How to Present Freelance Work on LinkedIn: A Practical Guide

This practical guide walks you through every step of presenting your freelance work on LinkedIn confidently and strategically.

Why It’s Important to Showcase Freelance Work on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network and your digital resume, portfolio, and credibility check—all in one place. Many freelancers overlook LinkedIn, thinking it caters only to traditional employment, missing out on various freelance or contract work opportunities. That’s a mistake.

Here's why showcasing your freelance work on LinkedIn matters:

• Recruiters use it daily to find independent talent.
• Clients research your profile before reaching out or hiring.
• It allows you to build your professional brand and position yourself as an expert.
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Step-by-Step: Where and How to Add Freelance Work on LinkedIn Profile

Freelancing is no longer a gap in your career—it's a strength. Whether you’re a full-time freelancer or balancing side projects with a day job, LinkedIn is one of the most powerful platforms to showcase your work and attract significant clients, recruiters, or collaborators. But presenting freelance work, especially as a freelance writer in your freelance niche, on LinkedIn requires a thoughtful approach.

Follow this step-by-step guide to strategically add specific skills and freelance experience, such as those needed to write blog posts, to your LinkedIn profile and make it stand out professionally for your freelance business.

1. Use the “Experience” Section Smartly

Your freelance roles deserve just as much attention as any full-time job, especially when attracting hiring managers. Here’s how to craft them the right way:

Job Title:

Be clear and specific. Avoid vague titles like “Freelancer.” Instead, choose titles that reflect your niche and expertise.

Examples:

• “Freelance Graphic Designer – Brand Identity & Packaging”
• “Content Marketing Consultant for B2B Tech”
• “Remote Software Developer – React & Node.js”

Company:

• If you have an official business name, list it.
• If not, use “Self-employed,” “Independent Contractor,” or your own brand/personal name (e.g., “John Smith Digital”).
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Timeframe:

• Use the accurate start date.
• If you’re still freelancing, check “I currently work here.”
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Description:

Write a concise summary with bullet points covering:

• Types of clients or industries
• Specific services or deliverables
• Notable achievements or metrics
• Tools, platforms, or technologies used
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Example Entry:

Title: Freelance UX Designer

Company: Self-employed

Location: Remote

Timeframe: Jan 2020 – Present

Description:

• Designed UI/UX for 15+ web and mobile apps across fintech, edtech, and e-commerce
• Reduced bounce rates by 35% for a major SaaS client through user flow optimization
• Collaborated with remote dev teams in the US, UK, and India
• Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision, Webflow
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2. Create a Compelling Summary in the “About” Section

Your “About” section is like a pitch—this is where you tell your professional narrative and freelance story with personality and strategy.

Structure It Like This:

• Who you are: Introduce your freelance role, niche, and expertise.
• Who do you help: Your typical clients or industries?
• What sets you apart: Highlight achievements, unique methods, or strengths.
• Call to action: Encourage visitors to connect or reach out.
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Example Summary:

"I’m a freelance SEO strategist helping SaaS and tech startups increase organic visibility and scale sustainably. With over 5 years of experience, I’ve driven traffic increases of up to 300% and helped companies rank on Page 1 for high-intent keywords. I blend data, content, and user behavior insights to deliver results.

If you’re a founder or marketing lead ready to grow smarter—let’s connect."

3. Highlight Your Best Work in the “Projects” Section

The “Projects” section is under “Accomplishments” and lets you visually showcase your freelance work, making your profile more credible and engaging.

How to Use It:

For each project, add:

• Project Title
• Client/Organization (if permitted)
• Brief Description
• Your role & what you contributed
• Links or media (images, PDFs, videos, or websites)
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Example:

Project Title: Mobile App Redesign for Fintech Startup

Client: Confidential (under NDA)

Description: Redesigned core user journeys for a fintech mobile app used by 100k+ users. Delivered a 25% boost in user retention through UX improvements.

My Role: UX Lead – Research, Wireframing, Prototyping

Link: [Attach Dribbble shot or PDF mockup]

Working under NDA? You can still describe:

• The industry (e.g., B2B SaaS)
• The problem solved
• Your impact or role
• Avoid naming names—focus on outcomes
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4. Request Client Recommendations Strategically

Client recommendations are powerful social proof. When a past client vouches for your skill, reliability, and results, it builds instant trust.

How to Do It Right:

• Reach out via LinkedIn message or email.
• Keep it personal and express appreciation.
• Suggest what they might focus on (skills, communication, results, professionalism).
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Message Template:

Hi [Client Name],

I really enjoyed working with you on [Project Name]! Would you be open to writing a short LinkedIn recommendation about our collaboration? Something that highlights [mention a strength—e.g., timely delivery, creativity, or project outcome] would be great.

I’d be happy to return the favor too. Thanks again!

📌 Pro Tips:

• Ask right after completing a successful project.
• Follow up politely if you don’t hear back.
• Don’t ask all clients—choose the best ones.

5. Add Freelance Work to the “Skills” & “Endorsements” Section

Ensure that you list relevant skills that reflect your freelance expertise and appeal to potential clients, using relevant keywords to enhance searchability. This helps your profile appear in relevant searches and shows consistency.

Add Top Skills Like:

• “Freelance Writing”
• “Graphic Design”
• “Content Strategy”
• “Web Development”
• “Social Media Advertising”
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Ask trusted peers or past collaborators to endorse you for those skills.

