In an age where digital authenticity is paramount, professional networking platform LinkedIn is taking a significant step to combat fraud and build user trust. The company is now expanding access to its company page verification program, moving beyond a limited, invite-only model to include a broader range of businesses. This change is a direct response to the growing concern over scams and impersonation on the platform, and it signifies a major effort by LinkedIn to secure its professional community.
The Value of the Verified Badge
For businesses and job seekers alike, a verified company page is a powerful symbol of credibility. The small tick and shield icon that appears next to a business name on LinkedIn is more than just a badge; it’s a signal of authenticity. A verified page helps:
- Establish Trust: Users can be confident they are interacting with the official, legitimate presence of a company, not an imposter.
- Enhance Brand Reputation: The badge elevates a brand’s professional image, making it stand out in a crowded digital landscape.
- Improve Discoverability: Verified pages are often prioritized in LinkedIn’s search algorithms, making it easier for potential clients, partners, and employees to find the right business.
- Combat Impersonation: The program helps protect a brand’s identity by making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to create fake pages.
Who is Now Eligible for Verification?
While the initial rollout of company page verification was highly restricted, LinkedIn is now opening the doors to a larger pool of businesses. The platform has outlined new eligibility criteria that go beyond a simple request process. While the exact specifics remain somewhat vague, the new guidelines indicate that a company page may be eligible if it demonstrates “meaningful engagement with LinkedIn.” This includes:
- Active Participation: Regularly posting content and responding to members’ comments and messages.
- Commercial Relationship: Having an established commercial relationship with LinkedIn, such as through the use of Ads, Jobs, or a Premium Company Page subscription.
- Premium Company Page Subscription: This is a clear pathway to verification. Companies with a Premium Company Page subscription now have immediate access to the verification option.
This expansion means that verification is not just a feature for paying customers, but also for highly active and engaged businesses that have built a presence on the platform. It’s a strategic move that encourages companies to invest in their LinkedIn presence, knowing that their efforts can lead to an official seal of approval.
The Verification Process
For eligible businesses, the process is designed to be straightforward. The “super admin” of a company page will see an option to request verification within the page’s “Settings” on the desktop experience. Once the request is submitted, LinkedIn will internally review the page to ensure it meets its criteria, which includes checking for accurate data points, an active admin, and compliance with platform policies.
It’s important to note that due to the high volume of requests, the approval process may take some time. LinkedIn will notify the page admin via email whether the request was successful or rejected. Once verified, the page will retain its status even if the company cancels a premium subscription, provided it continues to adhere to LinkedIn’s policies.
A Phased Approach for a Safer Platform
With over 60 million company pages on the platform, a full-scale, simultaneous rollout of verification would be an ambitious undertaking. LinkedIn’s phased approach is a methodical way to ensure a smooth implementation while prioritizing high-impact areas. By initially focusing on businesses that are already active, paying customers, or well-known brands, LinkedIn can efficiently build a foundation of trust. The platform’s ultimate goal is to offer verification to every member, company, and job listing, creating a more secure and trustworthy environment for everyone.
The expansion of company page verification is a crucial step in LinkedIn’s ongoing commitment to fighting fraud and enhancing user safety. For businesses, it’s an opportunity to strengthen their digital identity and build credibility. For users, it provides a much-needed layer of assurance, making it easier to connect with authentic professionals and legitimate organizations in the global professional community.
