Did you know that LinkedIn Premium users have 14x more connections and 4x more profile views compared to non-premium users? In today’s hyper-competitive digital landscape, LinkedIn Premium has emerged as an indispensable tool for professionals and businesses alike.
From expanding your network to gaining valuable insights, LinkedIn Premium unlocks opportunities that a basic account simply can’t.
For instance, premium members enjoy unlimited profile views, allowing them to identify potential clients, partners, or investors who have shown interest in their profile. This feature has proven invaluable for sales professionals, enabling them to prioritize their outreach and focus on warm leads.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of LinkedIn Premium, exploring its various features, costs, and advantages. Whether you’re a small business owner eager to connect with potential clients, a digital marketer seeking to amplify your reach, or an influencer looking to build a loyal following, LinkedIn Premium has something to offer everyone.
What is LinkedIn Premium?
Think of LinkedIn Premium as a VIP membership to the world’s largest professional network. While LinkedIn’s basic (free) version offers valuable features, Premium unlocks a suite of advanced tools designed to enhance your visibility, expand your reach, and deepen your understanding of the professional landscape.
Key features
LinkedIn Premium offers a suite of features designed to supercharge your networking and job search efforts:
- InMail credits: This is your direct line to anyone on LinkedIn, regardless of whether you’re connected. Studies show InMails are more effective than regular emails, giving you a leg up in outreach.
- See who’s viewed your profile: This valuable intel reveals who’s checking you out. It could be a recruiter eyeing your profile or a potential client showing interest in your services.
- Access to LinkedIn Learning: Continuously upskill and stay ahead of the curve with thousands of expert-led courses covering a vast range of professional topics.
- Unlimited search: Never hit a wall in your search for connections, candidates, or companies. This is particularly beneficial for recruiters and salespeople who need a large pool of leads.
- Job & salary insights: Gain a competitive edge with personalized insights on job applications and salary trends. See how you stack up against other candidates or assess the financial viability of a potential role.
- Business insights: Stay informed about company growth, hiring trends, and leadership changes. This can be invaluable for job seekers evaluating a company’s stability or salespeople identifying key decision-makers.
- Advanced search filters: Narrow down your search with precision. Target specific job titles, seniority levels, or locations to find the perfect fit for your needs.
- Saved notes on profiles: Annotate profiles with private notes. These can serve as helpful reminders about interactions, interests, or potential opportunities.
- Saved leads and accounts: Track and nurture relationships with potential clients or employers. Follow key contacts or monitor companies for job openings or strategic shifts.
- Saved search alerts: Receive timely notifications when new profiles match your saved search criteria. This feature is a goldmine for recruiters seeking candidates or salespeople identifying potential buyers.
LinkedIn free vs. LinkedIn Premium
While the free version provides basic networking features like profile creation, connecting with others, and limited messaging, LinkedIn Premium unlocks a range of advanced tools designed to enhance your professional presence.
With Premium, you gain access to features such as InMail credits for directly contacting individuals outside your network, insights into who’s viewed your profile, expanded search capabilities, and access to LinkedIn Learning for online courses.
Whether Premium is worth the investment depends on your specific goals and how actively you use LinkedIn. For job seekers, networkers, and those seeking career advancement opportunities, the added features may prove valuable, while casual users might find the free version sufficient.
Benefits of LinkedIn Premium
LinkedIn Premium offers a suite of tools designed to enhance your networking, job search, and professional development efforts. Here’s how its key features can benefit you:
Enhanced visibility and reach
LinkedIn Premium allows you to unlock your profile for all LinkedIn members to see, even those outside your network. This makes it easier for recruiters and potential collaborators to find and reach out to you. If you’re searching for a new job, the “Top Applicant” feature can be your best friend. This helps you identify jobs wherein you are a top candidate, getting you noticed by hiring managers when you apply for jobs.
You will also receive the premium profile badge, which can signal to other users that you’re serious about your professional growth and open to opportunities.
Search filters and insights
Subscribing to premium also gives you more refined search capabilities. Use advanced filters to narrow down your searches based on criteria like seniority level, company size, industry, and keywords. Another advantage is unlimited search. If you’ve noticed, there’s a limit to the number of profiles you can search for. With LinkedIn Premium, you can conduct as many searches as you need.
Premium also gives you great insights into salary, giving you a clearer picture of salary ranges for specific job titles and industries. This can help you negotiate with confidence. You can also gain. Gain valuable information on company growth, employee distribution, and hiring trends to inform your career decisions.
Wider and better communication
With InMail credits, you can reach out to anyone on the platform, even if they’re not in your network. This is ideal for initiating conversations with recruiters, industry leaders, or potential clients. If your InMail recipient doesn’t respond within seven days, you get your credit back.
“Who viewed your profile” insights
Signing up to LinkedIn Premium lets you see who has viewed your profile, including their job title, company, and how they found you. This allows you to identify potential leads and follow up strategically. However, if the user decides to go into private mode, you still won’t be able to see this information.
