How To Get Your First Freelancing Client From LinkedIn

How To Get Your First Freelancing Client From LinkedIn

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?

  1. See your current client list
  2. See perspective client list
  3. Other professionals who have your client list
  4. Experts in your industry
  5. 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.

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