LinkedIn is undeniably a powerful professional networking platform, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. With various LinkedIn alternatives available, professionals have options that may better suit their networking style and industry needs. Considering that around 85% of jobs are filled through networking[1], having a strong professional network is crucial for career success.
While LinkedIn is a popular choice for building those connections, it comes with its share of downsides—spammy sales pitches, a lack of niche communities, and limited opportunities for those seeking something outside its ecosystem.
If you’re ready to explore other ways to grow your professional network, you’re in luck. This article covers 15 alternatives to LinkedIn, each offering unique features that might better suit your networking needs.
1. Meetup
Meetup is a great platform for professionals who prefer in-person networking with a local focus. It helps you find or organize events based on your interests. Whether you’re into tech, business networking, or creative industries, Meetup has something for you. You can discover groups that host events on topics like:
- Business networking
- Technology and startups
- Creative industries
- Freelancers and entrepreneurs
- Personal hobbies
You can also use Meetup to host your own event and build meaningful, face-to-face connections within your industry.
Meetup is a fantastic LinkedIn alternative for anyone who prefers face-to-face interactions but still values online networking. Unlike LinkedIn, Meetup helps you connect with people locally through events tailored to specific personal or professional interests. For example, digital marketers, freelancers, or even startup founders can join or create meetups focused on their industry.
Once you register and specify your interests, Meetup notifies you of relevant events. The platform allows you to join existing groups or create your own event, which will be promoted to people with shared interests. It’s an excellent way to build meaningful relationships in a more personal setting.
Who’s it for?
- Professionals seeking in-person networking opportunities
- Those who want to blend professional development with social interactions
2. XING
XING is Europe’s answer to LinkedIn, particularly popular in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. With features similar to LinkedIn, such as job boards and group discussions, XING is a regional hub for professionals to grow their networks and careers. Key focus areas include:
- Job opportunities
- Industry-specific groups
- Business event announcements
- The “Culture Compass” to assess company culture
XING stands out by offering a more region-specific experience, making it ideal for European professionals seeking to grow their networks or find job opportunities.
XING is often considered Europe’s version of LinkedIn. With over 21 million members, it’s a leading platform for professional networking in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, although it’s also used worldwide. XING offers a range of features similar to LinkedIn, making it a strong LinkedIn alternative for professionals in Europe, with features like job postings, group discussions, and event announcements.
One unique feature is the “Culture Compass,” which helps job seekers understand the work culture of prospective employers, making it easier to identify companies that align with your values.
XING is especially useful for those seeking a LinkedIn alternative in European markets. Although it shares many functionalities with LinkedIn, it offers a more region-specific community and experience.
Who’s it for?
- European professionals
- Job seekers looking to work with European companies
3. Bark
Bark connects professionals with local clients looking for specific services. Whether you’re a freelance web developer, personal trainer, or SEO expert, Bark allows you to bid on projects posted by potential clients. Categories you can find include:
- Web development
- Marketing services
- Home improvement
- Personal training
- Legal services
Bark acts more as a lead generator than a social network, making it an excellent choice for service providers looking for consistent work.
Bark is a platform that connects service providers with potential clients. Think of it as the “Amazon of professional services.” Whether looking for a freelance web developer, SEO expert, or personal trainer, Bark allows you to submit job requests. In turn, professionals in your area will respond with quotes and offers.
For service providers, Bark offers a streamlined way to attract new clients by setting up a profile and bidding on relevant projects. While Bark focuses more on professional services than social networking, it’s a powerful LinkedIn alternative for freelancers, consultants, and small business owners looking for work.
Who’s it for?
- Freelancers and service providers
- Professionals looking to connect with local clients
4. Opportunity
Opportunity is a professional matchmaking platform that uses a custom algorithm to connect you with relevant leads or job opportunities. It takes the guesswork out of networking by sending you notifications when a match is found based on your needs. Categories include:
- Sales leads
- Job opportunities
- Business partnerships
- Networking based on personality traits
Opportunity is perfect for those who want a more efficient, targeted approach to networking and job hunting.
Opportunity markets itself as a “professional matchmaking” platform. Unlike LinkedIn, which relies on your proactive networking efforts, Opportunity sends notifications whenever a lead or job match is found.
Users specify their professional needs—generating sales leads, finding a job, or growing their network—and Opportunity does the rest by alerting them when someone in their target market needs what you offer.
The platform’s matching algorithm is highly customizable, allowing you to connect based on preferences such as industry, location, or even personality traits. This makes Opportunity a perfect LinkedIn alternative for those who want to streamline their networking efforts.
Who’s it for?
- Sales professionals
- Entrepreneurs looking to build meaningful business relationships
5. Jobcase
Jobcase is a LinkedIn alternative with a strong community focus. It’s not just a job board, but a space for workers to connect, share advice, and seek support. With over 120 million users, Jobcase allows you to:
- Search for jobs
- Set up profiles to showcase your experience
- Engage in community discussions for advice
- Join groups based on industry or interest
It’s ideal for job seekers who want more than just job listings—they want community support and interaction.