You can also analyze trends in your profile views to see if it’s attracting the right audience. You can turn on “Interesting viewers” to show high-profile viewers, such as senior leaders or recruiters.
Continuing professional development
You can access a vast library of expert-led video courses on topics ranging from leadership and communication to software development and marketing. These courses can help you upskill or reskill to stay competitive in the job market and advance your career trajectory.
LinkedIn Premium for small business owners
For small business owners, LinkedIn Premium can also drive growth. Imagine having the ability to effortlessly connect with potential clients and partners, forging relationships that could transform your business.
With its advanced search filters, there’s no need to sift through countless profiles. You can fine-tune your search to pinpoint your ideal prospects, giving you targeted results that align with your business goals. It also allows you to connect with individuals outside of your network. These connections could lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and even clients.
Case study: Dar’shun Kendrick
Dar’shun Kendrick, a small law firm owner, struggled to generate leads and expand their client base using traditional marketing methods. Recognizing the potential of LinkedIn as a networking platform, she invested in a LinkedIn Premium membership to leverage its advanced features and reach a wider audience.
Leveraging LinkedIn Premium’s “Who’s Viewed My Profile” feature, she identified and engaged with potential leads who had shown interest in their services. InMail credits were used to reach out directly to decision-makers who were not yet connections.
By actively utilizing the features of LinkedIn Premium and adopting a consistent, data-driven approach to engagement and content creation, Dar’shun successfully generated new leads, expanded their network, and solidified their professional reputation.
LinkedIn Premium for digital marketers
LinkedIn Premium also equips digital marketers with a sophisticated toolkit for enhancing their strategies and expanding their reach. One of the most valuable assets is access to detailed analytics and insights, which provide a deeper understanding of who’s engaging with your content and your profile. This enables data-driven decisions to optimize your marketing efforts.
The platform also allows you to laser-focus your networking efforts, using advanced filters to target and connect with key decision-makers in their desired industries. This opens doors to potential collaborations, partnerships, and client acquisition. Furthermore, the InMail credits allows you to reach out directly to anyone on LinkedIn, even if they aren’t in your network. This is a game-changer for lead generation and building relationships with potential clients.
Case study: Brad Golovin
Brad Golovin, a Business Development professional, was tasked with establishing a presence for his engineering firm in the Russian market. With no existing connections in the region, he turned to LinkedIn Premium to access decision-makers at major oil and gas companies.
Leveraging the InMail feature, Golovin crafted personalized messages expressing interest in the companies’ business and development plans, highlighting his firm’s capabilities. This direct approach led to meetings with high-level executives and ultimately resulted in lucrative deals. Golovin’s case demonstrates the effectiveness of LinkedIn Premium for international lead generation, even in B2B sectors with long sales cycles and high-value projects.
You can also check out our guide on LinkedIn ads.
LinkedIn Premium for influencers
LinkedIn Premium isn’t just for job seekers, it’s also a great tool for influencers ready to elevate their personal brands. Premium can give you enhanced visibility, pushing your thought leadership to the forefront of your niche. With a premium account, your insights can draw in more brands and potential sponsors who crave your unique influence.
But it’s not just about who sees you, it’s about who you connect with. Premium opens doors to a network brimming with industry leaders, decision-makers, and fellow influencers. It’s your backstage pass to collaborations, partnerships, and sponsorships that amplify your reach and impact. LinkedIn Learning can also help you stay ahead of the curve effortlessly, helping you fuel your expertise and add more credibility to your insights.
Case study: Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk, a well-known entrepreneur, investor, and public speaker, actively leverages LinkedIn Premium to enhance his personal brand and connect with his target audience. As an influencer, Vaynerchuk leverages LinkedIn’s publishing platform to share his insights and expertise. Premium membership potentially gives his content greater visibility among his target audience, further establishing him as a thought leader.
Costs and pricing of LinkedIn Premium
Here’s an overview of the costs and features of each tier so you can select the perfect plan that aligns with your professional objectives.
- LinkedIn Premium Career: Designed for job seekers, this plan typically starts at $29.99 per month. It grants you access to InMail credits (to directly message recruiters), insights on who’s viewed your profile, and advanced search filters. It’s a treasure trove for those seeking their next career move.
- LinkedIn Premium Business: Catering to networkers and sales professionals, this plan often begins around $59.99 per month. You’ll unlock unlimited profile browsing, deeper company insights, and the ability to see expanded information on those who have viewed your profile. It’s your passport to building meaningful connections and uncovering business opportunities.
- LinkedIn Sales: If sales is your forte, this plan is tailored for you, with prices starting at $99.99 per month. It equips you with advanced lead and account search capabilities, personalized algorithms for lead recommendations, and tools to track engagement. It’s a sales powerhouse that streamlines your efforts.
- LinkedIn Recruiter: For hiring managers and recruiters, this plan empowers you with enhanced search features, candidate recommendations, and InMail credits specifically for recruitment. Prices typically start around $169.00 per month.
