How to Add Freelance Work to LinkedIn in 2025

Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer, just starting out, or transitioning between careers, adding your freelance work to LinkedIn is a critical step in establishing your professional presence online. But let’s be honest – it can be confusing to figure out the “right way” to display your freelance work on a platform that was traditionally designed for traditional employment.

Are you struggling with questions like: Should I list each client separately? Should I create my own company? What information is appropriate to share? How do I make my freelance experience stand out to potential clients or employers?

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to add freelance work to LinkedIn in a way that showcases your expertise, builds credibility, and helps you land more clients or transition to full-time work – whichever path you’re pursuing.

Why LinkedIn Matters for Freelancers in 2025

Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about why LinkedIn deserves your attention as a freelancer. With over 950 million members worldwide in 2025, LinkedIn has evolved from a simple resume database into the world’s largest professional networking platform. For freelancers specifically, LinkedIn offers:

• Direct access to decision-makers at companies who might need your services
• A platform to showcase your portfolio and demonstrate your expertise
• Opportunities to receive client testimonials and recommendations
• A way to build your personal brand and position yourself as an authority
• A valuable networking tool to connect with other freelancers and potential collaborators

In fact, according to LinkedIn’s own data, over 40% of freelancers now find new clients through the platform – making it one of the most effective channels for freelance lead generation (second only to specialized services like SolidGigs, which curates the best freelance opportunities for you daily).

How to Add Freelance Work to LinkedIn: Step-by-Step Guide

Method 1: Creating a Single Freelance Business Entry

This approach works best if you’ve worked with many different clients on shorter projects, or if you want to present yourself as an established freelance business rather than highlighting individual clients.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Access Your Profile

Click on the “Me” icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage and select “View Profile” from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Add a New Experience Entry

Scroll down to the Experience section of your profile and click the “+” icon to add a new position.

Step 3: Enter Your Business Information

In the “Title” field, enter your professional title (e.g., “Freelance Graphic Designer” or “Content Marketing Consultant”). Be specific about your specialty rather than using generic terms.

In the “Company” field, enter your business name if you have one, or simply your name followed by your profession (e.g., “Jane Smith Design” or “John Doe Writing Services”).

Step 4: Select “Freelance” as Employment Type

This is crucial! LinkedIn now offers “Freelance” as an employment type option in the dropdown menu. Selecting this clearly indicates to viewers that this is contract work rather than traditional employment.

Step 5: Add Comprehensive Details in the Description

This is where you can really showcase your freelance work. Your description should include:

Overview of services: Start with a brief overview of the services you provide as a freelancer.

Highlight major clients: Without breaching confidentiality, mention noteworthy clients you’ve worked with (especially recognizable names).

Showcase key projects: Detail 3-5 significant projects, explaining your role, responsibilities, and measurable results.

Quantify achievements: Whenever possible, include numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., “Increased conversion rates by 45%” or “Completed 35 projects with 100% client satisfaction”).

Method 2: Listing Individual Client Projects

This approach works well if you’ve had longer engagements with a few significant clients, or if you want to highlight specific brands you’ve worked with.

Step 1: Follow Steps 1-2 from Method 1

Step 2: Enter Client-Specific Information

In the “Title” field, include both your role and your freelance status (e.g., “Freelance Social Media Manager” or “Contract Web Developer”).

In the “Company” field, enter the client’s company name.

Step 3: Select “Freelance” as Employment Type

Again, make sure to select “Freelance” from the employment type dropdown to clearly indicate the nature of your work.

Step 4: Add Detailed Project Information

In the description field, be specific about:

Your responsibilities: What exactly did you do for this client?

Project scope: What were the parameters of the project?

Technologies or methodologies used: What tools, platforms, or approaches did you employ?

Results and outcomes: What measurable impact did your work have?

Duration: How long did you work with this client? (This is particularly important for longer engagements.)

Optimizing Your Freelance LinkedIn Profile in 2025

Adding your freelance work is just the beginning. To truly stand out on LinkedIn and attract clients or employers, you need to optimize your entire profile. Here are some key strategies:

Craft a Compelling Headline

Your headline is the first thing people see, both in search results and when they visit your profile. Make it count by:

Being specific about your expertise: Instead of just “Freelance Designer,” try “Freelance UI/UX Designer Specializing in SaaS Platforms.”

Including keywords: Research and include terms that potential clients might search for.

Adding a value proposition: What specific benefit do you provide? For example: “Freelance Copywriter | Helping B2B Tech Companies Increase Conversion Rates Through Strategic Content.”

Write a Detailed “About” Section

Your About section (formerly called Summary) gives you up to 2,600 characters to tell your professional story. As a freelancer, use this space to:

Explain your freelance journey: How did you get started? What draws you to this work?

