In the realm of technological advancement, LinkedIn has served the world in the best way. This platform, actually a professional platform, has turned out to be greatly useful for people worldwide. It is one of the best places where professionals from any background, including entrepreneurs, marketers, freelancers, investors, and people of different professional niches, can connect. But the question here is: Is LinkedIn the only platform to be used to connect with professionals, or are there other platforms as well?
Many of us think this. So, if you also have the same question in mind, then you are reading the right post. In this post, we will share with you some of the best LinkedIn alternatives that you can use to network with professionals from your niche and other niches as well. So, without any further ado, let’s get started…
Before we move to the list of the best LinkedIn Alternatives for professional networks in 2024 and beyond, let’s take a look at a recent study about these networks. Here we go…
According to research, as a result of the advancement of digitization, more LinkedIn alternatives have emerged. A recent study shows that the global professional networking market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.30% between the time period of 2023 and 2027. Most importantly, it will surpass the US $20.48 billion market of social networking sites that were observed in the year 2022. If you are looking for the best and most trustworthy LinkedIn professional networking alternatives, this article will help you. In this post, we are going to talk about the best LinkedIn alternatives to use in the year 2024, and you should read it in full to gain deeper insight. So, let’s dive in…
7 Best LinkedIn Alternatives for Professional Networking
Founded in 2010, AngelList is one of the largest platforms meant for startups and investors. You will be surprised to know that AngelList is LinkedIn’s biggest competitor. AngelList is a large, global professional networking place that offers ample opportunities to connect to potential investors for funding startups. The best thing about this platform is that it is very easy to use. All you have to do is build your profile and describe who you are – entrepreneur, investor, developer, or advisor.
You are even allowed to select multiple categories. Once you have your profile ready, you can then explore the history of other companies’ funding and how they work. If you are planning to start a business or already have one, having your account in AngelList is crucial. Having a profile here will help you explore potential investors and new companies to network with. Let’s now take a look at the key features of AngelList to know what makes it a better professional networking place. Here we go…
Key Features of AngelList
Allows you to connect with new people and featured companies who offer ample opportunities to invest in and grow with their sustainable business growth.
While the LinkedIn interface lets users view a big list of companies, AngelList allows users to connect with people, stakeholders, or investors working with or for startups.
Offers you an opportunity to become an accredited investor on AngelList so that you can know what funding companies have opportunities in the dynamic market and how much they have received.
Sends notifications to alert you about requests from potential investors, developers, partners, and more.
Pros
Huge network of global investors and startups
User-friendly interface to explore ample job opportunities and startup funding opportunities
Find AngelList-recommended companies and grow with them.
Cons
Limited opportunities in specific industry domains
Next on the list of the best LinkedIn alternatives for professional networking in 2024 is Meetup. While LinkedIn connects you to diverse industries and people belonging to diverse interests, skills, and goals around the globe, Meetup allows you to meet up with people belonging to similar interests. It offers you a great opportunity to be a crucial part of a huge professional networking ecosystem where people belonging to diverse nations and cities come together to establish bonds over shared dreams, goals, and passion.
Hence, if you are looking for LinkedIn alternatives that can connect you globally with groups of a variety of interests, including writing, cooking, fitness, and technology, Meetup is one of the best options for you.
This professional networking platform is a golden ticket to finding new people, making personal or professional connections, and getting immersed in diverse communities. Each connection that you build here can be an opportunity to unleash potential and exposure to a career jump.
Let’s go through some of its key features.
Key Features of Meetup
You can join Meetup groups that strongly focus on bringing agile and innovative enthusiasts together to build a professional network community and learn from each other’s talent and skills
This platform provides you an opportunity to create your own Meetup Group to share your long years of experience and expertise
You can stay abreast of the latest advancements in IT technologies, research, and methodologies by joining global IT communities
Reap a myriad of benefits at your own pace.
Pros
Lucrative platform that boosts your sustainable career growth
Join the local community to know where people of your profession are heading
Grow your business skill sets by availing the benefit of knowledge and experiences shared by others
User-friendly interface for all
Cons
It can be difficult to find people with similar interests in your own locality or region.
At number 3, we have Facebook Groups. Facebook remains one of the oldest professional networking platforms that cater to the needs of global business endeavors in diverse industries or sectors. According to research, over 2.9 billion users are utilizing this platform for various purposes, including professional networking. You can also connect with industrial professionals with similar interests, dreams, resources, and goals on Facebook. For this, you need to join any one of the Facebook groups that cater to your profession and interests. However, you can build your own community on Facebook to socialize, learn, innovate, discuss, and share experiences.
Wondering what makes Facebook Groups one of the alternatives to LinkedIn? Let’s check its key features. Here we go…
Key Features of Facebook Groups
Features a huge network to open the world of new possibilities that can be a new friendship, a career jump, or a potential partnership for the next business venture
Facebook is a safe and secure community.
This platform has stringent rules. Nobody on this platform is allowed to violate community norms. Any kind of offensive or inappropriate behavior is restricted
Offers various tools and options
Updated with new features on a regular basis
You can tailor your experience with its personalized tools or options
Zerply is yet another wonderful alternative to LinkedIn. This platform is specifically designed for creative classes, including think designers, writers, photographers, and so on. According to the co-founder Christofer Karltorp, LinkedIn doesn’t adequately meet the needs of creative people. That’s the reason Zerply was founded. Zerply offers an easy user interface and an intuitive way to connect and meet people with potential investors, entrepreneurs, partners, developers, designers, and advisors.
