One of the most noticeable aspects of your LinkedIn profile is your headline. It not only covers the top of your profile page, but it also appears in newsfeed items, the “People You May Know” area, and job applications on LinkedIn.
It’s key to developing a great impression and describing exactly what you bring to the table.
It’s no surprise, then, that the majority of users choose the platform’s default option for their current work title. The thing is that a well-crafted LinkedIn headline can help you stand out in a “sea of same-olds” and attract the attention of prospects and recruiters a lot better than the simple default headline.
We’ll go through what’s a good t LinkedIn headline and some excellent headline examples in this article, so stay tuned!
What is a LinkedIn Headline?
The most visible part of your LinkedIn profile is your headline. It shows wherever your name appears, giving recruiters and potential customers a fast snapshot of who you are and why they should look at your profile. LinkedIn automatically adjusts your headline to your current job title and employer.
However, most individuals leave their headline as is, either because they are unaware that it can be modified or because they are unsure how to do it.
Why Is Your LinkedIn Headline a Digital Elevator Pitch?
Your LinkedIn headline is a great marketing place on this platform: it displays everywhere your name and photo are, whether in search results, comments on articles, or even LinkedIn messages.
If you are one of the job seekers, an effective LinkedIn headline is everything a person needs because it will help you in your job searching journey. It serves both as a first impression and a marketing tool. Basically, it informs visitors of your primary skill/job as well as your capabilities.
Furthermore, it displays you as a reliable member of your field. Your headline persuades people to visit your LinkedIn profile to learn more about you – in a sense, it’s a ‘Call to Action,’ which, when executed properly, can yield solid results. All this directly translates to increased employment, internship, profile views increase, and client opportunities.
Now that you are familiar with the essence of it, let’s give this segment a little more attention, shall we?
First Impressions Count
Imagine you’re attending a high-profile networking event filled with potential employers, collaborators, and industry influencers. Your LinkedIn profile is essentially the digital equivalent of that event. When someone stumbles upon your profile, the very first thing they notice is your LinkedIn headline.
It’s that concise line of text right below your name, typically limited to 220 characters.
We can say that it’s often underestimated yet incredibly potent. It’s your opportunity to introduce yourself in a few carefully crafted words, providing a sneak peek into your professional identity.
Here’s why those initial online impressions matter:
First, a compelling headline can quickly establish your expertise, authority, and trustworthiness in your field. This credibility can be a deciding factor for potential employers, collaborators, or clients.
Also, think of your headline as a vital component of your brand. It communicates not just what you do but also how you do it and why it matters.
Long story short – it should reflect your unique value proposition.
Enhancing Profile Visibility
Crafting a LinkedIn headline that accurately represents your skills and ambitions ensures you attract connections and opportunities that align with your career goals.
LinkedIn keywords – they are a shortcut to success. Including relevant keywords in your LinkedIn headline can enhance your profile’s visibility in LinkedIn searches.
Also, your headline is your opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Use it to showcase your unique value proposition, what sets you apart, and the problems you can solve.
Crafting a compelling headline allows you to leave a lasting memory. When someone views your LinkedIn profile, you want them to remember you among the sea of professionals they encounter.
Core Components of a Captivating LinkedIn Headline
The million-dollar question:
What should you write on your LinkedIn headline?
Before you jump into writing an excellent LinkedIn headline, consider the following recommendations:
Clarity and Precision
You only have 220 characters to describe yourself on LinkedIn, right? So, it’s critical to be clear and detailed about your job.
A LinkedIn title like ‘Translator with Marketing and Localization Knowledge for the Japanese Market’ explains what you’re good at. A recruiter seeking suitable candidates will want to scroll down further on this LinkedIn profile to see what else the individual has to offer.
👍 Pro tip: Use keywords that visitors are looking for. In the example LinkedIn headline above, notice how they employed the keywords ‘Translator’ and ‘Japanese.’
Another thing – keep in mind that you’re attempting to persuade folks to click on your profile. So why not come up with a headline that people can relate to?
‘Combining creativity with digital marketing to turn chances into sales,’ for example, could be your LinkedIn headline if you’re a creative digital marketer.
It explains what you’re good at and how you approach your work.
Keyword Optimization for SEO
A strong LinkedIn headline can help you rank higher in search results. If you’ve ever done a LinkedIn job search (for example, ‘Java Developer’), you’ll see that LinkedIn instantly looks through their database of millions of individuals and finds you 500K Java Developers.
Have you ever wondered how LinkedIn manages to rank over 500K profiles in a matter of seconds?
It basically examines these profiles for search terms or ‘keywords’ (such as ‘Java Developer’). It won’t show your profile to the recruiter if your headline does not contain the same keywords as the recruiter’s search query.
The question is how to use keywords to optimize your headline.
Our advice is to incorporate keywords in your LinkedIn headline that you think recruiters and prospects will be looking for. As a result, you’ll be more likely to show up in LinkedIn search results when someone types in those keywords.
