Are You Talking to the Right People on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn can feel like a crowded airport terminal. Everyone’s hustling, everyone’s got somewhere to be, and you’re just trying to find the right gate. You’ve probably heard that LinkedIn is the place to find clients. But I have a question for you: Are you actually talking to the right people? And, maybe more importantly, how are you talking to them?

Who Are the “Right People” for Freelance Writers on LinkedIn?

Before you fire off another “Let’s connect!” message, pause. Are you targeting the people who can actually hire you, refer you, or help you grow? Or are you just adding anyone with a pulse and a profile pic?

Here’s how to spot your people:

• Decision-Makers: Look for job titles like Content Manager, Head of Marketing, Editor-in-Chief, or Director of Content. These are the folks who have the power (and budget) to hire freelance writers.
• Industry Peers: Fellow writers, editors, and content strategists can be a goldmine for referrals, collaborations, and support.
• Niche-Specific Contacts: If you write about health tech, don’t waste time connecting with people in, say, logistics. Use LinkedIn’s search filters to find people in your target industry.

Use the search bar like a detective. Type “[Your Niche] Writer” or “[Industry] Content Manager,” then filter by location or company size if that matters to you.

How to Start the Conversation (Without Sounding Like a Robot or a Sales Pitch)

Okay, you’ve found your people. Now what? The trick is in how you reach out.

1. Personalize Every Connection Request

Resist the urge to hit “Connect” and move on. Always add a note if you can, and make it about them, not your services.

Example:

“Hi [Name], I really enjoyed your recent post on [topic]. I write about [related topic] and would love to connect and follow your work!”

Or, if they’re a potential client:

“I’m a freelance writer in [client’s industry]. I really like your [work/messaging/products]. I’d love to connect!”

What NOT to do: Don’t pitch your services in the connection request. That’s like proposing marriage on the first date. Awkward and a little creepy.

2. Engage Before You DM

Don’t slide into their DMs cold. Instead, warm things up by:

• Liking and commenting on their posts (with something thoughtful, not just “Nice post!”).
• Sharing their content if it’s relevant to your audience.
• Joining the same LinkedIn groups and joining discussions.

This way, when you do message them, you’re not a stranger. You’re that insightful person who always adds value.

3. Start Conversations, Not Sales Pitches

When you do reach out, keep it light and conversational. Ask about their current projects, share a relevant article, or comment on a mutual interest.

Example:

“Hi [Name], thanks for connecting! I saw you’re working on [project]. That sounds fascinating. I would love to hear more about it.”

Or:

“Hi [Name], your recent article on [topic] really resonated with me. I’ve written about something similar. I'm happy to share if you’re interested!”

The goal? Build a relationship, not just a transaction.

What Should You Actually Say on LinkedIn?

Not sure what to post or share? Here’s some of what I've seen working for freelance writers:

• Share snippets of your recent projects or client success stories.
• Offer your take on trends or challenges in your niche.
• Celebrate wins (like landing a new client or publishing a piece).
• Ask questions or seek advice (“What’s your go-to tool for outlining articles?”).
• Share value: tips, resources, or insights that help your target clients.

Why does this matter?

Posting regularly keeps you top of mind. When someone needs a writer, you want your name to pop up first.

What you don't want to do: post all of your content for other writers and freelancers.

I see a lot of LinkedIn posts from freelancers focusing on process, client issues (just don't), and other topics your clients don't care about.

There's no issue with writing the occasional post for your fellow writers, but most of your posts should be speaking directly to your primary audience. Use freelancer forums, communities (check out the Boss Responses community, which launches next week!) and other social platforms for freelancer chats.

The Don’ts (Because We’ve All Seen the Cringe)

Don’t spam people with generic pitches or mass connection requests. It's hard to build a relationship with your clients when you start it generically.

Don’t make it all about you. Focus on what you can do for them. Be helpful. Your goal is to build trust so they want to work with you.

Don’t disappear after connecting. Relationships need nurturing. And ghosting is immature and unprofessional.

How to Know If You’re Talking to the Right People

Ask yourself:

• Are these connections in my target industry or niche?
• Do they have the authority to hire or refer freelance writers?
• Are my conversations leading to real opportunities, not just “likes” and “good luck!” comments?

If the answer is “no” to any of these, it’s time to adjust your strategy.

What If You’re Not Getting Results?

If you’re connecting and posting but not seeing leads, try this:

Start by reviewing your profile. Is it clear who you help and how? Is your portfolio easy to find?

Tweak your outreach. Are your messages too generic? Too salesy? Aimed at the wrong audience?

Post more value-driven content. Show, don’t just tell, what you can do. Share content that shows your expertise and understanding of the niche.

Follow up. Sometimes people are busy and one polite nudge can make all the difference.

LinkedIn Is a Conversation, Not a Billboard

Think of LinkedIn as a networking event, not a megaphone. The right people are out there, and they need writers like you. But you have to show up, engage, and talk to them like a human being, not a walking portfolio.

So, are you talking to the right people on LinkedIn? And are you talking to them the right way? If not, now’s the perfect time to start.

Go on. Your next client might be one genuine conversation away.

Pick three people in your target industry. Engage with their content, send a personalized connection request, and start a real conversation. Repeat. Watch what happens.