LinkedIn Premium has become the golden ticket to success in the ever-evolving world of professional networking. With over 930 million users worldwide (and counting), LinkedIn has firmly established itself as the go-to platform for career advancement.
LinkedIn offers two main versions of its platform: the free version and the Premium version. These two versions cater to different user needs and provide varying features and benefits.
In this blog post, I’ll discuss important aspects of LinkedIn Premium you should know about, including what it is, how much it is, how it differs from the free version, and its general advantages.
Before I dive into that, I should mention that the secret weapon in a LinkedIn Premium user’s arsenal is the social media scheduler. This time-saving tool simplifies the process of reaching out to connections and maintaining a consistent online presence. It gives users the edge they need to thrive in today’s competitive professional landscape.
What Is LinkedIn Premium
LinkedIn Premium is a subscription-based service offered by LinkedIn, the popular professional networking platform. It provides users with enhanced features and tools designed to help them further their careers, expand their networks, and find new opportunities.
How Much Is LinkedIn Premium in 2023
LinkedIn Premium offers several subscription plans with different features and price points to cater to the specific needs of professionals, whether they are job seekers, recruiters, or salespeople looking to boost their professional presence.
Here are the four LinkedIn Premium pricing options:
Premium Career – $29.99
This plan is designed for job seekers and those looking to advance their careers. Features often include:
- Private browsing.
- Access to applicant insights.
- Access to who’s viewed your profile in the past 90 days.
- Unlimited access to LinkedIn learning.
- Enhanced job search filters and insights.
- Five InMail credits per month.
Premium Business – $47.99
This plan suits all professionals who want to grow their business network and connect with potential clients or partners. The features of the Premium Business Plan include:
- Private browsing.
- Access to applicant insights.
- Access to who’s viewed your profile in the past 365 days.
- Unlimited access to LinkedIn learning.
- Unlimited people browsing.
- Business insights.
- 15 InMail credits per month.
Sales Navigator Core – $64.99
This plan is tailored for sales professionals and teams looking to find leads, build relationships, and close deals. Here are the features included in the Sales Navigator Core plan:
- Everything in Premium Business.
- Standalone sales interface.
- Custom lead and account lists.
- Access to who’s viewed your profile in the past 90 days.
- 50 InMail credits per month.
- Real-time updates and alerts.
- Lead recommendations and saved leads.
- Custom lead and account lists.
Recruiter Lite – $99.95
This plan is designed for recruiters and hiring professionals looking to find and connect with potential candidates. Here are the features included in this subscription plan:
- Recruiting-specific design.
- Automatic candidate tracking.
- Integrated hiring.
- Smart Suggestions.
- Applicant Insights.
- Direct messaging.
- Private Browsing.
- Access to who’s viewed your profile in the past 90 days.
- 50 InMail credits per month.
It’s important to note that LinkedIn Premium pricing changes occasionally.
Reasons Why LinkedIn Premium Is Worth It
LinkedIn Premium can be a valuable investment for professionals in various fields for several reasons, backed by facts and statistics. I’ve outlined some of the reasons below:
Increased Profile Visibility
Fact: LinkedIn Premium members receive up to six times more profile views compared to free users.
Increased Profile Visibility Premium members tend to have a significantly higher profile view count on LinkedIn, which indicates the tangible benefits of a Premium subscription. This enhanced visibility can be particularly crucial for various categories of LinkedIn users, including job seekers, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to expand their networks.
Job seekers can greatly benefit from increased profile views as more recruiters and potential employers view their profiles. For entrepreneurs and business owners, increased profile visibility can signal credibility and authority in a particular industry or niche. This can lead to more connection requests and messages from individuals interested in collaboration or business opportunities.
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Higher InMail Response Rates
Fact: Premium members enjoy a 25% higher InMail response rate.
With a Premium Account, you can send customized messages to individuals on LinkedIn using “InMail,” regardless of whether they are in your existing network. With a standard LinkedIn Basic account, you can initiate contact with HR professionals, managers, or recruiters who may have been previously beyond your reach.
As such, you are more likely to receive responses, which is particularly advantageous for networking, job inquiries, or business development.
Advanced Job Search Tools
Fact: Career Premium users have access to enhanced search filters.
Career Premium users on LinkedIn gain access to a set of enhanced job search filters that significantly improve their ability to find the most relevant job opportunities. They can specify specific criteria, such as industry, company size, location, and job function, to ensure that the job listings they view closely align with their career goals and preferences.
Advanced Job Search Tools Additionally, Career Premium users can filter job listings based on specific skills, allowing them to find positions that directly match their skill set and expertise. This feature can be a game-changer for professionals looking for roles that align closely with their qualifications.
The ability to use these advanced filters gives Career Premium users a competitive edge in the job market. They can tailor their job searches to their unique qualifications and preferences, resulting in a more efficient and effective job search process.
Quicker Employment
Fact: Career Premium subscribers get hired twice as fast as non-Premium job seekers.
Quicker Employment The additional features and advantages provided by Career Premium can certainly accelerate the job search process for subscribers, leading to quicker job placements. For instance, being a Career Premium subscriber allows you to apply to jobs as a “Featured Applicant.”
In this capacity, your job application will be prominently displayed above those of non-Premium members, significantly improving the likelihood of potential employers noticing and considering it.
Furthermore, Premium subscribers get a job seeker badge on their profiles and next to their name in search results. With the badge, you can easily stand out from other LinkedIn members, giving you an opportunity to get noticed and picked up by employers quickly.
