The 5 Best Networking Sites That Aren’t LinkedIn

Updated March 2026

Key Takeaways

• Networking doesn’t have to happen on LinkedIn alone. Niche platforms and communities can help you build more meaningful, targeted connections.
• The best networking platforms align with your goals, whether that’s career growth, community support, or breaking into a new industry.
• Active participation — joining conversations, attending events, and contributing your expertise — is what turns connections into real opportunities.
• Combining multiple platforms can expand your reach and help you tap into both structured opportunities and informal networking spaces.

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With over 1 billion users in 200 countries and territories around the globe, LinkedIn is certainly a candidate for the best networking site. But like any other social media platform, it has both benefits and drawbacks. You can grow your network, connect with current and former coworkers, or even find college classmates that can help you in your career.

Contrarily, you can get tons of spam, connection requests from people you’ve never met, and a heaping dose of content that’s not relevant to your interest or your career. The good news is that it’s not your only option. Some of the best networking sites hide in plain sight, yet because of LinkedIn’s massive reach, they fall under the radar.

So if you want to break away from LinkedIn, narrow your focus, expand your network, and do it all while meeting like-minded people, put a few of these networking sites on your radar.

Best General Networking Site

You don’t have to dive headfirst into a new professional networking site just to say you did it. The idea is to find a supplemental website that pairs nicely with LinkedIn. So if you’re just looking for something fresh, give this next idea a try.

1. Meetup

Founded in 2002, Meetup has evolved far beyond casual social gatherings. Today, it’s one of the most versatile networking platforms for professionals looking to connect around shared interests, industries, and career goals. Whether you’re exploring a new field, growing your business, or building relationships within your current role, Meetup makes it easy to find both local and virtual events tailored to your interests.

The platform’s search functionality allows you to quickly discover groups based on your location, industry, or niche topics like remote work, AI, marketing, or tech. Many groups now offer virtual events, making it even easier for remote professionals to participate without geographic limitations. You can attend discussions, workshops, and networking sessions — or even create your own group to build a community around your expertise.

If you’re looking for a flexible, low-pressure way to expand your network beyond traditional platforms, Meetup remains one of the most accessible and effective options available.

Honorable mentions: Platforms like Eventbrite and Geneva also offer opportunities to discover professional events and niche communities.

Best Networking Site for Women

Building a strong professional network can look different depending on your experiences and career goals. For many women, finding a space that encourages connection, collaboration, and growth with like-minded professionals can be especially valuable. That’s where networking platforms designed specifically for women come in, offering a more focused way to share insights, expand opportunities, and support long-term career development.

2. PowerToFly

Building a strong professional network can look different depending on your experiences and career goals. For many women, finding a space that encourages connection, collaboration, and growth with like-minded professionals can be especially valuable. That’s where platforms designed specifically to support women’s career advancement can make a real impact.

PowerToFly is a career platform focused on helping women and underrepresented professionals connect with inclusive employers and professional communities. In addition to curated job opportunities, PowerToFly offers virtual events, networking sessions, and career development resources designed to support long-term growth.

Through live discussions, skill-building events, and community engagement, members can connect with peers, learn from industry leaders, and discover companies committed to building more equitable workplaces. It’s a practical, career-focused space that goes beyond traditional networking by combining community with real job opportunities.

Honorable mentions: Communities like Chief and The Mom Project also provide networking, support, and job opportunities tailored to women at different stages of their careers.

Best Networking Site for IT Professionals

Remote IT jobs are typically at the top of the most lucrative in the business, and for good reason. Most IT jobs are easily done from home, giving those who want to telecommute an easier career option. However, the nature of working from home in an IT fashion can also lead to problems networking with other IT professionals. To bridge the gap, networking sites specifically for IT professionals are becoming more popular, and not a moment too soon.

3. GitHub

If you work in tech, GitHub isn’t just a place to store code — it’s one of the most powerful networking tools available. Developers, engineers, and IT professionals use GitHub to showcase their work, collaborate on projects, and build credibility within their field.

By contributing to open-source projects, sharing your own repositories, and engaging with other developers’ work, you create a visible, living portfolio that hiring managers and peers can easily explore. This kind of hands-on visibility often carries more weight than a traditional resume, especially in remote hiring environments where demonstrated skills matter most.

