What is a vanity URL?
A vanity URL is a customized URL that you can create for your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn allows you to choose a unique, memorable URL for your profile rather than using the default URL assigned by LinkedIn.
For example, instead of your profile URL being www.linkedin.com/in/firstnamelastname, you could create a vanity URL like www.linkedin.com/in/yourname. A vanity URL makes your LinkedIn profile easier to remember and share.
Why should I create a vanity URL?
Here are some of the key benefits of creating a vanity URL for your LinkedIn profile:
- Improves recognition of your personal brand – A customized URL that matches your name or business makes you more memorable.
- Appears more professional – A vanity URL looks cleaner and more professional than the default alphanumeric URL.
- Easier to promote – A vanity URL is much simpler to share on business cards, websites, and other marketing materials.
- Builds authority – A vanity URL lends credibility and influence, especially for thought leaders or public figures.
- Boosts SEO – A URL that directly uses your name can help increase your LinkedIn profile’s search engine rankings.
In summary, a customized vanity URL gives your LinkedIn profile a more professional appearance while also making it easier for people to find and remember your profile. It’s a simple way to improve your personal brand on LinkedIn.
How to create a LinkedIn vanity URL
Creating a vanity URL for your LinkedIn profile only takes a few simple steps:
1. Go to your LinkedIn profile
Log in to your LinkedIn account and go to your profile page. You can access your profile by clicking on “Me” in the top navigation bar.
2. Click “Edit public profile & URL”
In your profile, look for and click on the “Edit public profile & URL” link located just below your profile photo and name. This will open up your profile settings.
3. Select “Edit” next to your public profile URL
In your profile settings, find the “Public profile” section. Next to your current profile URL, click on the “Edit” link.
4. Type your desired vanity URL
You can now type your new custom URL in the text field. Aim for a URL that is some variation of your name, such as your first name and last name together.
5. Check availability and save changes
Once you enter your new URL, LinkedIn will let you know if it’s available. If so, click “Save changes” and your new vanity URL will be activated!
It may take some trial and error to find a URL that is both memorable and available. LinkedIn does not allow duplicates, so you may need to get creative with abbreviations or multiple words if your first choice isn’t available.
LinkedIn vanity URL requirements
When creating your customized LinkedIn profile URL, keep in mind:
- Must be unique – No duplicate or taken URLs allowed.
- Case insensitive – capitalization does not matter.
- Can use letters, numbers, and dashes only.
- Cannot contain spaces or special characters.
- Must be between 5-30 characters.
- Cannot be purely numeric – must contain at least one letter.
Adhering to these rules will ensure your vanity URL passes LinkedIn’s availability check.
Tips for the best LinkedIn vanity URL
Follow these tips for creating the best, most professional vanity URL for your LinkedIn profile:
- Use your full name or a variation of it if available.
- Make it as short as possible while still unique.
- Add your industry or profession if needed for a unique URL.
- Use hyphens to separate multiple words if needed.
- Consider using your middle initial or middle name.
- Capitalize properly – capitalize words as you would in a standard name.
- Avoid obscure abbreviations and nicknames.
- Mirror your website domain name if applicable.
The goal is to make your new vanity URL easy to say, spell, and remember for anyone you give it to.
Can I change my LinkedIn vanity URL?
Yes, you can change your custom LinkedIn URL at any time. Just follow these steps:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile settings.
- Click “Edit” next to Public Profile URL.
- Type your new desired URL.
- Check availability and save changes.
Changing your URL will not disrupt your profile – it will seamlessly redirect to your new vanity URL. However, anyone who has bookmarked your original URL would need to update it.
Keep in mind you can only change your URL a limited number of times within a certain time period. LinkedIn restricts excessive URL changes.
What happens to my old LinkedIn URL?
When you create a new vanity URL, your old custom or default URL will automatically redirect to your new URL. However, direct links using your old URL will need to be updated.
For this reason, it’s best not to change your LinkedIn URL frequently once you have shared it widely. URL changes can impact:
- Search engine rankings and backlinks
- Recognition and memorability of your brand
- External websites, profiles, and materials linking to your URL
In most cases, it’s best to choose a permanent vanity URL and stick with it for the long haul.
Should I get a vanity URL for LinkedIn?
Here are some instances where having a customized LinkedIn URL is highly recommended:
- If you actively network or prospect on LinkedIn.
- If you frequently share your LinkedIn profile link.
- If you want to establish yourself as an industry thought leader.
- If you actively promote your LinkedIn profile.
- If you want to improve brand consistency with other social profiles.
- If you have a common name and want to differentiate yourself.
Essentially, a vanity URL maximizes LinkedIn’s capabilities for branding, networking, lead generation and thought leadership.
However, it may not be as necessary if you solely use LinkedIn to passively follow companies and topics.
Should I get a vanity URL for my company LinkedIn Page?
Yes, custom URLs are recommended for LinkedIn Company Pages as well. The steps to create one are the same. A branded, professional URL lends legitimacy and makes your company easier to find and remember.
Conclusion
Creating a vanity URL is one of the best and simplest ways to optimize your LinkedIn profile. By customizing your profile URL with your own unique name, you can enhance your personal brand, improve memorability, and look more professional.
With just a few clicks, you can make your LinkedIn profile link more impactful and consistent with your overall brand image. Following LinkedIn’s vanity URL rules and tips will ensure your new URL establishes credibility and influence.