So you’ve got your LinkedIn profile all set up. Headshot on point, endorsements and recommendations galore, work experience fit for a Fortune 500 CEO—but something is still missing. That’s right, it’s your headline.
It may seem like a small detail, but one’s LinkedIn headline is a crucial and commonly-overlooked piece of the profile. It’s one of the first things that potential leads, clients, or partners will see, and it plays a significant role in determining whether they will decide to connect with you or just scroll on by.
LinkedIn entrepreneurs often mistake the headline as a somewhat useless formality—like the subject line in an email when you can’t think of anything to put there (although those are important too… but we’ll get to that another time!). In reality, the headline serves two purposes: to summarize, and to soft sell.
In other words, it a) tells the reader exactly what you’re all about in one quick informational bite, and b) gives you an opportunity to introduce your offer.
This may seem a bit obvious, but there’s a trick to doing it elegantly—and mastering the LinkedIn headline can make the difference between a ghost town of an inbox and a stream of “please work with me!” DMs!
How to Create the Perfect LinkedIn Headline
So what’s the secret formula for creating a powerful Linkedin headline, you ask? Here it is:
WHO YOU ARE | NICHE STATEMENT | KEYWORDS: Skills/Achievements | CTA | USP
Now if that sounds a bit like gibberish, don’t worry. Let’s break it down into pieces:
WHO YOU ARE
Start by introducing yourself in your headline. This can be your job title or your area of expertise. Keep it short and simple, but make sure it accurately reflects who you are and what you do.
NICHE STATEMENT
Next, add a niche statement that describes your target audience or the industry you serve. This will help you stand out from other entrepreneurs and attract the attention of potential leads who are looking for someone with your specific expertise.
KEYWORDS: Skills/Achievements
Include relevant keywords that describe your skills and achievements. This will help you appear in LinkedIn search results and make it easier for potential leads to find you. Use specific, measurable achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your expertise and credibility.
CTA
Include a call-to-action (CTA) in your headline. This could be as simple as inviting potential leads to connect with you or more specific, such as directing them to your website or offering a free consultation.
USP
Finally, include your unique selling proposition (USP). This is what sets you apart from other entrepreneurs in your niche. It could be a specific skill, experience, or achievement that demonstrates your value to potential leads.
Killer LinkedIn Headline Examples
Let’s put it all together and look at some examples of the formula:
Your Career Coach | I help Women Directors & VPs Voice their value & increase their salary without sacrificing work-life balance | Featured in New York Times | Career Strategist | Ballroom dancer
Diversity & Inclusion Keynote Speaker | I Help Talents Feel Seen, Heard & Valued at Work | Leadership | Mogul’s Top 100 DEI Leaders in 2021 | Follow #DEIByDani | Flurry Mum of 2
Career Coach for Black Women Managers | I Help You Advance Your Career, Position as Subject Matter Expert & Get Paid Your Worth | Designed To Lead Program Creator | Keynote Speaker | Twin Mom | DM “Elevate” & Let’s Chat
📍Your LinkedIn Business Strategist | Create a Personal Brand that People Want to Follow + Converts Connections into Customers 🚀 | LinkedIn Learning Instructor | 👋 Free LinkedIn Masterclass
If you’re really paying attention then you might be saying, “Hey, wait a minute… Isn’t that last one *your* LinkedIn headline, Salina?”
Yep, you got me. That one’s mine. Because, believe it or not, I teach the things that actually work—not just for you, but for me too! In fact, I built my LinkedIn for Business coaching programs based on my tried-and-tested strategies that I used in my own professional career prior to teaching others.
Picture me, a corporate marketing and sales leader who just landed her dream job: Account Director of Marketing Solutions at LinkedIn, traveling Asia & Europe to train enterprises on effectively using LinkedIn for their businesses.
Fast forward a couple years, and I zeroed in on coaching and education on all things LinkedIn, founded theinacademy.
My mission was to empower entrepreneurs to go from “unknown” to highly visible online by building a powerful (and profitable) personal brand. I knew first-hand how to create magnetic content and build demand for one’s business, turning LinkedIn connections into customers!
So, if you’re looking for a LinkedIn Content Strategy that opens hearts and wallets—guaranteed—you’ve come to the right place.
Join me and my team inside our Insiders Suite Experience™, where you’ll learn never-before-shared methods for taking all the guesswork out of growing on LinkedIn.
Attract your ideal clients to your DMs—on autopilot! 🙋🏻♀️
Let’s make LinkedIn work for you and your business.
