Member Avatar for InsightsDigital

I read in a blog that it encouraged users to visit those sites. I personally dont see the need if I am already on LinkedIn. So have you used those sites? If so, whats your opinion of them?

  • 2 Contributors
  • 2 Replies
  • 126 Views
  • 1 Day Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by InsightsDigital

Dani AI

Generated

This thread is several years old and the social network landscape has changed a lot since then. The practical question is not which site has the most buzz, but whether a second (or third) professional profile actually moves a measurable needle for your goals. Below is a short, actionable framework to evaluate niche professional networks such as XING or legacy/niche sites.

Evaluate before you invest

  • Audience fit: does the platform reach the geographic or industry niche you need (for example, XING historically serves German‑language markets)? XING on Wikipedia
  • Fresh activity: check for recent posts, active groups, job listings and app updates before signing up.
  • Integration and portability: can you export contacts, add UTM links, or sync with your CRM?
  • Distinct value: does it offer something LinkedIn or your main channel does not (local events, vertical communities, better response rates)?
  • Cost vs time: estimate hours needed to maintain the profile and compare to expected lead/value.

A 30‑day pilot (practical steps)

  • Set one measurable goal (site referrals, qualified leads, hires, or X number of inbound messages).
  • Build a complete profile, import relevant contacts, and join 3–5 targeted groups.
  • Run a content/test: one introductory post and one piece of gated content with UTM tracking.
  • Track results weekly: referral traffic, contact acceptance rate, message response rate, and any real conversions.
  • At day 30 compare cost-per-lead (time + any paid features) with your baseline.

Notes and pitfalls

  • If maintaining multiple profiles fragments effort, use a hub‑and‑spoke approach: keep one canonical profile and mirror only where there is clear ROI.
  • For older services, verify domain ownership, recent activity, and privacy/terms before uploading sensitive contact lists.
  • ’s instinct to try and measure first is sound; ’s concern about duplication is why the pilot/metrics step matters most.
Member Avatar for Techie08

I think their days have already come and gone. Social networks either come and stick and grow, or they appear and then disappear. I remember the hype on spoke, i made one and it sits untouched because it didnt seem to do much for me.

I haven't tried Xing, i'm signing up for it now though - i guess we'll see how that one goes!! :)

Member Avatar for InsightsDigital

I think LinkedIn is the leader and the other ones may have been a close second. Perhaps those two dont hae the critical mass like LinkedIn.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.