LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform with over 722 million users worldwide. Many people use LinkedIn to connect with colleagues, find jobs, build their professional brand, and grow their businesses.
When signing up for a LinkedIn account, users are given the choice to create either a personal or business profile. Both account types have distinct features and functions tailored to individuals vs companies. Understanding the key differences will help you determine which type of account to open based on your goals and needs.
Personal LinkedIn Account
A personal LinkedIn account is designed for individual users to manage their own professional identity and networking. The key features of a personal account include:
- Profile – This section allows you to showcase your background, skills, accomplishments, recommendations, and other details. You can customize your profile URL.
- Feed – Your feed shows updates from your connections and groups. You can like, comment on, and share posts.
- My Network – You can connect with colleagues, classmates, clients, and others by sending connection requests. Your network grants access to new opportunities.
- Jobs – Search for and apply to jobs through LinkedIn’s integrated job board. You can set alerts for job openings.
- Messaging – Communicate with connections through direct messages and InMail messages.
- Notifications – Get notified when someone views your profile, mentions you, or sends you a message.
- Groups – Join professional groups based on your industry, interests, university, and more. Groups allow you to ask questions and participate in discussions.
A personal LinkedIn account is ideal for students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and anyone focused on advancing their own career. The goal is to build an online professional image and leverage your network.
Business LinkedIn Account
A business LinkedIn account enables companies to establish their corporate presence, highlight their brand, advertise open positions, and connect with clients. The core features of a business account include:
- Company Page – This showcase’s the company’s story, products/services, career opportunities, and industry. You can publish blog posts and news updates.
- Employee Profiles – Employees can publish profiles that link to the company page. This expands your company’s network.
- Job Listings – Post and promote open positions. Job seekers can apply directly through LinkedIn.
- Sponsored Content – Advertise to LinkedIn users by promoting posts. Target your ads by location, job title, industry, and more.
- Analytics – Gain data-driven insights into your LinkedIn audience and campaign performance.
- Recruitment Tools – Source, vet, and communicate with candidates using tools like LinkedIn Recruiter.
- Lead Generation – Identify and connect with your ideal customers for sales prospecting.
A business LinkedIn account is suitable for companies aiming to hire talent, market products, generate leads, and recruit customers. Your company gains added brand visibility by maintaining an active presence
Key Differences
While both account types allow professional networking, searching for jobs, and joining industry groups, there are some notable differences:
User Focus
– Personal accounts cater to individuals showcasing their own backgrounds.
– Business accounts represent commercial brands, products, and job openings.
Features
| Personal | Business |
|---|---|
| Profile reflecting personal experience | Company page showcasing brands and culture |
| Individual messaging | Sponsored content and ads |
| Job search and alerts | Posting jobs and using recruiting tools |
Purpose
– Personal accounts aim to build an individual’s professional network and opportunities.
– Business accounts seek to promote company brand, generate leads, recruit talent, and hire employees.
Audience
– Personal account audiences include peers, colleagues, clients, and recruiters.
– Business accounts reach consumers, B2B prospects, job seekers, industry influencers.
Content
– Personal account content focuses on individual experiences, skills, education, and interests.
– Business account content highlights company culture, products, thought leadership, and jobs.
Management
– Personal accounts are managed by individuals for their own benefit.
– Business accounts are managed by assigned company admins on the brand’s behalf.
Is it Possible to Switch Account Types?
Yes, LinkedIn allows users to switch between personal and business accounts. However, there are a few limitations:
– You cannot convert a personal account into a business account if you already administer another business account. LinkedIn only allows managing one business account at a time.
– When converting a business account to a personal account, you will lose access to company branding features, job listings, and recruiting tools.
– Any connections made as a business account will remain intact after transitioning to a personal account.
– You can try LinkedIn Premium temporarily on business accounts before deciding to convert to a personal profile.
Overall, think carefully before converting your account type as you may lose access to certain features. You can always create a second LinkedIn profile if you want both a personal and business presence.
Best Practices
Here are some top tips for getting the most out of either a personal or business LinkedIn account:
For Personal Accounts:
– Craft a professional headline and summary that quickly communicates who you are.
– Highlight key skills, achievements, certifications, volunteer work, and education.
– Personalize connection requests with a note to build stronger relationships.
– Join relevant industry groups and follow influencers in your field.
– Check notifications frequently and respond promptly.
– Share content and actively engage with your connections.
– Use customized URLs for vanity profile links.
For Business Accounts:
– Completely fill out the company page including products, services, culture, and jobs.
– Ensure all information is up-to-date across profiles and job postings.
– Create content employees can share to expand reach.
– Respond to comments and messages to boost engagement
– Use analytics to fine-tune content and ad targeting.
– Enable employee advocacy by encouraging workers to share.
– Coordinate posts across other social platforms to maximize visibility.
Conclusion
LinkedIn personal accounts and business pages serve different but complementary purposes. Individuals can benefit from networking opportunities, job boards, and skill development on personal profiles. Companies can promote openings, brand themselves as employers, generate leads, and recruit talent with business accounts.
Determining which option aligns closest with your current status and goals will ensure you get the most from the LinkedIn platform. As needs change over time, accounts can be converted from one type to the other. Maintaining an active presence and connecting authentically with the right audiences are best practices for success on LinkedIn.
