Are Slack channels the new LinkedIn?

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Community truly has never mattered more for creators, marketers, and solopreneurs. More professionals are leaving their traditional corporate careers and opting instead for solo or hybrid options, where it matters more than ever who you know. Having a strong network can be the difference between accelerated career growth and staying stagnant, especially in an industry built on relationships. Slack is stepping in to make career-altering online communities more accessible than ever.

Of all the available platforms, Slack has become the default home for many niche professional communities, a choice the people running them say is one of the best they’ve made.

For Lex Roman, founder of the invite-only community Growthslackers, it came down to making the community easy to access in our current day-to-days.

“I use Slack for other communities, and I know other people do too, so it requires less behavior change,” she says, “It just stays open on your desktop.”

After closing her previous paid membership that was hosted on Mighty Networks and moving the group over to a free Slack channel, she noticed people who had never posted in her previous community chatting daily in the Slack.

Social Media Creator & Strategist Libby Amber Shayo says Slack communities had led directly to industry events, PR opportunities, and brand connections, including an invite to a Hempz event. This community-sourced opportunity opened doors to meaningful conversations with other brand and marketing professionals and led to future collaborations that she worked on.

The Slack Channels Marketers Should Know

1) Re:Brand

Re:Brand is a free place to meet, grow, and be inspired for what’s next. Whether you’re looking for the perfect template for your next pitch, a connection to someone at a brand you want to reach out to, or just some encouragement from people who “get it,” this community is the perfect spot.

2) Pretty Little Marketer’s Insiders Club

Sophie Miller’s community helps marketers simplify their journey, celebrate their wins, and unlock their full potential. From the Slack channel to the daily social media newsletter to the coworking calls that are all included, it’s a no-brainer join.

3) Pitch Perfect

Creator and founder of Hosts of Influence Gigi Robinson calls this free community her “go-to for press and brand opportunities, where journalists post source requests and brands surface campaign briefs directly to members.” Robinson has used the channel to connect with brands like Zoom and Meta, land new agency clients, and even score brand partnerships for her influencer dog.

4) WIIM (Women in Influencer Marketing)

In this paid community hosted by marketer Jessy Grossman is a networking hub connecting talent managers, agency founders, and brand teams, frequently credited with sparking direct partnership deals.

Cailyn Medley, founder of Vue Creator Management, credits WIIM to for helping her make a connection with someone on the Minted team that "ultimately led to a partnership opportunity for one of our creators."

She also describes a CPG-focused Slack group where a non-alcoholic wine brand's post about a UGC campaign led to active conversations for two of her creators.

"Checking Slack is on my daily to-do list because these groups provide direct access to thought leaders, and decision-makers accelerating connections," she says.

Becky Levin of Levin and Co found her current client, a 6-month healthcare startup engagement, where she led their first influencer campaign, through a WIIM Slack connection.

5) ICYMI

Creator economy expert Lia Haberman created this Slack channel as an extension of her popular newsletter with the same name. This channel features career opportunties, social media news, and a “random vent” space.

6) Behind the Influence

Behind The Influence is a free, private Slack channel by July for anyone who works with content creators. Inside this community, you’ll find daily paid casting opportunities and verified industry contacts.

Alyssa Lopez of Key Influencer Agency credits WIIM and Behind the Influence Slack with helping her secure multiple brand campaigns for her foster, including Derek Xiao for Pocky and Bri Dietz for Harvest Snaps.

"These Slack groups have been incredibly valuable, not only as an additional source for castings, but also as a way to build relationships with other influencer agencies," she says.

Bottom Line

Slack isn’t just a tool to communicate between team members anymore. It’s a full-blown networking vehicle that is helping tons of marketers generate more business income. The way people use the internet to land new opportunities, find out about what’s happening, and build their businesses is changing, and Slack is at the forefront.