I used to think that to make a lot of money as a writer, I had to be a famous author or a big-shot journalist.
The idea of ghostwriting, especially on a platform like LinkedIn, felt like a behind-the-scenes, thankless job. Yeah, no thanks, I’ll stick to traditional copywriting and content strategy!
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
When more copywriters started offering LinkedIn ghostwriting services, I saw the content strategist services industry transform. If you’re a writer looking for a profitable and sustainable career path, you should seriously consider learning how to become a LinkedIn ghostwriter.
It turns out that many successful founders, executives, and industry leaders are more than willing to pay a premium for a skilled writer who can capture their voice and build their personal brand on LinkedIn. They have the industry knowledge and expertise, but they don’t have the time or writing skills to turn their insights into compelling content. They need a skilled writer and content strategist to steer their thought leadership in the right direction.
That’s why LinkedIn ghostwriters are in such high demand, with the very best charging up to $700 an hour, according to Business Insider. That’s a higher hourly rate than most lawyers.
But beyond the money, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience to help your clients shine and see the direct impact of your work on their success. You get to gain insights from top experts in various fields, build a powerful network, and develop skills that are transferable to any area of your own business.
What Does a LinkedIn Ghostwriter Actually Do?
Fundamentally, a LinkedIn ghostwriter offers both brand strategy and content writing services. You’re crafting a narrative that reflects your client’s personality, expertise, and values while emulating their own voice. This involves a range of tasks, from interviewing your client to extract their unique insights and stories, to developing a content strategy that aligns with their business objectives.
You’ll be responsible for writing and scheduling posts, engaging with their audience, and analyzing the performance of their content to make data-driven decisions. It’s a multifaceted role that requires a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills. This means becoming an extension of your client’s team, a trusted advisor who helps them build a meaningful presence on the platform.
One of the most important aspects of the job is capturing your client’s voice. LinkedIn ghostwriters should not be imposing their own style. You must immerse yourself in your client’s world, understanding how they think and speak, and translate that into authentic and engaging content. This often involves conducting in-depth interviews, reviewing their past writing and presentations, and even studying their communication style in meetings and emails.
The goal is for their LinkedIn profile to sound exactly like them, so much so that their own colleagues and friends can’t tell they’re not the one writing the posts. This level of authenticity is crucial for building trust and credibility with their audience.
The Skills You Need to Succeed as a LinkedIn Ghostwriter
While strong writing skills are a given, there are several other key competencies you’ll need to develop to thrive in this field. Just knowing how to post on LinkedIn isn’t enough.
First and foremost, you need to be an excellent interviewer. Your ability to ask insightful questions and actively listen will be the foundation of your content creation process. You need to be able to draw out your client’s most compelling stories, ideas, and opinions, and then shape them into a cohesive and engaging narrative. This requires a high degree of emotional intelligence and the ability to build rapport and trust with your clients.
Another critical skill is strategic thinking. You’re more than a writer; you’re a content strategist. This means you need to understand your client’s business goals, target audience, and competitive landscape.
You’ll need to develop a content plan that showcases their expertise while driving tangible results, whether that’s generating leads, attracting investors, or building a community. This involves researching relevant topics, identifying key themes, and creating a content calendar that creates a consistent and impactful presence on the platform.
If you want to become a LinkedIn ghostwriter who can command top dollar, you need to be able to demonstrate your competencies in these areas, as well as the strategic value you bring to the table.
How to Find Your First LinkedIn Ghostwriting Clients
One of the biggest hurdles for aspiring ghostwriters is landing that first client. The good news is, you don’t need a massive portfolio or years of experience to get started. The most effective way to attract clients is to be your own case study.
Start by optimizing your own LinkedIn profile and consistently publishing high-quality content that showcases your writing skills and expertise. This will help you build your own personal brand and serve as a living portfolio that demonstrates your ability to create engaging content on the platform.
