Why Comments Are the New DMs for LinkedIn Lead Generation

In the evolving landscape of LinkedIn networking, a subtle yet powerful shift is happening: comments are rapidly becoming more valuable than private messages (DMs) when it comes to lead generation. The days of sliding into DMs as a first step to connect or prospect are fading. Instead, thoughtful, engaging comments are emerging as the new currency to build authentic relationships, spark conversations, and ultimately generate qualified leads.

Why is this happening—and more importantly, how can you leverage this trend to transform your LinkedIn lead generation strategy? This comprehensive guide dives deep into the why, the how, and the what of using comments as your primary outreach tool on LinkedIn.

The Decline of Cold DMs: Why Private Messages Are Losing Their Punch

Historically, DMs on LinkedIn were the go-to tactic for salespeople and recruiters to reach prospects directly. Yet over time, many factors have chipped away at their effectiveness:

• DM Fatigue: Many users are overwhelmed by unsolicited DMs selling products or services, making them wary and less likely to respond.
• Spam Filters and LinkedIn Limits: LinkedIn has implemented limits to curb spammy outreach, restricting volume and follow-ups.
• Lack of Context: An unexpected DM often lacks the social proof or context that signals credibility, making it easier to ignore.
• Privacy Barriers: Some users only accept DMs from connections, limiting cold outreach opportunities.

These challenges mean that cold DMs are no longer the golden ticket they once were. To capture attention and build trust, you need to meet prospects where they already are—engaging publicly within threads they care about.

Why Comments Are the Ultimate Lead Generation Tool

Commenting on posts transcends the limitations of DMs by creating public, value-first conversations. Here’s why comments have become the new DMs for effective LinkedIn lead generation:

• Visibility & Social Proof: A well-crafted comment is seen by the poster’s network, amplifying your reach beyond just one user. This public presence boosts your authority and credibility.
• Contextual Engagement: Commenting allows you to demonstrate expertise in a relevant setting—rather than cold outreach—making your approach feel natural and less intrusive.
• Trust-Building: Contributors who add thoughtful insights build rapport and trust easily, increasing the chances prospects will engage with you privately when you do initiate a DM.
• Conversation Starters: Comments open doors for dialogue, inviting responses, clarifications, and deeper discussions that can organically lead to meaningful connections.
• Algorithmic Favor: LinkedIn’s algorithm rewards active engagement. Valuable comments help your profile and content gain visibility, attracting inbound opportunities.

How to Use Comments Effectively for Lead Generation

Comments are only effective when they add value and foster genuine interactions. Use this strategic framework to maximize the impact of your LinkedIn comments:

1. Be Purposefully Curious

Open with a question or a thoughtful observation that shows you’re genuinely interested in the topic and the poster’s viewpoint. Avoid generic phrases like “Great post!” Instead, invite deeper discussion with probes like:

“Interesting perspective on [topic]. How do you think [factor] influences this outcome?”

2. Share Specific Insights

Add value by contributing precise data, personal experience, or examples. Specificity builds credibility and sparks thoughtful responses:

“In our experience managing remote teams, implementing asynchronous check-ins reduced burnout. Curious if you've seen similar results?”

3. Keep the Tone Collaborative, Not Confrontational

Even if you disagree, frame your comment to invite dialogue rather than debate. Use language like:

• “I see it a bit differently because…”
• “Have you considered…”
• “I'm curious about your take on…”

4. Engage in Follow-Up Replies

Don’t just drop your comment and leave. Stay active in the thread to respond to answers or questions, demonstrating genuine interest and nurturing relationships.

5. Transition to a DM When Appropriate

After establishing rapport publicly, the move to private messaging becomes natural and welcomed. For example:

“This conversation has been enlightening—would love to connect and explore ideas further offline.”

Examples of High-Impact LinkedIn Comments for Lead Generation

Here are some real-world style examples that exemplify the principles of engaging comments:

On a post about marketing automation:

“Great points on automation's potential. In our firm, combining automation with personalized outreach increased lead conversions by 30%. Curious if your team has seen a similar balance between scale and personalization?”

On a thought leadership article about remote culture:

“Agree that culture is critical in remote settings. We've found biweekly ‘virtual water cooler’ chats help maintain team cohesion. Would love to hear if others have creative approaches to this challenge.”

On a CEO sharing growth strategies post:

“Thanks for sharing these insights! Our approach with product-led growth involved early customer feedback loops that accelerated iteration. Curious what feedback mechanisms have worked best for you?”

Best Practices & Boundaries

• Be authentic: Never turn comments into blatant sales pitches. Your aim is connection, not conversion in the first interaction.
• Watch your tone: Professionalism and respect go a long way in preserving reputation.
• Don’t overcomment: Avoid spamming multiple posts with similar comments—focus on quality, not quantity.
• Disengage gracefully: If a thread becomes hostile or unproductive, it’s okay to step back.

The Bottom Line

In a noisy and crowded LinkedIn environment, comments have emerged as a strategic, transparent, and powerful method for nurturing relationships and generating leads. They offer the dual benefits of public credibility and personalized engagement that cold DMs lack.

By shifting your mindset from “pitching in private” to “adding value in public,” you’ll build stronger networks, foster trust, and unlock new opportunities on LinkedIn. Start commenting thoughtfully today—and watch as conversations turn into connections, and connections into leads.