Highlight your expertise: What specific skills and knowledge do you bring to client projects?

Describe your working style: What can clients expect when working with you?

Include a clear call-to-action: How should interested parties contact you?

Pro tip: Write in the first person to create a more personal connection with readers.

Showcase Your Work in the Featured Section

LinkedIn’s Featured section allows you to highlight specific content at the top of your profile. Use this prime real estate to:

Display portfolio pieces: Upload PDFs of your work, link to websites you’ve designed, or share case studies.

Embed videos: Consider creating a short introduction video or showcasing video testimonials from clients.

Link to relevant articles: If you’ve been published or quoted in industry publications, feature these articles.

Request and Showcase Recommendations

Client recommendations provide powerful social proof. Don’t be shy about:

Requesting recommendations: Reach out to past clients with whom you’ve had positive experiences.

Providing guidance: When requesting recommendations, suggest specific aspects of your work together they might mention.

Reciprocating: Offer to provide recommendations in return (if appropriate).

List Relevant Skills

LinkedIn allows you to add up to 50 skills to your profile. As a freelancer, prioritize:

Technical skills: Specific tools, software, platforms, and technologies you’re proficient in.

Soft skills: Don’t forget abilities like project management, client communication, and problem-solving.

Industry-specific skills: Include specialized knowledge relevant to your niche.

Once you’ve added skills, ask connections to endorse you for them to increase your credibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Freelance Work to LinkedIn

Even experienced professionals make mistakes when presenting their freelance work on LinkedIn. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

Misrepresenting Client Relationships

Never imply that you were an employee if you were actually a contractor. This can create problems during background checks if you’re applying for full-time positions later.

Sharing Confidential Information

Be mindful of NDAs and client confidentiality. When in doubt, get permission before sharing details about client projects.

Creating a Cluttered Experience Section

If you’ve had dozens of small clients, listing each one separately will make your profile look fragmented and hard to follow. Consider the consolidated approach (Method 1) instead.

Neglecting to Update Regularly

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool. Schedule regular updates to add new clients, projects, and skills.

Using Vague Descriptions

Generic statements like “helped improve website” don’t showcase your value. Be specific about your contributions and their impact.

Using LinkedIn to Find More Freelance Work

Once you’ve optimized your profile to showcase your freelance experience, take advantage of LinkedIn’s features to find new clients:

Activate the “Open to Work” Feature

LinkedIn allows you to indicate that you’re open to new opportunities. You can make this visible only to recruiters or to all LinkedIn members.

To activate this feature:

1. Click the “Me” icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage

2. Select “View Profile”

3. Click the “Open to” button below your name and headline

4. Select “Finding a new job”

5. Fill in the types of jobs you’re open to, including “Contract” or “Freelance”

Engage With Your Network Strategically

Don’t just connect and forget. Engage meaningfully by:

Commenting thoughtfully: Add value to discussions in your industry.

Sharing relevant content: Position yourself as a thought leader by sharing insights and resources.

Congratulating connections: Acknowledge others’ achievements to maintain relationships.

Publish Original Content

LinkedIn’s publishing platform allows you to showcase your expertise through articles. Consider creating:

Case studies: Detail specific client challenges you’ve solved (with permission).

How-to guides: Share your knowledge on topics relevant to your industry.

Trend analyses: Discuss emerging developments in your field.

Use LinkedIn Search Proactively

Don’t just wait for clients to find you. Use LinkedIn’s search function to identify potential clients who might need your services.

While LinkedIn is powerful, it’s just one channel for finding freelance work. For consistent, high-quality leads without the time-consuming search, consider using SolidGigs, which delivers the best freelance opportunities directly to your inbox, saving you hours of searching and letting you focus on your actual work.

Real-Life Examples: How Successful Freelancers Display Their Work on LinkedIn

Let’s look at some approaches that work well for different types of freelancers:

For a Freelance Writer with Multiple Clients

Title: “Freelance Content Strategist & Copywriter”

Company: “Word Craft Studios”

Description excerpt: “I help B2B SaaS companies clarify their messaging and convert more leads through strategic content. Working with clients ranging from early-stage startups to established enterprises, I develop comprehensive content strategies and create compelling copy that drives results.

Selected clients include:

• Acme Tech – Increased blog traffic by 78% through strategic SEO content

• Beta Solutions – Developed website copy that improved conversion rates by 25%

• Delta Software – Created case studies that generated $250K in new business”

For a Freelance Designer with Long-Term Engagements

Individual entries for each major client:

Title: “Freelance UX Designer”

Company: “Gamma Industries”

Duration: “January 2023 – December 2023 (12 months)”

Description excerpt: “Led the redesign of Gamma’s flagship mobile application, serving 2M+ users. Conducted comprehensive user research, created wireframes and prototypes, and collaborated with developers to implement a new interface that increased user retention by 32% and reduced support tickets by 45%.”