Once you’ve established your own presence, you can start actively seeking out copywriting clients. A great place to start is your existing network. Let your friends, family, and professional contacts know that you’re offering LinkedIn ghostwriting services. You’d be surprised how many people know a founder or executive who could use your help.
You can also leverage platforms like Upwork and LinkedIn’s own job board to find freelance opportunities. When you’re just starting out, it’s all about being proactive and putting yourself out there.
Don’t be afraid to pitch potential clients directly, but make sure you do your research and personalize your outreach. A generic, copy-and-paste pitch is a surefire way to get ignored. Show them you understand their business and have a clear idea of how you can help them.
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Setting Your Rates and Structuring Your Services
I speak from experience when I say, pricing your services can be one of the most challenging aspects of starting a freelance business. And when it comes to LinkedIn ghostwriting, there are a few different models you can use.
Some ghostwriters charge by the hour, while others prefer to work on a project basis. However, the most common and profitable model is a monthly retainer, similar to a law office. This provides you with a predictable, recurring income and allows you to build a long-term, strategic partnership with your clients. A typical retainer for LinkedIn ghostwriting services from copywriting experts can range from $2,000 to $10,000 per month, depending on the scope of work.
When you’re just starting out, it can be tempting to undercharge in order to land clients. This is a mistake that can hurt you in the long run. It’s important to value your skills and expertise from the beginning.
A good starting point for a beginner ghostwriter could be around $1,500 to $2,500 per month for a basic package that includes a set number of posts per week and a monthly strategy call. As you gain experience and build a portfolio of successful projects, you can gradually increase your rates.
Remember, you’re not just selling your time; you’re selling a strategic service that can have a significant impact on your client’s business. It’s the same kind of value that professional content writing services provide to companies looking to build their brand and authority. If you want to be respected and well-compensated, you need to be confident in the value you provide.
The Future of LinkedIn Ghostwriting
As the world of work continues to evolve, the importance of a strong personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn will only continue to grow. This means that the demand for skilled LinkedIn ghostwriters is likely to increase in the coming years.
For those who are willing to put in the work to develop their skills and build their business, the opportunities are immense. It’s a chance to build a profitable and fulfilling career that allows you to work with inspiring leaders, gain knowledge about a wide range of industries, and make a real impact on the success of your clients.
Looking to hire a LinkedIn ghostwriter? Just book a quick call to discuss how our team of expert content strategists and writers can work with you to elevate your personal brand and maximize the reach of your thought leadership content. Feel free to have a look at our agency founder’s own LinkedIn to get an idea of what’s possible for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Earnings for LinkedIn ghostwriters can vary widely, but it’s a lucrative field. Beginners can start with retainers around $1,500-$2,500 per month per client. Experienced ghostwriters with a strong portfolio can command $5,000-$10,000 per month or more per client. With just a few clients, it’s possible to earn a six-figure income.
No, a formal writing degree is not a requirement. While strong writing skills are essential, what matters more is your ability to capture a client’s voice, write engaging content, and understand content strategy. A strong portfolio of your own writing and successful client projects is more valuable than a degree.
Be your own first client. Create and maintain an active, professional LinkedIn profile. Consistently write and publish high-quality posts that showcase your writing style and strategic thinking. This will serve as your initial portfolio and demonstrate your capabilities to potential clients. You can also offer to write for a non-profit or a small business at a reduced rate to get some initial samples.
The most important skills include exceptional writing and editing, the ability to conduct insightful interviews, a strong understanding of content strategy and personal branding, and excellent communication and project management skills. Being able to adapt to different client voices and industries is also crucial to become a LinkedIn ghostwriter.
To find high-paying clients, you need to position yourself as a strategic partner, not just a writer. Focus on the value you provide, such as lead generation, increased brand authority, and business growth. Network with successful professionals, build a strong personal brand on LinkedIn, and showcase case studies of your past successes. Referrals from satisfied clients are also a powerful way to attract premium clients.
