A LinkedIn account helps you connect with people, find jobs, share your work, and build a professional network. You can use it to show your skills, learn about companies, and stay in touch with people in your field.

But what is a LinkedIn account, and how do you get started?

If you’re new to LinkedIn, you may not know how to create a profile, add your work history, or find the right people to connect with. You may also have questions about privacy, account security, or LinkedIn Premium.

This guide covers how to create and manage a LinkedIn account in 2027. You’ll learn how to set up your profile, build a network, protect your account, and solve common problems.

What Is a LinkedIn Account?

A LinkedIn account is a personal account on LinkedIn, a social network made for work and business.

People use LinkedIn to find jobs, connect with coworkers, share career updates, and learn about their industries.

Unlike Facebook or Instagram, LinkedIn focuses on professional life.

Your LinkedIn account lets you create a profile with details such as:

• Your name and profile photo
• Current job title
• Work experience
• Education and training
• Professional skills
• Certificates and projects
• Contact information

You can also send messages, follow companies, apply for jobs, and share posts.

LinkedIn is free to join. It also offers paid plans with extra tools.

How Does a LinkedIn Account Work?

LinkedIn works by connecting people through their profiles and professional networks.

When you create an account, you can search for people you know, send connection requests, and follow others in your field.

Once someone accepts your request, you become first-degree connections.

Your network can help you find new contacts, learn about jobs, and take part in industry talks.

For example, a graphic designer might connect with past clients, other designers, and people who hire creative workers.

A recruiter may use LinkedIn to find candidates and learn about their experience.

Your account also has a home feed where you can see posts from people and companies you follow.

LinkedIn Account vs. LinkedIn Profile

These terms are related, but they do not mean the same thing.

A LinkedIn account gives you access to the platform. It includes your login details, privacy settings, messages, and activity.

Your LinkedIn profile is the page that shows your work history, skills, education, and other details.

You need an account to create and manage a personal profile.

Why Should You Have a LinkedIn Account?

You don’t need LinkedIn for every job or business. Still, it can be useful in many fields.

Find Jobs and Career Opportunities

LinkedIn has job listings from companies in many industries.

You can search for jobs by title, location, company, and other filters.

You can also set job alerts and follow employers.

Recruiters may find your profile when they search for people with skills that match a role.

Build a Professional Network

LinkedIn makes it easier to stay in touch with coworkers, classmates, clients, and business contacts.

You can also meet people outside your current workplace.

For example, a software developer can connect with other developers, follow technology companies, and join talks about new tools.

Show Your Skills and Experience

Your LinkedIn profile works like an online resume, but it offers more ways to show your work.

You can add projects, articles, certificates, and links to a portfolio.

This gives visitors more context than a list of job titles.

Research Companies and Industries

LinkedIn can help you learn about businesses before you apply for a job or contact them.

You can view company Pages, read updates, and learn about the people who work there.

Business owners and marketers can use this information to understand a market.

Is It Worth Having a LinkedIn Account?

For people in recruitment, technology, marketing, sales, management, and many office-based roles, LinkedIn can be useful.

But it is not a requirement for career success.

If your field relies more on local contacts, trade groups, or direct hiring, LinkedIn may play a smaller role.

You can still keep a basic profile without posting each day.

How to Create a LinkedIn Account

You can create a LinkedIn account through its website or mobile app.

Step 1: Visit LinkedIn

Go to LinkedIn and select Join now.

If you’re using a phone, you can also install the LinkedIn app.

Step 2: Enter Your Details

LinkedIn may ask for:

• Your first and last name
• Email address
• Password

You may also see options to sign up with Google or Apple.

Use your real name. LinkedIn does not allow fake personal identities or multiple personal profiles.

Step 3: Complete Account Verification

LinkedIn may ask you to verify your email address or complete a security check.

Follow the steps shown on your screen.

These checks can differ based on your device and how you sign up.

Step 4: Add Your Work Information

Next, add details about your career.

You may be asked for your job title, employer, location, or education.

If you’re a student, you can add your school, skills, and projects.

If you’re looking for work, use your real work history rather than making up a job.

Step 5: Add a Profile Photo

Choose a clear photo of yourself.

A simple photo with good lighting is enough. You don’t need a formal studio picture.

Step 6: Review Your Account

Check your name, email address, and other details.

