Have you ever found yourself questioning the value you’re getting from your LinkedIn Premium subscription? Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a job seeker, or just someone trying to expand their professional network, LinkedIn Premium offers a suite of advanced features designed to give you an edge. But there comes a time when you might need to reassess its importance in your professional journey. Perhaps it’s the cost that’s weighing on your budget, or maybe you’ve simply outgrown the need for its exclusive features. In this article, I’ll show you how to cancel Linkedin Premium but first Let me share a personal story.
A while back, after months of using LinkedIn Premium, I realized that most of the features I was paying for weren’t really contributing to my goals. As the founder of a lead generation agency, I initially thought that having access to advanced search filters and InMail would be game-changing. However, as time went on, I noticed that my most valuable connections and leads came from consistent, organic engagement on the platform, not from the premium tools.
How to cancel Linkedin Premium
Canceling a LinkedIn Premium subscription isn’t as straightforward as one might think. There’s a common misconception that it’s a convoluted process, designed to discourage users from parting ways with the premium features. But it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll walk through the reasons you might want to cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription, and I’ll provide a step-by-step guide to make the cancellation process as smooth as possible.
Whether you’re cutting costs, simplifying your digital life, or shifting your business strategy, understanding how to effectively manage your LinkedIn Premium subscription is crucial. So, let’s dive in and explore how you can take control of your LinkedIn experience, with or without its premium offerings.
Understanding LinkedIn Premium
Before diving into the cancellation process, let’s take a moment to understand what LinkedIn Premium is and what it offers. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to continue with the service.
Overview of LinkedIn Premium
LinkedIn Premium is essentially an upgraded version of the standard LinkedIn account. It’s divided into several tiers, each catering to different user needs:
1. Premium Career: Ideal for job seekers, it offers insights into who viewed your profile, how you compare to other applicants, and access to LinkedIn Learning.
2. Premium Business: Geared towards business professionals like LinkedIn marketing agencies, this tier provides additional networking opportunities and business insights.
3. LinkedIn Learning: Focused on personal and professional development through a wide range of online courses.
4. Sales Navigator: Designed for sales professionals, offering advanced search and lead generation capabilities.
Benefits of LinkedIn Premium
The perks of LinkedIn Premium are quite appealing, especially for those in the throes of career development or business expansion:
– InMail Credits: Allows you to contact LinkedIn members you’re not connected with to boost your lead generation capabilities.
– Advanced Search Filters: Enables more refined searches to find contacts and opportunities.
– LinkedIn Learning Access: A wealth of courses to upskill and enhance your professional profile.
– Profile Views Insights: Find out who’s viewed your profile, offering potential networking opportunities.
Drawbacks
However, these features might not be crucial for everyone, particularly for startups and small businesses with limited budgets:
-Cost Factor: The subscription can be pricey, especially for long-term use.
– Underutilization: Many users do not fully utilize all the features they’re paying for.
– Free Alternatives: Some of LinkedIn Premium’s benefits can be replicated through other free or more cost-effective platforms.
Pre-Cancellation Considerations
Before hitting the ‘cancel’ button, there are a few things you should consider:
Check Subscription Status
Firstly, verify your subscription type and how long you’ve been using it. This information is crucial for understanding your cancellation and refund eligibility.
Understand the Billing Cycle
LinkedIn operates on a monthly or annual billing cycle. It’s important to know where you are in your cycle to avoid being charged for an additional period post-cancellation.
Backing Up Data
If you’ve been using LinkedIn Learning or have important communications via InMail, make sure to back up this information. Once you cancel, you may lose access to these resources.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancel LinkedIn Premium
Now, let’s walk through the cancellation process. It’s simpler than you might think:
1. Log in to LinkedIn: Access your account from a web browser; the mobile app may not have all the necessary features for cancellation.
2. Access Your Account Settings: Click on your profile icon and select ‘Access My Premium’ from the dropdown menu.
3. Manage Subscription: In the Premium subscription settings, look for an option to ‘Manage’ your subscription.
4. Choose to Cancel: You’ll find an option to cancel your subscription here. Click it and follow the prompts.
5. Provide Feedback (Optional): LinkedIn might ask why you’re canceling. This step is typically optional but can be useful for them to improve their service.
6. Confirmation: Ensure you receive a confirmation email from LinkedIn about your cancellation to avoid any surprises in your next billing cycle.
What Happens After Cancellation?
Once you cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription:
– Access to Premium Features: You will lose access to premium features at the end of your current billing cycle.
– Profile and Network: Your existing connections and profile will remain intact.
– Refunds: LinkedIn typically does not offer pro-rated refunds, so you’ll have access to Premium features until the end of your current billing cycle.
Alternatives to LinkedIn Premium
If you’re considering canceling LinkedIn Premium, there are several alternatives to consider:
– Free LinkedIn Features: Regular LinkedIn still offers robust networking capabilities.
– Other Networking Platforms: Platforms like Meetup or industry-specific forums can offer alternative networking opportunities.
– Online Learning Resources: Websites like Coursera or Udemy provide a wide array of courses, often at a lower cost.
Deciding to cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription depends largely on your personal or business needs and whether the cost justifies the benefits. As someone who’s navigated these waters, I understand the importance of aligning such services with your overall goals and budget. Remember, the best investment is one that brings a tangible return, be it in learning, connections, or career opportunities.
