LinkedIn

Is LinkedIn Premium Worth the Cost?

lemlist team
LAST UPDATED
May 10, 2024
READING TIME
7 min.

Are you struggling to become a LinkedIn celebrity and turn your brand into a legend?

LinkedIn Premium could be the tool to get the wanted results. It assists you with your resume, offers more education, and includes a writing assistant. 

But is a LinkedIn Premium account worth its cost?  Or can you get the same results for free by putting in the effort?

What is LinkedIn Premium?

LinkedIn Premium is an upgraded and paid version of your LinkedIn free account.

LinkedIn Premium offers various plans, so you can select the one that best fits your needs. Each plan providesa set offeatures and tools to take your networking to another level.

Whether you're a job seeker, a business professional, or a recruiter, there's a premium plan designed with your career trajectory in mind.

LinkedIn Premium is divided into four main categories: Premium Career, Premium Business, Recruiter Lite, and LinkedIn Sales Navigator.

Each plan offers unique features that cater to specific goals and professional activities on the platform.

  • LinkedIn Premium Career: $29.99/month
  • LinkedIn Premium Business: $59.99/month
  • LinkedIn Sales Navigator Core: $99.99/month
  • LinkedIn Sales Navigator Advanced: $149.99/month
  • LinkedIn Sales Navigator Advanced Plus: Custom pricing
  • LinkedIn Recruiter Lite: $170/month
  • LinkedIn Recruiter: $835/month
  • LinkedIn Learnings: $19.99/month

Premium Carreer plan is aimed at individuals looking to make their next career move.
It provides tools to help you stand out to recruiters and get insights into how you compare with other applicants. 

Premium Business is designed for those seeking to grow their business network and gain deeper business insights. 

Recruiter Lite is an entry-level recruiting tool that helps talent hunters find and manage candidates.

Meanwhile,LinkedIn Sales Navigator is a powerful tool for sales professionals. It offers advanced search capabilities and enhanced visibility into extended networks.

The value proposition of LinkedIn Sales Navigator is particularly noteworthy.

It's a sophisticated feature set that enables sales professionals to target the right buyers, understand key insights, and engage with personalized outreach. For those in sales and business development, this tool can be a game-changer in lead generation and relationship management.

Advantages of a LinkedIn Premium Subscription

Subscribing to LinkedIn Premium offers a variety of features that can significantly enhance your professional online presence. Let's take a closer look at LinkedIn Premium's best features:

1. Access to InMail Credits

One of the most coveted benefits is InMail credits, which allow you to directly message anyone on LinkedIn, even if you're not connected.

This feature is particularly useful for job seekers looking to reach out to hiring managers or for sales professionals seeking to initiate conversations with potential leads.

2. See who viewed your LinkedIn profile

Another key advantage is the ability to see who has viewed your profile.

Source:  LinkedIn

This feature satisfies curiosity and enables you to understand the audience interested in your professional background, which can lead to more informed networking strategies.

3. Incognito browsing

You can view people’s LinkedIn profiles without them knowing, and you still get a list of people that visited your profile in the last 90 days.

4. Efficient search features

LinkedIn Premium also offers advanced search filters, allowing you to refine your search for people, jobs, and companies with high specificity.

This can be incredibly beneficial when looking for new opportunities or seeking to connect with industry peers.

Moreover,LinkedIn Learning is an invaluable resource included in a Premium subscription.

5. LinkedIn Learning

A Premium LinkedIn account provides access to a vast library of courses covering a wide range of skills and industries.
For those committed to continuous learning and career development, this feature alone can be a compelling reason to invest in Premium.

6. Enhanced job searches

Job seekers with a Premium account also have the advantage of being featured as a Featured Applicant when applying for jobs, which can increase visibility and the likelihood of being noticed by recruiters.

7. Writing assistant

LinkedIn Premium helps you improve your profile’s headline and summary by making personalized suggestions.

LinkedIn Free vs. LinkedIn Premium Accounts

Is upgrading to a Premium account really worth it?
Let’s take a look.

