LinkedIn has become one of the most popular platforms for professionals to network and find new opportunities. With over 722 million users worldwide, it’s no surprise that many freelancers and small business owners are looking to leverage LinkedIn to find new clients and promote their services.
But can you actually advertise as a freelancer on LinkedIn? What options are available and what steps do you need to take? Here we’ll explore the possibilities for freelance advertising on LinkedIn and provide tips to get started.
Putting “Open to Work” On Your Profile
One of the easiest ways to advertise your freelance services on LinkedIn is by adding an “Open to Work” banner on your profile. This small but highly visible banner lets people know that you’re currently looking for new freelance, contract or consulting opportunities.
To add it, go to your profile and click on the “Open to Work” button on the right side of the screen, right below your profile photo. You’ll then be able to customize the banner with a message like “Seeking new freelance opportunities in [your field]”.
This is completely free and a simple way to passively advertise your services. Recruiters, potential clients and LinkedIn connections browsing profiles will see that banner and may reach out if they need someone with your skills.
Using The Featured Services Section
Another free option is to use the Featured Services section on your LinkedIn profile. This lets you highlight the specific services you offer as a freelancer, along with a description of each.
For example, you could list services like:
– Copywriting
– Social Media Management
– Website Content Creation
– SEO Articles & Blogs
To add Featured Services, go to your profile and click “Add profile section” under the “Background” heading. Search for “Services” and click the + icon to add the Featured Services section.
This makes it easy for potential clients to quickly see the exact freelance services you provide. And you can link to examples or your website for each service.
Joining Relevant LinkedIn Groups
Joining groups related to your freelance skills and services is a great way to connect with potential new clients.
For example, if you’re a freelance writer you could join groups like:
- Content Writers & Bloggers
- Freelance Writers Network
- Blogging Jobs & Content Writing Gigs
Once you’ve joined relevant groups, you can actively participate by:
- Commenting on discussions and offering advice
- Posting examples of your work
- Sharing helpful resources and tips
This showcases your expertise and lets group members get to know you. And many groups allow you to add a link to your services or website in your profile.
Using LinkedIn Ads
LinkedIn also offers highly targeted pay-per-click (PPC) advertising that freelancers can leverage. With LinkedIn ads you can:
- Create customized campaigns targeting your ideal clients
- Drive traffic to your website, portfolio or LinkedIn profile
- Promote individual services, offers or case studies
- Retarget people who have already visited your site
For example, you could create an ad campaign targeting small business owners in your city who need social media management. Then target that ad to people browsing LinkedIn who match that criteria.
LinkedIn advertising does require a larger budget investment. But it allows for incredibly customized targeting compared to broader platforms like Facebook or Google.
LinkedIn Ad Options
The main LinkedIn ad formats available include:
- Sponsored Content – Native ads that appear in users’ feeds
- Sponsored InMail – Direct emails sent to specific people
- Text Ads – Targeted text ads displayed on the side or banner ads
- Dynamic Ads – Highly customized ads based on user’s profile
Video ads are not currently available on LinkedIn. To calculate the estimated cost of your LinkedIn ads, you can use their Campaign Manager.
Crafting An Effective Freelancer Profile
Optimizing your overall LinkedIn profile is key to attracting potential new clients as a freelancer. Here are some tips:
- Include all your relevant freelance services, skills and experience
- Use an informative headline like “Freelance [Your Field] Specialist”
- Add examples of your work in the Featured section
- Get recommendations from past freelance/consulting clients
- Share case studies and results you’ve achieved for clients
- Use keywords clients would search for in your profile
This will give anyone who views your profile a full understanding of your freelance services and credentials, enticing them to reach out.
Using Your Connections and Network
Leverage your existing connections and network on LinkedIn to let them know you offer freelance services.
You can share updates, case studies and examples of your work with your connections. And actively engage with other profiles in your field through commenting and sharing content.
You can also ask any existing clients or business contacts to provide you with a recommendation on LinkedIn.
This will all help spread awareness that you offer freelance services to your connections and their networks. And personal referrals can be one of the most effective ways of finding new freelance clients.
Following Company Pages
Following company pages related to your freelance services can also help you discover new opportunities. For example, if you’re a freelance designer you may want to follow pages for:
- Design agencies and studios
- Tech startups
- Software/app companies
- E-commerce retailers
This allows you to keep up with their latest news, job postings and more. And many company pages list their staff, giving you an inside connection when applying to opportunities.
Connecting With Recruiters
Recruiters and staffing agencies frequently use LinkedIn to fill freelance and contract positions. Proactively connecting with recruiters in your field is an effective way to get access to more freelance job opportunities.
Search for relevant staffing agencies and recruiting firms. Then send personalized connection requests to their recruiters and talent acquisition staff. Mention that you’re a freelancer/contractor in your message.
You can also set alerts for freelance and contract jobs posted by recruiters in your location and industry.
Recruiter Name | Title | Company |
---|---|---|
Sarah Lee | Director of Recruiting | ABC Staffing |
John Smith | Freelance Recruiter | 123 Talent Partners |
This table shows an example of potential recruiters and staffing firms to connect with for freelance opportunities.
Building Your Personal Brand
Having a recognizable personal brand as a freelancer can help attract clients who align with your specialty and unique value proposition.
Ways to build your brand as a freelancer on LinkedIn include:
- Creating unique content to demonstrate your knowledge
- Consistently posting content that engages your target audience
- Using a professional headshot and branded design assets
- Highlighting any press, awards or speaking engagements
- Partnering with reputable brands in your industry
This helps establish your expertise and thought leadership. And businesses looking for freelancers will be more likely to hire someone they recognize and associate with quality.
Crafting Your Value Proposition
As part of your personal brand, develop a clear value proposition that sums up what makes you the ideal freelance choice. For example:
- “I help boutique real estate agencies craft marketing campaigns that drive 2X more leads.”
- “I work with conscious brands to develop inclusive social media strategies rooted in diversity and community impact.”
This gives potential clients a specific sense of who you serve and the unique value you offer. And it helps differentiate you from all the other freelancers they could choose.
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn provides a variety of options for freelancers looking to advertise their services and attract new clients. Some of the best ways to promote your freelance business on LinkedIn include:
- Adding an “Open to Work” banner on your profile
- Listing your Featured Services
- Joining relevant LinkedIn Groups
- Running LinkedIn ads to reach your target audience
- Optimizing your profile to showcase your services
- Leveraging your connections and networking
- Following company pages and connecting with recruiters
- Building your unique personal brand and value proposition
With over 722 million professionals using LinkedIn, it’s a crucial platform for getting your services in front of potential new freelance clients. By actively engaging on LinkedIn and employing some of these tactics, you can attract more freelance job opportunities.