6 Big Mistakes Freelancers Make on LinkedIn (and How to Fix Them)
This article on LinkedIn tips for freelancers is written by Vanessa Chiasson, a freelance writer based in Ottawa who specializes in travel and human interest stories.
Work looks a little different when you’re a media freelancer. Sometimes it looks a lot different!
How we use LinkedIn is different too. This is no static platform for us. We can’t simply list our work experience.
It’s not enough to make a few half-hearted connections after a conference. Our work is dynamic, ever-evolving, and multidimensional. Our LinkedIn presence ought to be the same.
I’ve been using LinkedIn for over a decade and coaching others on how to make it work for them.
Here are 6 of the most common LinkedIn mistakes I see freelancers make
1. You’re focusing on what you’ve accomplished instead of who you serve
Yes, when you get that Canadian Geographic credit, you better shout it from the rooftop! However, far too many media workers use LinkedIn as a platform just to brag about bylines. Don’t just tell us who you’ve worked for. Tell us how you served them.
My LinkedIn bio begins by stating that I work with value seekers and, in a tumultuous media landscape, I offer editors reassurance and results.
What about you? Do editors love you because you turn in impeccably clean copy? Are publishers impressed by your hard-hitting interviews? Are collaborators awed by your commitment to creativity? This matters more than a big name byline.
2. You’re only connecting with editors–and anyone else you think might give you an assignment
LinkedIn is all about building relationships, not begging for jobs. Start by following your sources, organizations you think are cool, people you volunteer with, friends from old jobs, and anyone else you can think of. Engage in real conversation when they post. Envision a complex web or snowflake-shaped world of semi-connected people, not a few sparse vectors to fancy-pants publishers.
3. You’re not updating your projects
You’ve probably heard that you can add your publications to LinkedIn but what about projects? This often-ignored section is where freelancers shine.
What, exactly, counts as a project? Anything you like! Just think of all the interesting things we’ve done.
My projects include training to walk several sections of PEI’s famed Island Walk, a marketing workshop I co-hosted with a friend, an e-book I wrote about GDPR compliance, and much more. This is the perfect place to record all the cool stuff you do that doesn’t fit into a tidy category. You better believe that people browsing through your profile will be impressed.
If you click on your LinkedIn profile, you’ll see a button under your name that says “Add Profile Section.” This opens a box which allows you to add “Core,” “Recommended,” and “Additional” information to your LinkedIn profile. You’ll find projects under the “Recommended” tab.
4. You’re not telling people how they can work with you
A colleague of mine, a woman who worked in marketing before transitioning to travel writing, has just won an award for her well-established travel site. As the congratulatory comments poured in on LinkedIn, I couldn’t help but notice one that said, “I didn’t know you did travel writing!” Not all her connections were up to date on her career.
That’s why it’s prudent to write a helpful update once a quarter or so which explains what you’re doing, who you’re doing it for, and where you hope to grow in the coming months. Like any other social media network, LinkedIn doesn’t show all your content to all your followers. You need to be proactive.
Are you no longer doing wedding photography but putting a lot of effort into developing your family reunion portfolio? Let people know.
5. You’re not curating and chopping
If your career as a freelance illustrator indeed got a boost from working part-time in an art supply store, please include it with your LinkedIn experience. However, not every gig with a tangential connection to your work life needs to be a part of your profile. In fact, keeping irrelevant material can be a real annoyance and distract from what you really want to focus on.
I once thought it would be smart to keep my old experience as a medical centre admin on my LinkedIn profile. After all, many of those same organizational and administrative skills have proven very helpful as a freelancer. However, I began receiving annoying messages from dental clinic service providers. I quickly learned my lesson. Less really is more!
Alas, some messages kept trickling in and I finally realized that while I had deleted that particular job experience, I hadn’t culled “health care” from the skills section. Oops! Now that section is cleaned up and I’ve reordered the list so that my most relevant skills are now at the top.
