The ROI Question: to Premium or Not to Premium?

by Brenna Martin, VPG Social Media Specialist

For professionals looking to grow their online presence, LinkedIn Premium can feel like a logical next step. The platform positions Premium to gain greater visibility, insights, and networking opportunities, all of which appeal to those building thought leadership or industry influence. But Premium works best as an enhancer, not a shortcut.

One of Premium’s most significant advantages is InMail messaging, which allows you to contact people outside your immediate network, useful for reaching collaborators, clients, or industry leaders without a prior connection. Premium users can also see the complete list of who’s viewed their profile, helping identify warm leads or audience trends. Additionally, Premium enables features like carousel-style profile banners and enhanced visual elements, giving professionals greater creative control over how their brand is presented at the top of their profile. This added visual storytelling space allows you to showcase offerings, highlight key wins, or reinforce your message in a way that static profiles cannot, a valuable edge for anyone growing an online presence.

Heather Martin - Author, Editor & Bookkeeper

That said, LinkedIn Premium isn’t a magic ticket to instant influence, and there are clear downsides to consider. The subscription comes with a higher cost that may not feel worth it unless you use the features consistently. InMail credits are limited each month, which can be frustrating for professionals who rely on frequent outreach, and response rates vary widely. LinkedIn doesn’t guarantee replies just because you have access. Premium also doesn’t automatically boost algorithmic visibility or post reach; content quality and engagement still drive growth. For many users, the free plan’s core tools, like organic networking, strategic posting, and strong profile optimization, can deliver much of the value without the extra expense.

Bottom line: LinkedIn Premium can be a valuable accelerator for professionals with clear goals around networking, visibility, and strategic outreach — especially if you’re actively reaching out to new contacts or using insights to guide your content. But it works best as a complement to a solid personal brand and consistent engagement strategy, not as a replacement for them. Before committing, it’s worth trying a free trial and assessing how much you’ll realistically leverage the paid features. Real power always comes from how you show up on LinkedIn.