LinkedIn isn’t just for office workers

By Lauren Miller, JobNimbus. 

Contractors are finding big wins on the platform built for professionals. 

Think LinkedIn is only for desk jobs and resumes? Think again. For today’s independent contractors, whether you're swinging a hammer, laying shingles or running your own crew, LinkedIn is fast becoming a digital toolbox you can’t afford to ignore. With millions of decision-makers and potential clients just a click away, creating a strong contractor profile isn't just a smart move; it's a necessary one. At JobNimbus, we know it could be the move that takes your business to the next level. 

What is LinkedIn? 

LinkedIn is a social media platform designed to help professionals network and find jobs. The website is popular with recruiters looking for candidates and jobseekers looking for work. 

Unlike its social media counterparts, LinkedIn focuses on the business community. There are 140 job applications submitted every second on LinkedIn and 6 people are hired every minute through the site. 

Benefits of LinkedIn for contractors 

Let’s explore the many benefits of a LinkedIn profile for contractors. 

Gain exposure 

Creating a LinkedIn profile helps you boost your visibility in the professional world. Without a profile, no one can discover you and your skills. Creating a profile gives potential employers, clients or collaborators a chance to find you. 

This increased exposure can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships and more. 

Showcase your work and build your personal brand 

Your LinkedIn profile serves as a portfolio of your biggest achievements. You can highlight your accomplishments directly on your profile. 

Prospective clients and employers can view your profile to get a better idea of what you bring to the table. Sharing content in your feed can also help you build your personal brand as a contractor. 

Network 

LinkedIn is a great place to network with professionals in your industry. You can connect with other roofers, follow content creators in the contractor community and participate in relevant discussions. 

Networking can lead to career advancement, personal growth and new job offers. You can also join LinkedIn Groups and connect with fellow contractors there. 

Here are some applicable LinkedIn roofing groups: 

• Roofing Contractor Network 
• Contractor Discussion Group 
• The Roofing Forum 

Find jobs or candidates 

LinkedIn is a valuable resource whether you’re looking to hire or get hired. If you’re looking for a position, you can search job postings and apply directly within LinkedIn. 

Hiring managers can post jobs and find qualified candidates on the site. With 1 billion users and 67 million companies on LinkedIn, the platform offers ample opportunity to find what you’re looking for. 

How to finish your LinkedIn contractor profile 

Now that we’ve convinced you to create a LinkedIn profile, you’re probably wondering what to put in your profile. We’ve outlined some best practices for building your LinkedIn contractor profile. 

Update your profile and background photos 

LinkedIn will automatically give you a blank silhouette profile picture if you don’t upload a profile photo. It looks something like this: 

Without a profile picture, your profile looks anonymous and defeats the point of LinkedIn—which is to increase your visibility! 

Research shows that LinkedIn members with a profile picture get 21x more profile views and 9x times more connection requests. It’s best to use a professional headshot for your profile picture. If you don’t have one, you can use your smartphone and take one yourself. 

LinkedIn makes background photos very easy. They offer several preset images you can use for your background photo. You can also upload your own image. 

Add an “About” description 

The About section of your profile is your opportunity to tell your story. Write a concise and compelling summary of who you are and what you do. LinkedIn offers the following advice for what to include in your About section. 

Include certifications and licenses 

Adding relevant certifications and licenses enhances your credibility. Use your LinkedIn profile to highlight any certifications, awards, licenses or other accomplishments you’re proud of. 

Ensure these are up-to-date and reflect your professional qualifications. 

Job experience and education 

What you include for your job experience section is up to you. For example, if you worked at a company for only a few weeks, it’s okay to leave this off your prior experience. 

This section should cover what jobs you’ve previously held and what you’re currently doing. Try to keep your experience relevant to your current industry. For example, if you’re a roofing contractor, you don’t need to mention the summer you worked at an ice cream shop. 

Include your highest level of education in the education section. 

Incorporate your LinkedIn profile into your marketing plan 

Once you’ve created a strong LinkedIn profile, you can leverage it as part of your broader marketing strategy. Use your LinkedIn to share content, join industry groups and network with others in the contracting space. 

Original article and photo source: JobNimbus