6. Fear not the headshot!
Media freelancers are usually more comfortable behind the camera, not in front of it. However, when it comes to your LinkedIn profile photos, you need to step out of your comfort zone and invest in professional-quality headshots.
We are visual creatures. We want to see the friendly face behind the project.
Ask a local colleague for photographer recommendations. Book a haircut, recruit your bossiest friend for fashion advice, and make those photos happen!
What’s missing from this list? What’s your best advice for optimizing your LinkedIn profile? Let us know in the comments!
Other social media posts from Story Board
- 3 Social Media Posting Formulas for Service-Based Freelancers
- Build your freelance business with these five easy social media tweaks
- Freelancers use social media to learn business of freelancing, build community
Webinar: Robyn Roste and Marketing For Freelance Writers
In addition to curating the CFG’s Job Bank, and serving as only the second Editor of The Storyboard, our long running freelance-focused publication that turns 15 this year, Robyn runs a busy freelance writer and coaching business, and is the author of Marketing for Freelance Writers. There’s more, but you get the idea.
Come along, bring a friend, and we guarantee you’ll learn something useful about freelancing, marketing, and book publishing.
All About Canadian Books host Crystal Fletcher is back again with another of our CFG author interviews. She’ll talk to Robyn about her new book, the choices made getting it to market, and an unexpected new challenge she’s agreed to share with our viewers.
Our Presenters
- Crystal Fletcher, president of All About Canadian Books (AACB)
- Robyn Roste, author of Marketing for Freelance Writers
CFG Books and AACB Present: Author Robyn Roste and Marketing for Freeelance Writers
- Online: Thursday, June 19, 2025
- 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time
- Free for CFG members; $5 for members of the general public
You can register for this webinar right here.
Learn more about the cost and benefits of membership in the CFG on this webpage.
The link to the Zoom webinar will be sent to you via email about half an hour before the start time.
Please check your spam or junk folders if you can’t find the email, and contact organizer@canadianfreelanceguild.ca if you haven’t received the link 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. This webinar will be recorded and posted to the CFG Video-On-Demand site. Once posted, all paid registrants will receive a link and instructions on how to view.
Off the Wire: May 2025
We’re revitalizing our series, Off the Wire. Here, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, communications, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus. Who needs a water cooler?
With freelance participation on the rise and regulations tightening, it’s more important than ever to stay informed. Here are the latest stories shaping the future of freelancing and media in Canada.
Freelancing stories from around the web
-
- Ne Study on Self-Employed Works Reveals Several New Trends [Cison]
- C2025 Statistics and Tax Tips for Canadian Gig Workers [Online Business Canada]
- Freelance Platforms Market Size to Surpass USD 21.6 Billion by 2032, Owing to the Growing Shift Toward Flexible Work Models [SNS Insider via GlobeNewswire]
- Rogers Sports & Media Layoffs: Understanding Your Employment Rights [Monkhouse Law]
Remember to check out the Canadian Freelance Guild Job Bank, which lists various opportunities including calls for pitches and freelance opportunities.
Recently published on Story Board
- Webinar on May 29: Is Your LinkedIn Profile Working?
- AI and the freelance writer in 2025: In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a looming force on the horizon. It’s here, embedded in the everyday work of many freelance writers
- How to avoid bad clients: 8 tips for self-employed workers: Every freelancer has clients who don’t pay on time or don’t pay at all. They cook up stories about invoices blowing off their desks or getting lost. They ghost you when you insist on being paid. Here are 8 ways to avoid bad clients
Spot a story you think we should include in next week’s Off the Wire? Email the link to robyn@robynroste.com.
Webinar: Is Your LinkedIn Profile Working?
As the social media landscape continues to evolve, the CFG and many of our members are shifting focus away from more contentious sites like Meta/Facebook and Twitter/X, while increasing their activity on LinkedIn, the business-friendly platform now owned and operated by Microsoft.
While LinkedIn shares many of the features of other social platforms, it has some characteristics of its own. Knowing about those differences and similarities can help make your LinkedIn profile stand out from the crowd.