Once you’ve finished, you can start building your profile and network.

How to Sign In to Your LinkedIn Account

If you already have an account, you can sign in without creating a new one.

1. Open https://www.linkedin.com/login.
2. Enter your email address or phone number.
3. Enter your password or use your supported sign-in method.
4. Complete any security check.
5. Open your LinkedIn homepage.

On mobile, open the app and follow the login steps.

What If You Forget Your LinkedIn Password?

Select Forgot password? on the login page.

LinkedIn will guide you through the recovery steps.

You may need access to the email address or phone number linked to your account.

If you can’t use those methods, follow LinkedIn’s account recovery process.

Don’t create a second account just because you forgot your password.

Understanding Your LinkedIn Homepage

After signing in, you’ll see several main areas.

Home: Shows posts, news, and updates from your network.

My Network: Helps you find people and manage connection requests.

Jobs: Lets you search for work and manage job alerts.

Messaging: Stores your conversations with other members.

Notifications: Shows new activity, messages, and updates.

Me: Gives you access to your profile, settings, and account tools.

The layout may look different on a phone or computer.

How to Set Up a Professional LinkedIn Profile

A good profile helps people understand who you are and what you do.

You don’t need to fill every field. Start with the sections that matter most.

1. Choose a Clear Profile Photo

Use a recent photo where people can see your face.

Keep the background simple.

Avoid group photos or images with heavy filters.

Your photo should help people recognize you.

2. Add a Background Banner

Your banner is the wide image at the top of your profile.

You can use it to show your field, work, or interests.

For example, a photographer may use a photo from a recent project.

A digital marketer might use a simple design related to SEO or analytics.

You can also leave the default banner if you prefer.

3. Write a Useful LinkedIn Headline

Your headline appears below your name.

It tells people what you do before they open your full profile.

Instead of writing only “Marketing Manager,” you could use:

Digital Marketing Manager | SEO, Content Marketing & Analytics

Other examples include:

• Technical Recruiter | IT Hiring & Talent Sourcing
• Graphic Designer | Branding & Web Design
• Data Analyst | SQL, Excel & Power BI
• Computer Science Student | Python & Web Development

Use job titles and skills that match your real experience.

4. Write Your About Section

The About section lets you explain your work in your own words.

Keep it short and specific.

Include what you do, the skills you use, and the type of work that interests you.

Example:

I work in digital marketing, with a focus on SEO and content planning.

My work includes keyword research, website audits, content updates, and performance reports. I use search data to find gaps and improve website content.

I’m interested in search trends, website growth, and digital marketing tools.

This tells people what you do without making large claims.

5. Add Your Work Experience

Add your current and past jobs.

Include your title, company, dates, and main tasks.

Try to show what you worked on.

For example, instead of:

“Managed website SEO.”

Write:

“Handled keyword research, content updates, and monthly SEO reports for five websites.”

If you have real results, add them.

Don’t use made-up numbers or job titles.

6. Add Education and Projects

Include schools, degrees, training, and relevant projects.

If you’re new to the job, your projects can help showcase your skills.

For example, a web developer can add a portfolio site or coding project.

You can use LinkedIn’s Featured section to highlight selected work.

7. Add Skills and Recommendations

Choose skills that match your role.

A digital marketer might include SEO, Google Analytics, content strategy, and email marketing.

You can also ask people you’ve worked with for recommendations.

A recommendation from a former manager or client can help others learn what it was like to work with you.

8. Use AI to Help Draft Your Profile

Tools such as ChatGPT or Claude can help you organize your work history and write a first draft.

For example, you can ask:

“Write a short LinkedIn About section for an SEO specialist with three years of experience in keyword research, content planning, and technical SEO. Use plain English and don’t invent results.”

Review the draft before using it.

AI tools may add claims or skills you don’t have. Your final profile should reflect your real experience.

How to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Easier to Find

People use LinkedIn search to find workers, recruiters, business contacts, and experts.

A clear profile can help them understand whether you’re a good match.

Use Relevant Keywords

Think about the words people use to describe your work.

For example, if you work in SEO, useful terms may include:

• SEO Specialist
• Keyword Research
• Technical SEO
• Content Optimization
• Google Search Console

Add these terms where they fit in your headline, About section, Experience, and Skills.

Don’t repeat the same keyword just to make your profile longer.

