LinkedIn is broadening access to its company page verification program, enabling more brands to establish authenticity and combat impersonation on the professional networking platform.
Previously, this feature was available only to a select group of pages. Now, all companies subscribed to a LinkedIn Premium Company Page plan are eligible for verification. Verified pages will display a distinctive checkmark and shield icon next to the company name, signaling to users that the page is legitimate and has been vetted by LinkedIn.
Benefits of LinkedIn Verification
The verification badge reassures users that they are interacting with the official representatives of a brand, which is crucial for building trust, especially in industries vulnerable to impersonation or fraud.
A verified badge also adds a layer of professionalism and legitimacy to a company’s presence on the platform. Once a company page is verified, it allows employees of that organization to verify their workplace affiliation on their individual profiles.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for verification, companies must meet several requirements beyond subscribing to the
- Active Engagement: The company page needs to demonstrate meaningful engagement, such as regularly posting content and responding to user comments.
- Commercial Relationship: Having an established commercial relationship with LinkedIn, potentially through the use of paid products like Ads or Jobs, may also be a factor.
- Accurate Information and Compliance: LinkedIn also assesses the accuracy of key data points like location and website URL, verifies the presence of active page administrators, confirms the page is claimed (not just a listing), and ensures compliance with LinkedIn’s policies.
LinkedIn Verification Process and Considerations
Eligible companies will find a “Request Verification” option within their company page settings when viewed on a desktop. The process involves an internal review by LinkedIn, which can take time given the platform’s extensive user base of over 60 million companies. According to LinkedIn, it could take up to ten days for the verification process to complete.
While the expanded verification program aims to enhance trust and transparency, it’s important to note that the Premium subscription comes at a cost (around $99/month which is a little more than PKR 28,000 approximately), which may be prohibitive for some smaller businesses. The emphasis on consistent activity might also favor more established brands already active on the platform.
Recommendations for Interested Companies
To qualify for LinkedIn’s expanded verification, businesses should keep their company pages active by posting regularly and engaging with comments to show meaningful activity. It’s equally important to ensure that all details, including the website URL and location, are accurate and up to date. Building a commercial relationship with LinkedIn through paid services like ads or job postings can also improve eligibility.
Once these criteria are met, companies can head to their page settings on a desktop and select the “Request Verification” option. This initiative marks an important step by LinkedIn to boost platform integrity and give users more confidence when interacting with verified brands.