Add Services to your Profile to become a Linkedin Service Provider

Video overview of Linkedin’s “Open For Business”

You can now add “Services” to your Linkedin profile and be found as a “Service Provider” within Linkedin search. This comes alongside Linkedin introducing “Open For Business” – a marketplace that helps business owners and freelancers find new clients on Linkedin.

In this article we’ll talk about Open For Business, how to become a Linkedin service provider, what it looks like in search, who’s eligible, inbound lead implications, and step-by-step details on how to add Business Services to your profile.

Linkedin added a new search field called “Service Provider”

From now on, a new Linkedin search filter will be available to all members (free and paid accounts) called “Service Providers.” See the search field below:

If you are a Linkedin service provider, you’ll show up in the “Service Provider” search results. Your business focus and services will be highlighted, and there’s a “Message” call to action (see below).

How do I become a Linkedin Service Provider?

You must add business services to your Linkedin profile. That enables you to become a searchable service provider. Go to your profile and find the text “Showcase Services you offer so you and your business scan be found in search.” (step-by-step is below)

Why don’t I see add Business Services?

LinkedIn rolled out this feature only to freelancers and small business leaders who have a U.S. Premium Business subscription. However, they plan to make it available to all U.S.-based freelancers and small business leaders sometime this fall. If you are interested in gaining access to this feature, please sign up on the waitlist here. 

Buyers intent means more inbound lead opportunities

Historically most people have used Linkedin search to look for an individual or company – not a service. This encouraged networking and, let’s be honest, a lot of solicitation. In other words, Linkedin search has been used mostly by sellers.

Introducing this new search filter is the beginning of Linkedin strongly encouraging/empowering members to search for solutions to business problems. This is a search for buyers.

If users get comfortable looking for and trusting service providers on Linkedin it will increase inbound lead generation. And of course, there will undoubtedly be a move to monetize the search activity.

How to add Business Services to your Linkedin Profile:

Here’s how to add Business Services to your Linkedin profile so you and your business can be found in the Service Provider search.

Step 1: Go to your Linkedin profile page and click “Add Services”

Step 2: Click continue to tell Linkedin more about your business services

Step 3: Select your business focus (industry)

This is a much smaller list than what’s available to choose on your profile and company pages.

Step 4: Select your Services Provided

This is only minimally customizable. Click to add suggested services or click + Add Service.

Step 5: Select your Work Location

Choose your location (based off your profile) and optionally add that you can work remote.

Step 6: Review and click “Add to Profile”

Note: this information will be added to your public profile.

This is what it will look like when you’re done

Members can click “See all details” to view a lightbox summary of what you and your business does.