Our Presenters
- Sandy Yong, Personal Finance Writer
- Vanessa Chiasson, Travel Writer
- donalee Moulton, Business Writer/Author
Our panelists are avid LinkedIn users, and they’re ready to share their DOs and DONTs with you.
CFG Experts Panel – 10 Ways to Protect Yourself from Generative AI
- Online: Thursday, May 29, 2025
- 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time
- $10 for CFG members and partner organizations; $15 for affiliate organizations; $25 for members of the general public
You can register for this webinar right here.
Learn more about the cost and benefits of membership in the CFG on this webpage.
The link to the Zoom webinar will be sent to you via email about half an hour before the start time.
Please check your spam or junk folders if you can’t find the email, and contact organizer@canadianfreelanceguild.ca if you haven’t received the link 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. This webinar will be recorded and posted to the CFG Video-On-Demand site. Once posted, all paid registrants will receive a link and instructions on how to view.
AI and the freelance writer in 2025
In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a looming force on the horizon. It’s here, embedded in the everyday work of many freelance writers.
From content ideation to editing and even pitching, AI is changing how creative professionals work. For freelance writers across Canada, the challenge for most isn’t avoiding AI but learning how to co-exist while navigating the nuanced moral and ethical implications.
Opportunities, risks, and strategies freelance writers can use to navigate the AI landscape
AI-powered writing tools like ChatGPT, Jasper and Copy.ai are becoming standard features in many freelancer’s digital toolboxes. According to a 2024 freelancing in Canada report, more than 60 per cent of freelance writers now incorporate some form of AI into their work. These tools can quickly generate outlines, summarize complex texts or repurpose content in different tones and formats.
Although many people view AI as a possible threat to their career, AI is opening new doors for writers willing to evolve. Here’s how:
- Increased efficiency. AI can help generate first drafts or research summaries, leaving writers more time to focus on creative structure, storytelling and polishing
- Expanded offers. Writers can pivot into roles that complement AI such as content strategists, brand voice consultants or editors
- Competitive edge. Freelancers who integrate AI effectively can offer faster turnaround times, better keyword optimization and broader content services
In many ways, AI can be a multiplier. It has the potential to boost productivity and open new streams of revenue, especially for freelancers who understand the tools and context in which they’re used.
Of course, the growing role of AI in content creation can also bring challenges. Here are a few:
- Commoditization. Some clients may undervalue original writing, expecting faster results at lower rates. Writers must push back by showcasing their unique skills including tone, judgment, voice and experience
- Ethics. How can we justify all of the original work these models were trained on without credit or payment to the authors? Where do we draw the line between using AI for support and passing off its output as original work? Transparency with clients and audiences is key
- Job displacement. There’s a real risk of losing lower-tier writing jobs (product descriptions, SEO blog posts, FAQ content) to automated systems. Writers must differentiate themselves and increase their skill sets
Understanding where AI excels and human input is irreplaceable is essential for carving out a long-term career as a freelance writer
How can Canadian writers future-proof their freelance careers? Here are some strategies:
Develop your unique voice
AI lacks personal experience, cultural sensitivity and emotional depth. Sharing your perspective and creative intuition is key. Make sure your writing reflects this special sauce.
Upskill and adapt
Understanding how to collaborate with AI can set you apart from others in your niche. Find ways to stay current on AI tools.
Diversify income streams
Combine writing with teaching, consulting or creating offers and resources that reflect your unique expertise.
Emphasize transparency and trust
Make it clear when and how you use AI in your writing. You’ll develop trust while at the same time positioning yourself as a thoughtful guide.
The freelance writing world is always changing, and in 2025 AI is one of the biggest drivers. Viewing AI as the beginning of a new chapter may be easier than bemoaning the end of creative writing altogether. For writers who lean into their uniqueness, sharpen their skills and lead with ethics, AI may turn out to be a partner rather than a competitor.
Other AI-related articles on Story Board
- What does AI development mean for journalists?
