Enhance LinkedIn Private Mode With Referral Marketing

LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform, offers a plethora of features to help users connect, share, and grow their careers. One such feature is LinkedIn Private Mode, which allows users to browse profiles anonymously. While this might seem counterintuitive on a platform designed for networking, there are several scenarios where using Private Mode can be beneficial. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of LinkedIn Private Mode, its advantages, disadvantages, and best practices for its use.

What is LinkedIn Private Mode?

LinkedIn Private Mode is a feature that allows users to view profiles without revealing their identity. When you visit someone’s profile in Private Mode, they will see that an anonymous LinkedIn member has viewed their profile, but they won’t be able to see your name, job title, or any other identifying information.

There are three viewing modes on LinkedIn:

1. Public Mode: Your full name, job title, and other details are visible to the profile owner.
   
2. Semi-Private Mode: Only limited information, such as your job title or company, is displayed. It’s called Private profile characteristics on LinkedIn.
   
3. Private Mode: Complete anonymity; viewers only see “Anonymous LinkedIn Member.”

Tip: You can visit numerous pages in public mode to draw attention to your profile. Linked Helper is a LinkedIn automation tool that offers an option to visit profiles, which is also useful for scraping profiles.

How to Enable LinkedIn Private Mode

Activating Private Mode on LinkedIn is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner of your LinkedIn homepage.
   
2. Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
   
3. Under the “Visibility” section, click on “Profile Viewing Options.”
   
4. Here, you can choose between Your name and headline, Private profile characteristics, or Private mode.

Leveraging Private Mode for Referral Marketing

When running referral marketing programs on LinkedIn, Private Mode can be a strategic tool for research and outreach. It allows you to:

• Research potential referral partners without alerting competitors
• Analyze successful referral networks in your industry
• Identify second-degree connections for referral opportunities
• Study engagement patterns of top referrers

Pros of Using LinkedIn Private Mode

1. Research Competitors Anonymously

If you’re in a competitive industry, staying updated on what your competitors are doing is crucial. LinkedIn Private Mode allows you to view their profiles, see their connections, and understand their strategies without alerting them to your interest.

2. Recruitment and Talent Sourcing

For recruiters, Private Mode is a boon. It allows them to explore potential candidates’ profiles without notifying them. This is particularly useful during the initial stages of recruitment when you’re shortlisting candidates.

3. Job Hunting in Stealth

If you’re looking for a new job but don’t want your current employer to know, Private Mode is your best friend. You can explore company pages, connect with recruiters, and check job postings without raising any red flags.

4. Freedom from Social Pressure

Sometimes, you might want to browse profiles without the pressure of connecting or following up. Private Mode gives you the freedom to explore without any social obligations.

5. Referral Program Research & Private Mode

Referral Program Research Private Mode enables you to study successful referral programs and partner networks without revealing your competitive intelligence gathering. This helps in designing more effective referral strategies and identifying potential program participants.

Cons of Using LinkedIn Private Mode

1. Missed Networking Opportunities

One of the biggest drawbacks of using Private Mode is the potential loss of networking opportunities. When you view someone’s profile in Private Mode, they won’t know you’ve visited. This could mean missing out on a chance to connect with someone who might have been interested in your profile.

2. Loss of Profile View Insights

When you’re in Private Mode, you can’t see who has viewed your profile. This is because LinkedIn operates on a “give and take” basis – if you want to see who’s viewed your profile, you need to allow others to see when you’ve viewed theirs. Only LinkedIn Premium users can see a list of people who have viewed their profile over the past 90 days, despite their own activity being hidden from others.

3. Perception of Secrecy

Some users might view anonymous browsing as untrustworthy or suspicious. In a professional setting, transparency is often valued, and being in Private Mode might give off the wrong impression.

4. Viewer History Will Be Erased

Any records of profiles you’ve previously viewed (visible to you or others) will be cleared from LinkedIn’s system.  LinkedIn removes this data to maintain your anonymity when using these privacy settings.

When Should You Use LinkedIn Private Mode?

1. Competitor Research

If you’re analyzing competitors’ strategies, connections, or company pages, Private Mode is ideal. It allows you to gather insights without revealing your interest.

2. Recruitment

Recruiters can use Private Mode to create a shortlist of candidates before reaching out. This ensures that candidates don’t get notified prematurely.

3. Job Hunting

If you’re discreetly looking for a new job, Private Mode can help you explore opportunities without alerting your network.

4. Initial Networking Research

Before reaching out to a potential connection, you might want to research their profile in Private Mode. This way, you can personalize your connection request without them knowing you’ve been on their profile multiple times.

5. Referral Program Development

• Research competitor referral programs
• Study successful referrer profiles
• Analyze referral network structures
• Identify potential referral partners

6. Partner Network Analysis

• Map industry influence networks
• Identify high-value referral sources
• Study successful referral chains
• Track referral program ambassadors

Best Practices for Using LinkedIn Private Mode

1. Use it Selectively: Private Mode is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Use it based on your goals. If you’re in research mode, it’s perfect. But if you’re in networking mode, it’s best to stay visible.
   
   
2. Switch Between Modes: You don’t have to stick to one mode. Switch between public and private modes depending on your needs. For example, you can use Private Mode for research and switch to Public Mode when you’re ready to connect.
   
   
3. Consider Semi-Private Mode: If you’re unsure about going completely anonymous, semi-private mode is a good compromise. It allows you to browse with some level of anonymity while still giving others a hint about who you are.
   
   

LinkedIn Premium vs. Free Accounts in Private Mode

There’s a significant difference between how LinkedIn Private Mode works for free and premium users:

1. Free Users: When in Private Mode, free users cannot see who viewed their profile. This is because, in exchange for anonymity, LinkedIn restricts access to profile view insights.
   
   
2. Premium Users: LinkedIn Premium users have an advantage. They can browse in Private Mode while still being able to see who has viewed their profile over the last 90 days. This feature is particularly useful for recruiters and sales professionals who need to track engagement without revealing their identity.
   
   

Conclusion

LinkedIn Private Mode is a powerful tool when used correctly. It offers the flexibility to browse profiles anonymously, which can be beneficial for competitor research, recruitment, and discreet job hunting. However, it’s essential to use this feature judiciously, keeping in mind the potential drawbacks like missed networking opportunities and the perception of secrecy.

Ultimately, the decision to use LinkedIn Private Mode depends on your professional goals. If you’re looking to expand your network, it’s best to stay visible. But if you’re in research or stealth mode, Private Mode can be your best ally.

For referral marketing professionals, LinkedIn Private Mode serves as a valuable research tool when used strategically. It enables thorough market analysis and program development while maintaining competitive advantage. However, remember to transition to public visibility when actively building referral partnerships and engaging with potential program participants.

By understanding the pros and cons and following best practices, you can make the most out of LinkedIn’s Private Mode and enhance your professional journey on this dynamic platform.