How to Write a Good LinkedIn Headline (With Examples)

Your LinkedIn headline is one of the most critical elements of your profile. It’s the first thing people see after your name, and it sets the tone for your professional brand. A well-crafted headline can make all the difference in how you're perceived and whether someone clicks on your profile. In this guide, we’ll break down how to write a great LinkedIn headline and share examples to help you stand out.

‍

What is a Headline on LinkedIn?

Your LinkedIn headline is the text that appears just below your name on your profile. It’s also the text that shows up in search results and connection requests, making it a highly visible piece of real estate. By default, LinkedIn will fill this space with your current job title, but this is a missed opportunity. Instead of simply stating your job role, use the headline to summarize your skills, value, and what sets you apart in a few engaging words.

What is a Good Headline for LinkedIn?

A good LinkedIn headline is clear, concise, and tells people exactly what you do and who you help. It should capture your unique value proposition in just a few words. A great headline makes it easy for someone to understand your expertise and why they should connect with you. It can highlight your skills, achievements, or even your personality in a professional way. Most importantly, it needs to be searchable—so include key terms that people might use to find someone in your industry.

Why Is My LinkedIn Headline Important?

Your LinkedIn headline is important because it’s the first impression people get of you professionally. It’s visible across the platform, in search results, connection requests, and even in the "People You May Know" section. A well-crafted headline increases your chances of standing out, helps you get found by the right people, and makes your profile more engaging. It’s also key to personal branding—your headline tells others what you do and what makes you unique in a crowded marketplace.

What Should I Put in a Headline on LinkedIn?

Your LinkedIn headline should communicate:

• What you do
• Who you help
• The value you bring

You can also add a bit of personality if it aligns with your brand. For example, a headline might include your industry expertise, certifications, or a notable achievement. Keep it professional but not too rigid. If you’re in a creative field, feel free to be a little more inventive with your wording. Use keywords that are relevant to your profession so that your profile is more likely to appear in searches.

Example:

1. "Helping SaaS companies scale with data-driven marketing | Marketing Director | HubSpot Certified"

‍

How Can I Change My LinkedIn Headline?

To change your LinkedIn headline, follow these steps:

1. Go to your profile
   Open LinkedIn and click on your profile picture or "View Profile."
2. Click the pencil icon
   Find the pencil icon next to your current headline and click on it to edit your profile section.
3. Edit your headline
   In the text box labeled "Headline," delete the existing text and enter your new headline.
4. Save
   Click "Save" to update your headline.

Remember, you have 220 characters to work with, so make sure every word counts!

How to Write a LinkedIn Headline

Here’s a simple process for writing a standout LinkedIn headline:

Step 1: Identify Your Keywords

Think about the words people in your industry use to search for professionals like you. These are the keywords that should appear in your headline. Examples might include “Marketing Specialist,” “Data Analyst,” “Sales Leader,” or “Project Manager.”

Step 2: Highlight Your Value Proposition

Ask yourself: What do you do, and how do you help others? Your headline should reflect your value. It could include your primary job function, a specific skill, or the benefit you offer.

Example:

• "Helping tech startups streamline operations | Business Operations Expert"

Step 3: Add a Personal Touch

If appropriate, you can inject a bit of personality into your headline to make it more memorable. Maybe it’s a quirky detail about what you love or a unique angle on your profession.

Example:

• "Turning complex data into actionable insights | Analytics Enthusiast"

Step 4: Avoid Jargon

Avoid buzzwords like “hard worker” or “team player” unless they’re backed by specific achievements or certifications. Stick to language that clearly conveys your role and impact.

Example:

• "Experienced Digital Marketing Specialist | 5+ years driving growth through SEO & content"

Step 5: Keep It Concise but Descriptive

You have 220 characters, but that doesn’t mean you have to use all of them. Focus on being concise while still packing in the most important information.

Example:

• "Leadership Coach | Helping executives build resilient teams and unlock their potential"

Step 6: Review and Refine

Once you’ve written your headline, take a step back and review it. Does it communicate your expertise? Is it searchable with the right keywords? Is it easy to read and understand? Adjust until it ticks all the boxes.

LinkedIn Headline Examples

Here are some LinkedIn headline examples to inspire you:

• For Sales: "B2B Sales Leader | Helping companies grow through tailored sales strategies | Speaker & Author"
• For Marketing: "Content Marketing Strategist | SEO Expert | Helping businesses drive traffic and engagement"
• For Entrepreneurs: "Founder | Empowering women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses through digital marketing"
• For Tech: "Software Engineer | AI & Machine Learning Enthusiast | Building scalable solutions for real-world problems"
• For Creatives: "Graphic Designer | Crafting compelling brand visuals for startups & entrepreneurs"

Take it to the Next Level: SEO for LinkedIn Headlines 

Just like with website SEO, search engine optimization (SEO) for your LinkedIn headline is crucial. When someone searches for professionals in your industry or for specific skills, LinkedIn’s algorithm scans profiles for relevant keywords. That’s why using industry-specific keywords in your headline is essential for getting found by the right people.

