Optimizing your social media profiles is important! You want to ensure potential clients know who you are, what you do, and why they should hire you.
Optimizing Your Social Media Profiles
When you’re a hungry freelance writer or getting started in the industry it’s difficult to know where to look for work.
Things like job boards, Craigslist, and cold emailing queries are what people trend towards but these are (in general) low paying, competitive and an exhausting hustle. Your chances of landing solid clients are low so your pitch rate has to be high.
If you’re wondering how established freelance writers generate leads they’ll tell you most of their work comes through warm leads (existing relationships) and referrals.
Even if you’re just starting out these options are available to you too, the trick is letting people know you’re available so they think of you when an opportunity comes up.
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The best way to let people know you’re available is by saying you’re available
It’s easy to look at your social media profiles as places where friends and family connect with you, so there’s no reason to talk about your business (don’t they already know what you do?) but what better place to find referrals than your friends and family list?
One more thing…
And don’t assume they’re aware of what you do or even understand it.
Do you know the details of your entire network? I don’t. Take assumption out of the picture and optimize your social profiles for your freelance writing business.
Lay it out for them so it’s easy for them to think of you when they hear about someone looking for a writer.
Another reason to optimize your social media profiles is because your reach is wide on social.
A potential client is more likely to run across you on Twitter or LinkedIn before ever seeing your website. You want to ensure you tell any potential clients who you are, what you do, and why they should hire you.
Which social media platforms are best for freelance writers?
The best social media platform for you depends on the kind of writing you do and the clients you want to attract. LinkedIn is a natural starting point for B2B writers, copywriters, and content strategists because it gives you a place to showcase your expertise and connect with businesses. Instagram can be useful for writers working in visual or lifestyle niches, while Facebook can help you connect with professional communities and existing networks. The key is to choose one or two platforms where your ideal clients are active instead of trying to maintain a presence everywhere.
Five tips for optimizing your social media profiles
1. Choose a professional/standout profile picture and cover photo
Your profile photo should be high quality, square, reflect your brand, stand out in news feeds, and be a picture of you.
Your cover photo (on applicable platforms) should be high quality and represent the core values of your brand.
The more consistent your images are across platforms, the better.
2. Make it easy for people to know who you are/what you do
If you want to capture leads from your social profiles then use your full name or business name.
Nothing cute here.
A great social media bio explains who you are and what you do, shares your personality, and targets your niche audience with keywords. Think of it as an amped-up elevator pitch.
3. Link to your website
Some gurus teach linking to your professional Facebook page and if that’s where you prefer doing business I won’t stop you. But don’t leave the URL section blank.
Think about it this way, where do you want your prospective clients to go? Send them there.
I want them to go to my website so I can showcase the best of my work on a property I own and control.
4. Include keywords about your services
If someone is searching on Twitter for someone like you, what will they search for?
Make sure those words show up in your profile in a non-spammy way. Avoid buzz words, use terms your ideal client would use, be concise, and mention the benefits of what you do.
Not sure which words to use? Start by looking at how your ideal clients describe the services they need, then check job postings, competitor profiles, and industry websites for common terms. Use the words that accurately describe your services and that a potential client would naturally search for, rather than stuffing your bio with keywords.
5. Be clear on your location/contact info
If you work from home you may not want your address listed for the world to see, but how about your city or region? Adding your location helps potential clients discover you. And what about your contact details?
Make it easy for people to get in touch, but only share what you’re comfortable with. Adding a phone number may be too much, but what about your work email address? If you want people to contact you with work, tell them how to reach you.
How do you know if your social media profiles are working?
Look beyond follower counts and likes. Pay attention to profile visits, clicks through to your website or portfolio, relevant connection requests, direct inquiries, and referrals that come from your social media presence. If your goal is to attract freelance writing clients, the most useful measure is whether you’re connecting with the right people and creating opportunities to work together. Check your results periodically and adjust your profiles as your services and business goals evolve.
When you’re a freelance writer, figuring out how to be present and active on social media can seem like a waste of precious resources. However, social media can be a wonderful discovery tool. And if you optimize your profiles well, they will stand out and attract your ideal clients.
So give it some thought and see if you can’t optimize your social media profiles a bit.
Get out there and be social!
By the way, these tips are available as a free download in my resource library. Plug in your email address below and I’ll send you the access code.
Once you’re in the library, navigate to the social media section and download the ebook called “Social Media Optimization.”
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