Can an Upgraded Account Help Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile?

If you’ve logged in to LinkedIn recently, you might have noticed that LinkedIn offers a 30-day free trial for upgrading to a premium membership. What exactly does a premium account offer? And can it optimize your profile for you? This article will explore the benefits and how upgrading can enhance your LinkedIn experience.

An upgraded account is a great option for anyone who wants to gain more insight into their user engagement, including job seekers, recruiters, and others. Job seekers can upgrade their accounts to become “featured candidates” and gain more visibility, attracting potential employers. Recruiters can also reach out to users who are not in their network, thus expanding their talent pool. A premium account is also available to anyone who wants more insight into their user engagement.

• Displaying badges to maximize visibility
• Search results and contact options have been expanded
• Profile Stats Pro for deeper insights
• FAQ: How can upgrading to LinkedIn Premium enhance my profile optimization?

Let’s explore the benefits of upgrading your LinkedIn profile:

1. Displaying badges to maximize visibility

Upgrade to a LinkedIn premium account to be able to display the gold “In” badge as well as the OpenLink badge. These badges increase your profile visibility and make you stand out amongst others. The OpenLink badge shows that anyone on LinkedIn can message you directly for free, increasing your networking possibilities.

2. Search results and contact options have been expanded

You can find and connect more effectively with professionals outside of your network when you have a premium account. This feature is especially useful for recruiters looking for qualified candidates. You can also directly contact users outside your network to facilitate meaningful connections and collaborations.

3. Profile Stats Pro for deeper insights

Profile Stats Pro is one of the most valuable features of an upgraded account. This tool will allow you to understand who is viewing your profile, their location, and their industry. Profile Stats Pro also allows you to monitor keywords used to find your profile. These insights will help you evaluate the effectiveness of your profile-optimization strategies.

It’s important to consider the costs involved when evaluating the benefits of upgrading. LinkedIn offers different types of accounts, including Premium, Job Seeker, Recruiter, and Sales Professional accounts. Each account type offers additional customization options that result in different prices. After the 30-day free trial, the LinkedIn Premium Business Plus Account costs $49.95 per month.

The free trial allows you to test out the upgraded account and determine if it aligns with your goals and needs. There’s no risk as long as you cancel before the trial period expires.

LinkedIn’s popularity for upgraded accounts is increasing.  In 2023, LinkedIn has enjoyed revenues approaching 6.44 billion U.S. dollars, which will only continue to increase.

A LinkedIn upgraded account’s analytics, search, and messaging capabilities are more valuable than the gold “In,” OpenLink, or other badges. These features are handy for evaluating the success of your profile-optimization efforts. If you need to upgrade your LinkedIn account, try it and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Ready to take your LinkedIn profile to the next level? Let’s talk. 

FAQ: How can upgrading to LinkedIn Premium enhance my profile optimization?

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is crucial to stand out and make meaningful connections. One effective strategy that often sparks curiosity is upgrading to LinkedIn Premium. As an expert in the field, I’m here to show how this move can significantly enhance your profile optimization.

Understanding the Buyer Intent:

When individuals consider upgrading to LinkedIn Premium, they often seek advanced tools and features to boost their professional presence. The buyer intent search terms for this query may include phrases like “LinkedIn Premium benefits,” “profile optimization tools,” and “professional networking advantages.”

Unleashing Advanced Profile Insights:

One of the standout benefits of LinkedIn Premium is gaining access to enhanced profile insights. This includes a comprehensive breakdown of who viewed your profile, allowing you to identify potential employers, clients, or collaborators. Leveraging this information strategically can give you a competitive edge by tailoring your content to resonate with your target audience.

Increased Visibility with InMail Credits:

LinkedIn Premium offers a valuable currency: InMail credits. Send a direct message directly to any individual on LinkedIn’s platform even if you don’t know them, providing an invaluable way of reaching out to potential clients or recruiters in your industry.

Skill Development through LinkedIn Learning:

LinkedIn Premium provides access to LinkedIn Learning, an extensive library of courses covering a wide range of professional skills. Engaging with these courses enhances your skill set and showcases your commitment to continuous learning on your profile, making you more appealing to potential employers and collaborators.

Priority Placement in Job Applicant Lists:

LinkedIn Premium offers a significant advantage for those active job hunting by placing your application at the top of the list for specific job postings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Optimizing Your Profile with LinkedIn Premium

1. Evaluate Your Current Profile:

Begin by assessing your existing LinkedIn profile to identify areas for improvement.

2. Upgrade to LinkedIn Premium:

Visit the LinkedIn Premium page and choose the plan that aligns with your professional goals.

3. Explore Profile Insights:

Dive into the enhanced profile insights to understand who is viewing your profile and tailor your content accordingly.

4. Utilize InMail Credits:

Take advantage of InMail credits to connect with key individuals in your industry.

5. Engage in LinkedIn Learning:

Access LinkedIn Learning and complete relevant courses to boost your skills and showcase your commitment to professional development.

6. Apply for Premium Job Listings:

Explore and apply for premium job listings to increase your visibility to recruiters.

7. Regularly Update Your Profile:

Keep your profile up-to-date with new skills, experiences, and achievements.

8. Network Actively:

Leverage the benefits of premium to actively expand your professional network.

9. Engage in Group Discussions:

Participate in industry-related groups and discussions to enhance your presence.

10. Monitor Profile Performance:

Continuously monitor the performance of your upgraded profile using the provided insights.

11. Tailor Content to Your Audience:

Craft your posts and updates based on the preferences and interests of your profile viewers.

12. Utilize Premium Filters in Job Searches:

Take advantage of advanced filters when searching for jobs to find the most relevant opportunities.

13. Customize Connection Requests:

Personalize connection requests to make a memorable impression on potential contacts.

14. Seek Recommendations:

Request and showcase recommendations from colleagues and clients to build credibility.

15. Highlight Achievements:

Use the “Featured” section to showcase specific projects, articles, or media that highlight your achievements.

16. Optimize Your Headline and Summary:

Craft a compelling headline and summary that clearly communicate your professional identity and goals.

17. Join Premium Webinars and Events:

Participate in exclusive webinars and events available to LinkedIn Premium members.

18. Utilize Premium Badge:

Display the premium badge on your profile to signal your commitment to professional excellence.

19. Stay Informed with Premium Insights:

Regularly check premium insights to stay informed about who is engaging with your profile.

20. Adapt and Evolve:

Continuously adapt your profile based on the insights and feedback you receive, ensuring ongoing optimization.

Upgrading to LinkedIn Premium isn’t just a status symbol; it’s a strategic move to elevate your professional brand. Upgrade, explore, and watch your professional opportunities flourish.

This article was updated on December 15, 2023.

Kristi Kellogg is a journalist, news hound, professional copywriter, and social (media) butterfly. Currently, she is a senior SEO content writer for Conde Nast. Her articles appear in newspapers, magazines, across the Internet and in books such as "Content Marketing Strategies for Professionals" and "The Media Relations Guidebook." Formerly, she was the social media editor at Bruce Clay Inc.

See Kristi's author page for links to connect on social media.