If you think LinkedIn is the only way to land freelance clients, think again. Kind of.
While LinkedIn can be a helpful platform for networking, it is not mandatory for building a successful freelance career, and many freelancers thrive without ever creating a profile.
However, plenty of freelancers (like me) credit Linkedin as a huge part of their success. So, there’s an argument for both sides!
The real question is whether you know how to leverage other strategies for connecting with clients. Let’s dig deeper.
Freelance with No LinkedIn Profile
Let’s start off with the good news — it is entirely possible to freelance with no LinkedIn profile.
The key to success sans LinkedIn is to focus on places where clients are already looking for freelancers, and on building a strong reputation through your work.
Instead of relying on LinkedIn to introduce you, you control where and how clients find you.
This could include:
- Cold emails
- Freelance platforms (e.g., Upwork and Fiverr)
- Networking events (in-person)
- Through people you know in real life
But to make the most of each, you need to know how to sell your services. We’ll explain this in more detail below.
LinkedIn Visibility
There’s never any guarantee you’ll get work on any platform — and you also won’t become a famous influencer. But you will be noticed.
Here’s a little look at my LinkedIn metrics (as a freelancer writer) over the last year. I have got 2 clients from LinkedIn in the last 6 months.
As they say, it’s not much, but it’s honest work!
How to Find Freelance Clients Without LinkedIn
LinkedIn is great, but by no means your only option.
I’m a freelance writer, and I use a mix of LinkedIn, Upwork, cold emails, and referrals. In fact, I didn’t even use LinkedIn at all for my first two years as a freelancer.
But the clients didn’t appear out of thin air.
Here are a few practical ways to start finding freelance work without LinkedIn:
- Freelance marketplaces and job boards – Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal, and specialized niche boards can connect you directly with clients. The advantage is that clients are actively searching for someone with your skills, so you don’t need LinkedIn to get noticed — and you don’t even need to sell, instead you answer their job posts.
- Personal website and portfolio – A clear, professional website showcasing your services, portfolio, and testimonials is often more persuasive than a LinkedIn profile. People searching online for freelancers often go straight to websites when evaluating expertise. But you need to set up your website with good SEO to get noticed.
- Referrals and word of mouth – One of the most reliable ways to get work is through recommendations. Tell your network, past colleagues, and satisfied clients that you are available. Strong work will naturally generate new leads, and for me, the best work always comes this way.
- Social media and content creation – Depending on your niche, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok can be excellent places to demonstrate expertise. Sharing helpful content and engaging with potential clients can lead to inquiries without ever touching LinkedIn, especially if you post short-form videos.
- Cold outreach – Emailing businesses or individuals with a tailored offer is still effective. But if I’m honest, this isn’t as popular as it was even ten years ago. If you use this method, focus on how you can solve a problem or add value rather than on LinkedIn connections. Do not spam anyone! When I get spammy cold pitches, I ignore them and make a point not to work with someone who hasn’t bothered to personalise the email.
Pros and Cons of LinkedIn for Freelancers
While you can succeed without LinkedIn, it is worth understanding the platform’s strengths and limitations. This way, you can really know whether or not it should be in your marketing mix.
Pros:
- Easy networking with professionals and companies
- Opportunity to showcase endorsements and recommendations
- The chance to show clients when you have availability
- Industry insights and news
- Access to job postings and freelance opportunities
Cons:
- High competition and content saturation
- Requires ongoing updates and engagement to stay visible
- Can give a false sense of progress if networking is not strategic
In short, LinkedIn is a handy tool, but by no means a must for freelancers. And really, LinkedIn can be very time consuming.
Thousands of freelancers who focus on strong portfolios, active outreach, and client relationships build thriving careers without ever logging in.
Final Thoughts
If you prefer to find freelance clients without LinkedIn, there are clear alternatives you need to follow.
The most important factors are visibility, credibility, and proactive client acquisition. Proactive is a key word here! You need to be motivated and consistent, and that’s what really matters.