For example, if you’re a marketing expert, your headline should include keywords like “Digital Marketing,” “SEO,” “Content Strategy,” or whatever specific areas of expertise you want to highlight. The more relevant your headline is to your industry, the more likely it is that potential clients, employers, or collaborators will find you in search results. SEO isn’t just for search engines; it’s about helping people quickly understand what you do and how you can help them.

Pro Tip: Do some keyword research or think about the terms people use when searching for someone with your expertise. Incorporate those into your headline naturally. This will help improve your profile's visibility in LinkedIn searches and increase your chances of being discovered.

How to Write a LinkedIn Headline (With a Simple Formula)

Writing a LinkedIn headline doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s an easy formula you can follow to make sure your headline is clear, engaging, and highlights your value:

[Job Title] + [Who You Help] + [How You Help Them] + [Unique Value or Expertise]

This formula ensures you cover the essentials—what you do, who you help, and why you’re the right person for the job. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Identify Your Job Title

Start by stating your primary job function or role. This is the keyword that helps people quickly understand what you do.

Example:

• Marketing Specialist

Step 2: Define Who You Help

Next, mention the audience or clients you serve. This shows your target audience and makes it clear who benefits from your expertise.

Example:

• "Helping small businesses"

Step 3: Explain How You Help

Briefly explain the impact you have or the solution you provide.

Example:

• "Helping small businesses grow through tailored digital strategies"

Step 4: Highlight Your Unique Value or Expertise

End with a touch of personality or a specific skill that sets you apart from others in your field.

Example:

• "Helping small businesses grow through tailored digital strategies | SEO Expert & Content Strategist"

Example LinkedIn Headlines Using the Formula

Here are some examples using this formula:

• Marketing Specialist | Helping small businesses grow through tailored digital strategies | SEO Expert & Content Strategist
• Leadership Coach | Empowering executives to unlock their potential and lead high-performing teams | Certified Leadership Facilitator
• Software Engineer | Building scalable AI solutions for real-world challenges | Machine Learning & AI Specialist
• Graphic Designer | Creating standout brand visuals for startups | Brand Identity & Web Design Expert

What NOT to Say in Your LinkedIn Headline

While crafting your LinkedIn headline, it’s just as important to know what to avoid. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

1. Generic Job Titles

Using generic titles like "Professional" or "Expert" doesn’t add any value. Instead, be specific about your role to give people a clear idea of what you do. Avoid vague titles that don’t communicate your unique skills or area of expertise.

Example of what NOT to say:

• "Sales Professional"

2. Buzzwords and Clichés

Phrases like "hard worker," "team player," and "results-driven" are overused and often lack meaning. They do not differentiate you from others in your field. Focus on your skills and experiences instead of relying on clichés that don't convey your unique value.

Example of what NOT to say:

• "Results-Driven Sales Leader"

3. Irrelevant Personal Information

Your LinkedIn headline should focus on your professional identity, not personal interests that don’t relate to your career. Avoid mentioning hobbies or personal traits that don’t contribute to your professional narrative.

Example of what NOT to say:

• "Dog Lover | Coffee Enthusiast | Marketing Manager"

4. Unprofessional Language or Humor

While a touch of personality is good, be cautious about using humor or informal language in your headline. Keep it professional, as LinkedIn is primarily a business platform. Humor may not resonate with everyone and can detract from your professionalism.

Example of what NOT to say:

• "Just a Cool Guy Who Sells Stuff"

5. Long-Winded Descriptions

Your headline should be concise and to the point. Avoid overly lengthy descriptions that dilute your main message. Remember, you have a limited character count (220 characters) to make an impression, so every word should count.

Example of what NOT to say:

• "Experienced Marketing Professional with a Track Record of Success in Driving Sales and Managing Teams in Various Industries Over the Past 10 Years"

6. Focusing Solely on Current Job Title

While including your current job title is important, don’t let it be the only thing in your headline. Use the opportunity to communicate more about what you do, who you help, and the unique value you bring to the table.

Example of what NOT to say:

• "Senior Marketing Manager at XYZ Company"

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a LinkedIn headline that effectively showcases your professional identity and attracts the right connections.

Need Help with Your LinkedIn Profile Management? Give Us a Shout! 

Your LinkedIn headline is one of the most important parts of your profile. It’s your chance to tell people what you do, how you can help, and why they should connect with you—all in a few short words. With the right mix of keywords, value, and personality, your headline can set you apart and make a lasting impression.

Need help crafting the perfect LinkedIn profile? L & L Collective offers LinkedIn Profile Management services to ensure your profile stands out and reflects your unique strengths. Learn more about how we can help here.

‍