So you want more replies from your LinkedIn outreach, not just more names on a list. Smart. This guide is for anyone using LinkedIn to find leads, especially if you’re running campaigns with Zopto and want to cut through the noise to get real conversations started.
Most people using LinkedIn automation tools just blast out messages to anyone with a pulse. That’s why their response rates are trash. The only way to actually get people to reply is to send relevant stuff to the right folks. Segmentation is how you do that—using Zopto filters the right way.
Let’s dig into exactly how to segment your LinkedIn leads in Zopto so you get more real replies and fewer eye rolls.
1. Get Clear on Who You Actually Want to Reach
Before you even open Zopto or LinkedIn, do this: get painfully specific about who you want to talk to. If you say “decision makers in SaaS,” that’s not enough. If you can’t picture a real person, your segmentation will be mushy and your response rates will show it.
Ask yourself: - What job titles do they actually have on LinkedIn? - What size company do they work at? (10 people is different from 500) - What industries do they care about? - Where are they based? (If it matters) - What problems do they have that you can actually solve?
Write this down somewhere. Seriously. It’ll save you hours later.
Pro tip: The less you assume, the more targeted your filter will be. For example, “Head of Marketing” is not the same as “Marketing Manager.” LinkedIn’s job titles are messy, so search for variants.
2. Start With LinkedIn Search—Not Zopto
Zopto pulls its lead data from LinkedIn. If your LinkedIn search is junk, your Zopto campaign will be, too. So, start by building your search in LinkedIn Sales Navigator (or regular LinkedIn, if you’re on a budget).
Build a Search That Doesn’t Suck
- Job Titles: Use the “Current Title” field, include synonyms, and avoid generic terms like “Owner” unless that’s truly your target.
- Location: Get specific. “United States” is too broad if you only want NYC, but don’t go so narrow you miss good leads.
- Industry: LinkedIn’s industry tags are weird. Double-check your target companies' profiles to see what LinkedIn calls their industry.
- Company Size: Pick a range that matches your real customers. 1-10 employees is not the same as 51-200.
- Keywords: Use these to sniff out specific skills, tech stacks, or interests.
Test your search. Scroll through 20+ profiles. If you see a lot of “meh,” tweak your filters.
Don’t skip this step. If you feed Zopto a half-baked search, no amount of magic filters will help.
3. Import and Segment Using Zopto Filters
Once your LinkedIn search is tight, move over to Zopto and sync your leads. This is where Zopto’s filters come in handy—but only if you use them with intent.
Key Zopto Filters That Actually Matter
- Location: Drill down to city or region. If you’re selling something local, don’t waste time on out-of-area leads.
- Seniority Level: C-level, Director, Manager. Don’t just default to “All”—pick the ones most likely to care about your message.
- Industry: Use the same categories as your LinkedIn search. Double-check for consistency.
- Company Size: Match this to your ideal customer. Small companies reply differently than big ones.
- Language: Only reach out in languages you can actually write in. (You’d be surprised…)
- Years of Experience: Sometimes seniority and experience don’t match—use both if your offer is niche.
Don’t try to use every filter at once. That’s a fast track to a list of 5 people. Start broad enough to have a decent pool, then narrow as you learn what works.
What to Ignore (Mostly)
- Profile Completeness: People with incomplete profiles rarely reply anyway, but filtering them out won’t solve your response problem.
- Recent Activity: Some say only reach out to “active” users. In practice, this filter is hit-and-miss. Many decision-makers don’t post but still check their messages.
- Skills Endorsements: These are mostly fluff. Don’t overthink it.
4. Build Micro-Segments, Not Mega-Lists
Here’s where most people get it wrong: they build one giant list and blast the same message to everyone. Don’t do that.
Instead, break your audience into micro-segments. Each segment should have: - A specific job title or function - The same industry or company size - A shared pain point or use case
Why? Because your message can be laser-focused and feel personal. People can spot a mass message a mile away.
Examples: - “HR Managers at 50-200 person SaaS companies in London” - “Directors of Operations at logistics firms in North America”
Aim for segments of 100–500 leads. Big enough to test, small enough to personalize.
Pro tip: If you find yourself writing a super generic message, your segment is probably too broad.
5. Write Messages That Match the Segment
If your message could apply to anyone, it’ll get ignored by everyone. Each micro-segment deserves its own message—yes, even if it’s just a line or two that’s different.
How to match your message: - Mention something specific to their role, industry, or company size. - Reference a challenge they actually face (“hiring fast-growing sales teams” beats “growing your business”). - Use plain language. Skip the sales fluff. - Keep it short. 2–3 lines is enough for a first message.
What doesn’t work:
- “I saw your profile and thought we could connect.” (Yawn.)
- Dumping your entire pitch in the first message.
- Fake personalization (e.g., “I noticed we both like coffee…”)
Test different messages for each segment, but don’t overcomplicate. The goal is relevance, not novelty.
6. Track Results and Ruthlessly Prune
Once campaigns are running, watch your numbers. Zopto gives you basic stats, but don’t obsess over vanity metrics like “connection rates.” Pay attention to:
- Reply rates: This is what matters. If less than 10% are replying, your segment or message needs work.
- Positive replies: Not all replies are equal. Track how many are actually interested.
- Which segments perform best: Double down on those, kill or tweak the underperformers.
If a segment bombs, don’t take it personally. Just tweak your filters, rewrite your message, and try again.
Pro tip: Keep a “graveyard” of segments and messages that didn’t work. It’ll save you from repeating mistakes.
7. Iterate—Don’t Automate and Forget
The worst thing you can do is set up a campaign and never touch it again. LinkedIn changes, your audience changes, and what works today might flop next month.
Every few weeks: - Review your best and worst performing segments. - Tweak your LinkedIn search and Zopto filters. - Freshen up your messages. - Cut out dead weight.
Consistency beats complexity. You don’t need 20 segments and 10 different messages. You just need a few that work, and the discipline to keep improving them.
Wrapping Up: Keep It Simple, Stay Curious
Segmenting LinkedIn leads with Zopto is about focus, not fancy tricks. Don’t get sucked into over-filtering or chasing every new “growth hack.” The basics—clear targeting, tight segments, relevant messages—will get you further than any secret setting.
Start simple. Test small. Pay attention to what works, and don’t be afraid to scrap what doesn’t. That’s how you get real replies, not just a bigger list.
Now, go clean up your segments. Your future self (and your inbox) will thank you.