How to Use PhantomBuster for LinkedIn Lead Generation

By Eli Mercer – Automation Strategist & Growth Nerd @ NextGenAIFinder

If you’re drowning in manual LinkedIn prospecting or tired of sending cold DMs one-by-one, you’re not alone. I used to spend hours scrolling through search results, copying info into spreadsheets, and switching between tabs like an over-caffeinated octopus. Then I found PhantomBuster—and everything changed.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to automate LinkedIn lead gen with PhantomBuster in a safe, scalable, and SERP-approved way— perfect for agencies, growth marketers, and solo operators like us. This is the guide I wish I had starting out.

What is PhantomBuster (And Why Should Growth Marketers Care)?

PhantomBuster is a no-code automation platform that runs in the cloud. It specializes in multi-step data extraction and outreach workflows across platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and CRMs.

For marketers and agencies doing outreach—especially on LinkedIn—PhantomBuster lets you:

• Scrape leads based on search filters 👌
• Export prospect data (names, job titles, emails) into your CRM or Google Sheet
• Send personalized connection requests or messages automatically
• Chain all of that into one click using Flows

The best part? It works even when your laptop is closed. Your automations run on their servers—in the background like a digital VA.

🔥 Real-World Win

Using a 3-step flow, I added 274 qualified leads to my CRM from LinkedIn in 48 hours—without sending a single cold DM manually.

Why Use PhantomBuster for LinkedIn Lead Generation?

LinkedIn is a goldmine for B2B, but it’s tedious when you’re doing it one profile at a time. PhantomBuster automates that exact process, while giving you more control, flexibility, and fewer restrictions from LinkedIn if used correctly.

Compared to tools like TexAu or Linked Helper:

• More platforms: Not limited to LinkedIn
• Flows: Build chained automations across multiple steps
• Cloud-based: Your machine doesn’t have to stay on

Step-by-Step Guide: Set Up Your First LinkedIn Lead Gen Flow

This is a hands-on setup anyone can follow—even if you’ve never coded a day in your life.

🔧 Step 1: Link Your LinkedIn Session Cookie

PhantomBuster needs access to your LinkedIn session to fetch data. You’ll need to paste your session cookie (don’t worry, it’s secure).

1. Login to LinkedIn on your browser
2. Right-click → Inspect → Application → Cookies
3. Copy the value of “li_at”
4. Paste it into PhantomBuster when asked

🔍 Step 2: Define Your Target Audience

Use LinkedIn’s search filters (role, industry, location, etc.) and grab the URL. PhantomBuster will scrape everyone in that list.

Example Search URL: linkedin.com/search/results/people/?keywords=marketing%20manager&location=San%20Francisco

👻 Step 3: Select a Phantom to Scrape LinkedIn Profiles

In PhantomBuster:

1. Go to Dashboard → New Phantom
2. Select “LinkedIn Search Export”
3. Paste in the URL you copied + session cookie
4. Set how many results you want per launch session

🤝 Step 4: Add a Connection Request Phantom (Optional)

After scraping profiles, you can automatically send connection requests by adding the “LinkedIn Auto Connect” Phantom.

Make it feel human. Use a custom message like:

“Hi {firstName}, noticed we’re both working in [industry]. Would love to connect!”

🔁 Step 5: Chain Your Phantoms Into a Flow

This is where the real magic happens. With Flows, you can create an end-to-end system:

1. Scrape the leads → Send connects → Export data → Update CRM

To do this:

1. Go to “New Flow”
2. Add your Phantoms in order
3. Run test manually or schedule it daily

Automation Tips to Stay Safe on LinkedIn

LinkedIn doesn’t love automation—but if you follow these golden safety rules, you’ll fly under the radar:

• 💡 Stay within 80–100 actions/day on free accounts
• ✅ Always warm up your profile before scaling
• 🧭 Randomize actions to feel human
• 📆 Use schedule intervals (not all at once)

Remember: it’s about consistent, quality outreach—not spammy blasts.

Exporting Leads to Google Sheets or CRM

Once you’ve got leads, send them directly to Google Sheets or your CRM.

Here’s how:

1. At end of your Flow, add a “Google Sheet Export” or webhook → CRM
2. PhantomBuster automatically maps collected fields like:
   • Full Name
   • Job Title
   • LinkedIn URL
   • Email (if available)
3. Filter + qualify later in your CRM

Is PhantomBuster Worth It?

Here’s who PhantomBuster is perfect for:

• 🚀 Agency owners looking to scale cold outreach processes
• 🎯 Growth marketers who want more pipeline without more hours
• 🧠 Solo founders automating repetitive LinkedIn research

Just one decent client win from your outreach could more than pay for a few months of PhantomBuster. Throw in their free trial, and there’s really zero downside to trying it.

🧠 Quick FAQ: PhantomBuster for LinkedIn Lead Gen

Is this allowed by LinkedIn?

LinkedIn doesn’t officially support automation, but PhantomBuster works through browser sessions and can be used safely if you stay within daily limits.

Do I need to code anything?

Nope. Most of the setup is done with drop-downs and text fields. Anyone can use it—even non-techies.

Can I export data to my CRM or Google Sheets?

Yes. Exporting is simple and built-in. You can integrate via webhooks or just connect a Google Sheet.

How much does PhantomBuster cost?

They offer multiple pricing tiers, including a free trial. Plans start affordably depending on your number of daily automation hours.

Does this work on Sales Navigator?

Yes! It works across basic LinkedIn, Sales Navigator, and even LinkedIn Recruiter profiles.

Final Thoughts: Set It, Forget It, Grow It 🔁

I’ve tested dozens of automation tools—and PhantomBuster stands out not just because it works, but because it scales. Once you build your first Flow, it feels like cheating—in a good way.

If you’re serious about scaling LinkedIn lead generation, PhantomBuster will save you dozens of hours a month while delivering consistent pipeline results.