Having an optimized LinkedIn headline is important for making a good first impression on your profile. With just 120 characters, you need to convey who you are, what you do, and what makes you unique. Sometimes, you may want to add a line break in your headline to make it stand out more.
A line break allows you to split your headline into two lines, giving you more space to highlight your value proposition. Here are some tips on how to add a line break in your LinkedIn headline:
1. Use the pipe (|) symbol
The easiest way to add a line break in your LinkedIn headline is by using the pipe (|) symbol. The pipe tells LinkedIn to move whatever comes after it to the next line. For example:
Digital Marketing Manager | Passionate about data-driven marketing
Product Designer | Focused on human-centered design
Simply add the pipe symbol wherever you want the line break to occur. This will split your headline into two neat lines when displayed on your profile.
2. Add HTML line break code
You can also add a line break by using the HTML line break code – <br>. For instance:
Growth Marketer <br>Helping startups acquire users
The <br> code tells the browser to break the line after the text preceding it. This method gives you more control over where the line break appears.
3. Use percent (%) encodings
LinkedIn supports certain percent (%) encodings to format text, including the %0A encoding which inserts a line break.
For example:
Digital Marketing Expert%0ASpecialist in SEO, PPC and Content
The %0A code will break the headline into two lines. This is handy if you want the line break in the middle of a word or phrase.
4. Add line breaks on desktop
An easy way to add line breaks is by updating your headline on LinkedIn’s desktop site. Here’s how:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile on the desktop site
- Click on the pencil icon to edit your headline
- Press Shift+Enter on your keyboard wherever you want the line to break
- This will insert a line break in your headline text
- Click Save to update your headline with the line breaks
The Shift+Enter shortcut adds a line break code in your headline text. This is easier than manually typing in the pipe or HTML line break codes.
5. Copy-paste a headline with line breaks
You can compose your entire two-line headline in a text editor or document first. Add line breaks using the Shift+Enter shortcut.
For example:
Digital Marketing Expert
Focused on SEO and Content Strategy
Then copy-paste this text into the LinkedIn headline field to import the line breaks.
6. Use line breaks strategically
When adding line breaks in your LinkedIn headline, consider using them strategically to highlight important keywords, titles, or value propositions.
For instance:
Senior Product Manager | eBay
The line break here draws attention to the company name eBay, which is important for establishing credibility.
Some other tips for using line breaks effectively:
- Break before your job title or company name to spotlight them
- Use the second line to emphasize skills or achievements
- Break lines before and after certifications or credentials like PMP, CPA, etc.
- Make sure both lines have sufficient context and flow well together
7. Optimize headline for mobile
Line breaks may not always display properly in the mobile LinkedIn app. The headline space is more compact on mobile.
Make sure your headline makes sense and conveys the key information even without the line breaks on mobile.
For example, this headline works on desktop:
Digital Marketing Expert | Content Strategist
On mobile, it would appear as:
Digital Marketing Expert Content Strategist
Ideally, you want the mobile version to still be coherent and compelling.
8. Check character limits
LinkedIn headlines have a 120 character limit, including spaces and line break characters. Be concise and stay within the limit.
After adding line breaks:
- Verify that your headline does not exceed 120 characters
- If over the limit, trim unnecessary words or spaces
- Preview how your headline will look on desktop and mobile
Adjust and refine your headline as needed to make the most impact within the constraints.
9. Test different formats
Experiment with different positions and formats for your line breaks. There are many possible variations.
A few examples:
Digital Marketing | Content Marketing | Amazon
SaaS Marketing Leader %0A Ex-LinkedIn & Google
Product Manager <br>Startup Enthusiast
See which format best emphasizes your top skills, credentials, and value. Iteratively improve your headline over time.
10. Refresh headline periodically
Your LinkedIn headline should evolve as your career progresses. Revisit your headline every few months to keep it updated.
Consider refreshing the headline when you:
- Take on a new role or position
- Complete a major project or achievement
- Gain new skills or certifications
- Want to shift professional focus
Freshen up your headline with relevant new information. Line breaks can help spotlight your new credentials or priorities.
In summary, line breaks are a great way to add visual structure and emphasis to your LinkedIn headline. Use pipe symbols, HTML codes, desktop shortcuts or copy-pasting to add line breaks. Employ them strategically to highlight key information. Check mobile formatting and stay within the 120 character limit. Refresh your headline periodically as your career evolves. With an engaging multi-line headline, you can make a strong first impression and stand out on LinkedIn.
