Do you want to build a client base through LinkedIn? The first step is to get that client freelancing client from LinkedIn.
As a freelancer, one can get many opportunities on LinkedIn.
The process is as simple as making connections, build skillset, create a
business.
The most critical aspect of the process is to do it
consistently over time. Remember, consistency is the key.
So now, let us look into how to get started on the process
of getting the first freelancing client on LinkedIn.
1. Create A Niche Profile
Millions of users are on LinkedIn. So how are you gonna look
different? Create a niche profile.
For example, if you are a blogger and your primary skill in
content writing. So a content writer profile will be generic profile. A niche
profile will be a content writer for pets. If it is too competitive, how about
a content writer for dogs as pets.
Niche LinkedIn profile for freelancing will help you become
an expert. Remember, it is always beneficial to be a big fish in a small pond
than a tiny fish in the large pond.
2. Headline
A LinkedIn headline is where one writes about their profile
summary with 140 characters. One has to write what one can offer as a service.
The headline plays a vital role because it tells the profile
story. Be specific and to the point.
For example, As a freelance developer working in XenForo and
vBulletin, my tagline will be:
Helping clients simplify forum development
3. Headshot
Upload a professional profile image. Too casuals images are
not healthy, especially for LinkedIn. It is the place where you connect with
people on a professional note. So, make sure your headshot should
be professional and transparent.
Avoid side shots or flashy backgrounds. Put the picture with
a soothing background like white, grey, or black. The most important thing -
Smile! It's a welcome symbol for everyone.
4. Attractive LinkedIn Banner
Apart from headline and headshot, the LinkedIn banner is
also a marketing space. LinkedIn says, "LinkedIn profiles with graphics
have 11 times more chance of getting viewed than those that don’t."
Think of your LinkedIn profile as a company billboard.
Create a simple design, write essential messages in the center to cultivate
your freelancing brand.
5. Profile Summary
The profile summary is an important thing people see when
they visit your profile. It is a place of business deals and works that you
will get from clients. So, make sure your profile summary is accurate enough.
To write a perfect summary, consider the questions:
How you can help a potential client's pain point?
Answer these questions, and you will be able to write an
eye-catchy profile summary. Apart from that, you also get a chance to upload
images and links.
Use it wisely and share what creates value into your profile.
6. Work Experience
The work experience section is certainly adding a plus point
in your LinkedIn profile. Visitors on your profile can get a detailed view of
the work which you have done.
Point outs right at your skills and achievements as well.
Mention the whole history of your work because it's also like your resume.
Here, you are giving a small glimpse of what you did in a
way that reflects what you are capable of doing.
7. Skills And Endorsements
The skills and endorsements section is where you are putting
your talent and be proud and authoritative about it.
Mentioning your specific skills is a great way to showcase
your abilities to other members like colleagues, clients, managers, and
recruiters.
Moreover, you can upload up to 50 skills in your profile.
Once you've added skills, your skills can be validated by 1-st degree
connections for profile weighting.
Skills endorsement is different than the recommendations.
You don't have to request for your skills endorsement. LinkedIn will do it for
you.
You can manage your skills endorsement section. If you want
to hide endorsement, you can, or if you don't want an endorsement for specific
skills, you can declare as out of endorsement.
I have received 99+ endorsements for SEO and web
development, clearly indicating my expertise in them.
8. Recommendations
The recommendation is a statement written by your
connections on your profile for who you are, what you did for them, etc. They
are kinda review of your work.
People who view your profile will often read the
recommendations you've received from your connections to see what they think
about your work.
Request a recommendation from your connection. When one of
your connection writes a recommendation for you, you get notified via message.
You can accept it, and it will display on your LinkedIn
profile.
If you don't like the recommendation copy, you can request a
revision or can hide it completely, as well.
Recommendations can help clients gain confidence in what you
do.
9. Add Industry-Related Connections
To build a robust network, make connections based on the
industry in which you work.
For example, you are a blogger and connecting to the
manufacturing companies; it makes no sense.
Connect with the right people because your connection
strategy will determine the size and the makeup of your profile.
So how to make connections in the right way?
- See
your current client list
- See
perspective client list
- Other
professionals who have your client list
- Experts
in your industry
- Recruiters
who specialize in your industry
Keep on connecting with the people you can maximize your
ROI.
10. Participate in LinkedIn Groups
Join LinkedIn groups to open more opportunities for you.
Search groups where you may find your potential client may be a member.
Try to be an expert and authority within the group. It will
help you get people to look for you.
11. Contribute Articles
Post articles or anything related to your industry.
Share articles that a potential client may be interested in
reading. One should keep on posting on LinkedIn to attract readers or your
clients.
People visiting your profile should have an idea of your
overall work and activities.
I am sharing how to find clients on LinkedIn. Anyone reading
this article will be interested in getting clients from LinkedIn. It will help
me build authority as a freelancer not to fetch clients but want to build
readership to my blog. As a freelancer, I have more clients than I can handle almost
for a decade now.
12. Comment On Other's Articles and Posts
To get visibility of your profile, comment on other's posts.
It also helps you build a personal relationship with other members.
Moreover, it can help you build an individual brand. You
will enhance your profile visibility as well as make a few more connections.
13. Build A Personal Level Connection
LinkedIn is offering you an opportunity to make personal
level connections. When you send someone to connect the request, you can
customize the invitation.
When building a connection with people, don't just tap on
the connect button. Instead, write a personal note and then send the
invitation.
If you don't know a connection on a personal base, it's
okay. Go through the profile and get some common interest.
Based on that, send some notes to start the conversation.
This way, you can leverage every opportunity to make your
connection stronger.
Similarly, when someone accepts your invitation to connect
with you, send them a thank you message. Not many people do it, but you can
always take advantage of it.
14. Be Active On The Platform
Being active is a significant factor when it comes to a
social media platform like LinkedIn.
Since you are finding a client online, you have to keep on
posting news, images, or articles related to your industry.
People who view your profile or existing connections should
feel your presence on the platform. So that, they can consider you for upcoming
projects.
15. Upgrade Your LinkedIn Profile
After all, it doesn't cost much to upgrade the LinkedIn
profile. The benefits are immense. The key benefits are, clients, take it
seriously.
Final Words
LinkedIn is a fantastic platform to grow your freelancing business and consistently find clients. It is like your online resume, which shows your skills, past experiences, and recommendations.
$ads={2}