Access to Exclusive Insights
Fact: Some LinkedIn Premium plans provide access to Premium Insights.
Access to Exclusive Insights Anyone who wants to thrive in the social media space must pay attention to social media insights. Luckily, subscribers to LinkedIn Premium can get exclusive insights designed to assist them in conducting in-depth research and analysis. These valuable insights are conveniently accessible through a dedicated Premium Insights tab, typically positioned at the top of each LinkedIn Company Page.
The Premium Insights tab is a valuable tool for professionals across various industries and functions, enabling them to stay competitive and seize opportunities in the dynamic world of business and talent acquisition.
For instance, Premium Business Insights provides critical information about companies, including their size, industry, recent news, and key decision-makers within the organization. This data empowers professionals to make informed decisions about business opportunities, partnership strategies, and client targeting.
This Insights tab also equips Sales Navigator subscribers with an even more advanced set of company insights, which are essential for sales professionals looking to identify and engage with potential leads and clients. These insights go beyond basic company details and may include information on company growth trends, recent hires and departures, and job postings.
Lastly, the feature provides LinkedIn Recruiter subscribers with specialized company insights tailored to their talent acquisition needs. These insights often include details about a company’s hiring trends, employee turnover rates, and the skill sets most in demand within the organization.
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What Is the Difference Between LinkedIn and LinkedIn Premium
LinkedIn and LinkedIn Premium are two distinct tiers of LinkedIn service, each offering different features and benefits. I have prepared a side-by-side comparison of LinkedIn (Free) and LinkedIn Premium below:
| Feature | LinkedIn (Free) | LinkedIn Premium |
| Profile Creation | Create a basic profile as your professional resume | Create a detailed profile to showcase your skills, experience, and achievements |
| Networking | Connect with other professionals and expand your network. | Connect with a wider audience, including influential professionals and decision-makers. |
| Job Searching | Search for job opportunities and apply to jobs. | Use advanced job search filters to find specific job listings tailored to your preferences. |
| Profile Views | See who has viewed your profile in the last few days. | Enjoy higher profile visibility, potentially receiving more views from recruiters and connections. |
| InMail Messaging | Limited access or restrictions on InMail messages. | Receive a monthly allocation of InMail credits, allowing you to message people not in your network |
| Job Search Filters | Basic job search filters with limited specificity. | Use advanced filters to refine job searches and target specific criteria like industry, location, and more |
| Salary Insights | Not available in the free version. | Some Premium plans offer insights into salary ranges for job listings. |
| LinkedIn Learning | Access to some free courses. | Depending on the plan, access LinkedIn Learning, a library of online courses. |
| Competitive Insights | Not available in the free version. | Some Premium plans allow you to see how you compare to other job applicants. |
| Company Insights | Not available in the free version. | Premium Business, Sales Navigator, and some Recruiter subscribers get exclusive company insights. |
| Premium Job Listings | Standard access to job listings | May have access to job listings that are not available to free users |
| Profile Visibility | Basic visibility settings for your profile. | Enhanced profile visibility can lead to more views from recruiters and connections. |
The key difference between LinkedIn and LinkedIn Premium is the added functionality and tools that Premium provides, making it a valuable investment for those looking to enhance their LinkedIn experience and achieve specific professional goals.
Related Guide: How to Connect LinkedIn Accounts
What Are the General Advantages of LinkedIn Premium
LinkedIn Premium offers several general advantages that can benefit professionals in various industries and career stages. These advantages can enhance your LinkedIn experience and help you achieve your professional goals. Here are some of the key LinkedIn premium benefits:
Salary Insights
The Premium Career plan provides insights into salary ranges for job listings, enabling users to evaluate job offers better and negotiate compensation.
LinkedIn Learning
Premium subscribers also have access to LinkedIn Learning, an extensive library of online courses covering a wide range of professional topics. This feature allows users to acquire new skills and stay competitive in their industries.
Resume Building
Premium Career users can use LinkedIn’s resume-building tool to create and download a professional-looking resume, simplifying the job application process.
Profile Badge
Premium members often have a distinctive profile badge indicating their Premium status. This badge can add credibility and professionalism to your profile.
Increased Networking Opportunities
Compared to those on the free plan, Premium subscribers have increased networking opportunities they can explore. The ability to connect with a wider audience, including influential professionals and decision-makers, can open doors to valuable networking connections, mentorship, and collaborations.
Access to Premium Insights and Analytics
Premium Business, Sales Navigator, and Recruiter subscribers gain access to unique insights and analytics tools for competitive analysis and market research.
Access to Premium Analytics These general LinkedIn Premium benefits make the platform a valuable investment for professionals looking to stand out, network effectively, and advance their careers or businesses on the platform.
Remember that the specific benefits you receive can vary depending on the Premium plan you choose, so selecting the one that aligns with your professional goals and needs is essential.
Related Article: Best Time to Post on LinkedIn in 2024
Conclusion
The decision to invest in LinkedIn Premium is not merely a financial one; it’s an investment in your professional journey. The advantages it offers, from increased visibility and personalized insights to advanced networking tools and skill development resources, can accelerate your career growth and open doors to opportunities you might not have otherwise discovered.
Harnessing the power of a LinkedIn scheduler to manage your LinkedIn Premium account efficiently is a decision that makes sense and adds tremendous value to your professional endeavors.