The key is to be specific. If you’re a job seeker, include keywords, acronyms, and certifications that are relevant to the position you’re seeking, as well as terms that your buyers and prospects are likely to search for.
Make the most of it!
Here’s an additional tip: Top LinkedIn headlines are typically 7 to 14 words.
For instance, if you’re a digital marketing specialist, including keywords like “digital marketing,” “SEO strategist,” or “content creator” will ensure your LinkedIn profile surfaces when others search for these terms.
So, when crafting your LinkedIn headline, remember that it’s not just a reflection of who you are but also a strategic tool to make your profile discoverable by the right audience and leave a compelling impression.
Showcasing Your Value
When individuals come across your LinkedIn profile, there has to be something special that you can give them, which might be your expertise.
‘Managing Director at [company name] Corp.,’ for example, is a common phrase many people would use. That, on the other hand, does not impart anything meaningful to the viewer.
Here’s what you could say instead:
- Closed over $500K in new business for [company name] businesses,’
- ‘Delivered 100+ lectures in [your area of expertise],’
- ‘Reduced customer churn rate by 20% for B2C companies’
Each of the LinkedIn headlines above describes what makes you stand apart.
👍 Pro Tip: Include action-oriented terms like created, sold, managed, designed, and assisted.
As a cherry on top, you must rely on boastfulness. It may sound outrageous, but there is no harm in this because it is the most effective means of attracting attention. Show off any prizes you’ve received or patents you’ve filed.
In your LinkedIn title, bragging about your honors and achievements is one technique to inform people about your accomplishments and persuade them to visit your profile.
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The Best LinkedIn Headline Examples
Finally, we’ve reached the most interesting part of the article – the examples. Below are a few viable options, depending on the person’s expertise.
An example of a LinkedIn headline for a seasoned employee:
CPM-certified Product Manager | Experience creating value from data and delivering products used by 10M+ users.
An example of a LinkedIn headline for a person who sells a mobile IT solution that allows IT managers to control their infrastructure on the go:
Sales Professional | Assisting IT professionals and providing support anytime, anywhere.
A person whose specialty is enabling B2B companies to drive net revenue retention could use this headline:
Helping B2B SaaS companies drive net revenue retention | Top 100 Customer Success Strategists 2019
LinkedIn Headline Examples from Different Job Titles
We feel we need to cover several popular professions when we talk about great LinkedIn headline examples. Let’s start with technology!
Technology: Precision is key for tech professionals, like with any other LinkedIn headlines.
A LinkedIn headline like “Software Engineer | Full Stack Developer | Innovator in AI” not only highlights your skills but also showcases your forward-thinking approach.
Finance: Finance experts can emphasize their expertise with LinkedIn headlines such as “Financial Analyst | Investment Strategist | Risk Management Specialist.”
Moreover, marketers can benefit from highlighting their diverse skill sets.
For example, “Digital Marketing Specialist | SEO Guru | Content Creator.” This kind of headline indicates proficiency in various facets of marketing.
And for our sales readers, here are some examples.
Sales professionals should focus on their specialties, as in “Sales Representative | B2B Sales Expert | Relationship Builder.” This approach communicates your sales strengths clearly.
The next famous profession is real estate.
Real estate agents or brokers might consider headlines such as “Licensed Real Estate Agent | Property Investment Advisor | Negotiation Pro” to illustrate their strengths in this field.
Last but not least important is consulting LinkedIn headlines.
Consultants can adopt headlines like “Management Consultant | Business Strategy Maven | Change Management Expert” to convey their consulting prowess.
Customizing Your Headline Based on Your Career Stage
Tailoring your LinkedIn headline to your career stage can be equally impactful.
Let’s explore examples for some careers across the mentioned industries:
Software Engineers:
Early-career software engineers might opt for “Software Engineer | Aspiring Innovator | Java Developer.” This conveys ambition and current expertise. Established professionals can go with “Senior Software Engineer | Code Architect | Mentor.”
Data Scientists:
Entry-level data scientists could use “Data Scientist | Analytics Enthusiast | Python Aficionado.” On the other hand, more experienced data scientists might prefer “Machine Learning Expert | Data Science Visionary | Predictive Modeling Pro.”
Marketers:
Beginners could go for “Digital Marketing Associate | Content Creator | Social Media Strategist,” while seasoned marketers might choose “Marketing Director | Branding Visionary | ROI Maximization Specialist.”
Financial Administrators: For newcomers, “Financial Analyst | Budgeting Novice | Excel Guru” can be fitting. On the other hand, “Financial Controller | Financial Planning Pro | Audit Oversight” suits senior professionals.
HR Professionals:
Entry-level HR professionals could use “HR Coordinator | Talent Acquisition Rookie | Employee Engagement Enthusiast.” Those with experience might select “HR Manager | Organizational Culture Shaper | HR Strategy Maven.”
Real Estate Agents / Brokers:
Newbies may consider “Real Estate Agent | Property Enthusiast | First-Time Homebuyer Specialist.” Established agents could opt for “Real Estate Broker | Luxury Property Specialist | Negotiation Pro.”
