LinkedIn Premium is LinkedIn’s paid subscription service that provides users with additional features beyond the free basic account. Some of the key benefits of LinkedIn Premium include being able to view full profiles of people who are not direct connections, advanced search filters, InMail messaging credits, and access to online courses. With a price tag starting at $29.99 per month for Premium Career and going up to $79.99 per month for Premium Business, LinkedIn Premium represents a significant investment for many professionals and job seekers. This leads many to wonder – does LinkedIn Premium ever go on sale with discounted pricing?
LinkedIn Premium Price Overview
As mentioned above, there are different tiers of LinkedIn Premium with different price points:
LinkedIn Premium Plan | Regular Monthly Price |
---|---|
Premium Career | $29.99 |
Premium Business | $47.99 |
Premium Sales | $64.99 |
Premium Hiring | $99.95 |
Premium Business Plus | $79.99 |
As you can see, even the most basic Premium Career plan costs nearly $30 per month at full price. For job seekers and business professionals on a budget, paying close to $360 per year for a Premium account could be difficult to justify.
Does LinkedIn Offer Discounts?
The good news is that LinkedIn does frequently offer discounts and lower pricing for Premium subscriptions. Here are some of the common ways to get LinkedIn Premium for less than the full monthly price:
New Subscriber Offers
LinkedIn often promotes discounted Premium offers for new subscribers who have never had a paid Premium account before. For example, they may offer the first month for only $1 for new users only. This lets new users try out Premium and experience the benefits before committing to the regular monthly pricing.
Annual Subscription Discounts
Paying monthly for LinkedIn Premium ends up being significantly more expensive over the course of a year than if you pay annually upfront. LinkedIn offers roughly 30% off if you pay for an entire year at once rather than going month-to-month.
For example, Premium Career would cost $359.88 if paying $29.99 per month. But an annual subscription is available for only $239.88, saving you $120 off the monthly price over the year.
Occasional Promotions
LinkedIn also periodically offers special limited-time deals and discounts, even for existing Premium subscribers. Around major holidays and seasonal events, keep an eye out for promotions like:
- 50% off quarterly Premium subscriptions
- 2 months free when you purchase 3 months of Premium
- 25% off annual renewal for current Premium subscribers
Following LinkedIn’s page on social media can help you find out about these seasonal sales as they are announced.
Group or Company Discount Programs
Some companies and organizations may partner with LinkedIn to offer special discounted Premium pricing for their employees or members. For example, alumni associations, nonprofits, or corporation HR departments may arrange for bulk Premium purchase rates.
If you belong to any professional associations or large networks, check if they have negotiated any special LinkedIn Premium offers you can take advantage of.
Student and Educator Offers
LinkedIn offers student discounts for Premium subscriptions, normally around 40% off. Verified students at accredited colleges and universities can access discounted Premium rates.
Educators and teachers can also get up to 60% off Premium as part of LinkedIn’s education initiative. School faculty need to verify their status through ID.me to qualify for educator Premium pricing.
Best Times to Buy Discounted LinkedIn Premium
While LinkedIn does not always advertise it, there are certain peak times and dates during the year when Premium discounts are more likely to be available. Here are some of the best times to look for and purchase cheaper LinkedIn Premium access:
Back to School Season
Late summer into early fall when students are going back to school is a prime time for education and student-focused discounts. LinkedIn typically rolls out student offers to coincide with this timeframe starting in July and August.
Black Friday / Cyber Monday
The mega-shopping period around Thanksgiving often features some of LinkedIn’s best Premium deals and coupons for all subscribers. Look for significant one-time percentage-off promotions or limited-time gift card bundles with Premium purchases on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
Holiday Season
Other major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day will sometimes have special LinkedIn Premium discounts as part of holiday promotions.
Early January
Following the busy holiday shopping period, LinkedIn will frequently run New Years resolutions and back-to-work promotions in early to mid-January. This can include discounts targeted at job seekers and business professionals looking to amp up their networking.
LinkedIn’s Anniversary (May 5)
LinkedIn’s official anniversary month in May is when they tend to roll out free Premium trials and let subscribers extend trials. While not outright discounts, the free Premium access can let you try before you buy at regular price.
How to Get Notified of LinkedIn Premium Sales
Here are some tips to stay on top of upcoming discounts and deals for LinkedIn Premium so you can snag the lowest pricing:
Check the LinkedIn Website
Periodically check the LinkedIn Premium pricing and offers page on their website around major holidays, seasonal events, and the other peak discount times mentioned above.
Follow LinkedIn’s Social Media
Following LinkedIn’s company page on platforms like Facebook and Twitter can let you see posted announcements of upcoming sales in your feeds.
Subscribe to LinkedIn’s Email List
Opt-in to receive occasional emails and newsletters directly from LinkedIn. They will promote the best Premium deals via email campaigns.
Look for Targeted Ads
If you are logged into LinkedIn and notice ads promoting Premium discounts, there is likely a current sale going on. Click through on the ads to see the offer details.
Use Browser Extensions
Browser extensions like Honey can automatically find and apply available LinkedIn Premium promo codes for you at checkout.
Conclusion
In summary, while LinkedIn Premium does not have permanently reduced pricing, there are a variety of recurring discounts and limited-time promotions offered. Major holidays, seasonal events, and milestone dates for LinkedIn tend to have the best Premium sales if you time your purchase right. Signing up for an annual plan, checking for student and educator discounts, and watching for new subscriber promotions can also save you money compared to paying month-to-month. With some strategic timing, patience, and research, you can likely find LinkedIn Premium for 25-50% off regular pricing at least a few times per year.