LinkedIn isn’t just for job-hunting: the real power of the platform lies in its ability to expand your professional network. And not necessarily through your closest colleagues – sometimes it’s the users you’re less familiar with who lead you to the next big opportunity. This is where LinkedIn Premium can help.

Here’s how to make the most of the subscription’s features and grow a network that works for you.

Wondering who’s been checking out your profile? Head to the “Who’s viewed your profile” section to see a list of everyone who’s looked at it in the past 90 days – including when they visited.

This insight helps you identify users who found your posts interesting, and who could be potential connections or collaborators.

Spotted someone who viewed your profile and fits your industry or interests? InMail lets you send them a direct message, even if you’re not connected yet.

Try to avoid generic intros, which are unlikely to get you far. Instead, be clear about why you’re reaching out, what you’ve noticed about their work and what value you can offer.

Going undercover can be helpful, especially if you’d like to research people whose careers inspire you. Use Private Mode to view profiles anonymously and dive deep into a user’s career path without leaving a trace.

If and when you’re ready to get in touch, just switch back to Public. The best part? With Premium, you stay hidden, but still get to see all the non-Private Mode users who view you.

Struggling to word an intro message? Want to optimise your profile? AI tools can help. You’ll find them right where you need them – just look for the sparkle icon when editing, for example, your Headline or About section.

Use them to sharpen your text and tailor connection requests so they don’t sound like spam. These small changes can have a big impact, and boost your chances of standing out from the crowd.