Having a customized LinkedIn URL is an important aspect of building your professional brand on the platform. Your LinkedIn URL serves as a digital business card and makes your profile easier to find and share. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of a customized LinkedIn URL and provide tips on how to get your own unique URL.
What is a LinkedIn URL?
A LinkedIn URL is the web address that leads to your LinkedIn profile page. By default, LinkedIn assigns a URL that consists of random numbers and letters (e.g. www.linkedin.com/in/205970117). However, LinkedIn allows you to customize your URL by selecting a unique identifier that relates to your personal brand (e.g. www.linkedin.com/in/firstnamelastname).
Benefits of a Customized LinkedIn URL
Here are some of the key benefits of having a customized LinkedIn URL:
- Improves discoverability – A customized URL is much easier to remember and share than a default URL with random characters.
- Establishes your brand – The URL can contain your name or business name to reinforce your brand.
- Adds professionalism – A customized URL presents a more professional and memorable image.
- Enhances credibility – A clean URL inspires more confidence in your profile and credentials.
- Increases engagement – People are more likely to engage with content shared from a customized URL.
- Allows tracking – You can track clicks on your URL to monitor interest and engagement.
How to Get a Custom LinkedIn URL
Getting a custom LinkedIn URL is easy and free for all members. Here are the steps:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile
- Click “Edit public profile & URL” located under your profile photo
- Click “Edit” next to the Public Profile URL section
- Type in your desired URL identifier. This can include your name, business name, or keywords describing your profession
- Click “Save” to set your new public profile URL
Your new custom URL will now appear on your profile. You can change your URL at any time through the same steps.
Tips for an Effective LinkedIn URL
To maximize the impact of your LinkedIn URL, keep these tips in mind:
- Use your full name or well-known nickname for personal branding.
- Incorporate important keywords like your industry or profession.
- Select a URL that is short, simple, and easy to remember.
- Use hyphens to separate words and make the URL clean.
- Avoid using obscure acronyms or abbreviations.
- Don’t use numbers or special characters.
- Check for availability by entering options before selecting.
- Double check for typos before saving your URL.
Examples of Good LinkedIn URLs
Here are some examples of strong, customized LinkedIn URLs:
- www.linkedin.com/in/john-smith
- www.linkedin.com/in/mary-jane-marketing
- www.linkedin.com/in/larry-ellison-sales
- www.linkedin.com/in/sara-johnson-journalist
- www.linkedin.com/in/roger-accounting-nyc
- www.linkedin.com/in/tony-smith-digital-marketing
Can I change my LinkedIn URL?
Yes, you can change your LinkedIn URL at any time. Simply follow the steps listed above to edit your public profile URL. When you enter a new URL, your old URL will no longer redirect to your profile.
Here are some reasons you may want to update your LinkedIn URL:
- You changed your name
- You changed companies or roles
- Your brand or focus has evolved
- Your original URL wasn’t optimized for SEO
- You want to shorten a lengthy URL
- You made a minor typo or error
Just be mindful that any existing links shared with your old URL will break when you change it. So only change it when necessary.
301 Redirect Best Practice When Changing URL
If you do change your LinkedIn URL, it’s recommended to set up a 301 redirect from your old URL to your new URL. This passes on the link equity and preserves rankings. To do this:
- Make note of your old LinkedIn URL
- Go to your LinkedIn profile and change your public profile URL to your new URL
- Update your website and bios to use the new LinkedIn URL
- On your website, use 301 redirection to forward your old LinkedIn URL to the new URL
Setting up a 301 redirect ensures a seamless transition that maintains the integrity of links pointing to your LinkedIn profile.
Should I include my LinkedIn URL on my resume?
Yes, including your customized LinkedIn URL on your resume is recommended. Here are some key reasons why:
- It shows you have an established, professional online presence.
- It enables recruiters to view your full profile and network.
- It demonstrates your understanding of personal branding.
- It provides an easy way for them to connect with you.
- It allows you to control the impression recruiters get of you.
The best place to include your LinkedIn URL is in the contact section of your resume along with your email address and phone number. You can list it as:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yoururl
Just make sure your LinkedIn profile is robust and up-to-date before adding the URL to resumes. Having a strong profile will make a positive impression on recruiters.
Should I promote my LinkedIn URL?
Once you have a customized LinkedIn URL, it’s a smart idea to promote it across your professional footprint. Your LinkedIn URL should be included in these key places:
- Your LinkedIn profile – Ensure it is set as your public profile URL.
- Your email signature – List it below your contact details.
- Your business cards – Print it next to your email and phone number.
- Your website or blog – Add social media links with your URL.
- Online bios or press materials – Include it in your boilerplate bio.
- Social media profiles – Share your LinkedIn URL on related platforms.
Promoting your URL makes it easier for people to find and connect with you on LinkedIn. It also enables your other platforms to amplify your LinkedIn presence.
Should I get a vanity URL website for my LinkedIn URL?
A vanity URL is a custom web address using your own name or business name (e.g. www.johnsmith.com or www.acmebiz.com). There are pros and cons to getting a vanity URL that aligns with your LinkedIn URL:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reinforces your personal brand | Annual hosting/renewal fees |
| Looks more professional | Setup and configuration effort |
| Easier to remember and share | Need to manage and update site |
| Increases online authority | Risk of unused or outdated site |
If you plan to actively maintain a personal website that promotes your brand, a vanity URL that matches your LinkedIn URL can be worth the investment. But if you only want a simple redirect, free options like about.me may suffice.
Should I add my LinkedIn URL to my email signature?
Yes, adding your customized LinkedIn URL to your email signature is highly recommended. It serves several valuable purposes:
- It allows people to easily connect and learn more about you.
- It establishes your professional brand with each email you send.
- It demonstrates your networking/social media savvy.
- It enables people to directly view your credentials and experience.
- It gives your audience a way to engage with you.
To add your URL, include a linked version along with your other contact details:
John Smith
Account Executive
Acme Corporation
[email protected] | 555-555-1234
linkedin.com/in/yoururl
This makes it effortless for people to click and connect with you on LinkedIn.
Conclusion
In summary, having a customized LinkedIn URL is critical for creating a strong professional brand and online presence. Your LinkedIn URL serves as your digital business card and identity. A clean, professional URL makes it easier for people to find and engage with your profile. It also enables you to reinforce your personal brand across platforms. With a little effort, you can claim your unique LinkedIn URL and leverage it to advance your career or business goals.
