Are you ready to turbocharge your LinkedIn experience without emptying your wallet? You’re in the right place! LinkedIn Premium offers a treasure trove of features that can elevate your professional game, but the subscription cost might make you think twice. Fear not, because we’ve got seven powerful hacks to help you unlock LinkedIn Premium for free. Yes, you heard that right—for free. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into these awesome strategies.
What is LinkedIn Premium?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to get it for free, let’s talk about what LinkedIn Premium actually is. It is the fancy version of LinkedIn that offers a suite of advanced features not available in the free version. With LinkedIn Premium, you get:
- InMail Credits: Send messages to people who aren’t in your network.
- Who Viewed Your Profile: See everyone who’s been checking you out.
- Learning Courses: Access to LinkedIn Learning, a vast library of courses.
- Job Insights: Get detailed information about job listings.
- Applicant Insights: See how you stack up against other applicants.
These features can make a significant difference in your job search and professional networking. But let’s face it, not everyone wants to shell out for these perks. That’s where our hacks come in.
1. Leverage the Free Trial
The easiest way to get LinkedIn Premium for free is to take advantage of LinkedIn’s free trial offer. LinkedIn typically offers a one-month free trial of their Premium services. Here’s how you can make the most out of this offer:
How to Sign Up for the Free Trial
- Go to LinkedIn Premium Page: Navigate to the Premium page from your profile or directly from the site’s main navigation.
- Select a Plan: Choose the plan that best fits your needs. Whether it’s Career, Business, Sales, or Hiring, there’s something for everyone.
- Start Free Trial: Click on the “Start my free month” button and enter your payment details.
Pro Tip: Set a reminder to cancel your subscription before the trial period ends to avoid being charged.
Making the Most of Your Free Trial
During your free trial, go all out. Here are a few tips to maximize your experience:
- Network Aggressively: Use InMail to connect with people outside your network.
- Take Courses: Dive into LinkedIn Learning and complete as many courses as you can.
- Optimize Your Profile: Use the insights you gain to refine your profile and make it more appealing.
By fully utilizing the free trial, you can gain a lot of value without spending a penny.
2. Utilize LinkedIn Learning Licenses from Your Employer or School
Many companies and educational institutions offer LinkedIn Learning licenses as part of their development programs. This can be a goldmine for accessing LinkedIn Premium for free.
How to Check for LinkedIn Learning Licenses
- Ask Your HR Department: Check with your company’s HR or training department to see if they provide LinkedIn Learning licenses.
- Educational Institution: If you’re a student, ask your academic advisor or check your university’s resources.
Once you have access to LinkedIn Learning, you automatically gain access to LinkedIn Premium features. This includes everything from advanced job insights to seeing who viewed your profile.
3. Join Professional Associations
Professional associations often offer LinkedIn Premium discounts or even free access as part of their membership benefits.
How to Find Associations
- Research Your Industry: Look for professional associations related to your field.
- Membership Benefits: Check the membership benefits to see if Premium is included.
- Join and Save: Become a member and enjoy the perks!
This method not only gets you LinkedIn Premium for free or at a reduced cost but also connects you with a network of professionals in your field.
4. Engage in LinkedIn Challenges and Contests
LinkedIn occasionally runs challenges and contests where they give away Premium subscriptions as prizes. Keep an eye out for these opportunities and participate actively.
How to Find LinkedIn Challenges
- Follow LinkedIn Pages: Follow the official LinkedIn page and other influential pages in your industry.
- Stay Active: Regularly check LinkedIn announcements and posts.
- Participate: Engage in challenges, contests, and promotions.
Winning a contest might sound like a long shot, but it’s a fun way to potentially snag a free subscription while engaging with the LinkedIn community.
5. Ask for Premium as a Birthday or Holiday Gift
If you’re stumped for what to ask for as a gift, why not LinkedIn Premium? It’s practical, beneficial, and can make a significant impact on your career.
How to Suggest LinkedIn Premium as a Gift
- Drop Hints: Mention how could help you in your professional journey.
- Make a Wishlist: Add LinkedIn Premium to your holiday or birthday wishlist.
- Direct Request: Sometimes, it’s best to be direct. Ask your family or friends if they’d consider gifting you a subscription.
This approach not only gets you what you need but also avoids those awkward “Thanks for the socks” moments.
6. Look for LinkedIn Premium Promotions
LinkedIn occasionally offers promotional discounts and free access periods.
How to Find Promotions
- Google It: Search for LinkedIn Premium promotions or discounts.
- Follow Influencers: Sometimes, LinkedIn influencers share exclusive promo codes.
- Check LinkedIn Emails: Keep an eye on your inbox for promotional emails from LinkedIn.
These promotions can save you money and provide temporary free access to premium features.
7. Use Multiple Email Accounts for Multiple Free Trials
Okay, this one is a bit cheeky, but it works. You can sign up for multiple free trials using different email addresses.
How to Use Multiple Free Trials
- Create a New Email: Set up a new email account.
- Sign Up Again: Use the new email to sign up for another LinkedIn free trial.
- Rinse and Repeat: Continue the process with different emails as needed.
Important Note: While this method can work, it’s important to manage your subscriptions carefully to avoid any potential issues with LinkedIn’s terms of service.
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FAQs
1. Is it legal to use multiple free trials for LinkedIn Premium?
Technically, using multiple free trials is against LinkedIn’s terms of service. While many people do it, it’s important to understand the risks involved, including potential account suspension.
2. Can I really get LinkedIn Premium for free through my employer?
Yes, many employers offer LinkedIn Learning licenses that include LinkedIn Premium access. Check with your HR department to see if this is available to you.
3. What happens if I forget to cancel my free trial?
If you forget to cancel your free trial, LinkedIn will charge you for the next month. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to cancel before the trial ends to avoid this.
4. Are there any other ways to get LinkedIn Premium for free?
In addition to the methods mentioned, sometimes LinkedIn offers promotions or discounts during specific times of the year. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.
Conclusion
Unlocking LinkedIn Premium for free isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. By leveraging free trials, taking advantage of employer or school licenses, joining professional associations, participating in LinkedIn challenges, suggesting it as a gift, and keeping an eye out for promotions, you can enjoy the premium features without breaking the bank. Just remember to make the most of any free access you get and use it to boost your professional network and career opportunities.
So, what are you waiting for? Start using these hacks today and take your LinkedIn game to the next level. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always the classic “new email, new trial” trick—just don’t get too carried away with it!
