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While LinkedIn is a free service, plenty of other extra features are available only to paid subscribers. Purchasing a monthly or yearly account in LinkedIn is one way to support their development while enjoying the added features that can make your business connections grow more efficiently. There are different plans available ranging from different prices. Since money will be spent, it is important to follow these steps if your mind is set on upgrading.

Be familiar with the service

If you’ve been a member for a couple of months, it is recommended to continue using the free account until you realized the need for extra features. Make sure you have put all the free features to good use such as filling up your profile and adding others to your network. Many of the millions of members survive with free accounts simply because they are happy with what they have. You may be too if you consider yourself as a LinkedIn expert.

Understand the added features of paid accounts

There is a comprehensive chart found on the link to upgrade your account. You can be the judge in deciding what account is best for you, but in case you are confused, then focus on the 2 critical features that make up most of the upgrade – ability to send InMails and membership to the OpenLink network.

InMails is a special form of message that can be sent to any person in the LinkedIn network with added security and professionalism. This message appears on their homepage and is guaranteed for the recipient to respond in at least 7 days otherwise the InMail is credited again. This is very useful for reaching out to others without being ignored.

The OpenLink network is a restricted network available to paid members only. This network is for LinkedIn users who want to find other professionals that want to meet new people. These people can be contacted by means of a special OpenLink messaging system. As long as you maintain your account, you can receive unlimited OpenLink messages.

The other features listed grant greater quantities of existing features, but it is best to upgrade for the sake of many features rather than just one feature. Of course the rest of the decision lies on you.

Compare the packages

All you need to do is to figure out how much time you are willing to spend on LinkedIn. The three packages there only differ in the quantity of some of the bonuses. For example, a “Business Plus” account allows you to send 10 InMails instead of 3 on the business account.

Start out small

A good start is to try a single month of a business account for $24.95 and evaluate the features from there. Make good use of the month and then decide on what yearly package to get that best fits your budget. Yearly packages can grant you 2 additional months free giving you some savings.

Remember that you are not obliged to upgrade and upgrade accounts should be geared towards advanced users. Find out your goals with LinkedIn and figure out exactly what you need to attain the goal. Who knows, you may have all the tools you need as a free member.