FREELANCER TIPS How To: LinkedIn for Freelancers in 6 Steps More freelancer tips on www.freelancermap.com...
Š freelancermap.com
24.10.2014
info@freelancermap.com
Social networks for freelancers As a continuation of our series for social networks that can be really useful for freelancers, LinkedIn and similar professional networks are next on the list. LinkedIn can be a really powerful tool, because it connects you with people who are actively looking for someone to hire. It is kind of like Facebook, except you don’t log in to see how your friends and family are doing, but rather to scan for professionals and forge networks for your business. So here are six of the most important aspects you should keep in mind when using LinkedIn. Š freelancermap.com
24.10.2014
info@freelancermap.com
1. Your Picture First impressions matter a lot and the first thing anyone is going to see when looking at your LinkedIn profile is your picture. Remember that this is a professional social network. This means you cannot afford your picture to be an amateur shot of you hanging out in a bar drinking a beer. It should be business-like, friendly and preferably show you only from the shoulders up, exactly like a CV photo.
Š freelancermap.com
24.10.2014
info@freelancermap.com
2. Profile information The second important aspect is the info on your profile. Keywords are a big thing here, a writer for example might want to put in the specific things he or she usually works on – are you a blogger, content writer or a writing mentor? Companies usually will search by those keywords so make sure yours are on point. Furthermore, adding in your location can net in customers who are looking for a local freelancer to help them out. Add all your relevant job experiences as well, because that is another very important aspect that potential employers will look at before contacting you. Š freelancermap.com
24.10.2014
info@freelancermap.com
3. People who have viewed your profile One big thing people tend to forget about when using LinkedIn is clicking that “who’s viewed your profile” button. It might be easy to miss, but it is extremely vital when looking for job prospects. Check out who has seen your profile, think about how you might be useful to them and don’t hesitate to write them a couple of lines. “Hey, I see you checked out my profile. Are you looking for X? I might be able to help!” Something like this can go a long way for clients and can really work as a call to action.
© freelancermap.com
24.10.2014
info@freelancermap.com
4. Using your status People often forget that LinkedIn can be very similar to Facebook and Twitter in some ways. Some just tend to fill out their status in the beginning and never touch it again, which can be a big mistake. LinkedIn is a social network and dynamic rather than static in its nature. Your status should be used to constantly update people in your network about what you’re currently looking for or working on. Don’t forget to update that status if you have something new to share.
Š freelancermap.com
24.10.2014
info@freelancermap.com
5. Groups Groups are another great addition to LinkedIn. It is a tool that gives you the very important ability to connect with other professionals. There are groups for almost any freelancing field where you can exchange tips, talk about clients and your experience with them and generally benefit from one another. Groups can even land you some jobs if people are looking for someone to collaborate with or need extra help for a project.
Š freelancermap.com
24.10.2014
info@freelancermap.com
6. Job ads Last but not least, LinkedIn also has job ads. These are worth taking a look at as well, because a lot of really big companies do use them to search for employees. Even if they’re looking for somebody to work for them full-time, it can’t hurt to contact them with a freelancer proposal. Maybe they’ll take you up on it.
© freelancermap.com
24.10.2014
info@freelancermap.com
Further freelancer tips available on www.freelancermap.com/freelancer-tips
Contact freelancermap.com Contact person: Doreen Schollmeier - International Affairs Mail: info@freelancermap.com Skype: doreen.schollmeier Phone: +49-911-37750286 facebook: www.facebook.com/freelancermapInternational Twitter: freelancer_INT
Š freelancermap.com
24.10.2014
info@freelancermap.com