Many people see LinkedIn as a professional social media site or an online resume they can use for hiring managers to look into. It is scarce for people to also associate it as a place where you can find clients.
But, with the large community using the platform daily, you will be surprised by the opportunities you can get to build your freelancing career. So, here’s how you can get clients while using LinkedIn:
Update Your LinkedIn Profile
Your LinkedIn profile is the first place people will see and determine if you should be someone they can hire. With this in mind, you must ensure your profile is current and has the correct information people need.
Use a clear photo to show your current image, and then highlight your skills in your summary. The platform’s special features allow you to share your certifications and projects without cluttering your page.
Add Connections
Whether you are just starting or have been freelancing for a while, networking should be included in your agenda. LinkedIn makes it easy to find potential clients, as the platform uses metrics to recommend people you may be interested in connecting with based on your shared industry. There are also professional groups and discussions anyone can join to find people they can engage with.
When you add new connections or join groups, be active to build trust and show your specialities. You can even find job postings in groups and discussions for freelancers if you regularly check in these groups.
You can also follow companies on the platform to stay current with their latest projects, openings, and other activities.
Should you get any likes or comments as you post, remember to contact them by sending them a private message or contacting them through their email. Ensure that the message includes a short introduction about yourself, why you are reaching out to them, and why it’s beneficial for both of you to stay in touch.
Get Recommendations From Your Existing Network.
If you already have a network on LinkedIn, you should ask them to refer you to their network and get their testimonials if they are your previous clients. Have the testimonials and recommendations posted on your profile page so it is easy for people to see them? It will also increase your credibility as a freelancer and give people a clear distinction as to why your services should be considered.
When you ask for testimonials, recommendations, and referrals, ensure they are for your freelance work.
Use LinkedIn’s Search Filters
If you want to search for specific clients on the platform, use LinkedIn’s search filters to find the right people. You can narrow the search based on the location, hashtags, industry and more.
Once you find the client you want to work with, send a private message to them which is tailored to their interests and needs. It must also sound less sales-pitchy because it may be ignored by your recipient and cause them to have a negative impression of you.
Post Regularly
You should also post new content in your profile or reply to discussions. While it can be overwhelming to do regularly, posting regularly can be a great way to be visible and show your expertise about a topic.
If you can’t do it every day, set a schedule you are ok with. When you do post, make sure your posts are consistent to make a difference.
Build the Suitable Posts
You can appeal to the right freelance clients from LinkedIn if your posts are exactly what they seek. This can be a challenge for most people because they may need help figuring out where to start. To make it easier to think of ideas, list topics you are interested in or related to your work and see how you can transform them into great posts. Pair these posts with your posting schedule, and you should be ready!
LinkedIn has immense potential to help you with your freelancing career, like other social media platforms, if you learn its ins and outs and make the necessary changes. Once your target clients see the changes you made, they will immediately know why you should be in their consideration for their projects. The more changes you make, the better your chances of scoring those clients.
So, keep your LinkedIn profile from languishing any longer! You will be satisfied with its long-term benefits in your freelance career!
Join me in being a successful freelancer. Check out how I manage to do it in my book here.
