When I first decided to dive into freelancing, the hardest part wasn’t choosing what service to offer. It wasn’t even setting my rates. The real challenge was landing my very first client.
I didn’t have a portfolio, no fancy website, and definitely no list of past projects to show off. What I did have, however, was a free LinkedIn account and a determination to make something work.
That single decision—to use LinkedIn strategically—ended up connecting me with my first freelance client. In this post, I’ll share exactly what I did, what worked, what I could have done better, and how you can replicate the same steps to attract your own clients.
Why I Chose LinkedIn Over Other Platforms
When people think of freelancing, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer often come to mind. But I quickly realized that those platforms were crowded. Thousands of freelancers were competing for the same job postings, often underbidding each other just to get noticed.
LinkedIn felt different. It wasn’t just a job board—it was a professional networking platform where decision-makers, managers, and entrepreneurs hung out daily. Instead of fighting for scraps on bidding platforms, I could build authority and attract opportunities directly to me.
Another reason was visibility. On LinkedIn, even a simple post could reach hundreds or thousands of people if it resonated. That meant I could build my reputation in public, without cold emailing hundreds of strangers.
Step 1: Optimizing My LinkedIn Profile
Before I even thought about posting, I made sure my profile looked professional. Here’s what I did:
- Headline: I didn’t just write “Freelancer”. Instead, I wrote something specific like:
“Helping small businesses grow with content that converts.” - Profile Photo & Banner: I uploaded a clean, friendly profile photo and created a simple Canva banner that highlighted what I did.
- About Section: Instead of a boring résumé-style description, I wrote a short story about why I started freelancing, who I help, and how.
- Featured Section: Even though I didn’t have past client work, I added one or two sample pieces I had created for practice. This way, when someone checked my profile, they saw proof of my skills.
Your LinkedIn profile is your landing page. Before posting, make sure anyone who clicks on your name instantly knows what you do and who you help.
Step 2: Creating My First Posts
At first, I was nervous about posting. What if nobody cared? What if I looked unprofessional?
But then I reminded myself: LinkedIn is about sharing value, not perfection.
Here’s what I posted in the early days:
- Personal Story Post
I shared why I decided to start freelancing, the challenges I faced, and what I hoped to achieve. People connect with honesty. - Educational Post
I wrote a short, actionable tip related to my niche (content writing). Something like: “Want more people to read your posts? Start with a question, not a statement.” - Engagement Post
I asked a question to my network: “What’s your biggest struggle with creating content for LinkedIn?” This got several comments and helped me understand what potential clients cared about.
The key wasn’t posting every day. It was posting consistently enough that people began to recognize my name.
Step 3: Building Relationships, Not Just Posting
One mistake many beginners make is treating LinkedIn like a one-way street. They post, wait for likes, and get discouraged when nothing happens.
I did the opposite:
- I commented on other people’s posts daily. Not just “Great post!” but thoughtful comments that added value.
- I engaged with my target audience—small business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketers—by replying to their updates.
- I sent personalized connection requests with short notes like:
“Hi [Name], I really enjoyed your post on content strategy. I’m also in the content space—would love to connect!”
By doing this, I wasn’t just broadcasting. I was networking. And LinkedIn rewards that kind of activity.
Step 4: The Post That Changed Everything
One day, I wrote a post about a small business owner I knew who struggled with writing LinkedIn posts. In the post, I broke down how they could turn a simple idea into a full piece of content that attracts clients.
The post was:
- Relatable: Many entrepreneurs felt the same struggle.
- Actionable: I provided a mini framework they could try right away.
- Shareable: A few people shared it with their own network.
That post got more traction than any of my previous ones. More importantly, it caught the attention of someone who would become my very first client.
Step 5: The First Message
A few days after the post went live, I received a message:
“Hi, I saw your post about content creation. I’ve been struggling to stay consistent with LinkedIn myself. Do you offer freelance writing services?”
I nearly jumped out of my chair. This was exactly the type of client I had been hoping to attract—someone who needed help creating content for their business.
I responded quickly, introduced myself, and suggested we jump on a quick call to discuss what they needed.
Step 6: The Call & Closing the Client
I’ll be honest—I was nervous for that first client call. I didn’t want to sound inexperienced. But instead of trying to sell hard, I focused on listening.
I asked questions like:
- “What kind of posts have you tried before?”
- “What’s your main goal with LinkedIn content—brand awareness, leads, or sales?”
- “How much time do you usually have for writing content yourself?”
By asking these questions, I shifted the focus away from me and onto their challenges. And when I explained how I could help, it didn’t feel like selling—it felt like solving a problem.
In the end, they agreed to a trial package: three LinkedIn posts for the following month. It wasn’t a huge contract, but it was real money from a real client. More importantly, it was proof that my strategy worked.
What I Learned from That First Client
Landing that first client taught me some key lessons that I still use today:
- Authority comes from showing up, not from being perfect.
My early posts weren’t masterpieces, but they positioned me as someone who understood LinkedIn content. - Engagement matters more than algorithms.
Commenting, connecting, and networking made people notice me faster than posting alone. - Clients don’t always need the most experienced freelancer.
They need someone reliable who can solve their specific problem.
How You Can Do the Same
If you’re trying to land your first client on LinkedIn, here’s a simple framework to follow:
- Polish your profile
Make sure your headline, about section, and featured content clearly state what you do. - Start posting consistently
Share a mix of personal stories, educational tips, and questions to spark engagement. - Engage with your network
Spend 15–20 minutes a day commenting and connecting with potential clients. - Share mini case studies or frameworks
Posts that teach something practical tend to attract clients. - Be ready when the message comes
Don’t overthink your first call. Listen more than you talk, and position yourself as the solution.
The Ripple Effect
That first client didn’t just give me money. They gave me confidence. After completing the project successfully, I had a real result to showcase in my portfolio.
Soon, I started getting referrals. Other clients reached out because they saw my posts. And step by step, what started with one LinkedIn post snowballed into a steady freelance business.
Final Thoughts
Getting your first freelance client can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re starting from scratch. But LinkedIn offers a powerful shortcut—if you use it the right way.
You don’t need thousands of followers, a personal brand, or years of experience. What you need is consistency, authenticity, and the courage to put yourself out there.
That one post I wrote could have easily gone unnoticed. But it didn’t—and it changed the trajectory of my freelancing career.
So, if you’re sitting on the fence about posting on LinkedIn, here’s my advice: just start. You never know who’s watching, and your very first client might be just one post away.