Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide

LinkedIn is the leading career-focused Social Media platform online. While it is a free site, there are numerous features available only after subscribing to LinkedIn Premium. But the question is: Is LinkedIn Premium Worth it? Explore this blog to get the answer to this question. Learn everything, including its benefits and costs, and determine whether it's the right investment for your professional goals. Whether you are a candidate looking for a job or looking for leads, this blog will help you make the right choice. Let’s dive in! 

Table of Content 

1) LinkedIn Premium Pricing 

2) Is LinkedIn Premium Worth it? Advantages and disadvantages 

a) Advantages of LinkedIn Premium 

b) Disadvantages of LinkedIn Premium 

3) Conclusion 

LinkedIn Premium Pricing  

LinkedIn Premium, a subscription-based upgrade, enhances the standard LinkedIn experience. It allows members to see who has viewed their profile, send messages directly through InMails even without a connection, and provides access to specialised tools and resources. These features are particularly useful for enhancing job searches and expanding business networking opportunities. 

Now, having discussed the various aspects of LinkedIn Premium, let's delve deeper into the costs and features to better understand what LinkedIn Premium offers: 

LinkedIn Premium career subscription (£32.06/month) 

This subscription grants several additional benefits: 

1) Send up to five InMail messages per month. 

2) Access insights on how you compare to other applicants. 

3) View who's checked out your profile in the last 90 days. 

4) Enroll in over 16,000 LinkedIn Learning courses. 

5) Utilise full access to Interview Preparation tools. 

LinkedIn Premium business subscription (£36.07/month billed annually) 

Choosing this plan includes all the benefits of the Career plan, plus: 

1) Open profile feature allowing more visibility. 

2) Unlimited browsing of people's profiles.  

3) Detailed company insights.  

4) 15 InMail messages per month.  

Extended profile view insights for up to 365 days. 

Important tip: The monthly rate for LinkedIn Premium Business is only £36.07 if billed annually. Opting for monthly payments increases the cost to £56.11. Always be on the lookout for promotional offers that may reduce these costs.
 

Is LinkedIn Premium Worth it? Advantages and disadvantages 

After learning about the pricing structure, the question arises: Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It? Whether you select Premium Career or Premium Business plan, LinkedIn provides valuable tools and insights to help you reach your professional goals. However, it can be a bane if not utilised properly. Let's understand the advantages and disadvantages of LinkedIn Premium for a better understanding: 

Advantages of LinkedIn Premium 

The following are the advantages of subscribing to a premium account on LinkedIn: 

1) Tracking profile views  

With any LinkedIn Premium subscription, you can see the full list of those who have viewed your profile in the last 90 days. This feature allows you to filter views to identify specific LinkedIn users, such as potential recruiters or candidates. This indicates their interest in your profile. This information can serve as an excellent icebreaker for initiating conversations. 

2) Accessing LinkedIn Learning 

You have access to LinkedIn Learning with any LinkedIn premium subscription. It is for sure one of the most underrated sources of knowledge on the internet. There are several high-quality content on topics like job hunting, sales techniques, and recruitment strategies. It's a fantastic tool for those committed to advancing their careers through continuous learning from industry leaders. 

3) Unlocking InMail messages  

LinkedIn Premium enables you to send InMail messages directly to people you aren’t connected with. Users on a free account will find that you can only directly message those who are already in your network. 

This is convenient because you can skip the connection request step to land directly on LinkedIn DMs. You will have a different number of InMails per month according to the LinkedIn premium offer you select:  

1) 50 InMails every month with Sales Navigator  

2) 5 InMails every month with LinkedIn Premium Career  

3) 15 InMails every month with LinkedIn Premium Business  

4) 30 InMails every month with Recruiter Lite  

5) 150 InMails every month with LinkedIn Recruiter  

In simple words, the more you pay, the more InMails you will have.  

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4) Conducting unlimited searches  

Regular LinkedIn accounts have a limit on the number of searches you can perform, known as the commercial use limit. Upgrading to LinkedIn Premium removes this limitation. It grants unlimited searches, which is particularly useful for extensive networking, prospecting, or recruiting. 

5) Utilising the open profile feature  

The Open Profile setting, available to Premium subscribers, lets you send messages without using InMail credits to 2nd and 3rd-degree connections. This feature is especially beneficial for freelancers and consultants, as it facilitates easier and cost-free communication with potential clients or collaborators outside your immediate network. These features make LinkedIn Premium a powerful tool for professionals looking to widen their network, enhance their skills, and advance their careers.  

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Disadvantages of LinkedIn Premium 

The following are some disadvantages of taking a premium on LinkedIn: 

1) Active networking: It's unnecessary if you're not heavily into networking for business or recruitment. 

2) Cost: It can be pricey, especially for those just starting their careers. 

3) Direct messaging: If your networking is mainly within your current circle, the basic account suffices. 

4) Recruitment: If your company uses another tool for recruitment, the advanced features of LinkedIn might not be required. 

5) Job insights: If competitive intelligence on jobs isn't crucial for your role, sticking with the free version and other tools might be better. 

LinkedIn Premium is indeed worth the investment if it fits within your budget and your career benefits from the advanced features offered. It's a powerful tool for anyone looking to seriously enhance their professional visibility and network. If you're looking to optimise your LinkedIn profile further, consider using tools like Teal’s Free Chrome Extension for an automated review that offers actionable feedback. 

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Conclusion 

Is LinkedIn Premium Worth it? Many people have this doubt. The premium is a worthy investment for your career or business if you have the budget. But remember, the decision to pay for a LinkedIn Premium subscription or go with the free LinkedIn Basic lies in the level of access you want to your professional network.