I’ve been quietly watching the freelance writers proudly refute using AI while others spit out doomsday opinions on AI taking over all jobs.
Then there are those that say using AI is fine (not great enough to replace writers) and you’re just using it wrong. <—that’s me…I’m in that last camp.
It’s been several years since AI disrupted the freelance writing world. So, what does that mean for freelance writing? Is it dying a slow death?
Hmm…at the moment, I really don’t think so. I know that last year in 2025 I struggled to find clients or ones that stayed (i.e. dropped me for AI). Clients were checking writers’ content for AI generation and many writers were giving up.
So, I decided to focus on my other business – the creator content side. But it’s a new year, and I’m all in with freelance writing and I’m glad I chose 2026 to do it.
Why? I think the AI bubble has or is bursting. The first couple years, AI was the “new kid” on the block but now it’s just like any other tool out there.
Businesses either went all in with AI or learned that AI is great for working in the background and not suitable for writing content that’s for the public.
So, let’s look at why some freelance writers stay busy while others struggle.
You’re Looking in the Wrong Place for Writing Gigs
Look –
I teach new writers to check job boards to find their first writing job. And I still think job boards do have good paying gigs (for the ones I recommend), but when I go to these sites, I’m not seeing a ton of options.
Where are the freelance writing jobs? For example, I like Superpath.
When I started recommending this job board a few years ago, there were a plenty of writing gigs and copywriting roles…and now? There are NO writing jobs at all.
I’m soo surprised by this because this is not what I’m SEEING. I feel there is a silent shift of companies avoiding general job boards and either using LinkedIn or their career pages to post writing jobs.
And because of this, new freelance writers may be discouraged when they do visit job boards and there’s…nothing. The next logical solution is to think freelance writing is dead.
But, if you’re reading this post, then you know that LinkedIn is the PLACE right now. This is where you can find globs of freelance writing jobs.
What I’m Seeing on LinkedIn Right Now
A few weeks ago, I decided I wanted to pick up a client or two. I also wanted to source those opportunities on LinkedIn.
I already have a profile, followers/connections, and I am working on publishing consistently. At first, when I looked at my feed, I didn”t see many job ads. I saw mostly content managers and writers complain about AI or using AI in a “newish” way.
But whenever I did see a job ad, I would like the post.
I would then go on with my day. And a few hours later, I would start seeing freelance writing jobs in my feed. Over time, after liking or commenting on these posts, LinkedIn started showing me more and more and more writing jobs!
What I did was told LinkedIn, “This is what I like. Give me more posts like this.” And you know what? LinkedIn listened.
I’m not the only freelance writer noticing this shift either. Chris Bibey sources freelance writing jobs and this post shows just how easy it is to find a gig right now.
If you can’t tell, LinkedIn is THE place right now. Every hour there are new content writing jobs (freelance, remote, or neither) flooding my feed.
But what if your LinkedIn feed doesn’t have all of these job ads? What do you do?
Well, I would first follow me and Chris Bibey. When you do this, you will get what we Liked in your feed.
So, for me, I was getting Ashley Cumming’s Likes in my feed and she was only liking freelance and copywriting jobs for her newsletter.
Then, make it a point to like quality freelance writing jobs. I wouldn’t like jobs that pay little or jobs that weren’t freelance. Stick to freelance writing jobs and copywriting jobs and take the time to read through the post to see if it’s a quality job.
Even if you aren’t going to apply, still Like the post so LinkedIn can send you related or similar posts.
Why Brands Are Still Hiring Writers
Many brands are seeking experienced freelance writers because they were probably burned by AI. AI can only take a business so far, especially with content.
So for 2026, many of these ads specify, “no AI sourcing” or “no AI generated content to be used.” These brands are taking a hard stance AGAINST the use of AI.
Not all brands are like this. I applied to a DTC email copywriter job ad and in one part of the application, I had to provide two email subject lines and email previews for a made up yoga brand.
If I used AI, I had to add the word “linen” in my copy.
Now, if I had used AI and put linen in my content, I’m not sure I would’ve gotten a response, but I did anyways.
So, you will see a mix but I am seeing more of a stance against the use of AI than I did prior years.
What this tells you is that the pendulum swung back towards us – the human writer – and that’s a good thing, especially if you’re a new freelance writer.
And I’m not the only one noticing this. Digitaloft’s latest marketing research found companies with active blogs generate 67% more leads than companies that don’t blog consistently.
If blogs are still generating leads in 2026, that means freelance writers will be needed and that’s a good thing!
It’s a Good Thing to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
I know this “strategy” only involves looking at your feed and liking job postings.
You might think, “that’s great! I don’t even have to build out my LinkedIn profile for this to work.”
Wrong!
You HAVE to optimize your LinkedIn profile because when you apply to these writing gigs, most of the time you have to drop a link to your profile. And your LinkedIn profile needs to “sell” your services or else no gig.
Here are some tips to help you optimize your profile.
1. Use More Than One Title
I didn’t learn this “hack” until a few years ago when one of my students mentioned it. I was shocked and surprised that I never noticed that you can label yourself more than one type.
So, that’s exactly what I did. I used different words to describe what I do.
2. Focus on Who You Help
An important part of this equation is after you title yourself, it’s a good idea to state who you help. Now I know you may not know this as a beginner. I didn’t for many years.
For the longest time, I said I helped B2B companies or digital native brands. I didn’t have the words for SaaS freelance writer. That took some time later to figure that out. Once I did, I could name the types of clients I helped.
3. Fill Out the About
Make sure to fill out your about section and use more than a few sentences. In my About section I share how I write a post for a client. Do whatever works to help someone who’s new to your profile know exactly what you do and who you help.
4. Build Your Reputation Slowly
It will take time to grow your followers and connections on LinkedIn.
The best way to get started is by creating engaging posts and writing an article on LinkedIn. Some freelance writers also start a newsletter on LinkedIn and that can work to get your name out there.
What you want is people to mention you, talk about you and learn more about you. An easy first post is sharing that you’re a new freelance writer and you want to connect with other freelance writers. LinkedIn will put this post out to the right people, helping you grow authentically.
5. Schedule Your Posts
You’re going to get busy with writing, pitching and building your brand. You won’t have any time to post on LinkedIn every day. What I do is I take a hour a week to create seven LinkedIn posts to schedule.
Blocking time will become more important as you build up your business. You might have an email list, Instagram and podcast.
You can take a block of time to create content for all of those platforms (or repurpose it). All of that will keep you organized and free up time for you to pitch.
It’s Time to Focus on LinkedIn
Did I convince you to put all your eggs into LinkedIn? I hope so because RIGHT NOW, I see LinkedIn as the place companies are using to find quality freelance writers.
Let me know in the comments if you’re on LinkedIn! I’d love to know!
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