In the modern world, plenty of people have struck out from the 9 to 5 life in order to make it on their own as freelancers. And surprisingly, many of these people are not yet utilising every tool at their disposal in order to become as successful as possible. Such as the power of LinkedIn.
For that reason, here are some tips on how to use LinkedIn to your freelancing advantage.
Talk About Your Freelancing
The number of freelancers who actively use LinkedIn but fail to promote their freelancing is huge, which is quite unfortunate for them. Because, if they did, they might find a lot more success without much more effort – despite what you might think.
Posting articles, sharing thoughts and simply sending on update about what you’re working on can work amazingly well when it comes to generating more work. People see that you’re working on things which either interest them or they need for their business. Which means that you might just be the first person they think of when it comes to actually hiring someone to do the job. Whether it’s web design, dispute resolution, writing, graphic design and
& Be Active
This links into the above point, but it’s also important enough to be on its own. It’s simple: make sure you’re as active as possible on LinkedIn.
The fact is that the more you’re visible to people, the more likely it will be that you get more clients through this medium. Especially important if you want to impress particular clients, like Manchester solicitors. As if you never post then you might as well not exist.
Create a Compelling Profile
A good profile on LinkedIn can make or break your work prospects; whether you’re freelancing or in the full-time work sphere. The fact is that a bad profile won’t get you far, but one that you’ve actually put a little work into can easily start selling itself. It’s a little bit like having an online CV.
A compelling LinkedIn profile consists of a number of key aspects:
- Good Headline – if you know anything about journalism, it’s that a compelling headline is the foundation of any good article. And the same can be said for your LinkedIn profile. Don’t just have it as your job title or ‘freelancer’ – that’s boring! Instead, come up with something that has good keywords and will draw people to click on you.
- Custom URL – LinkedIn automatically generates your profile a URL when it’s created. But, let’s be honest, “linkedin.com/john-doe-03242bh349/” is mucerh more a mouthful than “linkedin.com/john-doe/”. And let’s face it, it’s easier to remember a simple URL rather than a complicated one.
- Professional Photo – A photo says a thousand words, so you want to make sure your profile says nothing but good things about you. Make it professional, but interesting.
- Add Some Slideshows – Don’t just say how good your work is, show it! Powerpoints and slideshows can be a powerful way to showcase your expertise as a freelancer, so don’t be afraid of leveraging that to your benefit.
- Show a Personal Side – Even though it’s a professional website, there’s a fine line with being professional and shifting to unapproachable. So, it’s important you don’t cross this line accidentally.
There are plenty of ways to improve your LinkedIn profile, above are only a select few of a world of opportunities.
Connect with People
Sitting around and waiting isn’t likely to get you clients anytime soon. Which is why you need to be proactive in your approach, taking the first step doesn’t have to be scary! The only way you can make the most of this professional social media is to actually reach out to some people every once in a while.
Freelancers who do well on LinkedIn have a large network. This is both full of people they might know, as well as potentially useful contacts which you may never even reach out to until years to come. But, when you do, it may turn out to be the best connection you ever made!
Final Thoughts
Freelancing isn’t a straightforward path. People find success in a number of different ways and through many varying techniques. One shoe does not fit all, so you may very well find yourself as the Cinderella of the freelancing world. But, some things do work. And so trying out a few of the above methods in relation to LinkedIn can’t hurt.
At worst, it doesn’t work. And at best you get a few more clients out of the whole process!