Rodok
Abderrazzak AbouyaalaWhat this signal is
A recommendation request is a public post where someone asks peers which tool, vendor or service to use: "What CRM do you use for a 10-person sales team?" or "Looking for a payroll provider for our team in Canada, any suggestions?" It's a high-intent signal because the person has already decided to buy something and is building a shortlist.
Few signals are this direct. Most buying signals suggest a need; this one states it. That's why it ranks among the strongest examples in our guide to buying signals.
Why it predicts a purchase
Nobody asks a few thousand people for vendor names out of idle curiosity. A recommendation request usually means a problem has been named, someone has been asked to solve it, and they want to move faster than a cold search would let them. Many posts include the details a seller would normally have to dig for: team size, budget hints, what they tried before and what didn't work.
The catch is that the post is public. Competitors, consultants and resellers see it too, and the comments can fill up within hours. Speed and tone decide who gets the conversation.
How to spot it
- LinkedIn: search posts for phrases like "recommendations for", "what do you use for", "any suggestions for" and "looking for a tool", plus your category's words. Sort by latest. The useful posts are hours or days old, not weeks.
- Job posts: occasionally the same intent appears in a role description, such as "you'll select and implement our new support platform". Same signal, different place.
- News: not a source for this one.
- Your own data: check whether the poster's company is already in your CRM. A lost deal from last year that's now asking the market again is a reason to reach out with context.
How to act on it
Act within a day. Read the whole thread first: the poster may have narrowed the question in the comments, and other replies show you who you're up against.
Then do two things. Reply in the comments with a genuinely useful answer, say clearly that you work for a vendor, and don't drop a sales link. Then send the poster a short direct message or email that answers their actual question. Contact the poster; if they're asking on behalf of their boss, ask who else is involved.
A first message
Hi Daniel, saw your post asking for CRM recommendations for a 10-person sales team. Full disclosure, I work for a vendor, so weigh this accordingly. Three questions worth asking anyone you shortlist: does email sync both ways, how long does setup really take, and what does it cost at 15 seats? Happy to answer those for us, or just share what I've seen work.
A 3-step follow-up
| Day | Channel | What to send |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A useful public comment, with your affiliation stated | |
| 1 | The first message above, answering their question directly | |
| 5 | A short, honest comparison checklist for their shortlist, including where you're not the best fit |
Mistakes to avoid
- Dropping a link in the comments. It reads as spam and other commenters will say so.
- Hiding that you're a vendor. People check profiles. Being upfront earns more trust than pretending to be a neutral peer.
- Arriving a week late. By then the shortlist is set and the demos are booked.
- Answering a question they didn't ask. If they want a tool for 5 people, don't pitch your enterprise plan.
- Ignoring fit. A request from a market or company size you don't serve is still not your deal.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find people asking for recommendations on LinkedIn?
Use LinkedIn's post search with phrases like "recommendations for" or "what do you use for" plus your category, sorted by latest. Check daily, or use a tool that runs the search on a schedule and only shows matching posts.
Should I comment publicly or send a direct message?
Both, in that order. A helpful public comment shows the poster and their network that you know the topic; a direct message lets you answer their specific situation.
Is it okay to recommend my own product in the comments?
Yes, if you say you work there and answer the question they asked. Comments that only promote, without helping, tend to hurt more than help.
What if they've already chosen a vendor?
Ask how the choice is going in a month or two. Early regrets are common, and the problem posts that follow a bad choice are another signal worth watching. You can also watch for competitor engagement on the same account.