Jobcase is more than just a job board; it’s a community-focused LinkedIn alternative dedicated to empowering workers. The platform supports over 120 million users and drives over 100 leading job websites. Jobcase allows users to set up profiles, search for jobs, and engage in community discussions. It’s also a space to seek advice from peers or seasoned professionals.
What sets Jobcase apart from LinkedIn is its strong sense of community. You can join groups, participate in discussions, and share experiences with others in your industry. It’s a great LinkedIn alternative if you’re looking for a more community-driven networking platform.
Who’s it for?
- Job seekers and career changers
- Workers seeking a community-focused platform
6. LunchMeet
LunchMeet is an app designed for professionals who want to network over a casual meal or coffee. It connects people based on availability and location to set up face-to-face meetings. Whether you’re attending a conference or simply want to meet new people in your area, LunchMeet helps you:
- Sync your availability with others
- Find professionals nearby for one-on-one meetups
- Create more personal and meaningful networking experiences
It’s perfect for those who prefer smaller, more intimate networking sessions over large, formal events.
LunchMeet is a mobile app designed to help you set up casual, face-to-face meetings with local professionals. Unlike Meetup, which often focuses on larger groups, LunchMeet helps individuals arrange one-on-one meetups over coffee or lunch.
By syncing your availability with other users, LunchMeet allows you to find people in your area who are available for impromptu meetings. This platform is perfect for those seeking a casual LinkedIn alternative to build deeper, more personal connections without formal networking events.
Who’s it for?
- Professionals seeking one-on-one networking opportunities
- Those who prefer casual meetings over large gatherings
7. Reddit Communities
Reddit is home to many niche professional communities where people share advice, ask questions, and network informally. Subreddits like r/Entrepreneur or r/Marketing offer professional discussions without the formality of platforms like LinkedIn. Categories of communities include:
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Technology
- Freelancing
- Content creation
If you prefer authenticity and direct, no-frills conversations, Reddit is a great place to network and learn from like-minded professionals.
Reddit is not just a hub for memes and viral content—it’s also an excellent resource for professional networking. Subreddits like r/SEO, r/Entrepreneur, and r/Marketing are filled with professionals sharing advice, asking questions, and offering solutions. These highly active communities provide a less formal LinkedIn alternative for engaging in niche-specific discussions.
Unlike LinkedIn, where professional personas are often carefully curated, Reddit encourages authenticity and open dialogue, making it a refreshing alternative for those who prefer a less formal environment.
Who’s it for?
- Professionals looking for niche communities
- Those who prefer informal networking
8. X (Twitter)
Twitter (X) is a fast-paced, open platform perfect for real-time professional discussions. Using hashtags and participating in trending topics allows you to quickly connect with industry professionals. Popular hashtags include:
- #SEOchat
- #PPCchat
- #Entrepreneurship
- #Marketing
Twitter’s open nature fosters spontaneous conversations, making it ideal for networking on a more casual and immediate level compared to LinkedIn’s structured environment.
Believe it or not, Twitter (now rebranded as X) can be an invaluable tool for professional networking. By following industry-specific hashtags like #SEOchat, #PPCchat, or #ContentMarketing, you can join discussions with experts, share your thoughts, and network with professionals worldwide. Twitter’s open nature fosters spontaneous conversations, making connecting with others who share your interests easier.
While Twitter is less structured than LinkedIn, it’s a great LinkedIn alternative for real-time engagement and quickly building an extensive network through relevant conversations.
Who’s it for?
- Professionals seeking real-time industry discussions
- Those who prefer casual, fast-paced interactions
9. MeWe
MeWe is a privacy-first social network, offering features like group chats, direct messaging, and newsfeeds without tracking your data or showing ads. It’s a strong LinkedIn alternative for those who value data security. MeWe supports professionals by offering:
- Private group discussions
- Ad-free experience
- Customizable newsfeeds
For professionals who are tired of data mining on larger networks, MeWe provides a more private space to build professional relationships.
MeWe markets itself as a privacy-first social network. Unlike LinkedIn or Facebook, MeWe doesn’t track your data or show ads. This makes it an excellent alternative for those who value privacy but still want to engage in professional networking.
MeWe offers features like group chats, direct messaging, and newsfeeds—minus the data mining. While it’s less industry-focused than LinkedIn, MeWe is gaining popularity as a privacy-conscious LinkedIn alternative for professionals who value data security.
Who’s it for?
- Privacy-conscious professionals
- Those looking for ad-free social networking
10. Minds
Minds is a blockchain-based social network where users earn tokens for engaging on the platform. You can monetize your content or use tokens to promote your posts. Key activities include:
- Posting and commenting to earn tokens
- Building and engaging with an audience
- Promoting posts to increase visibility
- Participating in a privacy-focused community
Minds is an ideal LinkedIn alternative for those looking to get rewarded for their social media engagement.
Minds is a blockchain-based social network designed to reward users for their participation. Every action you take—posting content, commenting, or simply spending time on the platform—earns you tokens. These tokens can be cashed out in real currency or used to boost the visibility of your posts.
For content creators and marketers, Minds offers a unique way to monetize their time and build an audience. It is a standout LinkedIn alternative for those who want to get paid for their engagement.
