Are you on LinkedIn yet? If not, what are you waiting for?  I have talked to many freelance writers who want to grow. They want to build on their business, get better private clients, and ultimately, be able to increase their prices to increase their earnings.LinkedIn can be a highly effective networking tool.With over 100 million users in over 200 countries, the networking site offers lots of useful features for freelances. Here are the some useful tips to use LinkedIn.

LinkedIn Skills

Thousands of professional writers use LinkedIn, but LinkedIn Skills can help you get a leg up on the crowd by showcasing your specific skills. Do you specialize in writing white papers or nonprofit grants? Have you created video scripts or executive speeches? Are you a technical writer or a features writer? Whatever your specialty (or specialties), adding those areas of expertise to your profile through this feature allows prospective clients in need of their skills to find you more easily.

Stay Current in Your Industry

Whereas other social networks get flooded with status updates about reality TV or social gaming, LinkedIn focuses on professional interests. You can join groups to trade tips on, say, your favorite WordPress plugins, skim industry-specific headlines on LinkedIn Today, or follow companies that may have a need for your freelance services. All of these features are focused on helping you stay current in an age of constant flux and information overload.

Reconnecting with long-lost colleagues

Whatever your job title, the ability to reconnect with former classmates or colleagues is invaluable. You don’t need to know their email address or their married name, because LinkedIn will show you other people from the same company or suggest contacts based on who you know and what’s in your profile.

Show Off Your Work

If you write graphics-heavy pieces like infographics or online slide shows, Behance’s Creative Portfolio Display could help you display your work. It’s one of several applications to jazz up your profile. You can also share what books you’re reading on Amazon, post SlideShare presentations, or list upcoming events or conferences you’re planning to attend to see if anyone in your network wants to meet up.

Blog Integration

LinkedIn provides the numerous apps that will sync with your profile, such travel updates, twitter updates and many more. You have to careful if you tweet a lot or if your tweets err on the casual. But it is the great idea to syncing up your blog to your LindenIn profile.