Customize Your Profile URL

LinkedIn lets you edit your public profile URL.

A simple name-based URL is easier to share.

For example:

linkedin.com/in/jane-smith

You can add this link to your resume, portfolio, or email signature.

Keep Your Profile Up to Date

Review your profile when you change jobs, finish training, or gain a new skill.

Remove old details that no longer describe your work.

LinkedIn does not guarantee higher search rankings because you add more keywords or update your profile.

How to Build a Professional Network on LinkedIn

A large network is not always a useful network.

Start with people you know and people who share your professional interests.

Connect With Coworkers and Classmates

Look for people you’ve worked or studied with.

They may include past coworkers, teachers, clients, or people you’ve met at work events.

These connections can help you keep in touch.

Send Personal Connection Requests

When you contact someone you don’t know well, explain why you want to connect if you can.

For example:

“Hi Mark, I saw your post about local SEO. I work in the same field and found your example useful. I’d like to connect.”

Keep the message short.

Don’t send the same sales message to large numbers of people.

Follow People and Companies

You can follow people without sending a connection request.

This lets you read their posts and learn about their work.

You can also follow companies that interest you.

Join Relevant LinkedIn Groups

Some LinkedIn Groups focus on careers, business topics, or specific industries.

Read a group’s rules before posting.

Look for groups with useful discussions rather than joining as many as possible.

Take Part in Professional Discussions

You can share your experience by commenting on posts.

A useful comment may answer a question, add a fact, or give a clear example.

You don’t need to post each day.

Focus on quality and relevance.

How to Use LinkedIn for Jobs and Business

Your goal should guide how you use your account.

For Job Seekers

Keep your work history and skills up to date.

Search for jobs, follow employers, and set job alerts.

Review the Open to Work options if you’re looking for a new role.

For Freelancers

Use your profile to show what you do and share examples of your work.

A freelance designer might share a completed brand project.

A writer could link to published articles.

These examples help clients judge your skills.

For Recruiters

LinkedIn can help recruiters find candidates and review professional backgrounds.

Recruiters can search for people with certain skills, roles, or experience.

A profile is a starting point, not foolproof proof of someone’s qualifications.

For Marketers and Sales Teams

LinkedIn can help you research companies and learn about their needs.

You can follow business updates, study industry topics, and connect with people who work in your target market.

For paid ads, LinkedIn provides Campaign Manager. Sales teams can also use paid tools such as Sales Navigator.

Some teams link their LinkedIn sales work with a CRM, such as Salesforce, to track business relationships through supported tools.

These features serve specific needs. You don’t need them to use a basic LinkedIn account.

For Business Owners

You can create a LinkedIn Page to represent your business.

A Page is different from your personal profile.

It can show company details, updates, and job openings.

Nonprofit groups can also use eligible LinkedIn Pages to share their work.

LinkedIn Free vs. LinkedIn Premium

You don’t need to pay to create a LinkedIn account.

The free version supports profiles, connections, posts, messages with connections, and basic job search.

LinkedIn Premium adds tools based on the plan you choose.

Feature	Free Account	Premium
Create a profile	Yes	Yes
Add work history and skills	Yes	Yes
Connect with people	Yes	Yes
Search for jobs	Yes	Yes
Premium job tools	No	Depends on plan
InMail credits	Not a standard free feature	On eligible plans
Expanded profile viewer insights	Limited	Depends on plan
LinkedIn Learning	Not a standard free benefit	On eligible plans

For many people, the free version is enough.

If you’re searching for work, recruiting, or doing sales research, compare the paid features before choosing a plan.

Prices and features can change.

How to Manage LinkedIn Account Settings and Privacy

Your LinkedIn settings let you manage your profile, contact details, security, and data.

To find them:

1. Sign in to LinkedIn.
2. Click Me.
3. Open Settings & Privacy.
4. Choose the section you want to change.

Control Your Public Profile

Some parts of your LinkedIn profile may appear in Google or other search engines.

You can change your public profile visibility in LinkedIn’s settings.

You can also choose which profile details people outside LinkedIn may see.

Keep in mind that search engines may take time to update old results.

Update Your Email Address

Use an email address that you can access.

This is important for password resets and security notices.

If you change your main email, update it in your LinkedIn settings before you lose access to the old one.

Manage Notifications

You can choose which alerts LinkedIn sends.

