As a professional looking to stand out on LinkedIn, crafting an eye-catching yet informative headline is key. With limited space, you must strategically summarize who you are, what you do, and what makes you unique. But with so many options, where do you start? Here are some quick tips to help you write a winning LinkedIn headline.
Keep It Brief
LinkedIn only allows 120 characters for your headline, so brevity is important. Get right to the point by focusing on crucial details about your profession and skills. Avoid verbose titles or unnecessary fluff. Mention your current job title and company, along with a brief descriptor like “Developer at XYZ Corp specializing in Python and React.”
Emphasize Keywords
Incorporate keywords related to your industry, job function, and top skills. This helps you come up across relevant searches and suggests to visitors that you have expertise in those areas. For example, “Digital Marketing Manager | PPC | SEO | Social Media Strategist.”
Customize for Your Goals
Your headline should align with your goals for having a LinkedIn presence. Are you job hunting? Highlight your profession and specialties. Want to attract new business? Summarize services you offer. Looking to establish thought leadership? Share your vision or philosophy.
Add Personality
While informative, don’t be afraid to give your headline some personality too. This can be done through creative phrasing, mention of hobbies/interests, or a touch of humor. Just keep it professional – no overused quotes or gimmicky titles.
Follow Best Practices
Adhere to the following best practices when optimizing your headline:
- Put important keywords near the beginning
- Use active, engaging language
- Keep it consistent with your profile overall
- Avoid overused terms like “guru” or “ninja”
- Spell out acronyms for broader understanding
Test Different Versions
LinkedIn allows you to A/B test multiple headlines before selecting one to display. Draft a few options using the strategies above, and see which ones generate the most profile views and engagement.
Adapt As Needed
Remember your headline can be changed at any time to reflect updates in your career, business goals, skills, interests, and more. Periodically review and refresh it to make sure it’s still optimized for your needs.
Stand Out with These Strategies
Attract your ideal opportunities, connections, and clientele by taking time to develop a compelling, keyword-rich headline. Here are some headline formula ideas:
[Job Title] @ [Company] | [Specialties]
Examples:
- Senior Software Engineer @ Microsoft | Azure | .NET Core
- Director of HR @ Johnson & Johnson | Talent Acquisition | People Analytics
[Specialties] [Job Title] | [Philosophy/Goal]
Examples:
- Consumer Behavior Psychologist | Making Research Understandable
- Data Visualization Expert | Turning Complex Data into Actionable Insights
[Job Title] | [Services Offered] | [Methods/Approach]
Examples:
- Business Consultant | Operations Optimization | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
- Certified Public Accountant | Tax Preparation | Maximizing Deductions
[Job Title] | [Notable Achievement/Recognition]
Examples:
- Product Manager | Maker of the #1 Rated App in Finance Category
- Clinical Researcher | Published in JAMA, Lancet, BMJ
[Job Title] {Hobby/Interest]
Examples:
- Software Architect {Aviation Enthusiast}
- Investment Banker {Foodie}
Headlines to Avoid
While creativity and personality are encouraged, some headline cliches and overused terms should be avoided:
| Cliché Headlines to Avoid | Better Alternative |
|---|---|
| “Social media guru” | “Social media marketing specialist” |
| “Digital marketing ninja” | “Results-driven digital marketer” |
| “SEO/SEM expert” | “SEO/SEM manager skilled in Google Analytics and PPC campaigns” |
| “Leadership professional” | “Operations manager with 10 years experience” |
| “Creative innovator” | “Product designer at [Company] specializing in UX” |
Review Other Examples
One of the best ways to craft your own winning headline is to draw inspiration from others. Spend time browsing LinkedIn profiles in your industry and take notes on headlines that catch your attention.
Here are some interesting examples:
- “Bringing machine learning to everyday business decisions at XYZ Corp”
- “Architecting scalable cloud infrastructure | Reducing costs by 40% through system optimizations”
- “Software engineer specializing in React and Node.js | Continually learning and growing my skillset”
- “Enabling the transition to e-commerce @ ABC Fashion | Certified Shopify Expert”
Get Feedback
It always helps to get an outside opinion. Ask colleagues, managers, or career advisors which of your headline options they find most appealing and aligned with your goals. Consider running drafts by your professional network as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my LinkedIn headline?
You should update your LinkedIn headline every time you change jobs or roles. Outside of that, review it every 6-12 months and refresh as needed to reflect new skills, achievements, or goals.
Is my LinkedIn headline important?
Your LinkedIn headline is one of the first things people notice on your profile, so yes, it’s very important! An engaging, keyword-rich headline encourages visitors to keep reading your full profile.
What makes a good LinkedIn headline?
A good LinkedIn headline clearly summarizes who you are professionally in 120 characters or less. It should highlight your current job title and company, key skills/experience, and areas of expertise – written in an engaging way.
Do LinkedIn headlines need to be changed?
You don’t need to change your LinkedIn headline if it’s still accurate and reflective of your professional identity. But periodic updates are recommended to keep it optimized as your career evolves.
How do I write an opening statement for LinkedIn?
Your LinkedIn headline essentially serves as your opening statement, summarized in 120 characters or less. Focus on showcasing your current job/company, areas of specialization, and what makes you unique.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn headline is valuable real estate. With limited space, be strategic in summarizing who you are and what you do. Emphasize keywords relevant to your profession, skills, and goals. Show personality but avoid overused cliches. Craft, refine, and periodically update your headline using the tips outlined above. A compelling overview will entice connections and opportunities!
