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People use LinkedIn every day to connect with others, find jobs, and grow their network. It has become a go-to place for professionals across many fields. But it’s not the only way to build a community around careers and business.
Many companies are now building their platforms like LinkedIn, but made for a specific group or purpose.
For example, someone might want to build a job board just for healthcare workers, or a networking app just for freelancers.
If you’re thinking about building something like this, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll break down the key parts you’ll need, the tools that can help you get there, and a rough idea of how much it might cost.
The Growing Importance of LinkedIn-like Platforms
Professional networking platforms like LinkedIn have become essential tools in the digital age. With over 1 billion users worldwide and 65 million job seekers active every week, these portals are changing how people find jobs, grow their careers, and connect with businesses.
As remote work rises and digital hiring becomes the norm, building a LinkedIn-like web app platform is no longer just a trend—it’s a smart move backed by strong user interest and real business needs.
# Stats that Show the Growing Demand for LinkedIn-like Portals
- LinkedIn has over 1 billion users globally as of 2024.
- Around 65 million people search for jobs on LinkedIn every week.
- More than 58 million companies have active profiles on LinkedIn.
- 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find and approach candidates.
- The global online recruitment market is expected to reach $43.4 billion by 2027 (Statista).
- Over 90% of hiring processes now begin online.
- Remote work growth has increased the need for digital professional networks.
Essential Features of a LinkedIn-like Web App
To build a successful professional networking platform, you need features that support user interaction, job searching, and business networking. Here are the core features that your app must include:
# User Profiles
Every user should have a personal profile that includes basic details like name, photo, job title, and location. It should also show their education, work experience, skills, and contact options. This profile acts like an online resume and helps others know more about the person before connecting or hiring.
# News Feed or Activity Wall
The news feed is where users post updates, share industry news, or talk about their achievements. Other users can like, comment, or repost this content. This feature keeps users active and helps build community engagement—just like LinkedIn’s main feed.
# Connection Requests and Networking
Your app should allow users to send connection requests, accept or decline them, and grow their network over time. You can also add suggestions, such as “People You May Know” to make connections easier.
# Messaging and Chat
Once users are connected, they should be able to send private messages. A real-time chat system helps users discuss job roles, partnerships, or simple greetings directly inside the platform.
# Job Posting and Application System
Companies should be able to post job openings with details like job title, description, salary range, and requirements. Users must be able to apply using their profile data. You can also allow resume uploads, application tracking, and job alerts.
# Company Pages
Each business or organization should have its page. This page may include company details, logo, website link, job openings, employee list, and regular posts about company updates or hiring needs.
# Search and Filters
Users must be able to search for jobs, people, or companies using keywords. Filters such as location, job type, industry, or years of experience help narrow down results and improve usability.
# Skill Endorsements and Recommendations
Let users list their key skills, and allow others (especially connections) to endorse those skills. You can also add an optional feature where users can write short recommendations for one another based on past work or collaboration.
# Notifications System
Whenever someone sends a connection request, replies to a post, or posts a job, users should get instant notifications. This keeps users engaged and informed about new activity in real-time.
# Admin Panel and Reporting
You’ll also need an admin dashboard to manage users, handle reports, moderate content, and maintain platform security. This helps you run the platform smoothly and deal with any misuse.
AI-Powered Features to Add More Value
Adding the right AI features can make your platform more helpful for both job seekers and recruiters. Here are three that add real value:
- Smart Job Suggestions: AI can look at a user’s skills, past searches, and profile details to recommend job listings that match their interests. This helps users find better jobs without spending hours scrolling.
- Candidate Matching for Recruiters: For hiring teams, AI can compare job requirements with user profiles and suggest the best matches. This saves time and improves the quality of candidates they see.
- AI Chatbot for User Support: An AI chatbot can answer questions about the platform, guide users through profile setup, or help with job applications. It’s available 24/7 and reduces the need for human support.
Suggested Tech Stack for a LinkedIn-like Platform
Choosing the right tech stack is one of the most important parts of building a professional networking app. It affects performance, speed, flexibility, and how easy it is to scale in the future. Here’s a breakdown of tools and technologies you can use to build a reliable, full-featured platform.
# Frontend (User Interface)
The frontend is what users see and interact with. It should be fast, responsive, and easy to use on both desktop and mobile.
- Recommended Tools: React.js or Next.js
- Why: These frameworks support reusable components, real-time updates, and great user experience.
# Backend (Server-Side Logic)
The backend handles all the data processing, user authentication, job postings, messaging, and more.
For this type of app, Node.js is a strong choice because it handles real-time operations efficiently and supports fast communication between the frontend and backend.
