Most people don’t realize this, but LinkedIn isn’t just for job hunting—it’s one of the easiest ways to start making money online. With over 900 million users, there are tons of people actively looking for help with exactly what you do. The problem? Most professionals set up their profiles like a résumé instead of a tool for attracting business.
If you’re a freelancer, consultant, or entrepreneur, you don’t need a fancy website or a huge following to start landing clients. You just need to optimize your LinkedIn profile, make it easy for people to reach you, and actually talk to your network. Here’s how to do it in three simple steps.
Optimize Your Profile To Sell For You
When someone lands on your LinkedIn profile, do they immediately know what you do and how you can help them? Or is it just a list of past jobs? If you want clients, partnerships, or career growth, your profile needs to be more than a CV. It should actually work for you and bring in opportunities.
It starts with your headline. This is the first thing users see, so don’t just list your job title. Use it to sell your value. Think of it as your one-line pitch. Keep it simple, clear, and full of keywords that make it easy for the right audience to find you.
A results-driven tagline like “I help small agencies get more clients” or “I help people improve their finances” makes it obvious what you do. You want people to land on your profile and get it instantly.
Once they click, your About section needs to keep them interested. This is where you turn profile views into real opportunities. Rather than listing out your experience, tell your story in a way that connects with your audience.
Start with an engaging hook that makes them want to keep reading. Then, break down exactly how you help people and why you’re great at it. Back it up with numbers, case studies, or testimonials. Have you helped a business increase revenue by 30%? Mentored over 100 professionals? Say it. When done right, your profile won’t just look good. It’ll bring in leads and position you as an authority in your field.
Use The Featured Section As Your “Link in Bio”
Want to make it easier for people to work with you? The Featured section on LinkedIn is your built-in “link in bio.” It’s prime real estate, yet most either ignore it or use it incorrectly.
If you have LinkedIn Premium, you can add a clickable link to your profile so connections can easily check out your website or book a call. But even without Premium, this section is one of the best ways to turn LinkedIn profile views into real business. Instead of hoping people scroll through your posts to find your offers, put them front and center where they’re impossible to miss.
Unlike regular posts that get buried in the feed, the Featured section keeps your best content pinned at the top. And the best part? LinkedIn doesn’t penalize you for adding external links, so you can drive traffic without worrying about reach.
Use this space to highlight case studies, testimonials, or even free resources like webinars or eBooks. Instead of just telling others what you do, let them see the results for themselves. This works better than traditional call-to-actions because it feels natural.
A direct sales pitch can be off-putting, but giving people a free resource, a success story, or an inside look at your work lets them engage at their own pace. It builds trust without forcing the conversation.
Don’t leave it to chance that potential clients will scroll through your posts, give them a clear path to learn more and take action. The easier you make it for others to see your value, the faster you’ll turn views into opportunities.
Monetize Through DMs
LinkedIn is built for connections, but most people treat their DMs like a cold email blast. That’s why they get ignored.
Resist the urge to jump straight into a pitch, start by actually engaging with your network. Drop thoughtful comments, engage with posts, and share insights. The more active you are, the more connections recognize your name, making it easier to start a conversation when you eventually reach out.
When you do slide into DMs, make it about them. Ask about their work, their goals, or something they’ve recently shared. Conversations that start naturally are more likely to lead somewhere valuable. If they mention a challenge you can help with, steer the discussion toward a solution.
Once they’re interested, guide them toward the next step without overcomplicating it. Whether it’s checking out a case study, booking a quick call, or reviewing your portfolio, make it easy for them to say yes. And don’t forget to follow up! People get busy, but a well-timed message can bring the conversation back on track. The more you engage, the more opportunities you create, and the easier it becomes to turn connections into paying clients.
LinkedIn has the audience, the tools, and the opportunities; you just have to use them right. Show up, engage, and make it easy for others to see your value. Do that consistently, and getting paid for your expertise becomes a whole lot easier. You’ve got this!