Why Freelance Writing Jobs Aren't What They Seem on LinkedIn

I’ve been on LinkedIn for almost a decade and in that time have found hundreds of leads and made thousands and thousands of dollars with writing jobs.

But, for the past year or maybe two I’ve noticed something shifting with freelance writing jobs on LinkedIn.

Finding clients on LinkedIn is becoming harder to find.

But before I delve into exactly how that is, there’s also been a shift with freelancers atm.

Many businesses – especially tech businesses – are laying off hundreds of workers and slashing budgets. This has lead to an influx in contractors hopping onto LinkedIn and in the interim trying to find some quick freelance work.

And companies know this and are posting more readily for freelance work. These companies are calling out for freelance projects, but stating it’s full-time work, 35 hours a week, with quick turnaround times (less than 24 hours), you have to work weekends or a set number of hours per week.

These companies are searching for “freelancers” but really, this is employed work, without benefits or sick pay!

I try not to comment on these jobs so I actually don’t get many in my feed but maybe you have. From other writers I hear that these “fake freelance writing jobs” have hundreds, even thousands of comments from desparate freelancers wanting the job.

For more information about these fake jobs, check out my post.

While I’m surprised by all of this, I shouldn’t be.

With the influx of layoffs and budget cuts and those people scrambling to find work on LinkedIn, it’s no wonder businesses will post for content roles and get hundreds of applicants.

Some writers feel companies are smelling our desperation and that is why they can create a ‘freelance’ role that’s 35 hours a week without sick pay.

Me? I’m hoping it’s a phase and that new writers learn not to fall for these fake freelance jobs (unless you want a full-time remote job).

So, what should you do on LinkedIn?

My top tips:

• Read the job ad carefully and read the comments. There will be at least a writer or two asking if this is a freelance role or what the rate is for this project.

• Connect with editors, content leads, CEOs, SEO specialists in your industry. If you can’t connect with them, follow them so that your feed is filled with helpful advice and connections.

• Don’t follow bro marketers that claim you can make $100k in your sleep

• Spot the red flags in freelance writing jobs

• Be consistent on LinkedIn and post weekly

I hope this helps!