- Recommended Tools: Node.js with Express.js
- Why: It’s non-blocking, scalable, and widely used for apps with high user activity.
- Service Note: If you’re planning to outsource this part, look for companies that specialize in Node.js development services with real-time app experience.
# Database
Your platform will store user profiles, job data, messages, posts, and more. You need a database that handles both structured and unstructured data well.
Recommended Options:
- MongoDB – for flexibility and speed
- PostgreSQL – if you prefer a strict structure and SQL
# Real-Time Messaging and Notifications
You need tools to handle real-time updates like chat messages, connection requests, or post likes.
- Recommended Tool: Socket.IO (for WebSockets with Node.js)
- Why: It allows fast, two-way communication between users and the server.
# Cloud Hosting and File Storage
You’ll need a place to host your app and store user-uploaded files like resumes and profile photos.
- Recommended Platforms: AWS, Google Cloud, or DigitalOcean
- For file storage: Amazon S3 or Firebase Storage
# AI Integration
To add smart job suggestions or profile tips, you can integrate third-party AI APIs or build your models.
- Tools: OpenAI API (for content), TensorFlow or Scikit-learn (for skill matching and scoring)
What’s the Cost of Building a LinkedIn-like Web App?
The cost of developing a professional networking app like LinkedIn depends on several key factors, including team location, feature set, and overall scope. Let’s break it down step by step.
# Development Rates by Country (Per Hour)
If you’re planning to hire a team, the hourly rate varies depending on the country. Here’s a general overview of average hourly rates:
| Region | Avg. Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|
| India | $20 – $40 |
| Eastern Europe | $30 – $60 |
| Southeast Asia | $25 – $45 |
| Western Europe | $60 – $100 |
| United States | $100 – $180 |
| Australia & NZ | $80 – $150 |
Hiring a development team from countries like India or Southeast Asia can significantly lower your overall project cost. Estimated project cost: $15,000 – $35,000
# Cost Breakdown by Project Phase
Here’s a closer look at where your budget will go, based on the work involved in each development phase:
| Phase | Estimated Hours | Estimated Cost (India) |
|---|---|---|
| UI/UX Design | 100–150 hrs | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Frontend Development | 200–250 hrs | $4,000 – $7,500 |
| Backend Development | 250–300 hrs | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Database & APIs | 100–150 hrs | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Real-time Features | 80–120 hrs | $1,600 – $3,600 |
| Testing & QA | 80–100 hrs | $1,600 – $2,500 |
| Project Management | 50–70 hrs | $1,000 – $2,000 |
This breakdown gives a clear picture of how development hours add up. The backend, frontend, and real-time chat features usually take the most time. Estimated full development cost: $17,000 – $33,000
# MVP vs Full Platform Cost Comparison
You can either start with a minimum viable product (MVP) or go for a fully-featured version from the beginning. Here’s how the cost compares:
| Type | What’s Included | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| MVP (Basic Version) | Profiles, Connections, Messaging, Job Board, Basic Feed | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Full Version | AI Features, Admin Panel, Skill Match, Notifications, Company Pages | $25,000 – $40,000+ |
If you’re just validating your idea, building an MVP is a smart way to start. You can add more features after seeing early feedback.
- Estimated MVP cost: $12,000 – $18,000
- Estimated full version cost: $25,000 – $40,000+
Build Your LinkedIn-like Platform with Shiv Technolabs
At Shiv Technolabs, we’ve worked with startups and enterprises to build custom web platforms from the ground up. If you’re planning to create a LinkedIn-style networking app, our team can help you design, develop, and launch it with the right features and scalable backend.
We specialize in Node.js development services and have hands-on experience building job portals, real-time chat systems, and AI-driven platforms. Whether you want to start small with an MVP or go all-in with advanced features, we’ll work closely with you at every step.
# What we offer:
- Custom feature planning and UI design
- Frontend and backend development using Node.js, React, and MongoDB
- AI integration for smart job matching and profile scoring
- Real-time chat, notification systems, and admin controls
- Clean code, quality testing, and long-term support
📩 Ready to turn your idea into a working product?
Get in touch with us today to discuss your project or request a free estimate.
Final Thoughts
Building a Job portal like LinkedIn is a serious but rewarding project. With the right set of features, a reliable tech stack, and smart use of AI, you can create a platform that connects professionals, supports job seekers, and offers value to businesses.
While the development cost can vary based on the region and scope, starting with a solid MVP gives you the flexibility to test your idea before scaling. Whether you’re targeting a global audience or a specific niche, platforms like these have strong demand and plenty of room for growth.
If you’re ready to take the next step, make sure you work with a team that understands both the technical and business sides of product development.
