A LinkedIn identifier refers to any unique information that can be used to identify a member’s LinkedIn profile. The most common LinkedIn identifiers are the custom LinkedIn URL and the member ID number.
The custom LinkedIn URL is the unique web address for a member’s public profile page. It usually takes the form of “linkedin.com/in/username” where “username” is the member’s chosen handle. For example, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman’s public profile URL is “linkedin.com/in/reidhoffman”. This custom URL serves as a recognizable and sharable identifier for Reid’s profile.
The member ID number is a unique numeric identifier automatically assigned to each LinkedIn member. It is not as immediately recognizable as the custom URL, but serves an important function behind the scenes in LinkedIn’s infrastructure. Member IDs allow LinkedIn to distinguish between members with common names and power many of LinkedIn’s search and recommendation features.
In addition to the custom URL and member ID, a person’s LinkedIn profile can also be identified by the vanity name or vanity URL. The vanity name appears in the URL for a profile using the format “linkedin.com/pub/firstname-lastname/x/y/z” where x/y/z is a sequence of numbers and letters. For example, the vanity URL for Reid Hoffman would be “linkedin.com/pub/reid-hoffman/0/1a9/501”.
The vanity name lacks the simplicity and memorability of a custom URL, but can still serve as a way to access a profile or confirm a member’s identity if no custom URL has been set. Some other common methods of referencing a LinkedIn profile include mentioning the person’s name and company, sharing their profile photo, or quoting their headline or about section.
Benefits of Having a LinkedIn Identifier
Having a unique identifier for your LinkedIn profile provides several benefits:
Increases Findability
A customized LinkedIn URL or vanity name makes it easier for people to find your profile in search engines and on LinkedIn. This helps you build your personal brand and get discovered by potential connections and opportunities.
Enables Profile Sharing
A LinkedIn URL, ID number, or vanity name gives you a simple way to share your profile with others via email signatures, business cards, online resumes, and professional bios. You can promote your LinkedIn presence without having to explain how to search for your name in LinkedIn.
Verifies Identity
LinkedIn identifiers serve as proof of identity for you and your connections. When endorsing skills, writing recommendations, or communicating offline, people can use your profile URL or ID to confirm they are interacting with the right person.
Boosts SEO
Having a custom URL that includes your real name can improve your LinkedIn profile’s search engine optimization. This helps people find you when searching for your name on Google along with “LinkedIn”.
Looks Professional
A customized LinkedIn URL presents a more professional and personalized image compared to the default long string of numbers and letters. It shows you’ve invested time in your LinkedIn presence.
How to Get a Custom LinkedIn URL
LinkedIn automatically assigns a default public profile URL when you sign up. To get a custom URL, follow these steps:
Step 1: Create a Public Profile
Start by making sure your LinkedIn profile is set to public view. You can do this by going to your profile’s visibility settings.
Step 2: Pick Your Unique LinkedIn Handle
Go to the “Edit public profile & URL” section under your profile edit tools. Here you can enter your desired LinkedIn handle to create a custom URL, subject to availability.
Step 3: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a custom URL, your LinkedIn profile must:
- Be set to public
- Have a profile photo uploaded
- Have at least 50 connections
These requirements aim to prevent abuse and ensure custom URLs go to established members.
Step 4: Verify the Custom URL
After setting your custom LinkedIn handle, you will receive an email from LinkedIn to verify and activate your new public profile URL. Once verified, your new URL will be live.
Do’s and Don’ts of LinkedIn Identifiers
When creating a LinkedIn identifier, keep these best practices in mind:
Do’s
- Make it obvious – Include your real name so people can easily identify you
- Keep it professional – Avoid using nicknames or unprofessional handles
- Use a real photo – An identifiable photo reinforces your identity
- Claim your name – Secure your name before someone else does
- Customize your URL – A unique URL looks more professional
Don’ts
- Use obscure abbreviations – These can confuse people
- Include birth year or location – This information can lead to identity theft
- Use extremely long handles – Hard-to-remember URLs won’t get shared
- Imitate others – Misrepresenting your identity violates LinkedIn’s rules
Following these tips will ensure your LinkedIn identifier builds your professional brand and allows others to easily find and validate your identity.
Examples of LinkedIn Identifiers
Here are some examples of different types of LinkedIn identifiers:
Custom LinkedIn URL
- linkedin.com/in/john-smith
- linkedin.com/in/maryadams
- linkedin.com/in/larrypage
LinkedIn Vanity URL
- linkedin.com/pub/john-smith/7/1b4/593
- linkedin.com/pub/mary-adams/24/3a7/a13
- linkedin.com/pub/larry-page/5b/43a/4b3
LinkedIn Member ID
- 87452137
- 102937584
- 48102749
As you can see, the custom URL using the person’s real name is the most clean and recognizable identifier. The vanity name URL and member ID are unique but not as easily associated with a person at first glance.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn identifier serves an important purpose – allowing others to easily validate your identity and find your profile. A custom LinkedIn URL that includes your real name is the best option for a professional and memorable identifier. With a personalized URL, profile photo, and accurate activity on your account, your LinkedIn presence can build credibility and recognition over time.