But its capabilities do not end here. Zerply helps you to build professional and appealing profile pages. It also helps you connect with your other professional or personal sites and blogs. As a result, you get a robust platform to showcase your portfolio or projects to specific industry leaders. So, if you are interested in switching jobs or doing more long-term projects, Zerply is one of the best LinkedIn alternatives for you.
Like other LinkedIn alternatives, you can get access to future-ready professionals as well as highly skilled leaders and managers of your industry. Here, you will find the profiles of notable people such as Mint.com designer Jasen Putori, Evan Williams, and Dave Mori.
Let’s go through some of its key features:
Key features of Zerply
Build impressive pages or profiles to showcase professional goals, business skills, expertise, and noteworthy practical experience.
Created specifically for creative classes, such as think designers, writers, and photographers
You can describe your professional strength by choosing five tags or five skills
A refined search tool to find industry-specific individuals and leaders
A good place to explore unlimited job opportunities
Pros
A customized platform that allows you to build profile pages that suit your needs, goals, and dreams
Find other equally skilled and passionate professionals in your industry in no time
Showcase your specific expertise, experience, and skills.
Founded in 2003, Xing is one of the most popular German professional networking platforms, emerging as a top alternative to the LinkedIn platform in today’s landscape. This is among the top social networking sites that allow users to communicate and meet with equitable professionals.
Similar to LinkedIn, Xing is a fantastic place for startups or fully fledged companies to promote innovative and unique products/services and sell companies’ highest values to customers. This is typically profitable for those who are looking for limitless opportunities in German Corporations.
But now, it is boasting talent outside the DACH area (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) as well. People outside these countries join this platform to stay abreast of the latest cutting-edge technology development and new business opportunities, explore diverse career opportunities, and make profound social bonds. Let’s now take a look at some of its key features:
Key Features of Xing
Diverse groups/communities help in enhancing career prospects and increasing earning potential
A well-developed search engine to explore recruiters and potential employers on the same page
One-stop destination for marketing the brand and enhancing its value worldwide
Sign up for the account to build an impressive profile.
Pros
Gives a lucrative opportunity to stand out from others
Access in-depth data analysis by classing businesses’ banner ads in no time
Excellent platform for recruiters who look forward to recruiting talented professionals
Advertise new job openings on a peaceful platform.
At number 6, we have Reddit. Reddit needs no introduction. It is one of the best LinkedIn alternatives for professional networking in 2024 and beyond. Reddit focuses on building professional relationships with future-ready professionals and leaders of similar industries, skills, and talents. Here, you get a profitable opportunity to join subreddit platforms. These versatile subreddit platforms are small forums that allow users to post, comment, and vote on several topics.
It is a great place for interactive individuals. Reddit keeps organizing events, challenges, and threads to help people interact with like-minded groups. People who want to enhance their network and grow at the same time can use Reddit. If you are looking to build your reputation and reliance on a professional network community, Reddit should be one of the most preferred platforms. Since it is a close alternative to LinkedIn and a developing platform, it boasts about 73.1 million global users. Let’s learn about its key features next…
Key Features of Reddit
Features different niche subreddits to increase professional network connectivity
Allows you to follow other users, share experiences, and build connections
Gets an opportunity to share new ideas and skills by posting original and high-quality content
Users from around the world can connect and network on Reddit
Pros
Encourages to participate in diverse challenges and events to stand out in career opportunities
Industry-centered subreddit platforms
Engaging and interactive platform
Easy to use
Cons
Self-promotional activities are not allowed
A brutal place if community standards are not maintained
Last but not least is Jobcase. Jobcase, as the name suggests, is the platform where people of diverse niches network and explore various opportunities. If you have been looking for a way to present yourself professionally to stand out from the crowd, Jobcase is your best bet. This is one of the most popular online communities, which allows professionals of diverse industries meet, connect, help, explore, and grow.
To begin using this platform, you need to create a job profile. Doing so increases your chances of finding opportunities in the top domestic or global organizations. But, in the meantime, you should be mindful of the way you present your job profile that is visible to your recruiters. The major advantage of joining this platform is that it is completely free and a one-stop shop to find new job openings.
Let’s understand more through some of its key features:
Key Features of Jobcase
Great place to find new job openings because of the huge user base here
Perfect place for both recruiters and job seekers
Most recruiters use this unique platform to find a talented pool for their workplace
Features enhanced job prospects and earning potential
One-stop-shop for job seekers or job hunters
Pros
Well-crafted profiles surely win the race for lucrative opportunities in the top organizations
Very easy to use – All you need to do is upload a resume, share your Jobcase profile, and get feedback.
Excellent platform to know about companies’ missions and visions
A large professional networking community
Have a huge number of employers seeking talented people
Cons
Less popular than LinkedIn
Limited opportunities compared to other platforms
Last Few Words!
So, these are the 7 best LinkedIn Alternatives that professionals can consider using for networking in 2024 and beyond. However, you cannot deny the fact that LinkedIn is the most popular and reliable professional network-building site. Not only does it have a huge user base, but it also offers you opportunities to connect with a wide audience from diverse backgrounds. However, there is no harm in availing yourself of the benefits of more lucrative opportunities by registering yourself on alternative platforms. You can always utilize all LinkedIn Alternative platforms and LinkedIn as well to grow your network.
Birds of a feather flock together. Utilize the opportunities offered by our recommended LinkedIn alternatives to build a cohesive community that will help you in finding new friends, new career opportunities, potential partners, and more. You can choose any of these alternatives outlined above based on your unique requirements and needs!
