‍What is API?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. APIs are mechanisms that enable two software components to communicate with each other using a set of definitions and protocols. Does this sound a bit complex? We’ll make it easy for you.

For example, when you search for jobs on LinkedIn and come across various job postings by several organizations around the world, it is LinkedIn API behind the scenes connecting their platform to these organizations’ data. 

Why LinkedIn API is important?

The preferred platform for B2B marketing and sales is LinkedIn. According to surveys by B2B marketing experts, LinkedIn is the most effective social network among its contemporaries. In comparison to other platforms, 77% of non-paid platforms and 79% of paid platforms agreed that it produced the best outcomes. And users of LinkedIn seem to agree too.

Despite the fact that most people identify LinkedIn with resumes and jobs, impressions for content are 15 times higher than for job postings. According to other studies, 70% of users view LinkedIn as a reliable source, and 75% of prospective customers base their evaluation of suppliers on their thought leadership.

It is now possible to utilize LinkedIn's data and features for specific business purposes through LinkedIn APIs for web and mobile apps.

Who can use LinkedIn API?

Only developers who have been given the go-ahead by LinkedIn and who adhere to any relevant data restrictions in their agreements may use this API.

How to use LinkedIn API?

Most LinkedIn functions are available via the consumer API, which does not require any app approval. Your app must first receive the marketing platform's approval before offering features like posting on business pages. The common methods to join both platforms are laid out in this section.

Step 1: Register your app.

• Sign into the LinkedIn developer portal.
• Make a new app with “Create app.”
• Give basic details like a name and logo.
• You must associate your app with a company page. If you don’t have any pages, you should create one.

Step 2: Request for app verification.

• Press "Verify" after going to the Settings page to get a verification code. 
• Send that link to the administrator of the business page you previously chose.
• The administrator is prompted to verify their responsibility for your program when they click on that link. You are informed that your app has been verified and can move on to working with other things if they agree.

Step 3: Request to get Access to Features.

• Request permission to "Share on LinkedIn" and "Sign in with LinkedIn" on the Products tab. The consumer base is built with them. 
• Request "Marketing Developer Platform" access to publish on business pages.

• However, it needs to be accepted after you give information regarding your registration.
• Before being accepted, your application might go through a lengthy review process and receive a few rejections.

Step 4: Review the Application Authorization.

Register the OAuth redirect URL for your service on the Auth tab. It will be put to use later when you obtain an access code. Make sure your service has the following scopes listed under the OAuth 2.0 scopes section:

• w_member_social
• r_liteprofile
• w_organization_social (only if you requested marketing platform access)

You should keep the customer secret and client ID confidential in a database or safe place.

Next Up: Get Permission from your users

Your program must ask users for permission to access their LinkedIn accounts. The OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow is used for this. It generates an access token for each user after user authentication with LinkedIn and app authorization, which enables your application to make API requests and manage user accounts on their behalf.

Access codes have a 60-day lifespan. Keep them safe in your user database and treat them like passwords. LinkedIn doesn't give out refresh tokens to just anyone, in contrast to many other OAuth platforms. The only authorized partners who can use them. Additionally, refresh tokens do not end for a year, so keep that in mind if you receive one.

Final Thoughts

In this article, we have made an attempt to give you an overview of LinkedIn API. However, using this feature to increase efficiency requires much more enhanced knowledge, research, and effort. We hope this article gave you some tips on how to use LinkedIn APIs' posting features for more efficient B2B marketing.

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