For example, you may want job alerts but fewer email updates about posts.

Review Your Data Settings

LinkedIn lets you manage parts of your data and ad preferences.

Review these settings for more control over how the platform uses your information.

How to Keep Your LinkedIn Account Secure

Your LinkedIn account may hold personal details, work history, contacts, and private messages.

Use basic security steps to protect it.

Use a Strong Password

Choose a password that you don’t use on other websites.

A password manager can help you store it.

Don’t share your password with strangers or third-party services.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, adds a second security check.

To turn it on:

1. Open Settings & Privacy.
2. Select Sign in & security.
3. Choose Two-factor authentication.
4. Select an available method.
5. Follow the setup steps.

LinkedIn supports SMS and authenticator apps. It recommends an authenticator app when possible.

Watch for Fake LinkedIn Emails

Some scams use fake LinkedIn security messages.

They may ask you to enter your password or open an unsafe link.

If you receive a strange message, visit LinkedIn through its official website instead of the email link.

Review Devices and Sign-In Activity

You can review active sessions in LinkedIn’s security settings.

If you see activity you don’t know, check it and secure your account.

Avoid Unauthorized Automation

Some tools scrape LinkedIn data or send automated messages and invitations.

LinkedIn restricts certain forms of automation and scraping.

Using these tools may place your account at risk.

Common LinkedIn Account Problems

LinkedIn users may encounter login errors, account restrictions, or security issues.

The right solution depends on what happened.

Why Is My LinkedIn Account Restricted?

LinkedIn may restrict an account due to unusual activity, spam, false profile information, security concerns, or policy violations.

Restrictions can affect your entire account or only certain features.

If you see a restriction notice, read it before taking action.

For a closer look at possible causes, see Why My LinkedIn Account Is Restricted?.

How to Recover a Restricted LinkedIn Account

If LinkedIn has restricted your account:

1. Read the notice on your screen.
2. Check which features are blocked.
3. Stop any activity that may have caused the problem.
4. Turn off tools that violate LinkedIn’s rules.
5. Follow LinkedIn’s verification or review steps.
6. Secure your account if you suspect someone else accessed it.

Some restrictions are temporary. Others may be permanent.

There is no set recovery time for every case.

Read our full guide to LinkedIn account restriction causes and recovery steps for more detail.

What to Do If Your LinkedIn Account Gets Hacked

An attacker may change your password, send messages, or edit your profile.

Signs of a possible hack include:

• Messages you didn’t send
• New connections you don’t know.
• Changes to your email or password
• Unknown posts
• Security alerts you didn’t request

If you can sign in, change your password and review active sessions.

Enable 2FA and check your recovery details.

If you can’t sign in, use LinkedIn’s official hacked-account recovery process.

Don’t give your login details to people who promise to recover your account for a fee.

How to Delete or Hibernate a LinkedIn Account

You may decide to stop using LinkedIn.

You have two main choices: close your account or hibernate it.

How to Delete Your LinkedIn Account

To close your account:

1. Open Settings & Privacy.
2. Select Account preferences.
3. Find Account management.
4. Choose Close account.
5. Follow the steps to confirm your choice.

You may want to download a copy of your data first.

Closing your account removes access to your profile, connections, and other LinkedIn information.

Search engines may still show outdated profile details until their results are updated.

What Is LinkedIn Account Hibernation?

Hibernation lets you take a break without closing your account for good.

While your account is hibernated, your profile is hidden from other members.

You can return later by reactivating it.

Should You Delete Your LinkedIn Account?

Deleting LinkedIn may make sense if you no longer want to use the service or keep your professional data there.

But there are trade-offs.

You may lose access to your connections, messages, recommendations, and old activity.

If you only want fewer alerts or less time on the platform, changing your settings or hibernating your account may be a better choice.

Can You Delete a LinkedIn Account You Can’t Access?

You may need to recover access or prove account ownership before LinkedIn can process a closure request.

Start with its official account recovery tools.

Don’t create another profile to replace an account you can’t access.

How to Check Your LinkedIn Profile Performance

LinkedIn provides analytics for some profile and content activity.

Depending on your account and available features, you may be able to review:

• Profile views
• Search appearances
• Post impressions
• Reactions and comments
• Follower growth
• Content engagement

These numbers can help you learn what content attracts attention.