For a Freelance Developer Working Through an Agency

Title: “Freelance Full-Stack Developer”

Company: “Tech Solutions Agency (Contract)”

Description excerpt: “Working as a contractor through Tech Solutions, I develop custom web applications for various clients in the healthcare and finance sectors. Projects typically involve React frontend development, Node.js backend services, and integration with third-party APIs.”

FAQ: Common Questions About Listing Freelance Work on LinkedIn

Should I include very short-term or one-off freelance projects?

If you’ve completed numerous small projects, it’s usually better to consolidate them under a single freelance business entry rather than creating separate entries for each. However, if you’ve completed a particularly impressive project for a well-known client, it might be worth highlighting separately, even if it was brief.

How do I list freelance work if I’m also employed full-time?

You can maintain both your full-time employment and freelance work on your profile simultaneously. Just create separate experience entries for each, being mindful of any restrictions your employer might have regarding outside work.

Should I mention rates or pricing on my LinkedIn profile?

Generally, no. LinkedIn isn’t the place to discuss specific rates. Save those conversations for direct client communications after initial interest has been established.

How do I list agency work that I did as a freelancer?

If you worked through an agency but directly with their clients, you can either:

1. List the agency as your “employer” and mention client projects in the description, or

2. List your own freelance business and mention that you collaborated with specific agencies on projects

Choose the approach that most accurately reflects your working relationship and provides the most benefit to your professional narrative.

What if I freelanced under different titles or in different industries?

If your freelance work spans multiple disciplines, you have a few options:

1. Create separate entries for each major discipline (e.g., one for “Freelance Writer” and one for “Freelance Social Media Manager”)

2. Use a broader title that encompasses all your work (e.g., “Freelance Digital Marketing Consultant”) and detail the various services in your description

3. Choose to highlight the freelance work most relevant to your current goals

Leveraging Your Freelance Experience for Career Transitions

Your freelance experience can be invaluable when transitioning to a new career path or returning to traditional employment. Here’s how to leverage it effectively on LinkedIn:

When Seeking Full-Time Employment

If your goal is to use your freelance experience as a stepping stone to a traditional job:

Emphasize consistency: Show that you maintained regular client relationships, demonstrating reliability and professionalism.

Highlight relevant skills: Focus on the transferable skills you developed that are most relevant to your target role.

Quantify achievements: Use metrics to show the concrete impact of your freelance work, just as you would with traditional employment.

Showcase teamwork: If possible, emphasize collaborative aspects of your freelance projects to counter the perception that freelancers work in isolation.

When Changing Industries

If you’re using freelancing to pivot to a new industry:

Highlight industry-specific projects: Give prominence to any work related to your target industry, even if it was a smaller part of your overall freelance portfolio.

Demonstrate learning agility: Emphasize how quickly you’ve acquired new skills and adapted to new domains.

Join industry groups: Become active in LinkedIn groups related to your target industry to build connections and demonstrate your interest and knowledge.

Conclusion: Your LinkedIn Profile is a Living Document

Adding freelance work to LinkedIn effectively is about more than just filling out fields in a form. It’s about crafting a compelling professional narrative that showcases your unique value proposition to potential clients or employers.

Remember that your LinkedIn profile is a living document that should evolve as your freelance career develops. Set a calendar reminder to review and update your profile quarterly, adding new projects, skills, and accomplishments as you acquire them.

And while LinkedIn is an essential platform for freelancers, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Complement your LinkedIn presence with other lead generation strategies, such as a personal website, industry-specific platforms, and specialized services like SolidGigs, which can help you find quality freelance opportunities without the endless scrolling and searching.

By thoughtfully presenting your freelance work on LinkedIn and actively engaging with the platform, you’ll position yourself for success whether you’re looking to attract more clients, command higher rates, or transition to a new professional chapter.

What strategies have you found effective for showcasing your freelance work on LinkedIn? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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One more thing...

You didn't start freelancing to spend hours every week searching through job boards. You started freelancing to do more work you enjoy! Here at SolidGigs, we want to help you spend less time hunting and more time doing work you love.

Our team of "Gig Hunters"—together with the power of A.I.—sends you high-quality leads every weekday on autopilot. You can learn more or sign up here. Happy Freelancing!

Preston Lee

Preston has worked for over 15 years as a freelancer. He works as a writer, a designer, and a developer and has been featured by Adobe, Forbes, Inc, Entrepreneur, and many more.