How to Customize URL in LinkedIn to Boost Your Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is like a digital handshake, often the first impression recruiters or colleagues have of you. Did you know that 40% of hiring managers use LinkedIn to check out candidates? (Source: LinkedIn Business).

Having a customized URL not only makes your profile look neat but also shows you as detail-oriented and professional. Consider it the finishing touch to your personal brand.

Whether you're networking, job hunting, or putting your profile on business cards, a custom LinkedIn URL leaves a lasting impression. Let's jump in and customize your LinkedIn URL in just a few minutes!

What is a LinkedIn Profile URL?

A LinkedIn profile URL is the unique web address for your LinkedIn page. It helps people find your profile online easily.

Every LinkedIn user gets a default URL when they create an account. For example, it might look like this: linkedin.com/in/john-doe-12345. This default link can be long and messy. Your LinkedIn public profile URL is the unique link that directs others to your professional page.

You can customize this URL to make it shorter, cleaner, and more professional. For example, you could change it to something like "linkedin.com/in/johndoe".

A custom LinkedIn URL not only looks better but also makes your profile easier to share on resumes, email signatures, and business cards.

Why a Customized LinkedIn Profile URL Matters

A customized LinkedIn URL is important for building your personal brand. It shows you are professional and detail-oriented. A custom public profile URL is easier to share and promotes your professional brand.

A professional profile photo complements your custom URL for a polished LinkedIn presence. A clean personalized URL that is easy to remember and share, which can help you stand out to hiring managers or clients.

According to LinkedIn, profiles with custom URLs are more likely to appear in search results. This means your profile gets more visibility.

Steps to Create A Custom Linkedin URL

1. Access Your LinkedIn Profile Settings

Visit LinkedIn on your browser to get started with customizing your URL.

To get started, log in to your LinkedIn account. Visit the LinkedIn homepage and click on your profile picture in the top-right corner. From there, choose "View Profile." This will take you to your LinkedIn profile page.

On your profile page, look for the "Edit Public Profile & URL" option on the right-hand side of edit page. This is where you can begin customizing your URL.

You can also customize your LinkedIn URL through the LinkedIn app on your phone.

2. Open URL Customization Options

Once in the 'public profile settings', you’ll see a section called "Edit your custom URL." Click the 'pencil icon' next to your current custom URL section.

You’ll see the LinkedIn public URL field where you can type in your new link. This will open a text box where you can make changes.

Keep in mind that LinkedIn doesn’t allow special characters or spaces. Your URL should contain letters, numbers, or hyphens.

3. Choose a Professional URL

Pick a URL for your linkedin that matches your name or professional brand. For example, if your name is John Doe, try linkedin.com/in/johndoe. Avoid using random numbers or unprofessional words.

If your desired URL is already taken, try adding your middle initial or your industry, such as /johndoe-marketing. Once you’ve chosen, click the Save button to finalize it.

4. Check Availability and Modify if Needed

After typing your desired URL, LinkedIn will check if it’s available. If someone else is already using it, you’ll need to modify it. Try adding your middle initial or your full name if it’s not available.

For example, instead of johnsmith, you can use common name john.d.smith. Avoid using special characters like @ or #. Stick to professional and simple names that reflect your personal brand.

5. Save Your Custom URL

Once you’ve finalized your URL, click the Save button. This confirms the changes and updates your public profile URL.

Don’t forget to double-check that your URL appears as you want it. If you see a mistake, you can always go back and edit it.

6. Share and Update Across Platforms

Now that you have a professional custom LinkedIn URL, share it! Add it to your email signature, resumes, and business cards. Update your profiles on other platforms so people can find you easily.

A clean, professional URL makes you look detail-oriented and ready to connect with hiring managers or other professionals.

Best Practices for Creating a Custom URL

1. Keep It Simple and Professional

Choose a URL that is short and professional. Use your first and last name, like /johndoe or /janesmith. This makes your URL easy to remember and share.

Avoid adding unnecessary words that don’t represent your identity or career. A clean and simple URL helps you make a strong impression.

2. Avoid Numbers and Special Characters

Skip numbers or special characters like @, #, or %. These can make your URL look unprofessional and confusing. For example, /johnsmith123 looks messy compared to /johnsmith. Sticking to letters and hyphens keeps your URL neat and easy to type.

3. Align With Your Personal Branding

Your custom LinkedIn URL should reflect your personal brand. If you’re known in a specific industry, you can include that. Your personal LinkedIn profile should always reflect your professional identity, starting with a clean URL.

For instance, /johndoe-marketing works well for someone in marketing. Make sure your URL matches other places where you share your name, like on your email signature or business cards, to stay consistent.

4. Ensure It’s Easy to Spell and Recognize

Pick a URL that people can easily spell and understand. Avoid unusual spellings or symbols. For example, /j0hn-sm1th might be hard to recognize, but /johnsmith is simple and professional. A clear URL makes it easier for people to find you online.

5. Think About Longevity

Your URL should work for you long-term. Avoid including details that might change, like your current job title or company name. Instead, focus on a timeless option like your name. This way, your LinkedIn profile URL stays relevant no matter how your career evolves.

6. Check Consistency Across Platforms

Make sure your LinkedIn URL matches your other online profiles. Consistency helps you build a trustworthy professional brand.

For example, if your LinkedIn URL is /johndoe, use the same name on other platforms, your resume, and your public profile. This makes it easier for people to find and connect with you.

How to Leverage Your Custom LinkedIn URL for Networking

1. Include It in Your Email Signature

Every email you send is a chance to share your professional profile. Add your custom LinkedIn URL to your email signature.

For example, include a line that says, “Connect with me: [LinkedIn URL].” This makes it easy for potential employers, colleagues, or clients to view the contact info on your profile without searching for it.

2. Showcase It on Your Resume

Adding your LinkedIn URL to your resume shows that you’re detail-oriented and professional. Place it near your contact details at the top of the page.

A clean URL, like linkedin.com/in/johndoe, looks impressive and provides recruiters with more information about your skills and experience.

3. Add It to Business Cards

Business cards are still important for networking, especially in person. Include your LinkedIn profile URL alongside your phone number and email.

A new custom URL: is short and easy to type, making it convenient for others to find your profile after an event or meeting.

4. Use It in Social Media Bios

Your social media accounts are perfect places to share your LinkedIn URL. Add it to the bio sections of your Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook profiles.

This helps people learn more about your professional background and connect with you in a meaningful way.

5. Share It in Virtual Networking Events

Virtual events are great opportunities to connect with others. When participating in webinars or online meetings, share your custom LinkedIn URL in the chat or as part of your introduction.

For example, you can say, “You can find more about me at [LinkedIn URL].” It’s an easy way to stand out and make a lasting impression.

6. Incorporate It in Online Portfolios or Blogs

If you have a portfolio or blog, make sure to include your LinkedIn URL. Add it to click on the pencil contact page or at the bottom of your posts. This ensures that visitors can easily learn more about your professional achievements.

Conclusion

Customizing your LinkedIn URL is a small step that creates a big impact. A custom LinkedIn profile URL makes your profile look professional, clean, and easy to share.

It’s simple to set up and shows that you’re detail-oriented. Whether you’re adding it to your email signature, resume, or business cards, it helps you stand out.

Take a few minutes to customize your URL today. It will boost your professional brand and make it easier for others to connect with you.

Remember, small details like this can make a big difference in your career. Start now and elevate your LinkedIn profile!

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