Get tips for writing the perfect LinkedIn headline to boost your business

LinkedIn is the largest business-oriented networking website geared specifically towards professionals. If you’re not on LinkedIn, you could be missing out on networking opportunities and leads.

This is one social media platform that gives small business owners and entrepreneurs the ability to showcase their profiles, expertise, recommendations, and connections. Think of it as an ever-evolving resume that also demonstrates your credibility in your industry and highlights your achievements.

With over 500 million members, in over 200 countries, you need to stand out. One way you can do this is with your headline. Take a look at what makes an exceptional LinkedIn headline and get some insight into LinkedIn keywords.

LinkedIn Headlines

If you think about it, your headline is:

• The first line LinkedIn users see on your profile
• An opportunity to show the world what you’re capable of and what you do
• Someone’s first impression of you as they scroll through LinkedIn

Letting LinkedIn choose your headline for you is not a good idea. With a customized headline, you’ll instantly distinguish yourself, give prospects a reason to view your profile, and start building the case for your product or service.

Coming up with an effective LinkedIn headline isn’t always simple, so here are some tips to consider:

• Show your value proposition. What are you known for or good at?
• Set yourself apart from other users in the same profession. What makes you better than your peers?
• Make sure your headline is accompanied by a well-lit and quality profile picture (like a professional headshot).

What Should My LinkedIn Headline Say?

You don’t want your headline to be too vague or ornate, but you also don’t want it to not be compelling or pique a prospect’s interest.

To make writing your headline easier, here’s a simple formula: [Job Title]: Helping X do Y

In this formula, X represents your ideal prospect, and Y will be their ideal outcome or state of mind after using the services you’re selling.

A LinkedIn headline is about drawing in the right audience and showing them that you can deliver the specific outcomes they’re looking for. This model can help you frame that kind of promise.

Four Tips For Writing The Perfect Headline

Tailor it to your audience.
Include your value proposition.
Use your prospect’s language.
Avoid hyperbole.

LinkedIn Headline Keywords

So, how do you convey your qualifications and expertise? With keywords.

Start by projecting how you help your prospects and customers. Words like “transforming,” “helping,” or “guiding” sound both impressive and actionable.

According to HubSpot, another way to show off your skills is to include customer success stories in your summary and prior experience. Lines like “Helped an online bicycle retailer increase sales by 30%” or “On average, clients reduced support tickets by half” stand on their own without any commentary — and are far more impressive as a result.

Stay somewhat grounded, and “show, don’t tell” if you can. You want to pique a prospect’s interest enough to make them want to scroll further down your profile.

Let Your Headline Do the Talking

Once you’ve perfected your headline, you’ll start noticing a difference in the quantity and quality of leads you generate on LinkedIn. Give it a try. If in a few months you don’t see a difference, try something else.

How to Write a Professional Job Description

By Leslie Radford