LinkedIn Premium offers powerful tools for networking, job hunting, and professional development, but the cost can be a barrier for many users. Fortunately, there are several strategies to obtain LinkedIn Premium at a discount or even for free. Here are 13 proven methods to help you access LinkedIn Premium benefits without breaking the bank.
1. Exclusive Giveaway Programs
LinkedIn frequently conducts giveaway programs where users can win free or discounted premium memberships. These giveaways are often promoted on LinkedIn’s official social media channels and through their email newsletters. To increase your chances, follow LinkedIn’s social media accounts and subscribe to their email updates. Participating in these programs not only gives you a chance to win but also keeps you informed about new features and updates.
Example: LinkedIn’s “New Year, New Career” giveaway often offers discounted or free Premium subscriptions as part of their promotional campaigns.
2. Free Trial
LinkedIn offers a one-month free trial for its Premium plans, including Career, Business, Sales Navigator, and Recruiter Lite. This trial allows you to experience the premium features without any cost. Be sure to mark your calendar to cancel the trial if you decide not to continue with a paid subscription, as you will be automatically charged after the trial period ends.
Steps to Access Free Trial:
- Visit the LinkedIn Premium page.
- Choose the plan that best suits your needs.
- Click on “Start my free month.”
- Enter your payment details to begin the trial.
3. Employee Coupons
LinkedIn employees often have access to discount coupons for Premium memberships. By connecting with LinkedIn employees on the platform and engaging in professional conversations, you might receive a coupon. Use hashtags like #linkedinpremium or #linkedinemployee to find posts from LinkedIn employees and engage with them respectfully.
Tips:
- Build genuine connections by engaging with their content.
- Express your interest in LinkedIn Premium and politely inquire about available discounts.
4. Plus One Pledge Program
The Plus One Pledge program by LinkedIn allows employees to give away a free 6-month subscription to LinkedIn Premium. This program encourages LinkedIn employees to support job seekers and professionals in their network by providing access to premium features.
How to Benefit:
- Connect with LinkedIn employees and share your professional goals.
- Express how LinkedIn Premium could help you achieve these goals.
- Request if they can consider you for the Plus One Pledge program.
5. Veteran Discounts
LinkedIn offers a special discount for U.S. military veterans, providing a 12-month free Premium Career subscription. This initiative helps veterans transition to civilian careers by leveraging LinkedIn’s job search and networking tools.
Eligibility:
- Must be a U.S. military veteran.
- Provide proof of service to LinkedIn.
Application Process:
- Visit LinkedIn’s Veterans page.
- Verify your veteran status.
- Sign up for the 12-month free Premium Career subscription.
6. Educational Partnerships
Many universities and educational institutions have partnerships with LinkedIn, offering discounted or free Premium subscriptions to students and alumni. Additionally, Amazon Prime Student members can get access to LinkedIn Premium at a reduced rate.
How to Access:
- Check with your university’s career services or alumni association for available LinkedIn Premium offers.
- If you’re an Amazon Prime Student member, visit the Prime Student page for LinkedIn Premium deals.
7. Developer Offers
LinkedIn collaborates with Microsoft’s Visual Studio Dev Essentials program to provide developers with a free one-month Premium Career subscription. This offer helps developers enhance their skills and expand their professional network.
Steps to Claim:
- Join the Visual Studio Dev Essentials program.
- Navigate to the LinkedIn Premium offer in your Dev Essentials account.
- Redeem the offer for a one-month free Premium Career subscription.
8. Journalist Benefits
Health journalists can benefit from LinkedIn’s initiative by joining LinkedIn for Journalists, which offers a quarterly Premium Business subscription. This helps journalists leverage LinkedIn’s networking and research tools.
Eligibility:
- Must be a health journalist.
- Provide proof of your journalistic work.
Application Process:
- Visit LinkedIn for Journalists page.
- Submit your application with necessary documentation.
- Receive your quarterly Premium Business subscription.
