As a freelance copywriter, LinkedIn is one of my main revenue drivers. The leads I receive on LinkedIn at all inbound – meaning I don’t (typically) read out to other people with a sales pitch. Equally, I’ll caveat this article by saying that this is a slow burn approach.
While there are some amazing quick wins you can do to make your content performs better, a proper strategic approach to LinkedIn for inbound marketing won’t yield immediate results.
However, when those loses do start to trickle in, they will be good quality and high value. So, it’s worth putting aside 20 minutes each day to grow your network, share amazing content and make meaningful connections on LinkedIn.
I’m always quick off the mark
The easiest sales to win on LinkedIn come from call-out posts. Often, people will turn to their professional network to find recommendations for contractors or freelancers. Ideally, you want someone to tag you in these posts, as their word will add to your clout. But, since time is of the essence with these posts so rather than nagging your colleague to tag you, I recommend taking control yourself and replying with something friendly and open.
An example reply to this post would be something along the lines of:
“Hi [NAME], I’m a freelance copywriter based in the UK specialising in marketing and tech. I’d love to find out more about the project and how I could help. I have sent you a DM.”
And then, pop into their inbox and continue the conversation in a friendly and chatty way:
“Hi Peter, following on from your post earlier today, I’m a freelance copywriter currently available to take on project work. Please can you tell me more about the project and I’ll see how I can help you with words!”
I’m seen
While tracking hashtags and closely monitoring your feed can be a great way of winning leads, you shouldn’t rely on this strategy as your sole earner. Rather than waiting to be beckoned, put yourself out there and make sure you’re the first (and best) copywriter your connections see.
We’re writers after all, and if we can’t use our words to persuade others about the power of words… then what’s the point?
Writing great content on Linkedin is easy if you consider the value that you can bring to the reader. Are you a specialist copywriter? Then tell us what that means, what does your typical day look like and why does your job role exist. Even generalists (like me!) can provide amazing insight into creating written content that people can learn from.
There are benefits to creating a series, like “top tips for writing”, but don’t get penned in by following a strict regime. Some of my most successful posts were completely spontaneous, so remember that and try to find a balance.
I use hashtags
While hashtags may seem a bit 2008, they are still very relevant on LinkedIn. Even if people to find your content directly through the hashtag, LinkedIn’s algorithm will give your content an “extra boost” simply for using them.
Don’t overthink your hashtags. Simply choose the three most relevant hashtags and add them to the end of your post – LinkedIn will even suggest relevant hashtags once you’ve written your post, so you can choose from these or add your own.
I’m growing my network
I have to admit, I don’t spend a huge amount of time making new connections. I have been using LinkedIn daily for over a year to promote my freelance copywriting and web design business, so I am fortunate enough to have organically grown an engaged following that includes industry peers, potential clients and existing customers.
However, if you’re just getting started promoting your copywriting business on LinkedIn, then you will want to focus on making meaningful connections with the right people. Pay particular attention to those who are likely to hire you – Marketing Managers and Directors, as well as fellow business owners.
LinkedIn has a limit to the number of connections you can send each day, this may seem disheartening but it is there for a reason. There are a few ways of making great connections on LinkedIn, by far the best way is to comment on their content and then send a request referencing how much you enjoy their posts.
If there is someone specific you want to work with then feel free to send a connection but always send a personalised connection request – how do you know that person? And if you don’t “know” them, why do you want to? Don’t be afraid to use your personality to start a conversation.
Never, ever sell (or even tentatively market yourself) in that connection request.
If people want your services, they will reach out to you. Trust me, it works. Last year, I generated over a third of my income from inbound leads generated from LinkedIn – that was my first full year in business. Like I said at the start, it’s slow and steady progress, but it is a hugely effective one. I truly believe that there is no comparable free marketing tool as powerful (and profitable) as LinkedIn at this moment in time. What are you waiting for?
Connect with me on LinkedIn here – tell me that you read this and what you thought!
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