- The future of AI
- AI innovation and education: how to navigate learning and teaching
How to avoid bad clients: 8 tips for self-employed workers
This article with tips to avoid bad clients is by Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau, authors of GOING SOLO: Everything You Need to Start Your Business and Succeed as Your Own Boss.
Every freelancer has clients who don’t pay on time or don’t pay at all. They cook up stories about invoices blowing off their desks or getting lost. They ghost you when you insist on being paid.
The best way to deal with these clients is to avoid them in the first place. Bad clients may be a fact of life for self-employed workers but spotting them quickly will save you a lot of headaches.
Here are eight ways to avoid bad clients
Prevention is the best medicine
You can usually detect an unreliable client early on. Start by asking basic questions about the job. Does the client really know what they want? Are their expectations realistic? Is the deadline do-able? Do they agree to pay you on delivery, or agree to a payment schedule? If the client gives vague answers, or is evasive, that’s a red flag. If they say, “let’s see how things go,” before they agree to a fee or conditions, you should reconsider working for them. They are not going to be reliable or keep their word.
Beware of fancy talk
When potential clients use grandiose and unnecessary terminology, or speak in monologues that sounds rehearsed, beware. Fancy speeches are designed to intimidate you and/or hide the fact that a client doesn’t know what they want. If you keep negotiating, be firm, use short, clear sentences, and expect your client to do the same. Don’t leave things up in the air. Clients must commit to specific assignments.
Don’t believe anyone who flatters you
This is especially key for self-employed workers in creative fields. When a client says you are a “natural,” they are probably trying to get you to lower your price. If they say that your work must be “effortless” or that “you must really enjoy what you do,” they are trying to get you to work for less, or for free. Stay away from them. Working creatively is neither effortless nor natural. It’s work.
Take the time you need
A client might have a good reason for wanting to get things done quickly, but that’s not your problem. Always take your time when you are negotiating, especially if your client is in a rush. Rushing you to start work before the terms of a contract have been agreed on puts you in a weak position. Clients who do this may spring new conditions on you when work is underway. Beware of anyone who says, “it shouldn’t take you long.” It almost always does.
Get it in writing
It’s the Golden Rule for self-employed workers: always try to have a signed contract before you start working on a project. But emails with information about fees and conditions also prove the existence of an agreement. It’s tempting to trust people but if they are trustworthy, they will understand that you need your fee and conditions in writing before you start working.
Keep it professional
Working for friends can be a trap. Sometimes your friend is not the person who makes decisions. That can lead to nasty surprises along the road. Or, if things get complicated, your friend might use their relationship with you to get concessions. If you work for a friend, keep it professional and remember the Golden Rule: get it in writing. Explain that their friendship is valuable, but the deal could fall through if they change jobs. If they are actually a friend, they will understand.
Never turn the other cheek
When you are self-employed, your client is not your boss. They are your customer. And no, the customer is not always right. You don’t gain anything by letting a client take advantage of you. Your job is to deliver a good or a service, and theirs is to support you while in your work, and to pay you. There is no justification for late payments, so never start a second contract with a client—especially a new one—until you have been paid for the first job.
Act on it
When clients who don’t pay, the first instinct of self-employed workers is to take legal action or threaten to. In most cases, legal action costs more than it’s worth, not to mention the stress and time it requires. But that doesn’t mean you should do nothing. Start by sending your client a simple written reminder. This often does the trick, but if not, follow up by sending a formal notice by registered mail, instructing them to pay you what they owe. Just lay out the facts: you delivered the product or service, you haven’t been paid, your customer owes you X amount, and the deadline is Y. If nothing else, you send the message that you really mean business and are getting prepared to take the next steps, if necessary.
Avoiding bad clients starts with listening to your gut. When problems happen, you almost always think back to a red flag you ignored. Thinking preventively might require a little extra work, but any successful self-employed worker will agree: it always pays off to save your energy for the best clients.
