Is A Growing LinkedIn More LIKE Facebook?

Despite being one of the few successful popular Internet companies to go public in recent memory, LinkedIn (NYSE:LNKD) is making changes to become more like Facebook (NASDAQ:FB).

In order to boost user engagement and provide more timely information, the professional networking giant recently launched a new notification feature, which will provide real-time updates when someone likes what you have shared on LinkedIn, views your profile, accepts your invitation and more. The change is reminiscent of Facebook’s notification system, although the Zuckerberg led company does not inform users when someone views your profile.

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LinkedIn provided the following screenshot and explanation: “Here’s what you’ll see: a notification flag at the top of your homepage and a new Inbox envelope icon. A red circle appears when you have something new, such as comments or likes on your shares, an accepted connection request, new inMails and more. This new feature is all part of our ongoing effort to make it easier to keep engaging discussions going with your network.”

The new feature officially launched on Wednesday, but it may take a few weeks for all members to see the flag appear at the top of a user’s homepage. The company also said the notifications will be available soon on mobile devices, such as Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone and iPad. It will also be coming to Android (NASDAQ:GOOG) products.

Just over one year ago, LinkedIn launched a brand new mobile experience that included faster and simpler access for its users. At the time, only 10 percent of the unique users visiting LinkedIn were using its mobile apps. However, that figure has surged to over 23 percent today. In April, the company launched its first Apple iPad app and followed it up with a new Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows Phone app in May. Mobile now accounts for 15 percent of new member sign-ups for LinkedIn.

The performance of LinkedIn shares would look good on any resume. Year-to-date, shares have surged nearly 90 percent. Shares were stagnant for most of the summer, but recently broke out as the company’s latest earnings report showcased its strengths. LinkedIn announced that revenue surged 88.5 percent to a record $228.2 million in the second quarter. Although net income fell to $2.8 million (3 cents per share), compared to $4.5 million a year earlier, adjusted net income of 16 cents per share topped the mean estimate of 6 cents per share.

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