How to Use PhantomBuster for LinkedIn Outreach in 2025
Trying to scale your LinkedIn lead generation without adding more to your plate? I get it—manual prospecting is slow, soul-draining, and time-consuming. The truth? In 2025, I don’t send a single connection request manually. That’s where PhantomBuster steps in—and automates it all for me.
In this complete, step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through how PhantomBuster helps me (and hundreds of other solo marketers and agencies) 10x LinkedIn outreach—without writing a single line of code. Whether you’re brand new to automation or ready to scale outbound campaigns, this is the only guide you need.
What Is PhantomBuster (and Why Marketers Love It)
PhantomBuster is a cloud-based automation platform that lets you extract data, automate actions, and chain tasks across platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. With over 100 no-code “Phantoms” (think mini bots), it’s built for marketers, recruiters, and founders who want to do more with less.
Here’s where it shines:
- Automates LinkedIn lead gen—scraping profiles, sending requests, and even follow-ups
- Saves hours every week on repetitive tasks
- Runs in the cloud—so it works even when your laptop is off
If you’re on LinkedIn trying to connect with ideal prospects but hate the grind, PhantomBuster is your new sidekick.
How to Use PhantomBuster for LinkedIn Lead Generation: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Create a PhantomBuster Account
First things first—head over to PhantomBuster and create your account. There’s a free trial to play with, which is perfect for testing the workflows I’ll show you.
Step 2: Choose the Right LinkedIn Phantoms
There are a few essential Phantoms you’ll want for LinkedIn automation:
- ➡️ LinkedIn Search Export – Extracts profile data from LinkedIn search results
- ➡️ LinkedIn Profile Scraper – Pulls detailed info from individual profile URLs
- ➡️ LinkedIn Network Booster – Automatically sends connection requests
- ➡️ LinkedIn Message Sender – Sends personalized InMail or follow-up DMs
You can use these standalone or stitch them into automated Flows. We’ll cover that in a bit.
Step 3: Authenticate Your LinkedIn Session
PhantomBuster connects to your LinkedIn using session cookies. Don’t worry, it’s safe and standard.
Here’s how:
- Log into LinkedIn on your browser
- Use PhantomBuster’s built-in “Get Cookie” helper (no extensions needed)
- Paste your LinkedIn session cookie into the Phantom settings
Now PhantomBuster can browse LinkedIn like you would—but on autopilot.
Step 4: Set Up Your Lead Gen Workflow
Let’s say you want to find startup CMOs in New York and send them a connection request + follow-up. Here’s the play:
1. Start with the Search Export:
Input a LinkedIn search URL with your filters (e.g., “CMO,” “New York,” “2nd-degree”). The Phantom will extract 100–1000+ matching profiles.
2. Scrape Full Profile Data:
Pipe those profile URLs into the LinkedIn Profile Scraper. You’ll get enriched data—email (if public), job role, company, location.
3. Send Connection Requests:
Use the Network Booster. Add a short, personalized note like:
“Hi [FirstName], saw we’re both in tech/startups—would love to connect!”
4. Follow Up Automatically:
Once they accept, use the Message Sender to automate a follow-up message two days later, such as:
“Hey [FirstName], thanks for connecting! I help startups scale LinkedIn outreach at scale—curious if you do outbound?”
That’s it! You just automated cold outreach that feels warm.
Step 5: Chain Actions with a Flow (Optional, but Powerful)
Flows let you stitch multiple Phantoms into a full-blown automation pipeline. No more downloading/exporting manually.
Using the example above, you can chain:
- Search Export → Profile Scraper → Network Booster → Message Sender
Set it once, and your prospecting runs daily. Lead gen. On. Autopilot.
LinkedIn + PhantomBuster Best Practices for 2025
Trust me—I’ve experimented with hundreds of automations. These tips will keep your account safe and maximize results:
- ✅ Stay under 100 connections/day to avoid bans
- ✅ Add delays between messages (10–30 sec)
- ✅ Personalize messages with {firstName}, {company}, etc.
- ✅ Rotate message copy every few weeks
- ✅ Monitor results weekly and tweak based on reply rate
Automation’s powerful—but only when smartly used. Keep it human, just faster.
Real Results: What Users Say About PhantomBuster
Don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what real users are saying:
“I automated all our LinkedIn outreach and saved 5+ hours every week. More replies, more calls.” — Capterra Review
“PhantomBuster boosted my open rates by 30%! Love the automation.” — Trustpilot Review
Even Reddit gives it props for its flexibility and time-saving power (though yes, some say setup can be tricky at first—but this guide solves that 😉).
FAQs About Using PhantomBuster for LinkedIn (2025 Edition)
Is PhantomBuster safe to use for LinkedIn?
Yes, if used responsibly. Stick to daily limits, space out actions, personalize messages, and avoid running 24/7. PhantomBuster runs cloud-side, which is more discreet than classic browser bots.
What’s the pricing?
Starts at $59/month, with more features at the $139/month tier. There’s usually a free trial to test things out. Click here to try it free.
Can I integrate PhantomBuster with a CRM?
Yes, you can export CSVs or connect via API (depending on your tier). For deeper integrations, tools like Zapier or Make can bridge the gap.
Does it work if my computer is off?
Yup! That’s the beauty of cloud-based automations. PhantomBuster works whether your device is running or not.
Final Thoughts: Is PhantomBuster Worth It for LinkedIn Outreach?
If you’re serious about scaling outreach, PhantomBuster is hands-down one of the best automation platforms in 2025. You get:
- 💼 Data scraping + outreach + follow-up all in one tool
- 🧠 No-code workflows that deliver pipeline on autopilot
- 📈 The chance to transform cold LinkedIn into warm leads
As someone who’s spent years testing SaaS and AI marketing tools, I’ll put it this way: If you’re still doing LinkedIn outreach manually, you’re leaving time and leads on the table.
See you in the inbox 👋 — Eli Mercer