Differentiate Yourself by Customizing Your LinkedIn Profile Headline

Have you customized your LinkedIn Profile headline?

?When a LinkedIn user sees you as a possible connection, LinkedIn shows only your name, profile photo, and profile headline. Having a customized headline is a terrific way to enhance your professional brand.

?Did you know that the default headline in a LinkedIn profile is the position title for the top-listed position in your Experience section and the name of the company where you work? In some cases, especially when you are an employee, it makes sense to use this default.

?However, if you are a business owner or a job seeker, you will benefit by crafting a headline that is tailored to you. By taking this approach, you differentiate yourself from your competition.

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?Ways to Customize Your Headline

• Use search terms that people use when looking for the services or products you provide. Avoid using words and phrases used by people in your industry, but not by the public. An example could be “personal lines producer” vs. “auto and home insurance agent.”
• If you’re looking for a job, use search terms that reflect the types of jobs you would like to get.
• Business owners – start your headline with the service or product you offer the most. For example, I begin with “LinkedIn Trainer” as most of my clients want help with LinkedIn. Next, I have “Social Media Tutor,” as some people want help with other social media platforms. Also, some people resonate more with “trainer,” and others with “tutor.”
• Reference your target market in your headline. In my headline, I use “Business Owners” and “Job Seekers.” If you target specific demographics, reference them. For example, I include “Baby Boomer Specialist” in my headline, as I target people in that generation.
• Include your company tagline if you are a business owner. For example, my “Making LinkedIn Simple, Easy and Fun” tagline intrigues people. They mention it when they ask to connect with me.
• Spell out the certifications that appear as letters after your last name. For example, a Realtor who puts CRIS after her name would include Certified Real Estate Investment Specialist in her headline. People looking to purchase real estate for investment purposes but who don’t know what the initials stand for, will be more impressed by the certification when they know what it is.
• If you have achieved an honor or distinction, you may want to include that information in the headline.

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Other Considerations Regarding Your Headline

• After you create your headline, make a record of it.
• Consider creating a document with different versions of your headline so you can change it occasionally to keep your profile fresh.
• You have 220 characters for your headline, which can translate to 35 – 50 words. Depending on the nature of your field, you may want to use all or most of those characters. Or you may prefer to use just a few words and phrases.

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I help people, especially those age 55 and up, to become more effective using social media, especially LinkedIn and Facebook. I work with business owners, business development professionals, business consultants, job seekers, and more – ranging from entrepreneurs to people in large corporations. Learn more at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.

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