What You Need to Know About the Big Changes LinkedIn is Deploying
LinkedIn is currently rolling out what is being called the “new desktop experience.” Every two years or so, LinkedIn makes significant changes to the design and content of its website. The latest update — launched in late 2016/early 2017 — is designed to align the LinkedIn desktop experience with what users of the LinkedIn mobile app have seen for quite some time.
Ryan Roslansky, Vice President for Product at LinkedIn, said in a blog post in September 2016 that “this is the largest redesign since LinkedIn’s inception, and it’s the foundation for our future.”
One important thing to note is that every time LinkedIn rolls out a redesign, features are removed. This is the case with the “new desktop experience.” If you are one of the rapidly decreasing number who still have the “old” LinkedIn, take some time right now to back up your profile so that if you lose content in sections that are being removed, you can re-insert that information.
You’ll know when you have the new look LinkedIn when you sign into your existing account. (If it is not formatted like the image that accompanies this post, you still have the old interface.) Not only will the main navigation bar look different, but LinkedIn will let you know your account has been updated to the new look. The roll-out began in December 2016 and is expected to be completed by late Spring 2017 for all accounts.
Among the changes you will find:
A new navigation menu bar.
Removal of some customization features (such as the ability to move content around in key sections).
Changes to how you can keep from broadcasting profile changes to your network (this used to be right on the “Edit Profile” page, but is now 3 pages deep under “Settings & Privacy”).
Elimination of some sections (making it very important to back up your pre-“New Look” profile, in order to be able to retrieve that information and insert it elsewhere).
Complete elimination of free “InMails.” Free accounts now receive zero InMail credits.
Groups has moved to the “More” tab, where casual users may have a hard time finding it.
Now only premium/paid Sales Navigator or Recruiter accounts can tag and categorize their contacts.
As LinkedIn moves to increase revenues with a “pay to play” services model (likely due to the acquisition by Microsoft), you can expect to see more and more previously free features move to premium pricing.
One of the best ways to stay connected with what’s new with LinkedIn is to check out the LinkedIn Blog. You can find it here: LinkedIn Blog.
If you would like a complimentary copy of my full report on “Things to Know and Do Once You Have the ‘New Look’ LinkedIn,” you are welcome to contact me using the form below.