Prior to the surge of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok’s popularity, LinkedIn took center stage. Since its inception in May 2003, LinkedIn has amassed more than 900 million users from over 200 countries. It dominates the online job market scene and stands as the premier network for business professionals. Its vast network across different sectors provides immense possibilities for growing one’s professional circle and discovering new business projects.
But, with the internet’s ever-changing nature, it might be time to look into newer alternatives to LinkedIn, especially for those seeking platforms with novel features, aimed at creative professionals, or offering a different take on professional networking.
The Advantages of LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a versatile platform, utilizing the strength of professional connections for several benefits:
- Networking: As a cornerstone for building professional networks, LinkedIn helps professionals keep in touch with peers, engage with potential employers, and connect with others in their industry.
- Employment Opportunities: It functions as a job bulletin board, displaying available roles from various employers. Job seekers can browse these listings, apply directly, and communicate with recruiters or hiring authorities.
- Expert Knowledge: LinkedIn stands as a reservoir of knowledge, brimming with articles, insights, and advice shared by leading professionals and organizations, providing a pulse on different industries.
- Business Presence: Organisations leverage LinkedIn to promote their brand, culture, and ethos while attracting potential customers, clients, or employees.
- Education and Progress: LinkedIn broadened into e-learning with its purchase of Lynda.com in 2015. LinkedIn Learning offers users a variety of online tutorials and resources for advancing their careers.
- Talent Acquisition: Recruiters find LinkedIn to be a goldmine for candidate information. The platform’s Advanced Search function streamlines the process of finding the perfect candidate.
- Generating Leads: For businesses, LinkedIn is an effective tool for gaining leads, especially for B2B companies looking to connect and build partnerships.
What Makes Other Platforms Worth Considering?
Despite LinkedIn’s offerings, it’s worth pondering their relevance to a freelance web designer or a small creative studio.
For a designer on the job hunt, the principle of ‘show, don’t tell’ is critical. Regardless of how much you tell a potential client, they ultimately want to see your creations. Considering that recruiters might glance at a resume for only 8 seconds, having an accessible portfolio is a significant advantage.
While LinkedIn enables portfolio uploads, there are more suitable platforms for showcasing creative work, where clients are actively seeking top talent.
Establishing connections within the industry is key, but again, there are platforms more specifically designed for designers and developers.
Freelancers often focus solely on finding work. Yet, sometimes they need to subcontract or initiate collaborations when facing tasks beyond their capabilities or time constraints. LinkedIn might offer a roster of potential collaborators, but doesn’t guarantee their quality—something freelance marketplaces can do through client ratings.
In terms of generating leads, the most important strategy is to display your work where potential clients are looking and deliver such high-quality work that they’ll return and recommend you to others. Repeat business and personal recommendations hold more value than any network created by algorithms.
Although LinkedIn provides a complimentary basic membership, the full power of the platform is locked behind a premium subscription starting at $39.99/month. It’s also important to note that certain features, like course access, may incur additional charges even with this subscription.
Top 6 LinkedIn Competitors for Creatives and Agencies
Dribbble
Dribbble stands as an interactive space for designers to exhibit their work and gain feedback, while also connecting with potential clients. While some features are free, the job board is accessible only through a paid subscription; but at $8 monthly, it’s more affordable for individuals and small outfits than LinkedIn’s fees.
Behance
Since 2005, Behance has made its mark and later joined the Adobe family in 2012. Claiming the title of the leading creative network, Behance also hosts a job board and allows designers to sell assets through their profiles.
Owned by Adobe, Behance is free to use, although a common myth suggests a Creative Cloud subscription is required. Using Behance doesn’t necessitate any Adobe products, though Creative Cloud users can conveniently link their accounts. A platform fee is applied to both parties if work is accepted through Behance.
Awwwards
Awwwards is renowned for its coveted site awards but it also offers a platform to showcase creative talent, digital assets, and educational content. Membership starts at $14 monthly and includes perks like content exclusives and discounts on site submissions.
Toptal
Toptal caters not only to creatives but also to tech and finance professionals. It’s a selective network, but being part of it means access to superior clients and projects, and all fees are negotiated by Toptal on behalf of the freelancer.
Upwork
Upwork represents a vast freelance marketplace with a variety of job types. There is a free membership with an option for a Plus subscription at $14.99/month. The platform does take a 10% cut from each project’s fee.
The Dots
Targeting the design and tech sectors, The Dots fosters a tight-knit community emphasizing inclusivity and cooperation. With a demographic that includes a high percentage of females, ethnic minorities, and LGBT+ members, The Dots offers a unique, value-driven networking experience at no cost for freelancers.
In Summation
LinkedIn might be the most formidable player in the field of professional networking, but it isn’t universally suitable. The online world is in a state of constant flux, and it’s wise for web designers to look into alternative platforms that cater to a more specialized audience and facilitate professional growth. While maintaining a LinkedIn profile may be critical, diversifying your online presence across specialized platforms is prudent for staying competitive.
