The Formula for a Perfect LinkedIn Headline
The headline of your profile is basically a professional version of the famous “describe yourself in three words” get-to-know-you game. You are a complex person who has many useful skills and professional qualities that you would like to outline to your future employer/client.
However, all that you have got is one line and 120 characters.
The easiest way to ensure that your “title” is both memorable and clear is by using a proven formula:
Your desired company and job title + relevant keywords + eye-catching headline
Now that we know the formula, let us take a detailed look at each of the elements.
Ditch the Default Headline
By default, LinkedIn would suggest that you populate your profile headline with your current job title. While there is nothing wrong with having it as a part of your headline, allowing LinkedIn to choose your headline for you is a very big mistake.Customizing your headline is one of your main chance to stand out and to help the reader to decide if they want to read your profile or not. Making your headline more than just your job title will at the very least send you far ahead of the people that share your professional position.
Use the Right Keywords
LinkedIn has an in-built search function used for locating people who are on the network. DO you want your profile to show up on the first page of the search results? Then prepare to do some research.
Your job is to find out the right keywords and phrases in your desired industry that will both relate to your profession and can also describe you as a specialist in that profession.
Get on Top of the Search Results
Spicing up your headline title with the relevant keywords is but a job half done. If you are someone who means business, there are a few extra steps that you can take before you can rest assured that your profile looks awesome in the search results.
Try finding your LinkedIn profile through the search by using your keywords and phrases. See where you stand when compared to your competition. If you want to go further one step, try tracking how many views that your profile gets during the next few days. Then change up your headline by using different keywords and watch for the change that happens in the number of profile views that you get.
Add a Powerful Statement
So you have made your headline to be clear and you have ensured that it showcases what kind of professional you are. The reader would know what you do. It is now time to let them know just "how" you do it.
One way to make the people want to check out your profile is by adding a powerful attention-grabbing statement to your headline. Think along the lines of having a creative and intriguing something to really make those few lines to be memorable.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
You only have 120 characters at your disposal. It can be very hard to fit all the important information in such a small space. Equally, by not using every single one of those characters for perfecting your headline is a mistake that you can not afford.
Think of Your Target Audience
If you are trying to make yourself appear professionally attractive to the representatives of a particular industry, the best way to do that is by talking in their language. Make sure that your job title and your statement are very easy to understand and are specific enough at the same time to work with the right audience.
