How to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Your B*tch: A Freelancer’s Guide to Standing Out

Let’s be real: if your LinkedIn profile is looking like a dusty résumé from 2009, you’re leaving money on the table.

As a freelancer, your profile isn’t just a digital business card—it’s your stage, your spotlight, and your chance to get found by the dream clients who are already searching for someone like you.

So, if you’re tired of blending into the beige scroll of “Freelancer at Freelancing, Inc.” profiles, it’s time to make LinkedIn your b*tch.

Here’s how:

1. Profile Pic

Start with your face. Because, of course. Your face is your brand. A strong, confident headshot tells people you’re approachable and professional—not someone hiding behind a logo, cartoon, or blurry bathroom selfie. Think of it this way: would you hire someone whose face you can’t even see? Probably not.

Invest in a professional headshot, if you can. If not, natural light + a neutral background + a genuine smile will take you far. And don’t forget: ensure your photo is set to public so potential clients can actually see it.

2. Cover Photo

Claim your billboard. Your cover photo is prime real estate, yet too many freelancers leave it blank (or worse, default generic LinkedIn blue). That banner behind your head is basically your billboard. Use it! Feature a tagline, your services, or even a bold graphic that screams your vibe. For example: “Brand Design That Doesn’t Suck” or “Copy That Converts.” It’s your chance to make someone stop scrolling and say, “Tell me more.”

Ensure you check how it appears on mobile as well. Don’t let your profile pic cover anything pertinent on your cover photo.

3. Contact Info

Don’t sleep on this section. Here’s the deal: if someone’s ready to hire you, don’t make them hunt for your contact info. Make sure your email is professional (ditch the AOL throwbacks) and add your website or portfolio.

The Contact section is small, but it’s the bridge between “cool profile” and “paying client.”

4. Customized URL

Clean up on aisle URL! Have you seen the default LinkedIn URL? It’s a hot mess … like a bad WiFi password. Customize it with your name or brand so it’s easy to share and looks polished on your résumé, email signature, or business card.

Even better? Make it match your handles on Instagram, Facebook, or other social media platforms so you’re consistent across the board. That’s how you look legit AF.

5. Headline

Your headline is your hook, and if you waste it on just your job title, you’re doing yourself no favors. Instead of “Graphic Designer,” try: “Graphic Designer Helping Startups Build Brands That Pop.” Or: “Copywriter for Bold Brands That Refuse to Blend In.”

Be strategic here. Use keywords so you show up in searches, but infuse personality so you stand out when people do find you. Think of it as your 120-character elevator pitch.

6. About

This isn’t your résumé. It’s your story. Your About section is where you tell it. It’s where you connect, build trust, and give clients a reason to care. Write it in first person so it feels like a conversation, not a brochure. Share what you do, who you do it for, and why you’re damn good at it.

Don’t shy away from injecting your voice and personality. Boring never booked a client. And yes, use all 2,600 characters if you need to. End with a clear call-to-action (like “Check out my portfolio at …” or “DM me if you’re ready to collaborate”).

7. Skills

Show off your skills … but don’t over do it. LinkedIn lets you list 50+ skills, yet that doesn’t mean you should.

Pick 3–5 core skills that reflect your money-making sweet spot. If you’re a copywriter who also once took a pottery class, resist the urge to add “Ceramics.” Keep it tight, focused, and aligned with what you want clients to hire you for.

8. Services

This section is a great place to make the sale. It’s fairly short, so every word has to earn its spot. Clearly state what you offer, who you serve, and why it matters. Example: “Social Media Management for Small Businesses Ready to Grow.”

Add your website for more info. This is your chance to say, “Here’s exactly what I do and why you should care.”

9. Featured

This section is pure gold—and it’s one that way too many freelancers miss. Think of it as your highlight reel: the best of the best that proves you’re the real deal. Drop in links to your portfolio, case studies, published articles, videos, or even client testimonials.

The key: make it visual and client-facing. When someone scrolls through your profile, this section should make them think, “Damn, this person knows their stuff.”

10. Experience

This is where you show credibility. Even if you’re self-employed, you can (and should) list your freelance business under Experience. Show that your freelance gig is a legit career, not just a side hustle.

Highlight major clients, projects, and wins. If you’ve worked with recognizable brands, drop those names. Add a few portfolio samples, testimonials, or case studies as media. Think of this as the section where you prove you’ve got receipts.

11. Don’t Forget the Extras

Education, volunteer work, projects, certifications, awards, recommendations—these extras tell a fuller story about who you are. Did you win an industry award? Flaunt it. Do pro bono work for nonprofits? Add it. Ask happy clients for recommendations and get them up on your profile. These aren’t just filler. They’re trust-builders. And trust = more freelance gigs.

Your Move, Rockstar

At the end of the day, your LinkedIn profile can either collect dust … or collect leads. It’s your choice.

When you show up with clarity, confidence, and personality, clients notice. Opportunities find you. And your profile goes from “meh” to money-making.

Now go, and make your LinkedIn profile your b*tch!

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Ready to take it further? These are just the basics. For the sneaky rockstar moves and hidden gems that really crank your profile up to 11, grab my free Rock Your LinkedIn Profile Checklist 👉 Download it here.

Because you’re too damn talented to be ignored.