How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Business – A Guide for Freelancers

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LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for freelancers – but exactly how can you use it for your business? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.

How I use LinkedIn for my freelance business

I first signed up for LinkedIn in my second year of Uni, when I was panicking about what to do after I finished my degree. I added people from Uni and explored potential jobs, but I didn’t start posting until just a few years ago.

Now, I use LinkedIn as a hub for my business. It’s a space for me to connect with other freelancers, find new clients and build up a network of contacts.

Benefits of using LinkedIn for my business:

• I’ve found a few new freelance gigs – both in-bound and via cold pitching
• I’ve developed great relationships for me and my business
• I’ve found out about networking events
• I’ve made friends!

I also use LinkedIn to promote my blog writing ebook – and I hope to connect with even more freelancers using my second ebook ‘The Art of Balance’ (out March 27).

I’m proud of where I’ve got so far – in terms of posts, stats and meaningful connections with other people – and I look forward to continuing that growth in 2025.

How to use LinkedIn – my tips for freelancers

Let’s take a look at how to use LinkedIn to support you and your freelance business.

Just start

For many people, starting is a hurdle in itself. So just start. Like a post, leave a comment, and write up your first post.

It can feel so daunting – but you have to post at some point. There will always be a level of cringe with these things, but that shouldn’t stop you.

I hate some of my old posts. But each one was a stepping stone to where I am today. Just take it one day (or one post) at a time.

Be consistent

You’ll hear the word “consistency” bandied around a lot when it comes to social media, but it really is key. It’s all about showing up for your business.

You need to be consistent with your LinkedIn content and engagement if you want to grow your following and use the platform to support your business.

Consistency doesn’t mean posting every day. It just means posting on a regular basis – whether that’s once a week or once a month. Commit to sending messages to new connections and try to actually engage with your followers.

Use a basic strategy

Your strategy might be what you post or how often you post about it. Although I like to use my inspiration to guide me, I like to post at least once a week.

I know this isn’t optimal in terms of stats – many sources recommend posting every day – but it’s enough for me. Maybe it will change in the future, but I like to stay consistent with my current routine.

It also gives me the flexibility to skip a week if I’m packed with client work – or I can post extra if I have something to say.

Don’t be afraid to message

If you don’t ask, you won’t get! Ask people for advice, connect with freelance friends and reach out to potential work contacts.

It’s not about spamming your connections or being annoying. But if there’s someone you want to learn from or someone you’d love to work with – ask them!

The worst they can do is say no. If you want to use your LinkedIn profile to support your freelance business, take time each week to connect with people and send intentional messages.

Last year, I went to a webinar by Rachel Meltzer about putting a LinkedIn strategy in place to find clients. I use her strategy to regularly look for jobs on LinkedIn and message people who might offer new opportunities.

Whether you create your own strategy or follow someone else’s, it’s all about making the most of your profile to put yourself out there.

Add people in your industry

I really recommend connecting with people in your industry. If you’re a freelancer like me, these are the people who will become your friends and colleagues – and you can feel more connected to the freelance community.

You can also get referrals for jobs from other people in your industry. I’ve received some valuable advice for growing my own LinkedIn profile and better managing my business.

You never know where your next job could come from. Nurture relationships with everyone and create a positive space that works for you.

Connect with potential clients

As well as connecting with people in your industry, you should also think about connecting with some potential clients.

For me, that’s marketing managers, content managers, SEO managers and lead content/copywriters, for example. If you’re in translation, it might be local business owners or agencies.

However, remember that a client opportunity can come from anywhere, so don’t feel limited by that. Add, connect, engage and network to your heart’s content.

Like with any other social media platform, you need to engage with other people on a regular basis. This will encourage them to engage with you – and you can get your name out there. Hopefully, you’ll get in front of the right person!

Be human

Yes, that might sound obvious, but a lot of content on LinkedIn isn’t human. It’s quite literally AI-generated (sigh) or aimed at simply pleasing the algorithm.

While there’s nothing wrong with trying to connect with your followers, try to produce informative and human-centred content that engages your readers.

Tell stories, give examples and think about the human at the other end of your post. This also goes for your comments. Please, don’t be mean.

Don’t post generic comments. It won’t get you much more than a like. Instead, leave a thoughtful comment that references the person’s thoughts and opinions.

Using LinkedIn for your business is all about building human relationships. That’s how you’ll find the right people and opportunities for you.

Do you use LinkedIn for your business? How do you use LinkedIn to connect with other freelancers and business owners? What is your favourite social media platform?

Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Happy reading x