Sales Navigator is rolling out its Q1 release to clients. Contact Creation (discussed yesterday) is the lead feature, but Smart Links is equally important as it delivers another communications channel for the sales intelligence service.

Smart Links, their second-generation file-sharing service, replaces PointDrive.  Smart Links is available in the Team and Enterprise applications for sharing one or multiple attachments via Sales Navigator, social media, InMail, or email.  Smart Links maintain company branding and rep contact information while tracking attachment opens, views, and shares.  It is displayed as a top-level Sales Navigator feature.

“Users will be provided with real-time insights on how recipients are engaging with content.  These insights can be used to ascertain interest, personalize follow-ups, and identify other stakeholders in the buyer’s circle.”

LinkedIn Sales Navigator Product Director Lyndsey Edwards

When a recipient views the document, an alert is sent to the sales rep.  Smart Links also capture when attachments are forwarded, helping the rep expand her knowledge of the Buyer’s Circle.

“It’s getting more and more complicated in business-to-business marketing to understand the buying circle,” said product chief Lyndsey Edwards.

Next quarter Smart Links will be integrated directly into users’ inboxes.

While reps had a limited number of monthly PointDrives they could share, sales reps now have unlimited Smart Link access.

Smart Links have fewer steps, making it significantly easier to share attachments.  PointDrive usage was lower than anticipated, probably due to the number of steps required to set up and personalize a PointDrive.

Tomorrow, I will discuss the other Q1 release enhancements.