99designs vs. LinkedIn vs. Dribbble – Detailed Comparison

Quick Verdict

99designs is suitable for businesses seeking diverse design options through contests, while LinkedIn is valuable for professional networking and job searching. Dribbble is best for designers seeking inspiration and community, but users should be aware of recent pricing changes.

Key Specs – Side-by-Side

Metric99designsLinkedInDribbble
Price$299 - $1,399$29.99 - $900 (monthly)Variable
FeaturesLogos, websites, apps, merchandise, design contests, direct hire, collaboration tools (comments, annotation, markup, ratings)Professional networking, job searching, LinkedIn Learning, InMail messages, messaging, connection requestsDesign inspiration, networking with creatives, showcasing creative work, discovering new talent
RatingNot availableNot availableNot available

Overall Comparison

  • 99designs: Offers design services via contests and direct hire with prices ranging from $299 to $1,399.
  • LinkedIn: A professional networking platform with premium subscriptions ranging from $29.99 to $900 monthly.
  • Dribbble: A design inspiration platform with variable pricing and recent changes to its pricing policy.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

  • 99designs: Easy to use platform
  • 99designs: Broad range of design services
  • 99designs: Multiple payment packages
  • 99designs: Access to many designers, resulting in diverse design options
  • 99designs: Good customer support
  • LinkedIn: Useful for job searching and professional networking
  • LinkedIn: Helps expand professional connections
  • LinkedIn: LinkedIn Learning offers valuable courses
  • Dribbble: Great source of design inspiration
  • Dribbble: Good platform for networking with other creatives
  • Dribbble: Helps designers gain visibility
  • Dribbble: Showcase creative work
  • Dribbble: Discover new talent
  • Dribbble: Find inspiration

Disadvantages

  • 99designs: Can be more expensive than hiring freelancers directly
  • 99designs: Top designers are available only in higher-priced packages
  • 99designs: Some designers may produce low-quality, quickly-made designs
  • 99designs: Designers may face issues with clients not paying or getting refunds
  • LinkedIn: Account security concerns and hacking incidents
  • LinkedIn: Poor customer support and difficulties in account recovery
  • LinkedIn: Excessive spam and unwanted messages
  • LinkedIn: Some find it necessary to have an expensive Sales Navigator subscription to make the platform truly useful
  • Dribbble: Some users express dissatisfaction with account management and support
  • Dribbble: Concerns about the effectiveness of paid subscriptions
  • Dribbble: Recent changes to the pricing policy, with charges for almost every feature
  • Dribbble: Some feel it has become a monetized talent agency, diverging from its original community focus
  • Dribbble: The platform may prioritize visually appealing designs over functional UX design

User Experiences and Feedback

Overall User Sentiment

99designs is suitable for businesses seeking diverse design options through contests, while LinkedIn is valuable for professional networking and job searching. Dribbble is best for designers seeking inspiration and community, but users should be aware of recent pricing changes.

What Users Love

  • 99designs: Many users are satisfied with the service.
  • 99designs: Talented and responsive designers.
  • 99designs: Appreciate the variety of design ideas and the ability to provide feedback.
  • LinkedIn: Many users appreciate the platform for career advancement and networking.
  • LinkedIn: Valuable courses available through LinkedIn Learning.
  • Dribbble: Great source of design inspiration
  • Dribbble: Good platform for networking with other creatives
  • Dribbble: Helps designers gain visibility

Common Complaints

  • 99designs: Some users find it expensive compared to hiring freelancers directly.
  • 99designs: Some designers feel that 99designs doesn't respect them, with clients having too much power and the platform siding with them in disputes.
  • 99designs: Some users have also complained about low-quality designs and unusable files.
  • LinkedIn: Users report issues with account security and spam.
  • LinkedIn: Customer support is often criticized for being unhelpful.
  • Dribbble: Dissatisfaction with account management and support
  • Dribbble: Concerns about the effectiveness of paid subscriptions
  • Dribbble: Recent changes to the pricing policy, with charges for almost every feature
  • Dribbble: Some feel it has become a monetized talent agency, diverging from its original community focus
  • Dribbble: The platform may prioritize visually appealing designs over functional UX design

Value Perception

  • 99designs: Access to a wide range of design services and designers.
  • LinkedIn: LinkedIn is seen as a valuable tool for professional development and making connections in the industry.
  • Dribbble: Good platform for networking with other creatives
  • Dribbble: Helps designers gain visibility

User Recommendations