With over 850 million members worldwide, LinkedIn is the largest professional network on the internet. As more users access LinkedIn through mobile devices, the LinkedIn app has become increasingly popular. But is the LinkedIn app truly better than using LinkedIn on a desktop or mobile browser? There are pros and cons to both options that are worth considering.
Advantages of the LinkedIn App
Here are some of the main advantages of using the LinkedIn mobile app:
Quick access
The LinkedIn app allows you to access your network with just a tap. Rather than opening a browser and navigating to LinkedIn.com, you can open the app instantly. This makes it easy to quickly check notifications, messages, and other activity.
Push notifications
The LinkedIn app will send push notifications to your device for things like new messages, connection requests, and mentions. This allows you to stay up-to-date in real time rather than having to manually check for updates. Push alerts can help you more promptly respond to time-sensitive messages or requests.
Streamlined experience
The LinkedIn app provides a streamlined interface tailored for mobile. Key features and navigation options are accessible right from the home screen. The experience is optimized for smaller screens, with a responsive design that adjusts to your device. This makes it easier to use LinkedIn on-the-go compared to the full desktop site.
Save job listings
You can save job listings within the LinkedIn app and access them later in the “Saved Jobs” section. This provides quick access to job postings you want to revisit and apply for later. Saving jobs is easier in the app than bookmarking listings on the desktop site.
Engage with content
Reading and engaging with content like posts, articles, and videos is simple in the LinkedIn app. You can like, comment, share, and save content with just a tap. The app makes it easy to consume and interact with relevant professional content as part of your LinkedIn activity.
Disadvantages of the LinkedIn App
While the LinkedIn app offers several benefits, there are also some downsides to consider:
Limited functionality
The LinkedIn app lacks some of the full functionality and features available on the desktop site. For example, you cannot send customized connection requests or access LinkedIn’s advanced targeting options for posts. Complex tasks generally require using the desktop site.
Difficulty managing connections
Managing your connections is more difficult on the LinkedIn app. You cannot easily sort connections, access detailed profiles, or leverage some of LinkedIn’s relationship management tools. It is best for basic accepting/ignoring connection requests.
Difficulty formatting posts
Creating long-form posts and articles can be tricky on the LinkedIn app. The tools for formatting posts are more limited and it can be tedious entering lots of text on a small screen. Most serious blogging is better suited for the desktop.
Missing some notifications
While the app provides push notifications, you may miss some updates from LinkedIn unless you also check the desktop site. For example, notifications about new followers are not pushed to the app. Important notifications can be overlooked if relying solely on mobile.
Harder data input
Entering and updating lots of profile data, like your experience, education, and skills, can be more difficult on the app. It is easier to input and organize large amounts of text and data through the LinkedIn desktop experience.
Use Cases Where the App Excels
Here are some of the best use cases where the LinkedIn app provides the most value:
Messaging
Messaging on LinkedIn is quick and easy on mobile. You can have seamless back-and-forth conversations without having to switch between windows and apps. Mobile messaging facilities spontaneous connections.
Commenting and sharing
Scrolling through your feed and engaging with content works seamlessly in the app. You can like, comment, and share posts without having to navigate across pages. Mobile enables easy drive-by engagement.
Checking notifications
Getting notifications about messages, connection requests, mentions, and other alerts is significantly easier via the LinkedIn app. Mobile enables real-time awareness and response.
Browsing profiles and news
Casually browsing profiles, company pages, Groups, and news is fast and focused within the LinkedIn app. You can quickly stay up-to-date and explore on-the-go via mobile.
Coordinating meetings
You can conveniently message connections and coordinate meetings and calls directly from the LinkedIn mobile app. This enables productive networking from anywhere.
Use Cases Where the Desktop Site Excels
Here are instances where the desktop site remains preferable to the mobile app:
Publishing long-form posts
Blog posts and other long-form content are easier to research, write, format, and publish from a desktop interface. The app is more limiting for serious blogging and thought leadership.
Organizing your connections
Tools for sorting connections, viewing connection groups, and leveraging smart suggestions are more robust through the desktop site. Power users get more from LinkedIn relationships via desktop.
Administering company/group pages
Administering company pages, Groups, and other assets is easier on desktop. The additional real estate and flexibility aids complex tasks and workflow.
Searching jobs and people
Advanced search options and filters are more accessible on desktop. Complex job hunting and networking research benefits from the desktop experience.
Building your profile
Populating your profile with detailed work history, education, certifications, and media requires navigating many sections and pages. A desktop interface and keyboard simplify entering large profile data.
Use Both for a Balanced Approach
In many cases, the ideal approach is using both the LinkedIn mobile app and desktop site depending on your needs:
Notifications on mobile
Get real-time alerts about activity via the smartphone app throughout your day.
Engagement on mobile
Quickly scroll, like, comment, and share while browsing on-the-go via mobile.
Publishing on desktop
Research, write, format, and publish long posts and articles from your laptop or desktop for maximum quality.
Relationship management on desktop
Leverage the advanced connection tools for sorting, grouping, and networking from the desktop interface.
Admin and data entry on desktop
Update profiles, manage company/group pages, and conduct advanced searches from your computer for efficiency.
Conclusion
The LinkedIn mobile app delivers an optimized experience for real-time messaging, notifications, browsing, and on-the-go engagement. However, power users will still benefit from access to LinkedIn on desktop for long-form content, advanced features, and heavy data entry scenarios. The best approach is using both the app and desktop site in a complementary fashion based on the context and use case. With a balance of mobile convenience and desktop power, LinkedIn members can maximize the platform’s value as a professional networking tool. The app excels for timely networking and engagement, while the desktop site enables deeper LinkedIn administration and content publishing.
| Use Case | Best Suited for App | Best Suited for Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | ✔ | |
| Commenting & Sharing | ✔ | |
| Notifications | ✔ | |
| Publishing Long-form | ✔ | |
| Profile Management | ✔ | |
| Advanced Search | ✔ | |
| Coordinating Meetings | ✔ | |
| Browsing Profiles & News | ✔ | |
| Managing Connections | ✔ | |
| Administering Pages | ✔ |
Summary
– The LinkedIn app is best for messaging, commenting, sharing content, and notifications.
– The desktop site excels at long-form publishing, profile management, advanced searches, and administration.
– Use both the app and desktop site depending on the context for an optimal experience.
– The app facilitates real-time networking and engagement.
– The desktop site enables complex networking tasks and content publishing.
– A balanced approach allows you to maximize the value of LinkedIn.
