LinkedIn is a popular professional networking platform used by millions of people around the world. One of LinkedIn’s key features is the ability to create and join groups based on professional interests, industries, alumni networks, and more. Some LinkedIn users wonder if the platform offers private groups that provide an extra level of exclusivity and privacy.
What are LinkedIn groups?
LinkedIn groups allow members to come together based on shared interests, affiliations, goals, and more. When you join a LinkedIn group you can interact with other members by posting discussions, commenting, sharing content, networking, and more. Groups provide members with a space to have focused conversations, ask questions, establish connections, and share knowledge on particular topics related to the group.
There are many different types of groups on LinkedIn. Some are large and public facing, meaning anyone can view the discussions. Other groups are smaller and meant for specific audiences only. Some groups are created by companies and organizations while others are member-initiated. Overall, LinkedIn groups aim to provide members with a community tailored to their professional interests and industry.
Do private groups exist on LinkedIn?
Yes, LinkedIn does offer members the ability to create private groups. Private groups allow for an additional layer of exclusivity and privacy versus public groups. There are a few key differences between public and private LinkedIn groups:
- Discovery – Public groups appear in LinkedIn’s group directory and search, allowing anyone to find and request to join them. Private groups do not show up in searches and can only be accessed via a direct link invitation.
- Membership – Public groups allow any LinkedIn member to join without approval. Private groups require the creator or managers to approve each new member.
- Visibility – Discussions and posts in public groups are visible to anyone, even non-members. Private group content is only visible to current members.
By making a group private, creators can control membership and limit visibility. This allows for more exclusivity and privacy around group discussions.
Creating a private group
If you want to create a private LinkedIn group, the process is straightforward:
- Go to the LinkedIn Groups page and click “Create Group”
- Choose the “Private” option when selecting group type
- Name your group and set your membership criteria
- Set up rules and moderation preferences
- Invite members and distribute the group link URL
- Approve members as they request to join
As the creator of a private group, you can choose to keep it hidden from public view and manually approve each new member. This gives you total control over who can join and participate.
Who uses private LinkedIn groups?
There are a few common uses cases for private LinkedIn groups:
- Alumni groups – Schools often create private alumni groups to bring together graduates by class year, major, extracurriculars, etc.
- Employee resource groups – Companies form private groups to allow employees to connect based on interests, demographics, locations, and more.
- Local business groups – Private groups can unite business owners, executives, and professionals within a certain city or region.
- Conference and event groups – Private groups provide a space for attendees of specific conferences or events to network.
- Industry and niche interest groups – Professionals with highly specific interests that unite a small community often benefit from private groups.
The common thread is that private groups allow for networking and discussion in a more intimate, exclusive setting. The added privacy and exclusivity is valued by many professionals looking to connect based on shared interests and experiences.
Benefits of private LinkedIn groups
Participating in private LinkedIn groups can offer several benefits:
- More focused, niche discussions – The exclusivity of private groups allows for conversations that are highly relevant to members’ shared interests and goals.
- Increased privacy – Group content is hidden from public view, allowing for more private conversations.
- Stronger relationships – The intimacy of private groups can lead to closer networking and relationships between members.
- Better opportunities – Insider access to certain groups can unlock new opportunities, clients, deals, investments, and more.
- Trusted advice – Members may be more willing to share insights, give advice, and make connections in a private setting.
For many professionals, gaining access to selective, private LinkedIn groups is an impactful part of their overall networking and career strategy.
Downsides of private groups
There are some potential drawbacks to private LinkedIn groups as well:
- Exclusivity issues – Some view groups with restrictive membership as going against LinkedIn’s mission of open professional networking.
- Limited reach – Discussions only reach a niche audience, reducing a post’s visibility.
- Insular thinking – Conversations may reinforce insular thinking vs. introducing new ideas from diverse audiences.
- Difficult to access – Requiring approval and invitations reduces serendipitous networking and connections.
- Administrative overhead – Managing memberships and content moderation takes time for group owners.
The right balance depends on a group owner’s specific goals. There are benefits in opening up conversations to wider audiences as well as keeping discussions contained to smaller, targeted communities.
Finding and joining private groups
Since they are not searchable or visible to the public, finding relevant private LinkedIn groups requires networking and asking around for introductions. Ways to potentially find private groups include:
- Asking professional contacts and coworkers if they belong to any applicable private groups
- Reaching out to alumni associations or professional associations you’re a member of
- Connecting with organizers of a conference or event you attended to ask about private attendee groups
- Searching based on interests and looking at profiles of members who list relevant private groups
- Paying attention to group mentions and conversations in other LinkedIn groups and posts
Once you identify a private group you want to join, you will need to reach out to the owner or moderator to request access. Most private groups require answering a few membership questions and being manually approved before you can join.
Creating a request to join
When requesting to join a private LinkedIn group, it helps to introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in joining. Here are some tips for writing an effective private group join request:
- Note any mutual connections you share with the group owner or members
- Explain why the group’s focus aligns with your professional interests and goals
- Highlight your relevant professional background, education, and interests
- Mention any unique experiences or value you could add to the group
- Provide details if you were referred by another member
- Express your commitment to engaging with the group respectfully and actively if approved
Join requests that thoughtfully introduce you and show a genuine interest in the group tend to get approved faster. Always personalize your request based on the specific group instead of sending a generic message.
Engage with private groups actively
Once you get approved to join a LinkedIn private group, make an effort engage and add value from the start. Here are some tips for being an active, contributing group member:
- Complete your profile fully to give members more context on your background when engaging with you.
- Comment on discussions where you have specific expertise or insights to share.
- Post interesting articles and resources relevant to the group’s interests.
- Reply to other members’ posts and thank those who comment on yours.
- Limit self-promotional posts and focus on contributing value for the community.
- Participate consistently, but make sure your interactions are spread out and valuable rather than spamming the group.
Private group members who engage thoughtfully tend to see the most benefit and connections from participating. Add value for the community and other members will reciprocate over time.
Conclusion
LinkedIn private groups provide an exclusive space for focused professional networking based on shared interests, experiences, and characteristics. They offer the ability for more private, in-depth discussions with niche audiences. Although they can be difficult to find and access, participating in certain private groups can significantly benefit your career based on the valuable connections and insights you gain. If you engage thoughtfully and consistently add value as a member, private LinkedIn groups can become an impactful part of your overall professional networking strategy.