Freelance Writers, Pay Attention to LinkedIn's SEO Opportunities

Did you know that you can optimize your LinkedIn profile for better coverage?

Don't you want to reach more clients?

Then buckle up, as I'm about to tell you everything there is to know about LinkedIn profile SEO.

What is LinkedIn Profile SEO Optimization?

You can optimize your LinkedIn profile for search results like you would with your website or blog. However, the process to do so is somewhat different compared to your run-of-the-mill search engine optimization.

The difference stems from the fact that search engines rely on long-tail keywords, while LinkedIn primarily focuses on short-tail keywords.

For example, you might look for "content writing solutions for small businesses" on Google, but on LinkedIn, you'll probably look for a "content writer."

The Benefits of LinkedIn SEO Optimization

What's in it for you when you optimize your LinkedIn profile? Is it worth your time?

Yes.

Are you not convinced? Let's examine the benefits of a few quick tweaks to your profile.

1. More Opportunities

It's a known fact that clients rely on LinkedIn to find freelance writers. Statistics show that 87% of recruiters routinely use LinkedIn.

An optimized profile has more chances of impressing clients. It will give you an aura of authority that clients will seldom turn down.

It's a fact that adding a professional profile picture increases your profile visits by 14 times, and simply adding five relevant skills will increase your chances of being discovered by 31 times. Just think what a fully-optimized profile would bring to the table then!

2. Better Branding

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile will help you establish yourself on the freelance writing scene as a well-rounded professional that cares about his and his client's images.

After all, optimizing a LinkedIn profile means re-organizing it to say who you are, what you do, and what people can gain by employing you as a writer.

Move away from useless and confusing buzzwords and replace them with a direct message to all potential clients. Your competitors won't smother your profile, and clients will hear you soundly.

3. More Leads, More Money

It's not just all the clients that will visit your profile that will let you bring home a hefty paycheck.

An optimized profile gets more leads, and if you offer other services apart from writing - affiliate products, books, webinars, master classes - you'll get even more potential buyers. It's a beautiful thing, really.

How to Keyword Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

1. Find Keywords

How do I find relevant keywords for my LinkedIn profile?

The first thing to do is searching your job title on LinkedIn. A list of search terms will immediately appear. That's what people are searching for. Use these terms as your keywords. Additionally, look for job postings that fit your job description and see what words employers use there.

Another way to gather keywords is by looking at your most successful competitor's profiles. What do they put in their profiles? Which skills, job titles, and industry terms keep popping up? Note them down and use them in your profile.

Finally, go on WordTracker and plop your job title there. A list of 50 keywords will appear down below. Look for the ones that would fit as a skill or in your bio. Some examples would be "SEO-Aware", "Copywriter", or "Project Manager", should you have experience in leading a group of writers.

2. Optimize Your Profile Headline

You have 220 characters to fill your profile headline - too many to waste on a boring job description.

Write a catchy description and include relevant keywords. "Freelance Writer and Editor" won't do it. Try "Innovative Freelance Writer, Editor, and Web Publisher | SEO-Aware."

3. Write a Compelling About Section

Again, you have 2,000 characters to dedicate to your "About" section. You should tell your story there, highlighting your experience, guest posts, published books or e-books, philosophy, strategies, and more.

The about section usually attracts fewer leads compared to your profile headline or skills, but you should still employ keywords wisely on there as well. Potential clients will always give your profile a read, and any chance to impress them is welcome.

4. Add Skills

Skills will let people know what you're an expert about. They underline what you gained through your life and work experience.

Make sure to include all those skills clients need in a freelance writer. SEO and Content Writing are good places to start. Here, check out my skills, and you'll see what I'm talking about. You will be able to include many of the keywords you found previously as skills.

However, don't overload your skills with things you can't do. Nobody is perfect, and you can learn new abilities to help in your line of work every day. Don't lie on your LinkedIn profile; it will not help you in the long run.

5. Customize your URL

Customizing your LinkedIn profile's URL can help with search engine results outside of LinkedIn. People looking for your name on Google or - God forbid - Bing will be more likely to find your LinkedIn account.

You can customize your URL by visiting your profile and clicking on the "Edit Public Profile and URL" button on the upper right side of your screen.

6. Correctly Name your Profile and Banner Pictures

Did you know Google's algorithm will look at your profile and banner pictures' names to rank you on their search engine? I didn't know that.

Before uploading a dashing new photo onto your profile, take the time to label it using your name or the correct keywords.

7. Write Articles

Articles and blog posts are renowned for their coverage potential. You have the opportunity to post some directly on LinkedIn by taking advantage of the platform's built-in blogging solutions.

For example, take this post. It's no secret that I'm writing it to let people discover me, among other things. And since you're a freelance writer, you'll have a much easier time tending to your LinkedIn blog than a marketing agent or digital artist, for example.

In this case, you'll be able to employ more traditional SEO tactics. I wholeheartedly suggest you pick up on some of the most important ones if you haven't already. It's a vital skill for a freelance writer.

8. Keep Everything Updated

Algorithms get updated, interests shift, and keywords change constantly. Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date and take some time to actively seek new keywords to implement in your bio, about section, or articles.

Conclusion

Optimize your LinkedIn profile for more and better opportunities. Attracting new clients and people to connect with is that simple. Find keywords, employ them methodically, stay updated, and never give up.

What do you think? Is this good or bad advice? Share your opinion in the comments below. And if you want more of this, follow me for the best advice for budding and veteran freelance writers.