Also on Story Board from Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau
- Eight ways to keep things simple for freelance writers
- 16 ways to say no as a freelance writer (and why you would need to)
- 8 strategic tips for taking time off as a solopreneur
Webinar: 10 Ways to Protect Yourself from Generative AI
Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) continues to spread into our daily lives. Some love it, some hate it, and some feel both emotions depending on the time of day.
Back in the fall of 2022 shortly after the release of ChatGPT, the fear running rampant through the creative class was that AI was going to take our work and our clients. We’ve since learned it’s not as simple as that.
But someone who’s taken the time to harness the power of Gen AI could make our fear of replacement come true.
That’s not the only concern we’ve had as Gen AI changes and spreads further into our work and play.
Our Presenters
- Dr. Nadine Robinson
- George Butters
Dr. Nadine Robinson and George Butters are back with another session to help you defend yourself and your freelance business against the threats Gen AI continues to pose. Their goal is to set you up for safe, ethical, and practical use of these increasingly common tools.
CFG Experts Panel – 10 Ways to Protect Yourself from Generative AI
- Online: Thursday, May 15, 2025
- 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time
- $10 for CFG members and partner organizations; $15 for affiliate organizations; $25 for members of the general public
You can register for this webinar right here.
Learn more about the cost and benefits of membership in the CFG on this webpage.
The link to the Zoom webinar will be sent to you via email about half an hour before the start time.
Please check your spam or junk folders if you can’t find the email, and contact organizer@canadianfreelanceguild.ca if you haven’t received the link 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. This webinar will be recorded and posted to the CFG Video-On-Demand site. Once posted, all paid registrants will receive a link and instructions on how to view.
Off the Wire: April 2025
We’re revitalizing our series, Off the Wire. Here, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, communications, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus. Who needs a water cooler?
As the election unfolds, so too does the landscape of freelance and media work in Canada. This month, we’re tracking major developments that impact independent workers—from sweeping tax reporting changes and new gig economy legislation to media layoffs and the closure of community newspapers.
With freelance participation on the rise and regulations tightening, it’s more important than ever to stay informed. Here are the latest stories shaping the future of freelancing and media in Canada.
Freelancing stories from around the web
- Nearly 700,000 Canadians engage in gig work through digital platforms in 2024 [News Minimalist]
- Canada’s gig economy: How some workers are responding to stricter tax requirements [CP24]
- How to Start Freelancing Trends in Canada 2025: A Look into the Future of WorkFreelancing in Canada: Detailed Guide on Steps & Legal Requirements [Freel]
- Bell Media eliminates 98 jobs, mostly in ‘service and corporate departments’ [Canadian Press]
- 3 Metro Vancouver community news outlets to close as parent company cites ‘financial challenges’ [CBC]
Recently published on Story Board
- Eight ways to keep things simple for freelance writers by Julie Barlow: Over three decades as self-employed writers, we have realized that simplifying things is key to keeping our business running smoothly. These eight ideas will help you avoid headaches and keep on top of your ever-growing list of tasks.
Spot a story you think we should include in next week’s Off the Wire? Email the link to robyn@robynroste.com.
Eight ways to keep things simple for freelance writers
This article about keeping things simple for freelance writers is by Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau, the authors of Going Solo: Everything You Need to Start Your Business and Succeed as Your Own Boss. Prize-winning authors and journalists, the pair have been running a freelance writing business for over three decades.
Managing a small business means wearing many professional hats. In addition to writing, you are your own sales manager, publicist, contract negotiator, accounts receivable manager, bookkeeper, accountant, president, IT department and more.
Multitasking can become overwhelming. But while some of the challenges writers face—like writer’s block and tough editors—are unique, self-employed writers grapple with many of the same problems common to all freelance workers.
Eight ways to keep things simple for freelance writers
Over three decades as self-employed writers, we have realized that simplifying things is key to keeping our business running smoothly. These eight ideas will help you avoid headaches and keep on top of your ever-growing list of tasks.
