How to Craft a Custom LinkedIn URL That Stands Out

Have you ever wondered why some LinkedIn profiles appear more professional and polished than others?

The secret might be simpler than you think: a custom LinkedIn URL.

Did you know that 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to vet candidates during the hiring process?

With such high stakes, every detail of your profile matters – including your URL.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a custom LinkedIn URL that enhances your professional brand.

You’ll learn why it’s important, how to do it, and best practices to ensure your profile stands out in the crowded digital landscape.

Key takeaways:

• Understand the importance of a custom LinkedIn URL for your professional brand
• Learn step-by-step how to create and optimize your personalized LinkedIn URL
• Discover strategies to promote your custom URL and maximize its impact

1. Understanding LinkedIn’s Default URL

What is the Default URL?

When you first create your LinkedIn profile, the platform automatically assigns you a default URL. This URL typically consists of your name followed by a string of random numbers and letters. For example, it might look something like this:

www.linkedin.com/in/johndoe-123456789

Limitations of the Default URL

While functional, the default LinkedIn URL has several drawbacks:

1. It’s not memorable
2. It looks unprofessional
3. It’s difficult to share verbally or in print
4. It doesn’t contribute to your personal branding efforts

Why You Should Customize It

Customizing your LinkedIn URL is a simple yet effective way to enhance your professional online presence. A personalized LinkedIn URL offers several benefits:

1. Improved professionalism: It shows attention to detail and tech-savviness
2. Better branding: It aligns with your personal brand across platforms
3. Increased memorability: Makes it easier for connections to find and remember your profile
4. Enhanced searchability: Can improve your visibility in search engine results

2. Steps to Create a Custom LinkedIn URL

Creating a custom LinkedIn URL is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to personalize your profile link:

Accessing Your Public Profile Settings

1. Log in to your LinkedIn account
2. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner
3. Select “View Profile” from the dropdown menu
4. On your profile page, click “Edit public profile & URL” on the right side

Editing Your URL

1. In the right-hand column, under “Edit your custom URL,” click the pencil icon
2. Type your desired custom URL in the text box
3. LinkedIn will automatically check if the URL is available

Saving Your Custom URL

1. If your chosen URL is available, click “Save”
2. If it’s not available, try variations until you find an available option
3. Once saved, your new custom LinkedIn URL is ready to use

Remember, LinkedIn URL customization is a one-time process, so choose wisely!

3. Best Practices for Choosing a Custom URL

When it comes to LinkedIn URL best practices, keep these guidelines in mind:

Keep It Simple and Professional

Your custom LinkedIn URL should be easy to read, type, and remember. Avoid complex words or phrases that might be difficult for others to spell or recall.

Use Your Full Name or a Recognizable Variation

Ideally, your custom URL should include your full name. If your name is already taken, consider these alternatives:

• Include your middle initial
• Add your profession (e.g., johndoewriter)
• Use a professional nickname if it’s well-known in your industry

Avoid Numbers and Special Characters

Unless absolutely necessary, steer clear of numbers and special characters in your URL. They can make your URL look less professional and harder to remember.

4. Benefits of a Custom LinkedIn URL

Customizing your LinkedIn URL offers numerous advantages for your professional networking efforts:

Improved Professionalism

A personalized LinkedIn URL demonstrates attention to detail and digital literacy. It shows that you’ve taken the extra step to optimize your online presence, which can impress potential employers or clients.

Easier Sharing and Networking

A custom URL is much easier to share verbally, in print, or digitally. It’s perfect for adding to business cards, email signatures, or sharing during networking events.

Enhanced Searchability

A custom URL that includes your name can improve your visibility in search engine results. When someone searches for your name, your LinkedIn profile is more likely to appear near the top of the results.

5. Promoting Your Custom URL

Once you’ve created your custom LinkedIn URL, it’s time to put it to work. Here are some effective ways to promote your personalized LinkedIn URL:

Adding to Your Email Signature

Include your custom LinkedIn URL in your email signature. This provides a professional touch and makes it easy for email contacts to connect with you on LinkedIn.

Including on Business Cards

Add your custom URL to your business cards. This allows people to easily find your profile and learn more about your professional background.

Sharing on Social Media Profiles

Include your LinkedIn URL in the bio or about sections of your other social media profiles. This creates a cohesive online presence and drives traffic to your LinkedIn profile.

6. Updating Your Custom URL Over Time

While consistency is key in personal branding, there may be times when you need to update your custom LinkedIn URL.

When to Update Your URL

Consider updating your URL if:

• You’ve changed your name
• You’ve pivoted to a new career field
• Your current URL no longer aligns with your professional brand

Maintaining Consistency

If you do update your URL, make sure to update it everywhere else you’ve shared it, including your resume, business cards, and other social media profiles.

Avoiding Frequent Changes

Try to limit changes to your custom URL. Frequent updates can lead to broken links and confusion among your network.

Conclusion

Crafting a custom LinkedIn URL is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your professional online presence. Apply these steps and best practices outlined in this guide, you can create a personalized LinkedIn URL that reflects your brand, improves your visibility, and makes networking easier.

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you make on potential employers or clients. A custom URL is just one piece of the puzzle – make sure the rest of your profile is equally polished and professional.

Take Action Today: Set aside 10 minutes to customize your LinkedIn URL. It’s a small investment that can yield significant returns for your professional brand and networking efforts.

FAQ about Crafting a Custom LinkedIn URL That Stands Out

How often can I change my custom LinkedIn URL?

LinkedIn allows you to change your custom URL as often as you like. However, it’s best to keep changes minimal to maintain consistency.

What if my name is already taken as a custom URL?

Try adding your middle initial, industry, or a professional credential to your name.

Can I use my company name in my LinkedIn URL?

It’s generally better to use your own name. Company names are better suited for company pages.

Will changing my LinkedIn URL affect my connections?

No, changing your URL doesn’t affect your existing connections or any other aspect of your profile.

Is a custom LinkedIn URL visible to everyone?

Yes, your custom URL is part of your public profile and can be seen by anyone who views your profile.

By implementing these strategies and optimizing your LinkedIn URL, you’ll be well on your way to standing out in the professional world of LinkedIn networking.