Professional networker LinkedIn (LNKD.DL) recently announced that it would be adding Sponsored Jobs within its content feed. This comes shortly after launching similar Sponsored Updates a few months ago, which are off to a strong start. The company has taken heed of Facebook's mobile successes, and is following suit. Social media companies tend to borrow strategies from each other, and this is merely the latest example.
LinkedIn's marketing segment remains quite young, at just 24% of revenue last quarter. Other social players rely primarily on advertising, yet advertising is LinkedIn's secondary business. As the company grows its marketing segment, the gains provide incremental upside for investors while the core recruiting business continues to soar.
Some investors may be skeptical of LinkedIn's premium valuation, which is pricing in hefty growth expectations going forward. The company will need to prove itself as a true disruptor, or else investors could be in store for some pain.
In today's episode of Tech Teardown, Erin Kennedy discusses who's winning in social media with Evan Niu, CFA.