GitHub also makes it easier to connect with like-minded professionals through shared projects and technical interests, creating organic networking opportunities that go beyond direct messaging.

Honorable mentions: Platforms like Stack Overflow, Discord (which hosts many active developer communities), and Dev.to can also help IT professionals build connections and stay engaged in their industry.

Best Networking Site for People of Color

According to a survey from the LA Times, 86% of Latinx workers and 81% of Asian and Black workers would prefer a hybrid or completely work from home arrangement. It’s an astonishing number, especially considering that only 75% of White workers prefer the same thing. However, people of color typically make up a disproportionately small amount of the remote workforce.

Several theories exist as to why this might be the case, but one reason may just be simply a lack of networking options. Fortunately, networking sites are getting the message, allowing people of color to find like-minded individuals or share ideas online.

4. Black Professionals Network

Black Professionals Network is dedicated to creating opportunities for Black professionals to connect, grow, and succeed across industries. Through a combination of events, programs, and community initiatives, the organization provides both in-person and virtual ways to build meaningful professional relationships.

While its physical chapters are currently concentrated in select cities, its online presence allows members from across the country to engage in discussions, access resources, and connect with others who share similar experiences and goals. Members can collaborate on ideas, explore career opportunities, and find support within a community designed to uplift and empower.

For professionals seeking a more inclusive networking experience, platforms like this play an important role in expanding access and visibility.

Honorable mentions: Organizations such as Blacks In Technology, AfroTech, and Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement also provide valuable networking, career development, and community support.

Best Networking Sites for College Students

If you’re still in college, you’ve probably heard that you should be on LinkedIn — and that’s true. But building real connections there can feel a little intimidating when you’re just getting started. That’s why many students turn to platforms designed specifically for early-career professionals, where networking feels more approachable and opportunities are tailored to where you are right now.

5. Handshake

If you’re a college student or recent graduate, Handshake offers a more direct path to building professional connections than traditional social media platforms. Designed specifically for students, Handshake connects you with employers, internships, and entry-level opportunities tailored to your school, major, and interests.

Beyond job listings, the platform hosts virtual career fairs, networking events, and employer Q&A sessions, making it easier to engage with recruiters and industry professionals early in your career. Many universities partner directly with Handshake, which means you can access opportunities that may not be posted elsewhere.

Instead of waiting until after graduation to start networking, Handshake helps you build relationships and gain experience while you’re still in school—setting a strong foundation for your career.

Honorable mentions: Platforms like Fishbowl, which lets you connect with professionals in your field through candid conversations and industry-specific groups, and Lunchclub, which offers curated one-on-one virtual introductions, provide additional ways to expand your network.

FAQs

1. What are the best networking sites besides LinkedIn?

Some of the best networking sites besides LinkedIn include platforms like Meetup, PowerToFly, GitHub, Black Professionals Network, and Handshake. Each offers unique ways to connect based on your industry, background, or career stage.

2. Are networking sites actually helpful for finding a job?

Yes. Networking sites can help you uncover hidden job opportunities, connect with hiring managers, and build relationships that lead to referrals—often before jobs are publicly posted.

3. Which networking site is best for remote jobseekers?

The best networking site for remote jobseekers depends on your field, but platforms like Meetup (for virtual events), GitHub (for tech professionals), and PowerToFly (for inclusive hiring and community) are especially valuable.

4. How can I make the most of networking platforms?

Focus on being active and intentional. Join discussions, attend events, share insights, and follow up with connections. Networking works best when you consistently engage rather than just create a profile.

5. Do I need to use more than one networking site?

Using multiple networking sites can be beneficial because each platform offers access to different communities, industries, and opportunities. A mix of platforms helps you build a more well-rounded network.

Use Every Networking Site to Your Advantage

You don’t have to turn your back on LinkedIn to expand your professional network as a remote worker. LinkedIn is still a valuable tool that can help you land gigs or find your next job. Using other professional networks in unison just provides more options. By combining multiple social networking sites, you can hone in on the people who can help your career, break the monotony of a sole platform, and expand your horizons.

When you pare it down, the best networking sites are the ones that get results. That’s all that really matters.

Which of these networking sites grabbed your attention? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!