A free LinkedIn account provides a solid foundation for networking, job searching, and establishing an online professional presence.
Users can connect with others, apply for jobs, and share content without any financial commitment.

However, a LinkedIn Premium account takes the possibilities further.

It offers exclusive features such as the ability to see who has viewed your profile, detailed insights on other profiles, and the ability to use InMail to directly contact anyone on LinkedIn, even if they are not in your network.

These advantages can provide a significant edge in a competitive job market or a crowded sales landscape.

The cost-benefit analysis of upgrading to a premium account depends largely on individual needs and professional circumstances.

For instance, Premium Career users gain access to interactive interview preparation tools and applicant insights, which can be invaluable for job seekers.
On the other hand, Premium Business and Sales Navigator subscriptions offer advanced search filters and lead recommendations, which are crucial for sales professionals looking to generate new business opportunities.

There are scenarios where the premium features may not justify the cost.

If your networking and job search efforts yield results through the free account, or if the premium features do not align with your specific objectives, the investment might not be necessary.

The premium investment can be a game-changer for those who are aggressively seeking to expand their career opportunities or accelerate business growth.

It's important to weigh the functionalities of both account types.

While the free version offers a robust platform for professional networking, the premium version is designed for those who seek more in-depth information, more direct communication channels, and advanced tools for job searching or lead generation.

When to Use Each LinkedIn Premium Plan

In business, we all have different jobs and goals, so what works for one may not work for another.

If you're thinking about upgrading to a LinkedIn Premium plan, you should get better insight into which one will better suit your needs.

For job seekers, LinkedIn Premium can be a powerful tool.

It grants access to features like the "Who's Viewed Your Profile" and "Featured Applicant," which can significantly increase visibility to potential employers.

Additionally, the Premium Career plan offers tailored insights on how you compare to other applicants, which can be instrumental in understanding the competitive landscape and improving your job application strategies.

Here are 12 tips given by LinkedIn to perfect your strategy!

On the other hand, recruiters and HR professionals may find immense value in the Recruiter Lite plan.

This plan offers more InMail credits, advanced search filters, and the ability to save and organize candidate profiles, making finding and reaching out to top talent easier.

Sales professionals stand to benefit from LinkedIn Premium through the Sales Navigator plan.

This tool is tailored for sales teams and individuals by providing sophisticated algorithms that help identify and recommend potential leads.

It also allows tracking client updates and industry news, which can be vital for maintaining client relationships and staying ahead in the sales game.

For sales professionals, the Sales Navigator Core is a game-changer.

It's designed to help you target the right buyers, understand key insights, and engage with personalized outreach.

To get the most out of Sales Navigator, use its advanced search to filter prospects by industry, company size, role, and more.

Save leads and accounts regularly to receive updates and notifications that can inform your sales strategy and help you stay on top of any developments within your target accounts.

Those in remote or specialized fields may also find LinkedIn Premium particularly beneficial.

The advanced search capabilities enable users to connect with industry-specific groups and professionals beyond their immediate network, which can be challenging when working in niche markets or remote locations.

Additionally, LinkedIn Premium members have access to LinkedIn Learning, an extensive library of courses covering many professional skills.

Engaging with this content also demonstrates a commitment to self-improvement and lifelong learning to potential employers or clients.

Ultimately, the ability to access LinkedIn Premium’s benefits varies by professional need.

For some, the networking capabilities and basic job search functions of a free account may suffice.

However, for those who are actively seeking to elevate their career or business prospects, LinkedIn Premium's advanced features can provide the additional leverage needed to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Optimize the Use of LinkedIn Premium

To make the most out of your LinkedIn Premium account, it's crucial to understand and effectively utilize its features.


With InMail, you can directly contact anyone on LinkedIn without an introduction or contact information.

To optimize the use of InMail, it's important to craft personalized, concise, and professional messages that clearly state the purpose of your outreach.
This approach increases the chances of receiving a response and can build relationships.

Another critical aspect of LinkedIn Premium is the ability to create a highly optimized profile.

