How to Write a Great LinkedIn Headline

There’s no denying that LinkedIn comes with a host of opportunities. With that in mind, it’s only natural that you’ll want to put your best foot forward on your profile. 

If you’ve clicked on this article, I think it’s safe to assume that you want to ensure you’re leaving a great first impression on potential clients or employers. 

One way to do that? A great LinkedIn headline. 

One of the first things that any person visiting your profile sees is your headline, which is why it’s so important to make the most of it. 

Unfortunately, this section is often overlooked when people create their LinkedIn profiles, with most people opting for the default setting that includes their current job title. 

There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s certainly informative – But it’s also plain. 

If you want to stand out amongst your competitors, you need to put some effort and personality into writing your LinkedIn headline. 

What Should You Do?

If you weren’t already aware, the LinkedIn headline appears next to a person’s name and is used to describe what the person does in less than 120 characters. 

With a limited word count, your headline ideally should be written in such a way that it intrigues the reader and makes them want to check out your profile. 

If you want people to know what you can bring to the table, then it’s time you customise your LinkedIn headline. 

Know Your Audience 

The first rule of marketing is to understand your audience. The same applies to your LinkedIn headline. 

After all, if you’re trying to promote yourself or your business, you need to show your audience what you have to offer. 

A great way to get yourself seen is to use keywords in your headline to give prospects something easy to recognise. 

Highlight Your USP 

Your USP, or unique selling proposition, fits perfectly into your headline. 

Your headline is a great way to give your prospects some context on your profile. However, it’s not enough to tell them how you can add value to an organisation, it should also highlight your value proposition. 

If you aren’t sure what you can include as your USP, try checking out your company’s USP for inspiration. 

Don’t Get Carried Away

It’s incredibly easy to get carried away when writing your headline and fall into the trap of trying too hard to impress. 

Your prospects may be put off by big words that don’t appear in everyday speech. 

Resist the temptation to use overly complicated words that your prospects may not be familiar with. 

Be Genuine 

If you want people to believe in your profile, you need to come across as genuine. 

This is a golden rule for writing effective LinkedIn headlines: Show, Don’t Tell.

Instead of pushing the idea that you’re hard-working and dedicated to your work, show them how. Use examples of where you’ve gone above and beyond. 

So how can you write a great LinkedIn headline? 

• Know your audience
• Highlight your USP
• Don’t get carried away
• Be genuine

Your LinkedIn headline provides you with a great opportunity to showcase just who you are, so go crazy with it.