L+L Blog
Oct 25, 2024

How to Write a LinkedIn Summary (With Examples!) 

Beth Romer

Your LinkedIn summary is one of the most important parts of your profile. It’s a space where you can introduce yourself, highlight your professional experience, and let potential clients or employers know what makes you unique. But crafting the perfect summary takes more than just listing your job titles. Let’s break down what a LinkedIn summary is and how to write a great one that stands out.

What is a LinkedIn Summary?

The LinkedIn summary is the “About” section of your profile, where you get to tell your professional story. It’s the part that gives visitors a deeper understanding of who you are, what you do, and why it matters. Unlike a resume that focuses on bullet points, the summary is more conversational, allowing you to inject personality and provide context for your career.

It’s an opportunity to go beyond the basics of your work history and share the why behind your professional journey. This section is typically placed toward the top of your LinkedIn profile, meaning it’s often the first thing people read. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression, build credibility, and encourage potential connections or clients to engage with you further.

Why is a Good LinkedIn Summary Important?

A good LinkedIn summary is crucial because it sets the tone for your entire profile. It’s your chance to build a personal connection with your audience, share your professional journey, and give context to the work you’ve done. A well-written summary helps you stand out from the crowd. For potential clients, employers, or collaborators, your summary can be the deciding factor on whether they engage with you further. In short, a great LinkedIn summary can open the door to valuable opportunities.

How to Write a Good LinkedIn Summary

Writing a strong LinkedIn summary requires thought and a balance between professionalism and personality. Here’s how to make yours shine:

1. Start with a Hook

Just like any good story, your LinkedIn summary should start with a strong opening that grabs attention. Consider beginning with a personal insight or a key accomplishment to immediately draw readers in. Ask yourself: what’s the most important thing someone should know about me?

2. Define Who You Are and What You Do

After your opening, clearly state who you are and what you do. This part should be straightforward, focusing on your current role, industry expertise, and the value you bring to your clients or organization. Be specific about your niche or specialization.

3. Highlight Your Accomplishments

Don’t be afraid to show off a bit! Your summary is the perfect place to highlight key accomplishments or career milestones. Focus on the achievements that demonstrate your impact and expertise in your field.

4. Share Your “Why”

One of the most effective ways to make your summary stand out is to share why you do what you do. This personal touch helps people connect with you on a deeper level. Explain what motivates you, why you’re passionate about your work, or how your journey led you to where you are today.

5. Include a Call to Action

Wrap up your LinkedIn summary by guiding readers to the next step. Whether it’s encouraging them to connect, message you, or visit your website, give your audience a clear action to take.

6. Keep It Conversational

While LinkedIn is a professional platform, your summary doesn’t need to be overly formal. Use a conversational tone that feels approachable while remaining professional. Think of it as telling your career story to someone over coffee.

7. Optimize with Keywords

Don’t forget about keywords! Just like the rest of your LinkedIn profile, your summary should be optimized with relevant keywords that reflect your skills, industry, and job role. This helps your profile show up in search results when potential employers or clients are looking for someone with your expertise.

LinkedIn Summary Template

To make it easier for you, here’s a template you can follow when crafting your LinkedIn summary. Feel free to adjust it to fit your own style and voice:

Introduction/Hook:

Start with an engaging opening that captures attention and introduces your key role or expertise.

Example:
"As a digital marketing strategist with a passion for data-driven results, I’ve spent the last 10 years helping businesses grow through tailored marketing strategies that deliver real ROI."

Who You Are and What You Do:

Briefly describe your role, industry, and specific value you bring to clients or employers.

Example:
"I specialize in helping small to mid-sized e-commerce brands build their online presence through targeted digital marketing campaigns, including SEO, PPC, and content marketing."

Key Accomplishments:

Highlight major achievements that show your expertise and the impact you’ve made.

Example:
"In the past year alone, I’ve led marketing campaigns that increased online sales for my clients by 40%, and I was honored to be named ‘Digital Marketer of the Year’ by the E-commerce Association."

Why You Do What You Do:

Share your motivation and passion for your work. This adds personality and relatability.

Example:
"My passion for marketing started in college, where I realized I loved the challenge of using data to shape creative strategies."

Call to Action

Encourage readers to take the next step by connecting, messaging, or visiting your website.

Example:
"If you’re looking for a strategic partner to elevate your brand’s digital presence, feel free to send me a message or visit my website to learn more."

LinkedIn Summary Examples

Here are a few LinkedIn summary examples to inspire you:

LinkedIn Summary for a Marketing Professional

"With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, I specialize in helping companies grow their online presence through data-driven strategies. My expertise spans SEO, content marketing, and paid media, and I’ve led campaigns that have driven a 50% increase in sales for my clients. My passion is helping brands tell their stories and connect with the right audiences. Outside of work, I enjoy mentoring up-and-coming marketers and sharing my insights on industry panels."

LinkedIn Summary Sales Leader

"As a sales leader with 15 years of experience in the B2B space, I’ve built and managed high-performing teams that consistently exceed targets. My approach is centered around building genuine relationships with clients and understanding their unique needs. I’m passionate about fostering a collaborative environment where my team can thrive and deliver results. Let’s connect if you’re looking to grow your sales team or discuss innovative sales strategies."

LinkedIn Summary for a Software Engineer

"I’m a software engineer with a love for problem-solving and a knack for building scalable solutions. Over the last five years, I’ve specialized in cloud computing and AI, working with both startups and established companies to create systems that optimize performance and streamline processes. When I’m not coding, you can find me exploring the latest in tech innovations or contributing to open-source projects. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in collaborating or discussing tech solutions."

Need Help With Your LinkedIn Profile? Reach out to Us! 

A well-crafted LinkedIn summary can make all the difference in how you’re perceived on the platform. It’s your opportunity to tell your story, share your expertise, and connect with others on a personal level. By following these tips, template, and examples, you can write a LinkedIn summary that not only stands out but also helps you build stronger connections and attract the right opportunities.

If you want your LinkedIn profile to shine, L&L Collective’s LinkedIn Profile Management services are here to help. We’ll work with you to craft a summary that reflects your unique strengths and showcases your professional brand. Learn more about our services here.

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