How to Build a Winning LinkedIn Profile: Freelance Writer Edition.

Do you want to know how to build a LinkedIn profile? I have been writing for over a decade now. And one of the best things that has happened to me is having a LinkedIn profile.

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But building a winning LinkedIn profile doesn’t come by chance. You have to know what you are doing to do it right.

So, I will show you everything I know about the subject and about how I built a LinkedIn profile that serves as a marketplace for me.

Different people have different reasons for joining LinkedIn. Others are skeptical about it, especially since the algorithm changes.

If you are somewhere in between about using LinkedIn, here are some reasons to have a rethink.

6 reasons to have a LinkedIn profile

It’s like a super resume online: LinkedIn is a website specifically for your professional life. It’s like an online resume that shows off your skills and experience, but way cooler!
It Helps you Land your dream job: Many companies use LinkedIn to find new hires. Having a great profile makes it super easy for them to find you and see why you’d be a perfect fit.
Connect with awesome people: LinkedIn is like a giant online network for professionals. You can connect with old classmates, past colleagues, and even people you admire in your field.
Learn new things: People on LinkedIn share all sorts of interesting articles and discussions. It’s a great way to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in your industry and learn new skills.
Build your reputation as a pro: The more active you are on LinkedIn, the more people will recognize you as an expert. Sharing your knowledge and insights can help you become a leader in your field.
Newsletter: If you are knowledgeable about a topic, you can create a newsletter on LinkedIn for free.

Who is LinkedIn for?

LinkedIn is a valuable tool for a wide range of people, not just those in traditional office jobs!

Basically, anyone who wants to connect professionally, build their network, or find opportunities can benefit from having a LinkedIn profile.

It’s a great platform for displaying your skills and experience, regardless of your career stage or path. For example:

Job Seekers: Absolutely! It’s a fantastic platform to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. Recruiters actively search LinkedIn for candidates, so having a great profile increases your chances of getting noticed.
Freelancers & Contractors: LinkedIn is a goldmine for freelance work! You can connect with potential clients, showcase your portfolio, and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Students and Recent Graduates: Even if you’re just starting, a LinkedIn profile can be a great way to build your network, connect with professionals in your desired career path, and find internship or job opportunities.
Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: LinkedIn is a powerful tool to connect with potential partners, investors, and clients. You can use it to promote your business, share your expertise, and build your brand reputation.
Those Looking to Change Careers: A LinkedIn profile can help you explore new career options, connect with people in different fields, and learn about new skills you might need.

Let’s now talk about how to build a wining LinkedIn profile.

How to Build a Winning LinkedIn Profile: Freelance Writer Edition

1. Start with LinkedIn Basics:

Profile Picture: Same as before, professional headshot with a friendly and approachable vibe.
Headline: Here’s where freelance writers can shine! Create a headline that show your niche and value proposition (e.g., “Freelance Writer | Crafting Engaging Content for Tech Startups” or “Website Content Specialist | Storytelling that Converts”).

2. Craft a compelling summary:

Open Strong: Hook readers with a captivating opening sentence that showcases your writing style. For example, “I help businesses captivate their audience with clear, compelling content that drives results.”
Highlight your skills: Mention your writing expertise (e.g., blog posts, website content, email marketing). Show off any industry knowledge or specific niches you cater to (e.g., technology, healthcare, education).
Call to Action: End with a clear call to action, inviting potential clients to connect with you or visit your portfolio website.

3. Highlight Your Experience:

Freelance Work: Since you might not have traditional job titles, list your freelance projects as separate entries.
Focus on Results: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Did you increase website traffic for a client? Mention the percentage!
Academic Background: Include any relevant coursework or writing projects from your academic career.

4. Showcase Your Skills:

Keywords are key: Include relevant skills like “SEO Writing,” “Content Marketing,” “Copywriting,” and “Editing and Proofreading.”
Target your audience: Tailor your skill set to the type of freelance writing you specialize in.
Get Endorsements: Ask satisfied clients or colleagues to endorse your relevant skills to build credibility.

5. Polish your profile:

Proofread carefully. This is especially important for a writer! Typos and grammatical errors can damage your reputation.
Customize Your URL: Create a professional-looking custom URL with your name for easy sharing.

Ready to Go Beyond?

Showcase Your Work: Include writing samples in your profile. Link to your portfolio website or share snippets of your best work (with client permission).
Engage with Industry Content: Join writing groups, follow industry influencers, and share insightful comments on relevant content.
Publish Your Articles: Share original blog posts or articles to demonstrate your expertise and writing style.

Pro Tips on How to build a LinkedIn profile:

Volunteer Your Skills: Offer to write content for non-profit organizations or student groups. This builds experience and allows you to showcase your work publicly.
Testimonials: Ask past clients for testimonials you can include on your profile or website. Positive feedback builds trust and credibility.
Ask for recommendations on your profile and don’t hesitate to give one to those who deserve it too.

Here are some ways to make your LinkedIn profile for a freelance writer even richer:

How to Leverage multimedia while creating your LinkedIn profile:

Profile Banner: Don’t settle for a generic background image. Create a custom banner using Canva or similar tools. Briefly showcase your services, niche, or writing style with a visually appealing banner.
Project Samples: While linking to a portfolio is great, consider including short writing samples directly in your profile. Highlight different writing styles or content formats (e.g., blog post excerpt, website copy snippet).
Video Introduction: Consider adding a short (30–60 seconds) video introducing yourself and your writing services. This can be a great way to showcase your personality and communication style.

How to Actively Engage on LinkedIn:

Publish Thought Leadership Articles: Don’t just share other people’s content. Write and publish original articles on LinkedIn using the platform’s publishing tool. This establishes you as an expert and attracts potential clients.
Start Discussions: Pose thoughtful questions or spark discussions relevant to your niche. This demonstrates your knowledge and positions you as a thought leader in your field.
Directly Connect with Potential Clients: Research and connect with potential clients on LinkedIn. Personalize your connection request message and highlight how your writing skills can benefit their business.

2 Ways to Optimize Your LinkedIn for Search:

You want to be found when potential clients look up things that concern you. So, your best bet is to optimize your profile to show up when they do.

Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords that potential clients might use to search for freelance writers. Subtly incorporate these keywords throughout your profile, especially in your headline, summary, and experience sections.
Optimize your experience. Section: Use keywords in your project descriptions, focusing on the specific type of content you create and the client’s industry.

How to Strategically Build Your Network on LinkedIn

Target the Right Groups: Join LinkedIn groups relevant to your freelance writing niche. Engage in discussions, offer helpful advice, and build relationships with other writers, editors, and potential clients.
Connect with Influencers: Identify and connect with influencers in your writing niche. Follow their posts, engage in their discussions, and build connections. This can help you gain exposure within your target audience.
Ask for Recommendations: Don’t be afraid to ask satisfied clients or colleagues for recommendations on your LinkedIn profile. Positive recommendations add social proof and build trust with potential clients.