Let’s skip the “optimize your profile” advice and get straight to the good stuff. If you’ve ever wondered why some writers seem to attract dream clients on LinkedIn while others get lost in the noise, it’s not just about who they talk to, it’s about the habits they build behind the scenes.

Today, I’m letting you in on a few less-talked-about moves that can transform your LinkedIn experience (and your client list).

The Power of Silent Research: Before you even think about messaging anyone, spend a week as a LinkedIn “fly on the wall.” Watch how your ideal clients interact. What do they post? Who do they engage with? Notice patterns. When you finally reach out, you’ll have context. You’ll know what matters to them so your conversations are rooted in real understanding instead of guesswork.

Curate Your Feed: If your feed is cluttered with random updates, you’re missing out. Unfollow or mute connections that don’t align with your goals. Instead, follow hashtags and thought leaders in your target niche. This way, your daily scroll becomes a research tool, not a distraction.

Build a Micro-Community: Instead of chasing hundreds of connections, focus on a small group (maybe 10 to 20 people) who are active, influential, and relevant to your writing goals. Engage with them regularly. Celebrate their wins, ask thoughtful questions, and share resources they’d appreciate.

Set Up a “Coffee Chat” Calendar: Instead of pitching your services, invite a few connections to a virtual coffee chat with no strings attached. Keep it casual: “I love meeting other folks in [industry]. Want to swap notes over coffee next week?” These chats often lead to referrals or collaborations down the line.

Track Your LinkedIn Wins (and Misses): Keep a simple spreadsheet or journal. Note who you connected with, what you talked about, and what happened next. Over time, you’ll see what approaches actually lead to work, and which ones fizzle out.

Must Read

Are You Talking to the Right People on LinkedIn?

If your LinkedIn feed feels like an echo chamber, you might be talking to the wrong people. This article helps you rethink how you use LinkedIn so you’re not just networking with peers, but actually connecting with potential clients. It shares tips on finding and engaging with editors, content managers, and decision-makers, plus how to post and comment in ways that build real relationships (without being spammy).

A Practical Guide for Using AI to Make Your LinkedIn Shine

Is your LinkedIn profile just sitting there, not attracting any clients? If your profile feels more like a digital ghost town than a client magnet, it might be time for a refresh. This article offers practical tips to help you enhance your profiles using AI tools. Learn how to craft compelling summaries, highlight your best work, and engage effectively with potential clients. 

5 Ways Freelancers Can Optimize their LinkedIn Potential

Feel like you’re not making the most of LinkedIn? This practical article from Amy Copadis lays out five simple, but powerful ways freelancers can boost their LinkedIn presence. From how to make genuine connections (not spammy ones), to choosing the right profile photo, this is a smart reminder that the basics still matter. If you’ve been treating LinkedIn like a set-it-and-forget-it profile, this piece will help you rethink your approach.

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What's Next?

Pick one of the habits we shared and try it this week. You don’t need to overhaul your LinkedIn strategy overnight. Small shifts, done consistently, can open doors you didn’t know existed.

And if you have a story about a LinkedIn habit that paid off (or totally flopped), hit reply. We’d love to hear it. Maybe we’ll feature it in a future issue!

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