9. Employer Benefits
Many employers offer LinkedIn Premium as part of their employee benefits package. This is particularly common in industries where networking and professional development are crucial.
How to Access:
- Check with your HR department or employee benefits coordinator to see if LinkedIn Premium is included in your benefits.
- If available, follow the company’s procedure to activate your subscription.
10. LinkedIn Learning
Subscribing to LinkedIn Learning not only gives you access to a vast library of online courses but also includes LinkedIn Premium features. This can be a cost-effective way to enhance your skills and enjoy premium benefits simultaneously.
Subscription Details:
- Visit the LinkedIn Learning page.
- Choose a subscription plan that includes LinkedIn Premium.
- Enjoy access to courses and premium features.
11. Promotional Offers
LinkedIn occasionally offers promotional discounts on their Premium subscriptions. These promotions are often time-limited and can be found on LinkedIn’s website, social media channels, or through email newsletters.
How to Find:
- Regularly check LinkedIn’s official website and social media pages.
- Subscribe to LinkedIn’s email newsletters to receive notifications about upcoming promotions.
12. Coupon Websites
External coupon websites sometimes offer discounts on LinkedIn Premium subscriptions. While it’s essential to be cautious, these sites can occasionally provide legitimate discounts.
Tips:
- Verify the authenticity of the coupon website before using any discount codes.
- Look for user reviews or ratings to ensure the site’s credibility.
Popular Coupon Sites:
- RetailMeNot
- Groupon
- CouponCabin
13. Microsoft Alumni Discount
Former Microsoft employees can benefit from a special discount on LinkedIn Premium Business subscriptions. This offer provides a 75% discount, making it significantly more affordable.
Eligibility:
- Must be a verified Microsoft alumni.
- Provide proof of previous employment at Microsoft.
Application Process:
- Visit the Microsoft Alumni Network website.
- Verify your alumni status.
- Access the LinkedIn Premium discount through the alumni portal.
Conclusion Accessing LinkedIn Premium at a discount or for free requires some effort, but the benefits can be well worth it. Whether you’re a student, veteran, developer, journalist, or simply looking to advance your career, there are numerous ways to make LinkedIn Premium more affordable. By leveraging these strategies, you can unlock LinkedIn’s full potential and take your professional journey to the next level.
FAQs
- How long is the free trial for LinkedIn Premium? The free trial for LinkedIn Premium lasts for one month.
- How often can I start a free trial? You can start a free trial once every 12 months.
- Can external coupon sites be trusted? It’s essential to be cautious and verify the authenticity of the coupon website before using any discount codes. Look for user reviews or ratings to ensure the site’s credibility.
- What is the Plus One Pledge Program? The Plus One Pledge Program allows LinkedIn employees to give away a free 6-month subscription to LinkedIn Premium to support job seekers and professionals in their network.
- Are there any specific discounts for military veterans? Yes, LinkedIn offers a 12-month free Premium Career subscription for U.S. military veterans.
- Can I get LinkedIn Premium through my educational institution? Many universities and educational institutions have partnerships with LinkedIn, offering discounted or free Premium subscriptions to students and alumni. Additionally, Amazon Prime Student members can get access to LinkedIn Premium at a reduced rate.
- How can journalists benefit from LinkedIn Premium? Health journalists can join LinkedIn for Journalists to receive a quarterly Premium Business subscription, which helps them leverage LinkedIn’s networking and research tools.
- Does LinkedIn offer any promotional discounts? LinkedIn occasionally offers promotional discounts on their Premium subscriptions. These promotions are often time-limited and can be found on LinkedIn’s website, social media channels, or through email newsletters.
- What are the benefits of subscribing to LinkedIn Learning? Subscribing to LinkedIn Learning gives you access to a vast library of online courses and includes LinkedIn Premium features, providing a cost-effective way to enhance your skills and enjoy premium benefits.
By following these strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of LinkedIn Premium at a fraction of the cost, enhancing your professional journey and opening up new opportunities for career growth.