Premium members can access detailed insights on who's viewed their profile, including how they found you and their industry and title. Use this data to tailor your profile to appeal to the audience you want to attract.

Make sure your profile is complete, with a professional photo, a compelling headline, and a detailed summary highlighting your unique value proposition.

Finally, consistent engagement on LinkedIn is essential.

Share industry-relevant content, participate in discussions, and publish articles to establish your thought leadership. This activity, combined with LinkedIn Premium's features, will help you build a strong professional brand and network that can open doors to new opportunities.

Check out this video and become a lead magnet with your posts! ⬇️

Key Takeaways

The question remains: is LinkedIn Premium truly worth the investment?

-> You can test the LinkedIn Premium features through its free trial.

-> The worth of LinkedIn Premium often comes down to how you will use its features.

For job seekers, the Featured Applicant status and the ability to see who has viewed their profile can provide a significant edge in a competitive job market.

For sales professionals and business owners, LinkedIn Sales Navigator can be an indispensable tool for lead generation and targeted outreach.

Yet, the benefits must balance the cost.

-> While LinkedIn Premium is paid monthly, the potential benefits can be substantial.
It's important to consider the specific advantages that LinkedIn Premium offers to your unique situation.

On one hand, the expanded network visibility, InMail credits, and advanced search filters may justify the expense for some.

On the other hand, the free account may be sufficient for those who do not require those advanced features.

-> In making your final decision, consider your professional objectives, the value of the features to your career or business strategy, and your willingness to engage with the platform consistently. LinkedIn Premium is not a magic solution, but it can be a valuable asset in your professional toolkit with the right approach.

FAQs

  • How does LinkedIn Premium differ from a free account? 

LinkedIn Premium offers additional features such as InMail credits, advanced search capabilities, and detailed insights on who's viewed your profile.

  • Can I try LinkedIn Premium before committing to a subscription? 

Yes, LinkedIn often offers a free trial period for its Premium plans, allowing you to test the features before making a financial commitment.

  • Is LinkedIn Premium beneficial for all industries and career levels? 

While LinkedIn Premium can be beneficial for many, its value may vary depending on your industry, career level, and how actively you use LinkedIn to achieve your goals.

  • Will LinkedIn Premium guarantee me a job? 

While LinkedIn Premium provides tools that may enhance your job search, it does not guarantee job placement. Success depends on various factors, including your industry, experience, and how you leverage the platform's features.

  • Does LinkedIn Premium offer better networking opportunities? 

Premium accounts can increase your visibility and provide greater access to other LinkedIn members, but effective networking still requires a proactive approach and strategic engagement.

  • Are the learning courses on LinkedIn Learning exclusive to Premium subscribers? 

LinkedIn Learning offers a vast array of courses, many of which are exclusive to LinkedIn Premium subscribers, providing a valuable resource for ongoing professional development.

