8 WAYS TO USE LINKEDIN TO GROW YOUR FREELANCING BUSINESS

LinkedIn is probably one of the oldest social media platforms, but in recent years it has boomed, and it is now being seen as a powerful way of marketing your business and selling your brand, rather than just a job finding network. This article will deep dive into how you can use LinkedIn to market yourself, especially as a freelancer, in 2024.

LinkedIn was a social platform created for networking - it is known as the largest professional networking site, and in the past was used mainly for connecting with other professionals. Fast forward to 2024, and its content has had a slight shift from professional to personal, and an increase in user growth driven by by Gen Z. LinkedIn seems to be ‘cool’ now. Currently, LinkedIn has over 1 billion members, and last year the platform saw 27% year-on-year growth in user engagement! That’s pretty huge.

So, if you aren’t using LinkedIn as a way to get yourself clients, now is your chance to start! Below are some ways that you use LinkedIn to find clients as a freelancer:

1. Optimize Your Profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and professional, as this not only makes you look more credible, but if optimised correctly [pwith SEO too] you will increase your chance of being found. Make sure you highlight your skills, experience, and the services you offer in your headline, summary, and experience sections, and ensure your LinkedIn URL is customised and short, to make it easy to find and share.

2. Build Your Network: Connect with professionals in your industry, including potential clients, colleagues, and other freelancers. Engage with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing to increase visibility and build relationships.

3. Showcase Your Work: Use the "Featured" section on your LinkedIn profile to showcase samples of your work, such as projects, articles, or presentations. This allows potential clients to see the quality of your work and expertise.

4. Share Valuable Content: It’s not always about showing off your services - there is a way of using social media to promote yourself less brashy. Use LinkedIn to focus on building relationships and offering value to potential clients. Provide insights, recommendations, or resources that demonstrate your expertise and willingness to help, and position yourself as an expert in your field by sharing valuable content related to your niche. You might even want to use it to distinguish yourself as a Thought Leader in your niche. Write articles, share industry insights, and offer tips and advice to demonstrate your knowledge and attract potential clients.

5. Keep in Touch: Use LinkedIn to stay in touch with prebious clients. This is a great way of keeping you in thier mind, and they might therefore be more liekly to recommend you to other peers, or even re-book you for a project further down the line.

6. Join and Participate in Groups: Join LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry or target market. Engage in discussions, offer helpful advice, and network with group members. This can help you establish credibility and visibility within your niche. It can also be super helpful for freelancers to feel part of a community - you can ask questions, get advice, and even do call-outs for services.

7. Ask for Recommendations: Request recommendations from previous clients or colleagues to add credibility to your profile. Positive testimonials can help reassure potential clients of your skills and reliability.

8. Be Proactive: Don't wait for clients to come to you. Actively reach out to prospects, attend networking events, and engage in conversations both online and offline to expand your network and find freelance opportunities.

   By implementing these strategies consistently and authentically, you can effectively use LinkedIn to find freelance clients and grow your business!