Who’s it for?
- Content creators and influencers
- Professionals seeking to monetize their social media activity
11. EyeEm
EyeEm is a platform for photographers to showcase their work and sell their photos. It acts as both a marketplace and a social network for visual artists. EyeEm’s features include:
- Portfolio creation
- Networking with photographers and clients
- Selling photos through the platform
- Learning from industry experts
It’s perfect for photographers and other creatives who want to display their work and connect with potential clients.
EyeEm is a marketplace and social network for photographers. If you’re a creative professional, particularly in the photography industry, EyeEm allows you to showcase your work, network with potential clients, and sell your photos.
It’s not just for professionals; amateur photographers can also use the platform to get exposure and learn from industry experts. With a focus on visual content, EyeEm is a fantastic LinkedIn alternative for creatives looking to connect with others in their field.
Who’s it for?
- Photographers and creatives
- Professionals seeking a visual portfolio platform
12. Nextdoor
Nextdoor is a neighborhood-focused social platform that allows professionals to connect with people in their local communities. It’s not strictly professional, but it’s a great way for local businesses and service providers to network. Key features include:
- Connecting with neighbors
- Promoting local businesses
- Advertising services
- Joining local groups and discussions
Nextdoor is ideal for small business owners and local professionals looking to establish themselves in their community.
Nextdoor is a neighborhood-focused social network where you can connect with people who live near you. It’s not strictly a professional platform, but for local businesses and service providers, it offers a valuable way to network with potential clients in your community.
You can advertise your business, join local groups, and stay updated on community events. Nextdoor can be a great LinkedIn alternative for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to build a local customer base and establish themselves within their community.
Who’s it for?
- Local businesses and service providers
- Professionals looking for neighborhood networking
13. Community Forums
Community forums are ideal for professionals looking to dive into specialized, niche-focused conversations. Platforms like Moz’s SEO Forum and Bing Ads community boards offer spaces to ask questions, exchange insights, and gain knowledge from peers. Common topics covered in forums include
- Search engine optimization
- Digital Marketing
- Technology
- Freelancing
- Content marketing
Forums offer a more focused, in-depth LinkedIn alternative for those who want expert-level discussions.
While not technically social networks, industry-specific forums are still excellent alternatives to LinkedIn. Forums like Google’s Webmaster Central, Moz’s SEO Forum, and Bing Ads’ community boards are filled with professionals sharing knowledge and asking for advice.
Forums’ open format offers an excellent LinkedIn alternative for professionals seeking in-depth discussions and expert advice. Engaging in forums is a great way to gain knowledge from others and establish yourself as an expert.
Who’s it for?
- Industry experts and specialists
- Professionals looking for niche discussions
14. AngelList
AngelList is a platform designed for the startup ecosystem. Whether you’re looking for funding, job opportunities, or partnerships, AngelList is a hub for entrepreneurs and early-stage companies. Core features include:
- Job postings for startups
- Connecting with investors
- Fundraising opportunities
- Networking with other entrepreneurs
It’s an ideal LinkedIn alternative for those in the startup space, looking to grow their business or career.
AngelList is the go-to platform for startups, investors, and job seekers in the tech and entrepreneurial space. It allows companies to list jobs, raise funds, and connect with talent. Unlike LinkedIn, which caters to all industries, AngelList focuses on the startup ecosystem.
This makes it an excellent place for entrepreneurs to meet investors, find partners, or hire employees who are passionate about startups. It also provides job seekers access to thousands of opportunities in early-stage companies, many of which need to be listed on traditional job boards.
For those in tech, entrepreneurship, or venture capital, AngelList is an essential LinkedIn alternative that provides professional growth and investment opportunities.
Who’s it for?
- Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and investors
- Job seekers interested in working with startups
15. Slack Communities
Slack is widely known as a team messaging tool, but it’s also home to many professional communities. These communities allow for real-time discussions and collaboration in a more casual, accessible way than LinkedIn. Slack communities cover topics like:
- Digital marketing
- Product development
- Remote work
- Design and UX
Slack’s messaging-focused approach makes it perfect for ongoing professional discussions and collaboration.
Slack is primarily recognized as a team messaging platform but also as a hub for numerous professional communities. Slack communities serve as a valuable LinkedIn alternative, with groups for every industry, from digital marketing to product design. After joining a community, you can participate in real-time discussions, share resources, and collaborate with professionals with similar interests.
The ability to direct message others also adds a more personal touch to networking. Because Slack is built around conversations, it’s a great way to network casually while sharing valuable insights and building long-term professional relationships.
Who’s it for?
- Remote workers
- Professionals seeking real-time discussions with industry peers
LinkedIn Alternatives: Final Word
LinkedIn alternative platforms may not dominate the professional networking space, but plenty of options suit your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for niche communities, privacy-focused platforms, or something less formal, these LinkedIn alternatives offer unique ways to grow your professional network.
From Meetup for in-person connections to “Opportunity” for sales leads, each LinkedIn alternative in this list provides unique ways to grow your professional network.
Reference:
- https://www.aeecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IJEM-networking-article.pdf
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