How to Use SEO to Attract More Freelance Writing Clients

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Search Engine Optimization (SEO) isn’t just for marketers — it’s a powerful tool that freelance writers can use to get found by clients online. When used strategically, SEO helps your website, blog, or LinkedIn profile rank higher in search results, bringing ideal clients directly to you — without paid ads or cold pitching.

In this article, you’ll learn how to use SEO as a freelance writer to build visibility, authority, and inbound leads.

Why SEO Matters for Freelancers

Imagine waking up to messages from potential clients saying, “I found you on Google and want to work with you.”

That’s the power of SEO. When done right, it can:

  • Attract ideal clients who are already searching for your services.
  • Showcase your expertise and niche.
  • Position you as an authority in your field.
  • Generate ongoing, passive visibility for your business.

Unlike social media posts that fade, SEO content keeps working for you over time.

Step 1: Identify Your SEO Goals

Start by defining your goals for using SEO. Do you want to:

  • Get more traffic to your writer website?
  • Be discovered by marketing managers searching for writers?
  • Build domain authority in your niche?
  • Attract newsletter subscribers or clients directly?

Clear goals help shape your strategy.

Step 2: Choose the Right Keywords

SEO starts with keywords — the phrases people type into search engines.

To find your keywords:

  1. Brainstorm what potential clients might search, such as:
    • “freelance SaaS writer”
    • “blog writer for fitness brands”
    • “SEO blog writing services”
  2. Use free tools like:
    • Ubersuggest
    • Google Keyword Planner
    • AnswerThePublic
    • Keywords Everywhere
  3. Look for long-tail keywords (more specific, less competitive).

Pick 5–10 keywords that align with your niche and services. Use them naturally in your content.

Step 3: Optimize Your Website or Portfolio

Your website is your online home. Make sure it’s:

  • Easy to navigate
  • Mobile-friendly
  • Fast-loading

Then, add SEO elements:

  • Homepage → Include keywords in your headline, subheadings, and body copy.
  • About page → Use keywords like “freelance health writer” or “remote content creator.”
  • Services page → Describe your services using client-friendly terms (e.g., “email newsletter writing for coaches”).
  • Meta titles and descriptions → Write compelling snippets for search results using your keywords.

Bonus: Add schema markup (structured data) to help Google understand your content better — tools like RankMath or Yoast can help.

Step 4: Create SEO-Optimized Blog Content

Blogging is one of the best ways to improve your SEO — especially if you publish keyword-rich, helpful content for your audience.

Blog ideas:

  • “What to Look for in a Freelance SaaS Writer”
  • “How I Helped a Startup Increase Blog Traffic by 200%”
  • “Top 10 Content Writing Tips for Business Owners”

Tips for SEO blog writing:

  • Use your keyword in the title, intro, and at least one subheading.
  • Add internal links to your other pages.
  • Include outbound links to reputable sources.
  • Use H2 and H3 tags for structure.
  • Add images with alt text (including your keyword when appropriate).

Publishing 1–2 optimized posts per month can make a big impact over time.

Step 5: Use SEO on LinkedIn and Other Platforms

Your LinkedIn profile is also searchable by Google. Optimize it by:

  • Using your target keyword in your headline (e.g., “Freelance Content Writer for Wellness Brands”).
  • Including niche-specific phrases in your About section and experience.
  • Adding SEO blog links in the Featured section.
  • Posting content that uses relevant industry terms.

Google also indexes:

  • Medium posts
  • Substack newsletters
  • Podcasts with transcriptions
  • Guest posts on other websites

Anywhere your name appears online can contribute to your SEO footprint.

Step 6: Get Backlinks to Boost Authority

Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. They’re one of the biggest ranking factors for SEO.

To earn backlinks:

  • Guest post for blogs in your niche.
  • Collaborate with other freelancers or marketers.
  • Share original data, case studies, or content worth linking to.
  • Reach out to people who mention your niche and ask to be included.

The more high-quality backlinks you get, the more Google sees you as trustworthy.

Step 7: Track Your Results

Use free tools to measure your SEO success:

  • Google Analytics → Tracks your traffic and behavior.
  • Google Search Console → Shows which keywords you rank for and where you appear.
  • Ubersuggest → Checks domain authority and backlinks.

Track:

  • Increases in organic traffic
  • New leads or inquiries through search
  • Improved rankings for target keywords

This helps you refine your content and continue growing your reach.

Step 8: Stay Consistent and Patient

SEO isn’t a quick win — it’s a long game. You won’t see major results overnight, but with consistent effort, you’ll build evergreen visibility that compounds over time.

Stick with it:

  • Update old content.
  • Add new blog posts regularly.
  • Keep optimizing your site.
  • Watch your rankings improve month by month.

Final Words: Let Clients Find You

By learning and applying SEO, you give your freelance writing business a huge advantage. Instead of always chasing clients, they start coming to you — already convinced of your expertise.

Start with small steps: optimize your LinkedIn headline, write one blog post, and research five keywords. Then build from there. SEO rewards those who stay consistent.

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