Remember that as your career progresses or your skill set expands, you shouldn’t hesitate to revisit and update it. It’s your opportunity to tell the LinkedIn community who you are, what you do, and why you’re exceptional at it.
Tools to Optimize Your LinkedIn Headline
Your LinkedIn headline is a crucial element of your LinkedIn profile, acting as a digital introduction to potential connections and employers.
So, crafting it effectively requires not only creativity but also strategic optimization, or in the online world, SEO. In this section, we’ll explore valuable tools to help you fine-tune and optimize your LinkedIn headline for maximum engagement and visibility.
Keyword Research Tools
Although we briefly touched on keywords and their importance, it is not out of place to show you how to get to them. Essentially, keywords are the building blocks of an effective LinkedIn headline, right?
Yes, and they’re basically what help you get discovered by the right people, whether they’re recruiters, potential clients, or collaborators.
Utilizing keyword research tools can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your headline. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or even LinkedIn’s own search bar can provide insights into the keywords that are most relevant to your industry and job role.
Incorporating them naturally into your headline can boost your visibility and ensure your profile appears in relevant searches. However, you should remember that stuffing your headline with too many keywords can make it look unnatural and spammy to the ones that are on the other side of the screen. \
Let’s be honest – we have all encountered these kinds of spammy headlines at least once and know how to recognize them from miles away.
Strive for a balance between keyword optimization and readability.
Character Count Tools
LinkedIn headlines do have a character limit.
As of the last update in 2023, the character limit for a LinkedIn headline is 220 characters. Well, 240 characters for mobile phones. So, keeping your headline within this limit is crucial to ensure it displays correctly and completely on both desktop and mobile devices.
There are various character count tools available online that can help you check and optimize your headline’s length. Tools like charactercounttool.com or the built-in character counter in your text editor can be handy for this purpose.
Now, let’s address the disadvantage of creating generic headlines shortly!
Generic headlines lack the uniqueness and specificity needed to grab attention and communicate your value effectively. They often get lost in the sea of LinkedIn profiles, failing to distinguish you from others in your field. Therefore, it’s essential to craft a headline that speaks directly to your unique skills, experiences, and aspirations.
Mistakes to Avoid When Crafting Your LinkedIn Headline
The more you want to land a great job, show yourself in the best light or make a breakthrough on the platform, the more you are prone to making mistakes. That’s why we’d like to call attention to a few LinkedIn blunders that you should be aware of.
Let’s look at some of the most common mistakes to avoid when crafting your LinkedIn headline and why falling into these traps can hinder your professional success.
Being Vague or Generic
One of the gravest errors you can make when crafting your LinkedIn headline is being too vague or generic.
Your headline is the first thing people see when they stumble upon your profile. It’s your digital first impression, so a vague or generic headline can leave viewers uninspired and uninterested – remember examples from your life, and we are sure you will immediately know what bothers you.
For instance, consider a headline like “Experienced Sales Professional” or “Skilled Marketer.” While these may be true, they lack that unique online flavor that can set you apart in the competitive world of LinkedIn.
Ask yourself: Why would someone choose you above the other 100+ people who have the same headline as you when they search for [Job Title]?
Also, “Seeking New Opportunities” is neither captivating nor inspirational. Using LinkedIn’s Open Candidates function, you can let companies know you’re actively looking for new opportunities.
Then, you can use your headline to highlight your previous experience as well as the things you’ve been doing to improve your skills.
Overstuffing Keywords
While incorporating keywords into your LinkedIn headline is crucial for visibility, overdoing it can be counterproductive. Some individuals go to great lengths to stuff their headlines with various keywords, resulting in a jumbled mess that neither reads well nor effectively communicates their expertise.
LinkedIn’s search algorithm is designed to match profiles with suitable keywords, but it also prioritizes well-crafted, natural-sounding headlines.
Overstuffing your headline with keywords can make it look spammy and incoherent. It turns off human readers, aka all of us, and may negatively affect your search ranking.
To avoid these pitfalls, strive for a balance!
You should craft a specific headline that showcases your unique value and naturally includes suitable keywords.
For instance, “Experienced Software Developer | Python, Java, C++” strikes a balance between specificity and keyword optimization.
The Final Verdict on What’s a Good LinkedIn Headline
While creating a captivating LinkedIn headline is no rocket science, you do have to put a little thought and effort into it if you want to make an impact on this platform. So far, we’ve covered the art and science of writing a stunning LinkedIn headline that grabs attention and expresses your value proposition throughout this complete guide.
You’ve learned what’s a good LinkedIn headline alongside vital insights on enhancing your professional presence on LinkedIn, from recognizing the significance of a well-crafted LinkedIn headline to examining the main aspects that make it effective.
We’ve also mentioned the importance of keywords, the value of personal branding, and the influence of a successful headline on your job search.
For those looking to take their LinkedIn game to the next level, consider exploring AimFox. Our innovative tool can automate your prospecting efforts, saving you valuable time while ensuring your LinkedIn headline reaches the right audience.