For example, if a post about SEO generates more discussion than a general career update, it may indicate that your network is more interested in SEO.

But a high view count doesn’t always lead to jobs, clients, or useful contacts.

Look at the quality of your interactions as well as the numbers.

Common LinkedIn Account Mistakes to Avoid

Using false profile details: Keep your name, work history, and skills accurate.

Sending too many unwanted invitations: Connect with people for a clear professional reason.

Ignoring security: Enable 2FA and keep your recovery details up to date.

Using the wrong keywords: Add terms that match your real work instead of filling your profile with search phrases.

Copying generic content: Share useful information rather than posting the same advice as everyone else.

Using risky third-party tools: Read LinkedIn’s rules before granting access to outside services.

Leaving your profile up to date: Check your job title, skills, and contact details whenever something changes.

A Simple LinkedIn Account Checklist

You don’t need to spend hours on LinkedIn every day.

Use this checklist when setting up your account or reviewing it.

• Use your real name and correct contact details.
• Add a clear profile photo.
• Write a headline that explains your work.
• Complete your About section.
• Add your work history and education.
• Include your main skills and projects.
• Review your public profile settings.
• Turn on two-factor authentication.
• Connect with people you know.
• Keep your profile current.

Frequently Asked Questions About LinkedIn Accounts

Is a LinkedIn account free?

Yes. You can create a personal LinkedIn account for free. LinkedIn also has paid plans with extra career, networking, and business tools.

Can I create a LinkedIn account without a job?

Yes. Students, new graduates, freelancers, and job seekers can create profiles. You can add your education, skills, and projects even if you have no full-time work history.

Do I need a LinkedIn account to find a job?

No. You can find work through job boards, company websites, referrals, and direct applications. LinkedIn is one option, not a requirement.

Am I missing out if I don’t have a LinkedIn account?

It depends on your field. You may miss some job listings, recruiter contacts, or industry discussions. But you can still build a career without LinkedIn, and its value differs by profession.

Can I have two LinkedIn accounts?

LinkedIn’s rules allow only one personal account per member. You can manage a company Page through your personal account if you’re eligible.

How do I recover a locked LinkedIn account?

Follow the notice shown when you try to sign in. You may need to reset your password, verify your identity, or request a review. The process depends on the reason for the lock.

How can I tell if my LinkedIn account was hacked?

Look for messages, posts, sign-ins, or profile changes you did not make. Check security alerts and active sessions. If you suspect a hack, change your password and start LinkedIn’s recovery process.

Can I hide my LinkedIn profile from Google?

You can turn off public profile visibility in LinkedIn settings. Search engines may take time to remove older results.

Is LinkedIn Premium worth paying for?

It depends on which features you need. The free plan works for most basic profile and networking tasks. Compare Premium tools and prices before subscribing.

Can I use LinkedIn for business marketing?

Yes. You can share useful content, build professional relationships, research companies, and manage a LinkedIn Page. LinkedIn also offers paid ad tools for business campaigns.

Can I delete LinkedIn and still have a successful career?

Yes. LinkedIn is one way to build professional contacts, not the only way. The impact of deleting your account depends on how much you rely on LinkedIn for work, hiring, or business.

What is the difference between a new and an aged LinkedIn account?

A new account was created recently. An aged account was created earlier.

Account age alone does not prove trust, security, or good standing.

LinkedIn requires real identities and does not permit the sale or transfer of personal accounts. Keep that risk in mind when assessing third-party account listings.

About PVAMarkets

PVAMarkets is an online marketplace that lists social media and email accounts, including LinkedIn accounts.

Readers who want to understand the types of listings offered can view the LinkedIn accounts category.

Account age, verification status, and login access do not guarantee that an account will remain active. LinkedIn’s rules prohibit the transfer or sale of personal accounts, so buyers should review those restrictions before making a decision.

Final Thoughts

A LinkedIn account can help you show your skills, find jobs, and stay connected with people in your field.

Start with a clear profile. Add your real work history, choose relevant skills, and explain what you do in plain language.

Then build connections that fit your career goals.

You don’t need to post each day or collect thousands of contacts. A useful profile and a relevant network can be enough.

Keep your details up to date, review your privacy settings, and protect your account with two-factor authentication.

Whether you’re a student, job seeker, recruiter, freelancer, or business owner, the best way to use LinkedIn is to focus on the tasks that matter to you.