Shut the door
It’s amazing how many self-employed workers work in areas of heavy traffic at home. During the pandemic we watched in horror as our editors set up shop on kitchen tables. Self-employed writers need a room with a door that they can shut. It’s more important than having a fancy office, and the only way to make your home office peaceful and productive.
Use folders
We’re not talking about paper folders (although we still do use those). Folders can be digital or physical. We all need these “boxes” to store things, not just bills and receipts, but ideas, reflections, and resources. In our business of creating ideas, we use folders to store newspaper articles, notes about books we want to read, notes on books we have read, but also people we want to meet, events and workshops we want to attend, notes from meetings, and more. Folders make information handy and easy to locate.
File every day
Whether notes or bills or receipts, freelancers should always take a little time out of their day to file. Self-employed workers who don’t do this feel the pain when tax time rolls around. Filing is a fundamental freelance skill, the key to having peace of mind and being productive. To avoid a messy mountain of receipts, bills and deductible expenses, make filing part of your routine and do a little every day.
Clean out your client list
For most small businesses, finding new clients is the name of the game. But for writers, dispensing with bad clients can be just as important. Does a client take you for granted? Ask for special favours, “as a friend”? Pay too slowly? Every small business owner should do some occasional house clearing and purge customers who make life complicated or don’t deserve your business.
Pick one social media platform
There is no easier way to fritter away valuable time than by going down too many social media rabbit holes. With newer, sharper, more interesting platforms popping up all the time, it’s tempting to jump on board. Most social media experts today recommend you concentrate on one (or two) platforms that work.
Hire a freelance IT specialist
If there’s one person who truly helps us breath easier, it’s our computer technician (who is also self-employed). He is the IT department we don’t get as self-employed workers. He assesses our IT needs, recommends tools, delivers hardware to our door, and is on call when our computers break down—or are stolen. When that happened recently, he helped find a replacement and untangle the mess of lost passwords for us in a snap. We don’t need him every day, but he’s always there when disaster strikes.
Get an external webmaster
There is nothing more terrifying and potentially disastrous than a website hack. We pay a modest monthly fee to a skilled and reliable webmaster who solves glitches and answers questions in a snap. He costs less than a housekeeper and helps us avoid serious headaches in the complex world of computer security. Google and YouTube are no substitute for an experienced security professional.
Don’t forget your purpose
This might be the most crucial advice of all. In the thousands of decisions that you make as a small business owner, staying focused on what you really want to do is the most important. Having a clear purpose—defining your goals and interests—is like a compass that guides your decisions and makes managing your business much so much simpler.
Off the Wire: March 2025
We’re revitalizing our series, Off the Wire. Here, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, communications, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus. Who needs a water cooler?
New regulations and industry shifts in Canada are shaping how independent workers operate. From tax reporting changes affecting gig workers to emerging trends in freelance work, staying informed is essential to business success. This month, we’ve rounded up key articles that highlight the latest developments, including new tax rules for digital platform workers, insights into how Canadian gig workers are responding to these changes, and what the future holds for freelancers in 2025.
Freelancing stories from around the web
- How Canada’s Gig Worker Law Is Reshaping Business Compliance [People2.0]
- Canada: Job Gains Fizzle Ahead of Tariff Troubles [Desjardins]
- Around a third (30%) of Canadian gig workers didn’t plan to report all gig income this tax season; 71% had change-of-heart upon learning about new rules mandating gig platforms to share users’ earnings with CRA, reveals new H&R Block Canada survey [Cision]
- Latest Freelance Statistics 2025 – Industry Size & Trends [DemandSage]
Recently published on Story Board
- 16 ways to say no as a freelance writer (and why you would need to) by Julie Barlow: All successful self-employed creators know: sometimes you have push back. It’s a big ask for beginners trying to build a client list. But if the price is wrong, conditions are less than ideal, or timing is off, saying “no” to an assignment or contract can make a sale—on your terms
Spot a story you think we should include in next week’s Off the Wire? Email the link to robyn@robynroste.com.