Remember: Prices may vary based on your location and current promotions. Always check LinkedIn’s official website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Special plans for students and veterans
LinkedIn has stopped their 6 month premium subscription for students, however you can still get a free 2-month trial. For veterans, LinkedIn partnered with SheerID to give veterans a 1 year subscription to LinkedIn Premium.
Is LinkedIn Premium worth it?
The value of LinkedIn Premium is subjective and depends on your individual goals. If you’re actively seeking a job or want to stand out in your industry, Premium Career’s InMail credits and profile insights can be invaluable. For networking and sales professionals, Premium Business opens doors to new connections and opportunities that can directly impact your bottom line.
LinkedIn Sales’ advanced features can supercharge your lead generation and sales pipeline, potentially leading to significant revenue growth. Meanwhile, Recruiter can streamline your hiring process, helping you discover and attract top talent more efficiently.
Ultimately, the decision rests on whether the features and benefits of a particular plan align with your specific needs and budget. Carefully weigh the costs against the potential returns to make an informed choice.
LinkedIn Premium AI features
LinkedIn Premium also comes with a set of AI-powered tools that can help you maximize your network potential, career growth, and brand-building efforts even further. These features include:
- Personalized Content Recommendations: The AI analyzes your profile, interests, and activity to recommend relevant articles, posts, and videos. This helps you stay informed about industry trends, learn new skills, and discover valuable content that aligns with your career goals.
- Career Growth Insights: The AI provides personalized insights into your career path, suggesting potential job opportunities, skill gaps to address, and steps to take to advance in your field. This empowers you to make informed decisions and take proactive steps towards your career aspirations.
- Streamlined Productivity: AI-powered tools like smart replies and automated message suggestions help you communicate more efficiently and effectively. This saves you time and effort while maintaining professional interactions.
- Improved Profile Visibility: AI-powered profile optimization suggestions help you create a more compelling and discoverable LinkedIn profile, increasing your chances of being noticed by recruiters and potential employers.
How AI enhances the LinkedIn Premium experience
LinkedIn Premium takes your professional networking to the next level with the power of AI. It personalizes your experience to your goals, suggesting relevant content and automating tasks to save you time. By analyzing data, it provides intelligent career advice and guides your networking efforts. Furthermore, AI enhances your profile’s visibility, attracting the right opportunities. In short, LinkedIn Premium AI transforms the platform from a static tool into an active partner for your career and business growth, unlocking a new world of productivity, insights, and possibilities.
Wrapping it up
LinkedIn Premium isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a catalyst for professional transformation. Whether you’re a job seeker eager to stand out from the crowd, an entrepreneur looking to expand your network, a sales professional aiming for higher targets, or a recruiter seeking top talent, Premium offers tools tailored to your specific needs.
With enhanced visibility, deeper insights, and advanced communication options, LinkedIn Premium equips you to achieve your career aspirations with greater confidence and efficiency.
Why not experience the power of Premium for yourself? LinkedIn offers a free trial, allowing you to explore the full suite of features and discover how they can accelerate your professional journey. Take the leap and unlock a world of career-boosting possibilities with LinkedIn Premium–your future self will thank you.
FAQs
How much does LinkedIn Premium cost?
LinkedIn Premium offers various subscription tiers with different pricing options. The cost varies depending on the specific plan you choose and the billing cycle (monthly or annual).
Here’s a breakdown of the latest LinkedIn Premium pricing (as of July 18, 2024):
- LinkedIn Premium Career: $29.99 per month / $239.00 per year
- LinkedIn Premium Business: $59.99 per month / $575.88 per year
Additional premium plans are available for Sales Navigator and LinkedIn Recruiter, with pricing varying based on specific features and functionalities.
Can LinkedIn Premium see anonymous viewers?
No, LinkedIn Premium cannot see viewers who have chosen to use LinkedIn’s private mode. While Premium grants access to a list of profile viewers, it respects users’ privacy choices and will not reveal the identities of those who have opted for anonymity. This feature still provides valuable insights into who is interested in you and your professional background, although it excludes those who have chosen to remain anonymous.
What does LinkedIn Premium offer?
LinkedIn Premium offers a range of features designed to enhance your LinkedIn experience and help you achieve your career goals. These include InMail credits, advanced search filters, full access to LinkedIn Learning, salary insights, competitive intelligence, and more. You can refer to the previous sections of this article for a detailed overview of the Premium features.
Is there a free trial for LinkedIn Premium?
Yes, LinkedIn typically offers a one-month free trial for new Premium subscribers. This allows you to explore the full range of features and decide if it’s the right fit for you before committing to a paid subscription.
How to cancel LinkedIn Premium?
You can easily cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription by visiting the settings section of your LinkedIn account. There, you’ll find the option to manage your Premium subscription and cancel it. The cancellation process is straightforward and can be done at any time.
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