Although LinkedIn is considered the go-to platform for professional networking, there are some other great alternatives out there for you to try.

1. AngelList

AngelList is focused on connecting startup companies with investors and job seekers. Because of this, it’s a good place for startups and investors to link up and make deals. Moreover, it’s perfect for startups to discover talent who can help them grow their business. AngelList also has a large user base although it is a niche platform. AngelList suits startups and investors who are looking for each other, early-stage companies who are trying to grow, as well as talent on the hunt for new opportunities.

2. Meetup

Meetup is a great network for connecting with like-minded people in your area. Once you sign up and select your various interests, Meetup will notify you of any events in your area. It also allows you to plan your own event. Even better, with the increase in remote work, Meetup also promotes virtual events. It has a very large user base and can really aid in networking efforts. Meetup is best suited to people looking to connect with others in their local area with common interests, businesses looking to scope local talent and business owners searching for networking opportunities.

3. Facebook Groups

Facebook can be a great platform to make connections with other professionals. Facebook has billions of active users which means there’s a group out there catering to every profession. Facebook also allows you to create your own groups. On Facebook, niche groups are easy to find and join, all you have to do is search them using the search bar and request access to the group (if it’s a private group). Facebook groups can be used by businesses who want to create their own group to target customers or by people looking for more social networking experience.

4. Zerply

Zerply is similar to LinkedIn but for creatives. It connects professionals like artists, animators and programmers with film, TV, video game and entertainment companies. Users can post profiles and portfolios of their work and employers can post jobs. It also offers in-platform tools for production planning. Zerply is best suited to creatives looking to showcase their work and connect with potential employers, as well as employers looking to find talent.

5. Xing

Xing is similar to LinkedIn in that it allows users to create profiles to join groups with other industry professionals, catch up on industry news and topics, as well as post jobs, search for jobs and research company profiles. It is free to join but there are a number of features which are reserved for premium members. Xing is best suited to anyone looking to network with European companies with the hopes of working overseas if they are in the US.

6. Reddit

Reddit is a great alternative to LinkedIn because of the number of professional and industry specific subreddits available. Reddit can be used for professional networking by finding relevant subreddits and participating in the discussions. It can also be used by utilizing the search feature to find people who work at specific companies or in specific industries. Reddit is best suited to people who are looking for more informal professional networking experiences and who have the time to participate in online discussions.

7. Jobcase

Jobcase offers a range of features for job- seekers, like the ability to create detailed online CV’s, search for jobs, research companies and network with other job-seekers and employers. Employers can also use Jobcase to find potential employees, post jobs and network with other companies. Jobcase is best suited to anyone looking for a simpler version of LinkedIn, that is also less corporate, as well as businesses looking to connect with blue-collar workers and wage-earners.

There you have it, 7 perfectly good professional networking alternatives to LinkedIn. Networking is hugely important in order for you to build your business and foster its growth. For more help with marketing or networking your business, get in touch. You can visit our services page or book in for a free 30 minute discovery call to see how we can help. Click here to book your call today!