LinkedIn is one of the most important social networking platforms for contractors. If you aren't already utilising the power of LinkedIn, this article will give you the basics of how to get started.
You’ll likely already have a Facebook or Twitter account, however LinkedIn is used more widely by professionals and is the platform that you're most likely to make new professional contacts and hear about new assignments. So, where should you start when it comes to using LinkedIn to promote your services?
Setting up a profile
It only takes a few moments to set up a profile on LinkedIn, but it's important to make sure you're including the following features:
- A clear headshot, where you look professional. Having a picture boosts your profile views exponentially, making you more likely to get picked up by clients and recruiters.
- Make sure you include the words 'freelance' or 'contractor' in your job title. You can also let your network know you’re open to new job opportunities with specific locations and types. LinkedIn are then more likely to share your profile with suitable people.
- Use keywords that clients are likely to be searching for. If you're a software engineer, specify which types of programme you're most experienced with; if you're a freelance writer, list the sectors you've written for in the past, as well as any extra skills you have, such as SEO copywriting experience.
- List your previous work experience, but be careful not to provide too much information, or it's likely that people won't read it and will move on to someone else's profile. Focus on highlighting the skills you've used in the past and the results your work had helped to generate for previous clients.
Networking
Once your profile has been set up, you'll be able to start receiving messages from companies interested in working with you. To increase your chances of catching their attention, follow the profiles of organisations in your industry and share articles relevant to your profession from time to time, as well as commenting and liking relevant posts. This will help to boost your presence in other people's newsfeeds, making you more visible on the site.
You can also send and receive direct messages to individuals. So it’s worth checking your inbox on a daily basis – you never know, there could be a recruiter or client requesting more information about your services.
Skills
To add a skill to your profile you simply need to scroll down to the skills section and click the ‘+’ sign in the top right hand corner. LinkedIn also has a feature that lets people you've worked with in the past endorse you for certain skills and recommend you to other clients. If you've had a positive relationship with a particular client, you could ask them to do this for you.
In addition to getting these skills endorsed you may also take skill assessments, there to prove you actually carry these skills. The assessment consists of timed questions In which you are awarded a badge for getting an above average score.
