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Discover exactly how one freelance health and fitness writer landed 3 ideal clients in just 90 days – without constant pitching or burning out. Learn actionable strategies to build your own steady freelance client pipeline using LinkedIn and simple systems.
Rachel Meltzer
Looking for real ways to get freelance clients – without burning out or spending all day cold pitching? You’re not alone. In this guide, I’m sharing how LinkedIn prospecting works for freelancers and exactly how you can use it to build a steady client pipeline.
Whether you’re brand new to freelancing or trying to fill some gaps in your roster, these tips can help. Over 250 freelancers have used my Get Clients on LinkedIn method to land clients consistently!
LinkedIn Works for Freelancers (Even if You Hate Networking)
Most freelancers think getting clients means cold pitching all day or waiting for referrals. But LinkedIn offers a middle ground, relationship-first prospecting that doesn’t feel spammy.
Here’s why it works:
- You’re visible to decision-makers. Unlike email, LinkedIn shows you mutual connections, posts, and shared interests.
- It’s easier to track follow-ups. Instead of digging through emails or using a plug-in, you can see exactly who opened your message.
- You can build trust before you pitch. By connecting and chatting first, pitching feels natural. Plus, they can see your profile before you even connect and, if your profile is optimized, you can make a good, low-effort first impression.
Linkedin is the best client acquisition method (the stats):
It’s not just the good first impression and warm pitching that makes LinkedIn great. It’s also the stats:
- 30% of connection requests get accepted on average (even for 3rd+ degree (a.k.a. people you don’t personally know or have mutual connections with)!)
- 25% of connection convert to clients within 2 years (with consistent follow ups)
- Email cold pitching only has an 8% open rate
- Content marketing only has a 2% (maximum) conversion rate
If your ideal clients are on LinkedIn (some industries/niches aren’t super active on LinkedIn), then you should be using it to get clients!
The Get Clients on LinkedIn Framework (Free Resource!)
Before I share more, here are two ways to get this framework totally free:
My Get Clients on LinkedIn Framework
Over 250 freelancers have used my Get Clients on LinkedIn method to land clients consistently.
How It Works: My Simple LinkedIn Prospecting System
Here’s the basic structure:
1. Build Your Ideal Clients Tracker
- Use Notion, Google Sheets, or whatever works for you.
- Focus on clients who can afford your rates and need your exact services.
2. Set Up Messaging Templates That Sound Like You
- Swipe my templates from the free Guidebook →
- Keep it friendly, professional, and real.
- No bro marketing. No hype.
- Don’t get overly personalized. But still personalize each one.
3. Send Routine Connection Requests and Follow Ups
- Aim to spend ~1-2 hours a week on your Getting Clients Routine (it’s all outlined in those free resources ↑)
- Stay consistent even when you’re busy.
- Focus on starting conversations—not pitch slapping!
Real Talk: You Can DIY This – Or I Can Do It For You
Everything I shared here is what I use in my Done For You LinkedIn Prospecting Service.
For example, I helped Lauren Bedosky, a freelance health and fitness writer, land 3 dream clients in 90 days using this exact system.
- I sent out 564 Connection Requests (35% accepted!)
- Booked her 13 Discovery Calls
- She signed 3 New Clients from my efforts in just 3 months
⚡️ That’s 8x ROI on her investment! ($36k+ in new work over the next 6 months)
If you want me to set this up for you, let’s chat:
🗓️ Book a Free Discovery Call →
Or grab the free resources first:
FAQs About Getting Freelance Clients on LinkedIn
How long does it take to get freelance clients using LinkedIn?
Most freelancers see traction in 4–6 weeks, but consistent results—like signing multiple new clients—usually take around 90 days. It depends on your niche, offer, and how active you are with follow-ups, though.
What’s the best type of client to target on LinkedIn?
Not every industry lives on LinkedIn – and that matters when you’re trying to get freelance clients.
Best-fit clients for LinkedIn prospecting include:
- Tech, SaaS, and finance companies
- Marketing, branding, and content strategy pros
- HR, recruiting, and career coaches
- Healthcare and healthtech brands
- Legal, compliance, and corporate professionals
- B2B sales, education, logistics, and real estate sectors
Not-so-great fits:
- Fashion, beauty, and entertainment
- Hospitality, food, and beverage
- DIY, home decor, and family lifestyle
- Fitness trainers, wedding planning, and astrology niches
If your ideal clients aren’t active on LinkedIn, this method won’t be as effective – but if you’re in B2B, health, tech, or professional services? You’re in the right place.
Clients who regularly hire freelancers and have a clear budget for your services are on LinkedIn: think agencies, mid-sized businesses, startups, outdoor industry folks, healthcare orgs, beauty companies, and tech companies.
Do I need a fancy LinkedIn profile?
Nope. You need an optimized profile. A clear headline, a short about section, and a couple of posts pinned can help—but it’s the messaging and follow-ups that do most of the work.
Optimize your profile with this free workshop:
Ask me to critique your profile:
Can I really get clients without cold pitching?
Yes! LinkedIn prospecting is relationship-first: you connect, chat, and only pitch once there’s a relationship established. It’s not about spamming people.
Can you set this up for me?
Yep – check out my Done For You LinkedIn Prospecting Service if you’d rather skip the DIY route.
LinkedIn Can Fill Your Pipeline Without Burning You Out
Getting freelance clients doesn’t have to mean hustling 24/7 or email cold pitching into the void. Set up a system once, keep it running, and focus on your actual work.
If you want help building yours—let’s chat.