Your LinkedIn profile is important for two primary reasons.
First, LinkedIn isn’t just a social platform — it’s a search engine. People go there, type phrases like “freelance writer” into the search box, and check out the writers who come up. You need to optimize your profile so that you show up at the top of the search results for the right keywords.
Second, when clients go to check out your LinkedIn profile, you have a very small window of opportunity to convert them. You have to convince them (within seconds) that they’ll miss out if they don’t hire you.
So, how do you do that?
7 LinkedIn profile tips for freelance writers
Here are seven of the main boxes to tick when setting up your LinkedIn profile as a freelance writer.
1. Choose a niche
My experience on LI over the years has taught me that a niche offering (industry and/or writing type) can result in a significant increase in high-quality leads. I was a generalist for many years and only niched down about 2.5 years ago. There are TONS of freelance writers on LinkedIn. TONS. And I didn’t stand out until I became a specialist targeting people who needed a specific service.
Beyond that, to get someone to hire you on the spot, I found it helps if your service offering is very simple and specific. Avoid choice overload. The riches are in strategically chosen niches. (Sorry for the cliche but it’s true).
My 4 quick tips for an effective freelance writing niche?
- Choose an industry to serve
- Choose a type of writing to specialize in
- Design an easy-to-order service offering
- Identify your personal differentiator as a service provider
Disclaimer: That doesn’t mean you can’t offer more once you have clients in the door.
2. Pick a professional profile picture
Next, this probably goes without saying but you need a clear, friendly-looking, professional LinkedIn profile picture. While a professional headshot certainly won’t hurt, it’s not required. No need for a suit or tie either — professionalism has been redefined in recent years (thank goodness) — but you do want your photo to help build trust and be on-brand.
First impressions are made in seconds, just like in real life, so all of the components should be working together throughout your profile to say — I am the perfect person for the job! Learn how to make one that stands out (in Canva)
3. Take full advantage of the background image space
Your background image aka LinkedIn banner is PRIME real estate! It’s one of the first things clients see when they land on your LinkedIn profile. Use the space wisely!
A few tips:
- Ensure the design works well in the space. Everything should be easy to read and aesthetically pleasing. Be mindful that your profile photo will cover some of it. (I DIY’ed mine in Canva).
- Concisely tell what you do. What type of writer are you? What’s your specialty? Make it short and sweet.
- Why should they choose you?? Have you worked with tons of reputable brands similar to theirs? Logos can do the trick (be sure that’s okay with past clients). Have you driven awesome results for past clients? Add that. You want to include SOMETHING that builds trust and gives your clients a reason to choose you right off the bat.
4. Optimize your headline
Your headline is super important for SEO and conversions.
Be sure to clearly state that you’re a freelance writer and share your area of expertise/freelance writing niche.
For example:
- Freelance SEO Content Writer | Real Estate and Home Improvement
- Freelance Copywriter | Mental Health
- Freelance Copywriter | Brand Voice Expert | Health and Wellness Startups
If you want to add something clever or differentiating, I recommend adding it after the main keywords mentioned above.
For example,
- Freelance Email Copywriter | Getting Your Audience to Click and Convert | Have Driven $x for Clients in 2022
Some people will fight me on this and want to start with something clever. I’ve tested many approaches and have seen the best results with this approach. But you don’t have to take my word for it, run your own A/B test and see what you find. (I’d love to hear about it, too!)
When performing LinkedIn profile audits for writers, I’ve been shocked at how many freelance writers forget to mention that they’re freelancers! It’s a huge miss as people won’t know you’re available for contract work and you won’t rank for the right keywords in the search results.
5. Carefully craft and polish your “About” section
You need a well-written about section that shows off your skills (writing and non-writing) and tells the client:
- Your area of expertise
- How you can help them/what you offer
- Why choose you — what sets you apart
- What they can expect when working with you
- How much people love working with you (testimonials work great here)
- Your contact info and a CTA
If your about section is confusing or has ANY errors, you’re likely going to lose business. If you need help, two of our LI profile audits come with an in-depth review of your “About” section (the Attractor and the Biz Booster).
6. Add killer samples
Next, you need samples (in your niche) front-and-center in the featured section AND they need to be STELLAR — the best work you’ve ever done!! Seriously, no errors, no clunky sentences….your next (or first) big break can literally depend on it! Potential clients want to see what you can do. It’s your chance to show instead of just telling.
7. Back up your claims in your “Experience” section
I recommend listing your freelance writing business in the “Experience” section. It makes it very clear that freelance writing is your present occupation, shows your experience, and is another opportunity to show off your area of expertise.
I’ve had a few people say they feel overwhelmed at creating a company page but it can literally take a few minutes. You don’t have to post on it and build an audience. Just fill out the bio, add a logo, and add a background image.
***While adding listings for your freelance writing clients is a great idea, your company should be at the top to make it clear that’s your current focus and you are available for hire.
Alright, that’s the cliff notes version! While there are lots more, those 7 things will get you started on the right foot.
Time to rev up the inbound LinkedIn engine!
To create a great LinkedIn profile that does the hard work for you, every section should build on the last. You need to convince your target clients that they can’t pass up an opportunity to hire you. You’ll know you’ve done it right when they DM and say…
Tip: You can monitor how well you’re profile is ranking by tracking your search appearances and the top keywords you’re ranking for.
LinkedIn is one of the best places for freelance writers to be in 2023 and it can be a source of ongoing, high-quality inbound leads. It’s completely transformed my business and can do the same for you. An optimized profile is the first step. Once that’s set, focus on strategic engagement and the development of your personal brand.
How can you get more LinkedIn profile tips?
Want more LinkedIn advice specifically for freelance writers?
- Learn how to design your own professional LinkedIn profile picture
- Find 5 LinkedIn engagement tips to grow your personal brand
- See how to design a LinkedIn banner that converts (in Canva)
- Check out our LinkedIn profile audits
This list has some great ideas. It was interesting (but not surprising) that the “clever” titles don’t perform as well. I never was into that format. I’m in agreement —hit the keywords and keep it simple.
Great post! I’ll definitely share this with new freelancers ask about updating their LI profile.
Thanks so much Beth!