People often ask me if they should pay for LinkedIn Premium Features. In return, I ask them about their use of the free LinkedIn features. Do you check the last 5 people who viewed your profile? What do you do with the insights you gain? Nothing? Why pay to see more?
Before you prospect or apply for a job, how much research do you do into the company? Little to none? Why pay for insights? If you DO decide to upgrade, it allows you to gain insights into companies on LinkedIn. You can keep tabs on competitors, market leaders, and up-and-comers. You can even break down growth and hiring trends by function to determine where companies are investing resources.
There is a wealth of free learning out there. Use it heaps? No need to pay for access to LinkedIn Learning. Never use it? What makes you think you will when you pay for it? If you DO access LinkedIn Learning (even on a months free premium plan) you can add completed courses to your profile.
Another brilliant LinkedIn Premium Feature (not)

How about this? LinkedIn telling you about jobs where you are a top applicant? I know nothing about recruiting and as for digital strategy, I focus on a small part (LinkedIn).
Mind you, if you are looking for a new job, do turn to LinkedIn. That is a no-brainer. Now if you pay, you can use the LinkedIn Premium Feature to compare your skills to the qualifications required for open jobs and see how you stack up against other applicants (like they showed me in the image above :-)).
Why do I keep premium?
- It allows me to tick a box which makes it possible for all LinkedIn members to send me InMail. Something not available to free accounts. It moves my approachable personality to LinkedIn.
- I do look at who viewed my profile. I might reach out to those people. It also gives me information about my posts, sudden spikes in views tend to not happen accidentally. It also gives me insights in the kind of people I am reaching.
- I am still on an old plan, doesn’t break the bank for me. Honestly, if I had to pay current prices I would have to think twice. Maybe even go Sales Navigator.
- If your money is burning in your pocket, or if you really want to get serious with your LinkedIn use, you can compare the paid plans here. No affiliation. I make no money if you upgrade. If you want ME to make money, do explore the ways we can work together here.