Unlocking the power of LinkedIn: How CV writers can attract ideal clients
Love to attract more of your ideal client? CV writer Laura Harmsworth shares how she uses LinkedIn to secure a steady stream of business.
As a CV writer, LinkedIn has been a game-changer for me. I’m not a LinkedIn expert, but I have found success in using the platform, and I want to share my tips with those who are apprehensive.
I have gone from being hesitant about using LinkedIn, to it now being an indispensable tool for me. In fact, 32% of my business comes through LinkedIn!
I don’t pay for LinkedIn Premium, but I do take advantage of the free trial whenever it’s offered as I find the courses on LinkedIn Learning to be helpful.
My four top tips for attracting and securing clients on LinkedIn below, are all available on the free version.
1) Max out all the features
As well as ensuring all sections on your profile are up to date, well-written and targeted, don’t forget the other features you have access to. Here are the ones I use:
- Ask followers to ring your bell so they are notified when you post: People just need to click on the golden bell that’s below your banner on the far right.
- Record a 30 second video on your profile photo: Don’t make your video salesy. Instead, use it to create trust. That reminds me that I need to update mine…
- Add name audio: Record a 10 second voice recording so people listen to it and know how to pronounce your name. It also builds connection as they hear your voice, and you can add a few extra words to reinforce what you do. When I recorded mine, I could only do so on the LinkedIn App on my phone. Mine says “Laura Harmsworth, CV Writer” – pretty much all I could do in 10 seconds!
- Use hashtags: Add five hashtags relating to what you talk about on LinkedIn via the “talks about” feature (Creator Mode, again via mobile app).
- Add links: Include a clickable link to your website in your profile so potential clients can find out more. I have updated the text so it doesn’t show my actual site (that is on my contact info), and instead it says “Find out more on my website”. Much better than having your website on your banner which is unclickable – anything that makes it easy for someone to find out more or get in touch.
- Ask for recommendations: Request recommendations from clients, former work colleagues, people you’ve presented webinars for etc.
- Add a services page: Create a LinkedIn Services Page so you can accept project requests from potential clients.
2) Connect with people – but don’t cold sell
Growing your network is important. However, I don’t accept every single connection request – I can usually spot a sales connection (not always, but then I disconnect if our first interaction is a cold sell via DM!). I don’t do this to others either – connect with me, get to know me via my posts, then approach me if you’re interested or see one of my product or client feedback posts – that’s more my style.
My connections are varied and include those I find inspirational (Steven Bartlett for example), LinkedIn experts, CV writers, coaches, job seekers, people I know or have worked with in the past. As someone who works alone, it’s been a great place to meet others and I’ve now met a few LinkedIn connections in person!
3) Post regularly
Use a variety of posts – I give tips, tell stories, and write articles. I include photos and links for some. I’ve yet to create a poll – I’ve just never had a need, and I don’t want to ask you to vote on whether you prefer jam or sugar dusted donuts just to increase my engagement. That said, I will use a poll if I need to in the future.
Little and often works really well for me. I generally post around two to four times a week. I don’t have a plan – I did when first starting out on LinkedIn, but now I post when something enters my head (often whilst on a dog walk!), if I see something in the news that is worth discussing or sharing.
When I’m stuck I re-use old posts – don’t worry about doing this as not everyone will see every post so if they missed it the first time it will be beneficial and will also be of use to your new followers.
It’s interesting that when I don’t post for a while (when on holiday for example), enquiries do reduce. They pick up almost instantly upon posting regularly again. This demonstrates the value of posting.
I try to stick to the 80/20 rule – 80% useful info for jobseekers and 20% sales/testimonials. I occasionally post something more personal as people buy from people but I’ll never treat LinkedIn like Facebook – my weekend antics are only for my Facebook friends (that sounds quite exciting, but it’s not)!
Be yourself, be authentic, write your own posts don’t copy others. I write all my posts myself as I think only I can sound like me. You can pay content writers and that can work too, it’s just not my preference.
4) Engage
Don’t post then leave. LinkedIn works much better if you read through your feed and comment on, like and share other’s posts. By commenting you are also showing your knowledge or interest. I also learn a lot from others – it’s not all about gaining leads, I genuinely love reading other peoples posts.
If someone has taken the time to comment on your post, I believe you should stick around to respond – it doesn’t have to be immediately, but don’t ignore responses to your post – not just for the algorithm, but because it’s unprofessional.
Once in touch with someone who has shown interest in your services, respond as soon as possible. I offer to speak with potential leads on the phone (or by email if that’s their preference) to build a relationship, ensure I understand their requirements, and see if we’re a good fit for each other.
LinkedIn is a powerful platform for finding clients when used properly
In conclusion, LinkedIn is a powerful platform for attracting and securing clients. Don’t be intimidated by LinkedIn; embrace it and use it to your advantage!
Laura Harmsworth is the founder of Caversham CV, and the Founder and a board member of the British Association of CV Writers (BACVW).
