When you receive a message on LinkedIn, you may notice that the sender’s name is followed by “LinkedIn member.” This label indicates that the person messaging you has a LinkedIn profile and is part of your network. There are a few reasons why LinkedIn includes this tag in messages:
To verify the sender’s identity
The “LinkedIn member” label helps confirm that the message is coming from the person’s actual LinkedIn account. This prevents cases of impersonation or fake accounts, giving you assurance that the sender is who they claim to be. Especially when connecting with new contacts, the member tag provides a level of credibility.
To showcase active users
LinkedIn wants to promote engaged users of the platform, not inactive or fake profiles. The member designation shows that the sender is an active participant on LinkedIn, not just someone who signed up and abandoned their account. When you see this tag, you know the person is currently using their LinkedIn presence to network and communicate.
To encourage real-name use
LinkedIn aims to be a professional networking site where people connect using their real identities. The member label indicates the person’s actual name attached to their account, rather than an alias or nickname. Knowing you’re messaging someone’s real identity builds trust and accountability in your communications.
To differentiate external emails
Messages within LinkedIn look distinct from external emails imported into your inbox. When the “LinkedIn member” tag appears, you know it originated within LinkedIn messaging and not from an outside email provider. This clarifies where the message came from at a glance.
To signify in-network contacts
The member designation tells you the sender is part of your LinkedIn network, as opposed to people outside your connections contacting you. There is a different level of familiarity messaging someone already in your network versus unknown contacts. LinkedIn adds this detail to indicate existing relationships.
To market LinkedIn connections
LinkedIn wants to encourage users to connect and grow their networks on the platform. Calling senders “LinkedIn members” essentially advertises the value of making connections. The more contacts you have, the more member tags you’ll see, which further markets the benefit of linking profiles.
To reduce spam and scams
Unfortunately, spam and phishing messages are a risk on many online platforms. LinkedIn’s member label indicates a real person from your network, which helps reduce unwanted communication from unknown parties. It’s a subtle security measure for members.
To signify premium account users
LinkedIn offers premium paid subscriptions that unlock additional features. If the message sender has a premium account, the member tag will include a gold ribbon icon displaying their premium status. This allows recognition of paid account holders.
To encourage profile interaction
Every member tag is clickable, enabling you to quickly view someone’s profile from the message screen. This makes it easy to learn more about your connections right within the messaging portal. It drives engagement with member profiles.
To establish a branded identifier
LinkedIn aims to be identifiable at a glance, with visual tags that establish its brand. Just as email services add sender logos, the LinkedIn member label becomes associated with the platform. It’s a signature touch for the network.
To spark curiosity about connections
Some LinkedIn members have customized tags like “500+ connections” or “Open to work” under their name. This peek into their profile activity stimulates interest in someone’s connections or career status. The member details create conversation starters.
In summary, the “LinkedIn member” designation next to message senders serves multiple purposes for both the individual users and the platform itself. It verifies identities, indicates active accounts, encourages real-name use, differentiates external emails, signals in-network contacts, markets the value of connecting, reduces spam/scams, highlights premium users, enables profile engagement, brands LinkedIn messaging, and sparks curiosity – ultimately driving more value from LinkedIn connections.
So next time you see that “LinkedIn member” tag in your messages, recognize the range of value it represents in your professional network and communication. It’s a simple touch that makes a big difference in trust, relationships, and engagement on the platform.
When the member tag doesn’t appear
In some cases, messages may be received without a LinkedIn member designation. There are a few reasons this can happen:
- The message is forwarded from an external email rather than sent within LinkedIn.
- The sender has chosen to turn off or hide their member tag in account settings.
- You have the person’s email but not their LinkedIn connection.
- It’s an invitation to connect from someone outside your network.
- The message comes from LinkedIn customer service.
- It’s an automated message from LinkedIn without a specific sender.
So while most in-network communication will display the member tag, there are some exceptions. The lack of a label doesn’t necessarily indicate a fake or suspicious message. But whenever possible, LinkedIn displays member tags to maximize transparency, trust, and engagement.
Customizing your member tag
As a LinkedIn user, you also have a member designation that others see when you message them. You can customize your tag to showcase more details:
- Add your company. Display your current employer to establish your professional credentials.
- Show connections. Highlighting your total connections (500+, 1000+, etc.) signals your networking activity.
- Include certifications. Add letter acronyms for certifications (CPA, CFA, etc.) to highlight your qualifications.
- Add your location. Specifying your city/country provides insight on where you’re based.
- Show open to work status. Let your network know you’re seeking new opportunities.
Customizing these details allows you to share relevant professional context when messaging your connections. Just click “View profile” and “Edit public profile & URL” in your account settings to update your member tag.
Message tagging etiquette
When adding information to your member tag, keep these etiquette tips in mind:
- Be truthful – don’t misrepresent your actual credentials or connections.
- Be consistent – don’t change details too frequently or randomly.
- Be professional – avoid unprofessional pronouns, emojis, or informal phrases.
- Be relevant – only include applicable info to avoid message clutter.
- Be thoughtful – recognize your tag appears whenever you message connections.
With careful customization, your member tag can effectively showcase your professional brand and qualifications each time you communicate on LinkedIn.
Turning off the member tag
If you prefer not to display a tag with your messages, it’s possible to disable it in your account settings. Here’s how:
- Go to your profile and click “View profile.”
- Select “Edit public profile & URL” from the menu.
- Uncheck the box next to “Show the LinkedIn Member badge on your messages.”
- Click “Save” to remove the designation from your messages.
This will prevent your name from appearing as a LinkedIn member. Keep in mind that others may still be able to see your profile information if they click on your name.
Troubleshooting missing member tags
If your customized member tag isn’t appearing properly, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Confirm your tag customization saved properly in your account settings.
- Check that you and the recipient have current LinkedIn accounts in good standing.
- Make sure you’re messaging within LinkedIn and not via external email.
- Try toggling your tag on/off in settings to reset the display.
- Check LinkedIn Help Center guidance in case of platform issues.
- Contact LinkedIn Customer Service if still unresolved.
With some quick confirmation, you can troubleshoot most missing member tag issues. Reach out to customer support if problems persist.
In closing…
LinkedIn’s member tags provide helpful professional context in messaging. Take advantage by customizing your own tag and recognizing the value when networking with others. The extra details strengthen communication and relationships across your invaluable LinkedIn connections.