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Understanding Profile Access and Optimizing Data Handling

When working with LinkedIn, the “Profile is Not Accessible” error often occurs when profile handles (the part of the LinkedIn URL after /in/) change. Since handles can be updated by users, workflows referencing outdated URLs may break.

To avoid this issue, it’s essential to focus on immutable and unique identifiers, like the LinkedIn Profile ID, rather than relying on mutable handles.

By using Profile IDs, you can ensure stable, efficient, and reliable data access across your systems.

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Why Immutable Profile IDs Matter

  • Handles Can Change: Users may update their LinkedIn handles, which can break automation workflows or CRM integrations.
  • Profile IDs Are Permanent: Unlike handles, Profile IDs are immutable, offering a consistent way to reference profiles without disruption.
  • Versatile Use: Profile IDs are essential for a variety of actions, such as creating outreach sequences or tracking user activities or updates

Traditional identifiers like emails, phone numbers, and handles can be problematic:

  • Not Immutable: Emails and LinkedIn handles can change.
  • Not Always Unique: Some domain names and company URLs overlap.
  • Region-Specific: Phone numbers can be region-specific, limiting global reach.

By relying on Profile IDs and other immutable identifiers, you ensure:

  • Consistency: Prevent errors caused by changing handles, emails, or phone numbers.
  • Scalability: Profile IDs support global operations.
  • Advanced Insights: Track job changes, new hires, and company growth without missing key data points.

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How to Effectively Use Profile Handles and IDs

1️⃣ Retrieve the LinkedIn Profile Handle

To find the LinkedIn profile handle, simply look at the URL, e.g. https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume12345/ corresponds to the handle guillaume12345. However, since handles are mutable and can change, LinkedIn Profile IDs offer a more stable solution to store IDs.

2️⃣ Integrate Handles into Workflows

Use handles in your workflows for actions like:

  • Sending LinkedIn follow-ups using Message LinkedIn Profile
  • Filtering specific connections or job changes
  • Tracking updates to companies or individuals

3️⃣ Focus on Immutable Identifiers

Relying solely on mutable identifiers, like emails or phone numbers, in your database, can lead to system errors. For long-term reliability, stick with Profile IDs.

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Optimizing Operations with Unique Identifiers

To streamline your operations, use unique, immutable identifiers for both individuals and companies:

For People:

  • LinkedIn Profile ID linkedin_profile_id: The most reliable way to track individuals.
  • Sales Navigator Profile ID sales_navigator_profile_id: Useful for many workflows, though not unique, you can have up to 2 IDs.

For Companies:

  • LinkedIn Company ID linkedin_company_id: An immutable identifier for companies on LinkedIn, e.g., Captain Data’s is 27193685.
  • Sales Navigator Company ID sales_navigator_company_id: Ideal for more advanced workflows.

For Conversations:

  • linkedin_thread_id: Key for retrieving messages in a specific LinkedIn conversation, essential for communication tracking.

By focusing on these immutable identifiers, you can ensure smoother integrations and avoid common issues with changing handles.

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