lemlist team
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G2 Rating
Price
Best for
Standout feature
Con
4.9
star
star
star
star
star
$30/mo
$75/mo
$2,999/mo
Large, distributed sales teams
AI evaluation precision, gamified KPIs
Lack of tracking system
4.6
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Sales operations and finance teams
Powerful configurability
Limited training resources and complex to navigate
4.4
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Mid-market and enterprise businesses
Comprehensive incentive management
Potentially high cost and steep learning curve
4.7
star
star
star
star
star-half
$15/user/mo
$40/user/mo
Enterprise: custom price
Complex sales structures and businesses of all sizes
Complex sales structures and businesses of all sizes
Steep learning curve
4.6
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Collaborative teams
Connected planning
Complexity and steep learning curve
4.6
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Companies with complex sales structures
Complex incentive compensation management (ICM) with high efficiency and accuracy
Complexity for smaller teams and potentially high costs
4.7
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Companies who want to automate commission calculations and payouts
Simplicity and ease of use
Lack of features like redirection
4.7
star
star
star
star
star-half
$30/user/mo
$35/user/mo
Custom: upon request
Businesses that need a comprehensive and user-friendly sales compensation management software
Ease of use and adoption
Lack of ability to configure the product based on user needs
4.8
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Companies with modern sales culture and businesses who want real-time insights
A built-in dispute management and real-time visibility
Users say it works slowly, customer support is slow
4.9
star
star
star
star
star
$30/user/mo
$50/user/mo
Smaller sales teams
Powerful automation
Lesser user base and average user interface
4.7
star
star
star
star
star-half
Not publicly available
Companies with scalable needs
Automated Commission Calculations
Lack of filtering by date, no mobile app
ERP vs. CRM
ERP
CRM
Summary
Backbone of a business's internal operations.
Backbone of customer-centric interactions and operations.
Goal
To centralize and streamline core business processes in a company.
To increase customer experience, satisfaction and loyalty, and boost sales.
Focus
Internal operations and processes across departments (finance, accounting, inventory, supply chain, HR, and sales).
All interactions with leads and customers.
Manages
Internal business data like financial data, inventory levels, production details, supply chain, HR info.
All customer data like contact info, purchase history, communication history, customer preferences and more.
Users
Finance, accounting, operations, supply chain, and HR departments.
Customer-facing teams like sales, marketing, and customer service.
Benefits
Streamlines operations, improves data accuracy, enhances decision-making, boosts collaboration, increases productivity.
Improves customer relationships, increases sales, strengthens customer service, personalizes marketing campaigns, provides insights.
Price
$150 per user per year on average.
$10 to $30 per user per month on average.
PRM Tool
Rating
Feature
Pro
Con
Mobile App
Integrations
Free Plan
Pricing
4.65
star
star
star
star
star-half
Org-wide alignment
User-friendly layout and database
Suboptimal as a personal CRM
square-check
Lack of tracking system
square-check
Team: $20/month
Business: $45/month
4.7
star
star
star
star
star-half
Social Media Integration
Easy contact data collection
No marketing/sales features
square-check
Lack of tracking system
square-xmark
7-day trial
$12/month
4.75
star
star
star
star
star-half
Block Functions
High customization capability
Not a dedicated CRM
square-check
Limited
square-check
Plus: €7.50/month
Business: €14/month
N/A
Open-source
Open-source flexibility
Requires extensive manual input
square-xmark
Limited
square-check
Self-hosted
$9/month or
$90/year
3.1
star
star
star
Simple iOS app
Ideal for non-tech-savvy users
iPhone only
square-check
iOS only
Limited
square-xmark
1-month trial
$1.49/month or
$14.99/month
3.6
star
star
star
star-half
Smart Contact Management
Feature-rich and flexible
Reported bugs
square-check
Rich
square-xmark
7-day trial
Premium: $13.99/month
Teams: $17.99/month
4.4
star
star
star
star
star-half
Customizable Interface
Customizable for teamwork
Pricey for personal use
square-check
Rich
square-xmark
Standard: $24/member
Premium: $39/member
4.7
star
star
star
star
star-half
Integrated Calling
Integrated Calling
Too sales-oriented & pricey
square-check
Rich
square-xmark
14-day trial
Startup: $59/user/month
Professional: $329/user/month
4.8
star
star
star
star
star
Business Card Scanning
Business Card Scanning
Mobile only
square-check
Limited
square-check
$9.99/month
4.45
star
star
star
star
star-half
160+ app integrations
Comprehensive integrations
No free app version
square-check
Rich
square-xmark
14-day trial
$29.90/month or
