Finding your LinkedIn username can be important for branding purposes or for sharing your profile with others. Your LinkedIn username is the unique name attached to the end of your public profile URL. It can be different from your actual name and is displayed on your public profile. Knowing your LinkedIn username allows you to direct people to your profile easily. In this article, we’ll go over what a LinkedIn username is, where to find it, how to change it, and tips for creating a good username.
What is a LinkedIn Username?
A LinkedIn username, also known as a vanity URL, is the unique name that comes after the slash in your public profile URL on LinkedIn. For example, if your profile URL is www.linkedin.com/in/johnsmith, then your username is johnsmith.
Usernames allow LinkedIn members to have a customized and branded URL rather than just a string of random numbers and letters. It enables you to showcase your name prominently in your profile URL.
Having a customized LinkedIn URL makes it:
- Easier for people to remember your profile address
- Allows you to promote your LinkedIn profile on other platforms like business cards, resumes, websites, and email signatures
- Improves your personal SEO since search engines give weightage to keywords in URLs
In summary, a LinkedIn username makes your profile URL more memorable, brandable, and searchable. It’s one of the small but impactful customizations every LinkedIn user should utilize.
Where to Find Your LinkedIn Username
Your LinkedIn username is displayed in two places:
1. Profile URL
Your profile URL contains your unique username after the slash. For example:
www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjohnson
To find it:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile
- Look at the URL in your browser’s address bar
- The text after the last slash is your username
So in the example above, the username is jamesjohnson.
2. Public Profile Settings
You can also find your username in your Public Profile & URL settings:
- Go to your LinkedIn Profile
- Click on the ‘Me’ icon at the top of your feed and select ‘Settings & Privacy’
- Go to ‘Profile’ and click ‘Edit public profile & URL’
- Under ‘Customize your public profile URL’, you’ll see your username
This section in your settings displays the exact username attached to your profile.
How to Change Your LinkedIn Username
You can change your LinkedIn username anytime. Here are the steps:
- Go to your Profile and click ‘Edit public profile & URL’
- Under ‘Customize your public profile URL’, click the pencil icon to edit it
- Type in the new username you want and click ‘Save’
Your new username will now appear in your profile URL.
However, there are a couple limitations to be aware of when changing it:
- You can only change your username once every 30 days
- Your old profile URL will still be valid and redirect to your new URL for up to 90 days before completely switching
- Usernames must be unique. If someone else has your desired name, it can’t be used
So ensure the new username you choose is something long-term you want associated with your personal brand.
Tips for Choosing a Good LinkedIn Username
Your LinkedIn username represents your professional brand and identity. Follow these tips when selecting a username:
Use Your Real Name
Using your real first and last name makes you easily discoverable to connections. It adds credibility.
For example, alsmith rather than movieguy213.
Keep it Simple
Avoid long usernames with extra words or numbers. This just makes the URL complicated. Stick with a simple version of your name.
Use Identity Consistently
Ensure your LinkedIn username aligns with other social media handles and websites to maintain a consistent identity across platforms.
Check Availability
Type a few username options into the LinkedIn URL to see if they’re available before changing it. The one you want might already be taken.
Use Keywords Strategically
If your name is very common, adding a keyword like your industry or location can help, like michaeljonesnycrealtor.
Just don’t keyword stuff.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn username is an important piece of your profile. It enables you to customize your URL and amplifies your personal brand. Take the time to change it from the default username to something more memorable. Just be sure whatever name you choose makes you easily discoverable and aligns with your professional identity across other platforms. With your new tailored LinkedIn username, you’ll present a more polished online presence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a LinkedIn username? | A LinkedIn username is the unique name that comes after the slash in your profile URL, also known as a vanity URL. |
| Where can I find my LinkedIn username? | Your username is visible in your profile URL and in your Public Profile & URL settings under ‘Customize your public profile URL’. |
| How do I change my LinkedIn username? | You can change your username in your profile settings under ‘Customize your public profile URL’. Type in a new name and save. You can only change it once every 30 days. |
| What are some tips for a good username? | Use your real name, keep it simple, check availability, be consistent with other platforms, and use keywords strategically. |
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The LinkedIn username is one of the most important customizable elements of your LinkedIn profile. As discussed, it enables you to brand your unique URL and amplify your professional presence. However, there are other key parts of optimizing your LinkedIn profile that you shouldn’t overlook.
In addition to your username, make sure your LinkedIn profile includes an eye-catching background photo. Select an image that aligns with your profession. For example, an office setting or speaking at a conference. You’ll also want to craft an interesting summary section that grabs attention. Share details on your experiences, skills, accomplishments and goals.
The experience and education sections of your profile are also vital. Thoroughly fill out details on your work history and education. Include concise but descriptive bullet points that highlight your responsibilities and achievements. Don’t just have basic role descriptions.
Furthermore, personalize your LinkedIn URL whenever possible. Don’t use the default URL with a bunch of random numbers and letters. Customize it with your own unique username. This makes your profile much more memorable and searchable in LinkedIn.
Take advantage of all of LinkedIn’s profile sections like publications, certifications, volunteer work and more. The more robust your profile, the better. A comprehensive profile shows your full work history and expertise.
Finally, connections are key for relationship building on LinkedIn. Connect with colleagues, clients, partners, and thought leaders in your industry. But focus on quality over quantity of connections. Interact regularly with your connections by liking and commenting on their posts. This boosts engagement.
There are many additional tips that can optimize your LinkedIn presence. But it all starts with the foundation – your username. Be strategic in selecting a username that aligns with your personal brand and descriptive of your professional identity. Combined with the other profile optimization techniques, your LinkedIn profile will serve as a magnet for new opportunities.