generation, helping to grow their business, land their dream clients, significantly increase their headcount and really make an impact on their bottom line.

Our Research

As part of our foray into the world of LinkedIn automation tools, we decided to carry out our own research and downloaded a Chrome Extension that was receiving rave reviews for automating LinkedIn processes.

This, may we add, was before we knew that it was banned by LinkedIn.

At the time, we were pretty excited about the potential positive impact it could have on our strategies and the results we generate for our clients. However, it was only a matter of days until we realised the damage it could potentially have – whether this be targeting the wrong people or potentially getting us banned!

We decided that day to never use the extension again.

Around this same time, we were contacted by a blue-chip company who were very open and explained that they were already working with an agency that were providing an automated LinkedIn Lead Generation service. Despite only being two weeks into their contract, they were already unhappy with the various mistakes being made and the high volume of negative comments from the key contacts they were trying to develop relationships with.

For some, this blog may seem like old news, but you wouldn’t believe how many successful business owners and sales professionals still don’t know that:

A) Third-party automation tools are against LinkedIn’s terms of use;

B) They could potentially get them banned!

Even worse, there are still multiple marketing agencies selling automated lead generation services using software they have developed to completely unsuspecting businesses! Again, this is against LinkedIn’s terms of use and you still run the risk of being banned – we doubt they’ll tell you that though!

In fact, we have lost count of the number of developers who have contacted us trying to sell LinkedIn automation tools. Like any good salesperson, they always have an answer to your objections – usually, “Our software isn’t detected by LinkedIn.” Maybe not today but what about tomorrow? Or next week? It’s only a matter of time before LinkedIn discovers that you’ve been breaking their terms of use and neither us nor our clients want any part of it!

To Finish

Before we conclude, we just want to be clear that this article focuses purely on LinkedIn automation. There are many great tools when it comes to automating other aspects of your marketing but LinkedIn needs time, patience and a human touch. That’s why at Bee Social Marketing, you can rest assured that you have a dedicated Account Manager searching, targeting, engaging and generating leads for your business.

If you would like to read more about LinkedIn’s terms regarding prohibited software and extensions, there’s lots of helpful information on their website.

And if you are thinking about LinkedIn Lead Generation, listen to the many video testimonials from our clients discussing their R.O.I from working with us!

Like what you hear? Get in touch and find out more about our lead generation strategies.

Give us a buzz on Leeds: 0113 3206266 or Harrogate: 01423 297009 or click here to contact us.