How to Get Freelance Writing Clients on LinkedIn

LinkedIn makes me cringe—but I can’t deny it’s become one of the most powerful places for freelancers to land steady, high-paying work. If you’ve been wondering how to get freelance writing clients on LinkedIn, you’re definitely not alone. Here’s my no-nonsense advice on turning LinkedIn into a reliable client pipeline—plus the AI shortcuts I use to make the process efficient. Because let’s be real: most of us would rather spend our time writing than endlessly scrolling on LinkedIn.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Freelance Writing Clients

Notice how Elna Cain crams her header image and byline with USPs and client testimonials.

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital storefront. If it doesn’t clearly show who you are and what you do, clients will keep scrolling. Get these essentials in place:

• Craft a clear headline. Use your niche + writing expertise. Example: SEO Blog Writer for Wellness Brands | Helping Coaches Grow Their Reach.
• Write a results-focused About section. Lead with outcomes (sign-ups, traffic, conversions), not just tasks. Example: “I help SaaS companies turn complex ideas into engaging content that drives sign-ups.”
• Showcase your best work. Add your recent wins to the Featured section and link to your Writer’s Residence portfolio so prospects can view polished samples in one click.

Pro Tip: A portfolio on Writer’s Residence takes five simple steps (Profile, Home, Writing Samples, Resume, Design) and includes pro templates, custom domains, SEO tooltips, and privacy options—perfect for sharing with LinkedIn prospects. You can even use the same header on Writer's Residence as you do with LinkedIn to unify your branding. Here's another great LinkedIn header: 

Post Consistently with AI-Generated (Or Your Own) Ideas

Consistency is the secret to visibility on LinkedIn, but generating ideas daily can be exhausting. Use AI to keep your content pipeline full:

Copy-and-Paste AI Prompts

• “Give me 10 LinkedIn post ideas for a freelance travel writer targeting boutique hotels.”
• “Rewrite this blog excerpt as a LinkedIn carousel post with 5 slides and a CTA.”
• “Draft a poll about common content challenges [insert niche] brands face.”
• “Turn this case study into a 4-part post series: hook, insight, example, takeaway.”

Batch a month of prompts in one sitting, schedule posts, and stay top-of-mind for potential clients—without burning out.

To Giphy or not to Giphy?

There seems to be a giphy trend on LinkedIn at the moment (giphy = animated GIFs). I can't find any data as to whether this increases engagement or not, but they can add a dose of humor to an otherwise mundane post. (Bonus tip: notice here how Liz uses a hook to entice readers to click "more".)

Engage Authentically with Potential Clients

Posting is half the battle. The real magic happens in comments and conversations. Show up as a collaborator, not a salesperson:

• Comment thoughtfully. Add 2–3 lines that expand on the topic or share an insight—skip the generic “Great post!”
• Use AI to draft comment templates you can personalize. Example template:

“Love this perspective on [topic]. In my work with [industry] brands, I’ve noticed [short observation]. Curious—how are you measuring impact on this?”

• Join client-focused groups. Your prospects are more likely in marketing or industry communities than in writer-only groups.

Use LinkedIn Search and AI for Prospecting

1. Search your niche + titles like Content Manager, Head of Marketing, or Editor.
2. Build a simple list of decision-makers and track interactions.
3. Use AI to generate polite, customized connection requests.

Sample Connection Request

Hi [Name], I’ve enjoyed your posts on [topic]. I’m a freelance writer who helps [industry] brands publish content that drives [result]. Would love to connect and learn more about your work.

Important: Avoid a hard pitch in your first message. Build rapport first, then naturally introduce how you can help.

Close the Loop with a Professional Portfolio

No matter how strong your LinkedIn game is, prospects will ask, “Can I see your work?” That’s why a clean, credible portfolio is non-negotiable.

• Spin up a polished site in under an hour with Writer’s Residence.
• Choose writer-specific templates, add samples and testimonials, and connect a custom domain.
• Share a simple, SEO-friendly link right in your LinkedIn headline, About, and Featured sections.

LinkedIn Profile Inspiration: Examples & People to Follow

Use these profiles and creators as models while you refine your positioning and content cadence—especially if you’re focused on how to get freelance writing clients on LinkedIn.

Profile Examples to Emulate 

• Liz Heflin — One of the friendliest freelance writing coaches I know, and her free community, The Inkwell, is a warm, helpful space I often recommend to writers starting out. 
• Jacquelyn Van Sant - Content strategist and copywriter who is a powerhouse on LinkedIn, with daily posts the embody all I've written about in this article. (Jac is also a friend of Writer's Residence! Read her post about client testimonials, specifically how to get and use social proof to get more gigs.)
• Carol Tice — Veteran freelance writer and founder of Freelance Writers Den. Shares pragmatic advice on pitching and positioning.
• Samantha Lauron — Freelance Content Writer
  Clear, niche-first headline and tidy visuals. Good example of a services-forward profile for writers. Check out her tips on crafting an excellent freelance LinkedIn profile.
• Maris Cohen — Director of Content Marketing
  Narrative-driven About section that shows personality and domain expertise—great template for writers.
• Alison Battisby — Social Media Consultant
  Value-led headline and smart use of visuals/client proof to convey authority. Read more in How to Create a Top 1% LinkedIn Profile.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been struggling with how to get freelance writing clients on LinkedIn, remember this formula:

• Optimize your profile
• Post consistently (AI can help)
• Engage with intention
• Prospect strategically
• Share a professional portfolio

Start your free 30-day trial of Writer’s Residence and build the portfolio that seals the deal for LinkedIn clients.