LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 700 million users worldwide. It’s a great platform for establishing connections, building your professional brand, and furthering your career. However, sometimes LinkedIn restricts user accounts for violating their User Agreement policies. Getting your account restricted can be frustrating, but it’s important to understand why it happens and what you can do about it. In this article, we’ll cover:
- Common reasons LinkedIn restricts accounts
- What restrictions are placed on restricted accounts
- How to get your restricted account back to normal
- Best practices for avoiding restrictions
Whether you’ve had your own account restricted or want to avoid issues in the future, read on for a detailed look at restricted LinkedIn accounts.
Common Reasons LinkedIn Restricts Accounts
LinkedIn aims to maintain a professional community where members can build relationships and have constructive dialogues. To ensure the integrity of their network, LinkedIn will restrict accounts that violate their User Agreement. Here are some of the most common reasons accounts get restricted:
Spam Messaging
Sending unsolicited, repetitive messages is considered spamming on LinkedIn. For example, repeatedly sending connection requests to people who have not indicated interest is frowned upon. Mass messaging recruiting pitches or sales solicitations is also prohibited under LinkedIn’s rules. Even if you have good intentions, spamming others’ inboxes too frequently will get your messaging privileges taken away.
Scraping Data
LinkedIn prohibits scraping data or profiles without permission. Scraping refers to using automated bots or software to collect information from LinkedIn en masse. Even if you don’t intend to use the data for nefarious purposes, scraping is against LinkedIn’s Terms of Service. Getting caught scraping could lead to your account getting suspended or restricted.
Fake Profiles
Creating fake accounts or profiles misrepresenting a real identity is a violation of LinkedIn’s guidelines. Fake profiles are often used for spreading spam or illicit activity. Maintaining an authentic community is important to LinkedIn, so they’ll restrict fake accounts if discovered.
Abusive Behavior
Abusing LinkedIn’s messaging tools or posting inappropriate content can get your account restricted. For example, harassment, threats, fraud, or posting objectionable material are grounds for restrictions or bans. LinkedIn aims to facilitate professional networking, so any behavior making others feel unsafe or uncomfortable is prohibited.
Automated Activity
Using bots or automated tools to perform mass actions on LinkedIn is against their policies in most cases. Automating connection requests, invites, messages, or other actions could appear as suspicious behavior. Get caught automating activity, and restrictions are likely to follow.
Selling/Promoting Prohibited Offerings
LinkedIn prohibits using their platform to sell or promote certain products and services. Offering illegal or regulated goods, restricted financial services, or deceptive offerings are among the violations here. Promoting prohibited businesses could lead to restrictions or permanent closures of your account.
Those are the most common reasons someone might get their LinkedIn account restricted. Any actions perceived as spam, fraud, scraping, automation, or misuse of the platform could warrant limitations being placed on your account.
What Restrictions Are Placed on Restricted Accounts?
So what exactly happens when LinkedIn restricts your account? Restrictions come in different severity levels depending on the offense and risk level of the violation. Here are some examples of account limitations you may face:
Limited Profile Visibility
LinkedIn may make your profile invisible or harder to find for other members. Your profile won’t appear in search results or “People You May Know” suggestions. You’ll be essentially hidden from view for other users.
Limited Messaging Capabilities
Getting caught spamming others’ inboxes often results in messaging restrictions. LinkedIn may limit how many messages you can send per day/week or disable messaging entirely. You also may not be able to connect with new people.
Unable to Make Content Posts
If your account is considered high risk for abuse, LinkedIn may revoke posting privileges. You won’t be able to post updates, articles, or other content while restricted.
No Company Page Access
Owning a Company Page is considered a privilege that LinkedIn can revoke if you violate their rules. Don’t be surprised if you lose administrative access or the ability to post jobs.
Read-Only Access
In severe cases, LinkedIn may put your account into read-only mode. That means you can log in and view content but cannot interact with other members or post anything new.
Account Suspension
The most serious restriction is full account suspension. You’ll be signed out and unable to log back in during the suspension period. Suspensions can last anywhere from a few days up to permanentdepending on the severity of the violation.
As you can see, LinkedIn has different restriction tiers to limit misuse of their platform. The consequences will fit the offense, ranging from minor inconveniences to being essentially banned if you seriously abuse their terms.
How to Get Your Restricted Account Back to Normal
Getting your LinkedIn account restricted can be annoying, but in most cases, it’s temporary. Here are some tips for getting your account back in good standing:
Wait It Out
If it’s your first offense, LinkedIn may automatically lift restrictions after a period of good behavior. Minor restrictions could last a week or two. Be patient and don’t try to circumvent the restrictions, or you may prolong the limitation.
Appeal the Restriction
In your LinkedIn settings, you can formally appeal account restrictions. Explain why you don’t think the restrictions are warranted in your case. Be polite yet persuasive. If it was an innocent mistake, LinkedIn may reconsider and remove the limitations.
Remove Any Offending Content
If your account was restricted due to inappropriate posts, messaging, or other content, promptly remove it. Taking down anything that violates LinkedIn’s policies shows you want to fix the problem. However, some content violations result in permanent suspensions.
Avoid Further Violations
Most importantly, learn from the experience and avoid repeating any behavior that led to restrictions. Continuing violations will keep your account in restricted status, or even get it permanently banned. Make sure you fully understand LinkedIn’s rules.
With some patience and understanding, you can typically recover from minor restrictions. However, repeat or egregious offenses may result in lasting limitations or permanent suspension.
Best Practices for Avoiding Restrictions
The best outcome is avoiding unwanted account restrictions in the first place. Here are some best practices to keep your LinkedIn account in good standing:
Read LinkedIn’s User Agreement
Familiarize yourself thoroughly with LinkedIn’s User Agreement and Community Guidelines. Know what types of activities are encouraged versus prohibited. Ignorance of the rules is no excuse.
Avoid Spam Messaging
Only send connection requests or messages to people likely to welcome them. Mass messaging strangers will backfire. Personalize any outreach and do it sparingly.
Don’t Automate Activity
Avoid bots that auto-connect or message people in mass quantities. Also don’t scrape data or profiles. Automating common actions will appear suspicious.
Post Authentic Content
Keep all your profiles and activity genuine. Don’t create fake accounts or misrepresent yourself. Your contributions should add value for others.
Be Respectful
Treat your fellow LinkedIn members with respect in your posts and conversations. Never harass, threaten, or mislead others on the platform.
Use Common Sense
If you’re unsure about something, assume it violates LinkedIn’s rules until you confirm otherwise. Use sound judgment to avoid reckless behavior.
Following these tips will help you be a model LinkedIn citizen. However, if you do end up with a restricted account, now you know why it happens and what to do. With some prudence and patience, you can resolve most issues and get your account back to normal.
Conclusion
Having your LinkedIn account restricted can negatively impact your professional networking and opportunities. By understanding the reasons accounts get restricted, the possible restrictions, how to restore your standing, and best practices to avoid problems, you can keep your LinkedIn access open and avoid limitations. Be sure to read LinkedIn’s policies closely and act respectfully towards other members. With wisdom and care, you can avoid unwanted restrictions and benefit from all LinkedIn has to offer.
