LinkedIn, the social platform targeting the working world, is expanding its revenue streams with a new service aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. The company is testing a LinkedIn Premium Company Page subscription, which includes AI-powered content writing and tools to increase follower counts. This move highlights LinkedIn’s ongoing efforts to diversify its business model and improve its overall utility.
LinkedIn has long been criticized for its self-promotion and data collection practices. However, the platform now has a unique opportunity to establish itself as a safer space for professionals and prosumers amidst the chaos on other social platforms and search engines.
While LinkedIn quietly announced its new Premium Company Page six days ago, the news went largely unnoticed. However, marketing consultants and TechCrunch were quick to catch on. Suzi Owens, senior director of communications at LinkedIn, confirmed the details, stating that the Premium Company Page is designed to help businesses attract customers, build credibility, and stand out to their audience.
Although the pricing for premium company pages is not publicly disclosed, eligible page admins can access the information. According to a marketing consultant, the fees start at $99.99 per month per page, with an annual subscription reducing the cost to $839.88 per page.
The Premium Company Page is the latest addition to LinkedIn’s growing list of premium offerings. The platform offers different tiers and pricing options for individuals, recruiters, sales teams, and those seeking professional development. Premium services have been lucrative for LinkedIn, with Premium user subscriptions generating $1.7 billion in 2023.
The Premium Company Page subscription will incorporate familiar LinkedIn features. Page admins can review recent visitors and invite them to follow the page. Additionally, admins can create “call to action” buttons with contact and website details displayed prominently at the top of the page. Testimonials, a feature LinkedIn promotes for individual profiles, can also be prominently displayed on premium pages.
Furthermore, LinkedIn is incorporating AI assistance into the platform with the introduction of AI-powered content writing. The platform began integrating AI last year, leveraging its ties to Microsoft’s OpenAI.
Lastly, LinkedIn is emphasizing verification, offering a golden badge to premium subscribers. This aligns with the company’s recent focus on verifying profiles and pages to ensure credibility.
Overall, LinkedIn’s Premium Company Page subscription demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding its revenue streams and providing valuable tools for businesses on its platform. By offering AI assistance, verification badges, and enhanced features, LinkedIn aims to solidify its position as the go-to professional networking platform for small and medium-sized businesses.