6. Use the “Featured” Section to Showcase Proof

The Featured section is perfect for sharing:

• Portfolio links
• Case studies
• Testimonials
• Blog posts
• Client videos or interviews
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How to Add:

• Go to your profile
• Click “Add Profile Section” > “Recommended” > “Add Featured”
• Upload content or paste links
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Example Ideas:

• Link to a Behance or GitHub profile
• Embed a client testimonial video
• Showcase an article you wrote for a client’s blog
• Share a press feature or LinkedIn post that highlights your freelance work

7. Keep Freelance Experience Updated Regularly

A static profile loses relevance. Update your freelance experience every few months to attract more clients:

• Add new projects
• Update metrics or tools
• Refresh the “About” section as your niche evolves
• Post content or updates that reflect current work
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Even simple updates can increase visibility on your connections’ feeds.

8. Leverage Freelance Experience in Your LinkedIn Posts

Beyond your profile, use LinkedIn posts to talk about:

• Lessons from client work
• Tips for others in your niche
• Before-and-after project results
• Industry news + your take on it
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This shows your expertise in action and keeps you top-of-mind for leads and recruiters.

Tips to Make Your Freelance Work Stand Out on LinkedIn

Your freelance experience shouldn’t just blend in—it should shine by highlighting key projects that demonstrate your capabilities and contribute to your professional story. Here are key strategies to make your freelance gig profile not just informative but memorable and client-attractive.

1. Use Eye-Catching Media (Portfolio, Links, PDFs)

Don’t just tell people what you do—show them. Visual proof adds credibility and makes your work tangible.

Where to Add Media:

• In the “Featured” section of your profile
• Within specific entries in the “Experience” section
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Great Media to Upload or Link:

• Case Studies: Highlight challenges, your process, and the results.
• Client Testimonials: Short quotes in PDF or image format build trust.
• Before-and-After Visuals: Ideal for design, branding, or web development.
• Published Articles or Content Samples: Show off writing, thought leadership, or strategy.
• Videos or Presentations: Add pitch decks, demo reels, tutorials, or webinars.
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2. Customize Your LinkedIn URL

A clean, personalized LinkedIn URL looks more professional and is easier to share across business cards, email signatures, and portfolios.

How to Do It:

• Click on “Me” in the top right > View Profile
• Click “Edit public profile & URL” on the top right sidebar
• Click “Edit your custom URL.”
• Change it to something simple and branded (e.g., linkedin.com/in/uxdesignsbyravi or linkedin.com/in/yourfullname)
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3. Stay Active and Publish Content Regularly

Freelancers and other freelancers who post content consistently tend to get more profile views, connection requests, and inbound leads, enhancing their professional networking. Posting also helps reinforce your expertise in your niche.

What You Can Post:

• Insights from Freelance Projects
  Share unique challenges, creative solutions, or your thought process.
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• Lessons Learned
  Talk about client communication, project management, pricing, or tools you’ve mastered.
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• Client Wins or Case Results
  Without breaching NDAs, describe what was achieved (e.g., “Increased email open rates by 60% with a new sequence”).
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• Industry Commentary or Trends
  Offer your take on changes in your field (e.g., AI in design, SEO updates, remote work practices).
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• Behind-the-Scenes Posts
  Show how you build your workflows, manage freelance life, or structure your client onboarding.
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4. Engage With Others to Build Community

Freelance doesn’t mean working in isolation. LinkedIn rewards interaction. Spend 10–15 minutes a few times a week actively engaging in:

• Comment on industry leaders’ posts
• Like and share relevant content
• Join conversations in your niche
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This helps build visibility, authority, and relationships—all of which can lead to referrals or opportunities for collaboration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Freelance Work on LinkedIn

While showcasing freelance work can elevate your LinkedIn profile, some common missteps can hold you back. Here’s what not to do—and how to fix it.

1. Using a Vague Job Title Like “Freelancer”

Why it’s a problem:
It lacks clarity and doesn’t communicate your skills or niche.

What to do instead:
Use specific, keyword-rich titles like:

• “Freelance Copywriter for B2B Tech”
• “Social Media Strategist for E-Commerce Brands”
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This makes your profile more discoverable and positions you as a specialist.

2. Leaving Out Key Details in the Description

Why it’s a problem:
A bare-bones entry doesn’t tell viewers what you do or what makes you good at it.

What to do instead:
Include:

• Types of clients or industries
• Specific services
• Notable achievements or results
• Tools/technologies used
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Use bullet points for readability and clarity.

3. Ignoring the “About” Section

Why it’s a problem:
You're missing the chance to connect personally and tell your story.

What to do instead:
Use this section to highlight:

• Your freelance journey
• What do you specialize in
• Who you help
• What makes you different
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Think of it as your elevator pitch—be human, not robotic.

4. Skipping the “Featured” or “Projects” Sections

Why it’s a problem:
Freelance work is highly visual or result-based, and failing to show that weakens your credibility.

What to do instead:
Upload:

• Case studies
• Portfolio samples
• Project links
• Client testimonials

These add proof and personality to your profile.

5. Listing Each Freelance Client as a Separate Job

Why it’s a problem:
It clutters your experience section and can appear inconsistent.

What to do instead:
Group freelance work under one ongoing job entry (e.g., “Freelance Web Designer | 2020–Present”) and list clients/projects within the description.

This keeps your profile clean and organized while still showcasing variety.

Examples of Effective Freelance Profiles on LinkedIn

Example 1: Freelance Web Developer – Clean, Credible, and Results-Focused

Example 2: Freelance Content Writer – Strategic, Niche-Focused, and Engaging

Conclusion

Presenting freelance work on LinkedIn isn’t just about filling in blanks—it’s about positioning yourself as a trusted professional. When done right, your freelance history becomes a powerful tool for personal branding, attracting recruiters and winning new clients, including former clients and prospective clients. Whether you’ve freelanced for years or just started, take the time to update your LinkedIn profile with intention. Treat your freelance journey with the same level of professionalism as a traditional career, as this reflects your dedication to your freelance career.

Ready to upgrade your LinkedIn? Start by optimizing your Experience section today and let your freelance success speak for itself.