$24.90/month (billed annually)
Capterra Rating
Free Trial
Free Plan
Starting Price (excluding the free plan)
Maximum Price (for the most expensive plan)
Best for
4.5
star
star
star
star
star-half
square-check
14-day
square-check
€15/month/seat billed annually
€792/month/3 seats billed annually + €45/month for each extra seat
Versatility and free plan
4.2
star
star
star
star
square-check
30-day
square-xmark
But it offers reduced price to authorised nonprofit organisations
€25/user/month
€500/user/month billed annually (includes Einstein AI)
Best overall operational CRM
4.3
star
star
star
star
star-half
square-xmark
square-check
Limited to 3 users
Comprehensive incentive management
€52/user/month billed annually
Small-medium businesses and automation
4.5
star
star
star
star
star-half
square-check
14-day
square-xmark
€14/seat/month billed annually
€99/seat/month billed annually
Sales teams and ease of use
4.1
star
star
star
star
square-xmark
square-check
Limited 10 users
$9.99/user/month billed annually
$64.99/user/month billed annually
Free plan for very small teams up to 10
CRM goal
Increase the sales conversion rate for qualified leads from marketing automation campaigns by 10% in the next 6 months.
SMART Breakdown
1. Specific: It targets a specific area (conversion rate) for a defined segment (qualified leads from marketing automation).
2. Measurable: The desired increase (10%) is a clear metric, and the timeframe (6 months) allows for progress tracking.
3. Achievable: A 10% increase is possible based on historical data and potential improvements.
4. Relevant: Boosting sales from marketing efforts aligns with overall business objectives.
5. Time-bound: The 6-month timeframe creates urgency and a clear target date.
Actions
Step 1: Refine lead qualification criteria to ensure high-quality leads are nurtured through marketing automation.
Step 2: Personalize marketing automation campaigns based on lead demographics, interests, and behavior.
Step 3: Develop targeted landing pages with clear calls to action for qualified leads.
Step 4: Implement lead scoring to prioritize high-potential leads for sales follow-up.
Step 5: Track and analyze campaign performance to identify areas for optimization.
Outcomes
Increased sales and revenue
Improved marketing automation ROI
Marketing and sales alignment
Data-driven marketing optimization
Table
CDP Software
CRM Software
Approach
Data-centric
Customer-centric
Focus
Interactions across various channels and touchpoints, both online and offline.
Sales, marketing, and customer service interactions.
Functionality
Automatically collects, organizes, tags, and makes data available in real-time.
Helps businesses track customer interactions, sales pipelines, prospects, and service requests.
Goals
Personalized customer experiences across all channels.
Better customer relationships, streamlined processes, and improved profitability.
Benefits
Data integration, management, and accessibility, allowing for detailed analysis and segmentation.
Better communication within teams and with customers by organizing information about customer interactions and history.
Data Handling
Handles both identified and anonymous data, stitches together various data points.
Deals primarily with identified customer data.
Use Cases
Personalized marketing campaigns, targeted advertising, content customization across multiple channels.
Managing campaigns and leads, enhancing customer service, providing better customer support, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Examples
Insider, Bloomreach, Salesforce Marketing Cloud CDP
HubSpot, Salesforce Sales Cloud Lightning Professional, and Zoho CRM
CRM
Free plan
Best feature
Best for
Con
1. HubSpot CRM
square-check
Sales automation
Sales teams
Up to 1,000 contacts
2. Insightly
square-check
Custom fields
Basic needs
Not enough info about the free plan
3. Agile CRM
square-check
Deal and sales pipeline tracking
Small teams
Up to 10 users
4. Zoho CRM
square-check
Lead and contact management
Businesses of all sizes
Limited to 3 users
5. ClickUp
square-check
Unlimited tasks and unlimited members
Personal use
Up to 100MB storage
6. EngageBay
square-check
Live chat
Small and midsize enterprises
Up to 1,000 branded emails per month
7. Bitrix24
square-check
Unlimited users and 5 scrum teams
Big teams
Up to 5GB of cloud storage
8. FreshSales
square-check
Easy to use and simple setup
Beginners
Up to 3 users
9. Mailchimp
square-check
Very beginner friendly
Marketing teams
Send up to 500 branded emails per month
Type of Affiliate Marketing
Unattached
Related
Involved
Format
Paid advertising
Social media or YouTube channels
Dedicated website or blog
Focus
Quick income
Your niche
Your audience
Engagement with your audience
square-xmark
square-check
square-check
square-check
square-check
Very close connection with your audience
Pro
Little effort
Higher credibility thanks to your niche
Long-lasting and scalable
Con
Paid ads cost a lot
Potential for bias since you don’t use the thing you promote
Require time, effort, and dedication

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