Self-Employed: Don't Neglect Your LinkedIn Page!
<p>When you think about using social media to promote your business, you're most likely to think about posting on Facebook or Instagram. But what about LinkedIn? For many, LinkedIn is only there to help you connect with someone or find a new job. If you are one of those people, you are missing out on great business opportunities. Here's our tip of the day: if you're self-employed or a freelancer, don't neglect your LinkedIn page!</p>
<h3><strong>Why You Should be on LinkedIn</strong></h3>
<p>It's very likely that you already have a LinkedIn account, but it's been months since you logged in. Do you think this social network is irrelevant? Consider it an important social network as there are currently more than <a href="https://foundationinc.co/lab/b2b-marketing-linkedin-stats/" target="_blank">722 million users</a> worldwide. Yes, we are far from the billions of users on Facebook or YouTube, however, remember what is on LinkedIn: companies, business leaders and employees – not just headhunters! So, if your customer base is primarily companies (B2B) or you are looking to give some credibility to your business, you should at least have an up-to-date profile on LinkedIn.</p>
<h3><strong>Some Tips on How to Create an Interesting LinkedIn Profile</strong></h3>
<p>Are you new to LinkedIn or need a hand updating your profile? Here are some tips to stand out with a professional look.</p>
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<p><strong>Add a professional photo to your account</strong><br />
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The first thing people see on a LinkedIn profile is the photo. This is often something that indicates whether you have an up-to-date profile or not. So, it's important to have one, but you have to choose the right one. As LinkedIn is a social network for professionals, we do not recommend using the same photo as on Facebook or Instagram. Choose a photo that will show you are a credible self-employed person. Why not take the time to get a professional photo taken?</p>
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<p><strong>Add a cover photo</strong><br />
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Maybe you already have a nice photo on your LinkedIn profile, but have you added a cover photo recently? Yes, cover photos aren't just used on Facebook! On LinkedIn, these banners are not mandatory, but it can show visitors that your profile is incomplete or that maybe you have been inactive for quite some time. Choose something related to your domain that represents you well! And a little tip, keep that great travel photo of you in the South on Facebook please – unless you're a travel agent. Note that the dimensions of LinkedIn banners should be 1128 by 376 pixels.</p>
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<p><strong>Complete the summary and sections</strong><br />
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It is true that there are several sections to fill out on your LinkedIn profile (contact info, work experience, education, volunteer experiences, skills and endorsement, accomplishments, interests, etc.) but take the time to complete them. At least to fill out the ones that are relevant to you. By doing this, it will be easier to find you and potential clients will have access to a lot of relevant information about you at a glance before contacting you.</p>
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<p><strong>Add details about your work</strong><br />
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What do you do as the founder of your company? What are your regular tasks? What kind of projects are you working on? What have you studied or what <a href="https://fr.momenteo.com/blogue/comment-se-tenir-a-jour-dans-son-domaine">relevant training</a> have you taken recently? Have you been involved in an organization or served on a committee during your studies? Add all the information that could make you stand out to your LinkedIn profile. It is often these little details that convince a potential customer that you are the person to contact!</p>
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<p><strong>Get recommendations</strong><br />
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Whether on <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/5-things-you-should-think-about-your-web-marketing">Facebook or Google My Business</a>, recommendations are one of your greatest ways to acquire new customers and increase your reach. This is also true on LinkedIn. It shows how enjoyable it can be to work with you or that you do high quality work. But how do you get endorsements on your LinkedIn page? <br />
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First, it's important to note that only users of this social network can put a recommendation on your profile. At the end of a successful contract or partnership, you can ask someone to write a recommendation for you. There's even a Request a Recommendation button in the recommendations section of your profile to help you ask. In addition, you can also write recommendations on profiles of people you enjoyed working with. Most of the time, these people will take the time to return the favour!</p>
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<p><strong>Don't forget to add a link to your website or portfolio</strong><br />
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LinkedIn can bring organic traffic to your site or portfolio. Therefore, don't forget to insert a link directly on your profile page. Someone who comes across your page will then have access to more information about your past projects, achievements, services, or rates. Also, don't forget to add how you can be contacted. It's up to you whether you want to show your email address.</p>
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<p>In conclusion, if necessary, don't hesitate to visit some LinkedIn profiles of individuals or business leaders to get inspired. In our opinion, LinkedIn is more than just an online resume. Therefore, complete your profile, then find out what will set you apart from others. Take a look at the groups and published content on a regular basis related to your industry. Over time, you will gain credibility and a greater network of contacts. All the best!</p>