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LinkedIn headline: The complete guide [+ 13 examples]

LinkedIn Headline examples, cover visual

Attention is the real capital in this day and age. Being noticed in a sea of information in a distracted world is considered to be a privilege. To stand out, you must take what you have to the next level. The same rules apply to your LinkedIn headline.  

However, figuring out a LinkedIn headline can feel like navigating a maze for many folks, and let's be real, some platform members aren't even sure what it is or where to find it on their profile. 

That's why we're here to break it down for you in plain language and give you some practical suggestions and LinkedIn headline examples that work from our own experience. 

These tips have helped our sales team stand out on LinkedIn, improve rankings and visibility in LinkedIn search results, and ultimately gain more credibility and more quality leads for Skylead. 

Let’s check it out how it’s done! 


What is a LinkedIn headline? 

A LinkedIn headline is the text below your name in your profile's introduction. It's a vital section of your profile because it impacts your ranking in LinkedIn searches and plays a crucial part in forming the first impression. When well-written, a LinkedIn headline is a prime eye-catcher in search results. 

This is your LinkedIn headline. 



How to edit a LinkedIn headline

You can edit your LinkedIn headline as many times as you want, although it is recommended to keep some consistency and not to change it too often. 

The maximum length of your LinkedIn headline is 220 characters

Edit your LinkedIn headline by clicking on the Pen icon right here. 



Then, scroll down to the LinkedIn headline section



As you may see, you can insert it manually, or use LinkedIn’s AI assistant to suggest LinkedIn headlines for you. This feature is available only for paid LinkedIn plans.

If you click on the Write with AI option, LinkedIn will suggest a LinkedIn headline for you based on the information on your LinkedIn profile. 

You can ask it to generate a LinkedIn headline for you as many times as you want, or just click Revert to go back to the one you had before. 



Click Save to save the changes to your LinkedIn profile. 

Generally, we suggest using ChatGPT for sales to speed up certain processes. You can also independently brainstorm your LinkedIn headline in Chat GPT from LinkedIn’s AI assistant. In this blog, we gave you 13 LinkedIn headline examples considered to be a good practice. Use them to get inspired by them or as a prompt in Chat GPT to generate variations. It’s up to you! 


What to put in a LinkedIn headline

The number one rule is not to make your LinkedIn headline misleading. 

Rule number two is that there is no rule number two. 

As long as your LinkedIn headline is informative, relevant, and catchy, you are on the right track. Yes, creativity is highly appreciated even on LinkedIn. Stay within the professional frames and you can still play with your LinkedIn headline as much as you want. 

Easier said than done (we agree), but your LinkedIn headline should summarize your skills, ambitions, and experiences within the 220-character limit. As this is not as simple as it sounds, most LinkedIn members decide to leave their current job title and forget about it. Big mistake.

It is exactly your LinkedIn headline that sets you apart in the “sea of the same”. It is the first thing your prospects read when they visit your LinkedIn profile and it is one of the things that keeps them scrolling to get a deeper insight into your professional achievements through LinkedIn summary and other LinkedIn sections. 

Formulas to write an effective LinkedIn profile 

Here are 2 formulas to write an effective LinkedIn profile. 

The first one is to imagine I know nothing about your industry and, with that in mind, to explain to me, in one simple sentence, what you do. 

The second one is to imagine you have to create a billboard advertising yourself and think of a catchy slogan that would sell you the best. 

If this doesn’t help you come up with an appealing LinkedIn headline, try using one of the following formulas where

  • X represents your ideal prospect;
  • Y represents your ideal outcome;
  • Z represents the service you offer. 

LinkedIn headline templates

If these still seem too abstract to you, don’t worry, we’ve listed 13 real-life LinkedIn headline examples to illustrate what an effective headline is and to help you get inspired for yours. 


Common mistakes in LinkedIn headlines 

  • Using codes or professional jargon that only people from your industry know such as “BDR”, “SDR”, “AE”, etc. 
  • Showing off by using words such as “expert”, “top-performing”, “superior”, “best” or mentioning any success without offering valid arguments that support it. 
  • Not using keywords that are relevant to your potential prospects. When writing your LinkedIn headline keep in mind that the most commonly used filter on LinkedIn is the “keyword” one. Make sure you show up in your prospect or recruiter’s search result. 
  • Writing a headline that reflects your former professional engagements that are not relevant to your current or future professional aspirations.
  • Not including your unique selling point. Without it, you are just one more professional in a sea of others. 
  • Make your LinkedIn headline about how you can help others instead of how “awesome” you are. 

The 6 common mistakes when writing a LinkedIn headline

On the other hand, here are the top 6 most common mistakes when writing a LinkedIn headline. 

  1. Using codes or professional jargon that only people from your industry know such as “BDR”, “SDR”, “AE”, etc. 
  2. Showing off by using words such as “expert”, “top-performing”, “superior”, “best” or mentioning any success without offering valid arguments that support it. 
  3. Not using keywords that are relevant to your potential prospects. When writing your LinkedIn headline keep in mind that the most commonly used filter on LinkedIn is the “keyword” one. Make sure you show up in your prospect or recruiter’s search results. 
  4. Writing a headline that reflects your former professional engagements that are not relevant to your current or future professional aspirations.
  5. Not including your unique selling point. Without it, you are just one more professional in a sea of others. 
  6. Making your LinkedIn headline about how “awesome” you are instead of how you can help others succeed. 

Top 13 LinkedIn headline examples [and why they work]

After all, there is no explicit rule for what you should put in your LinkedIn headline. 

The examples below show what works in practice. 

We’ve included the “why it works” section to understand why, from our experience, these LinkedIn headline examples are effective, and to inspire you to create yours accordingly. 


LinkedIn headline example #1


LinkedIn headline example 1

Why this LinkedIn headline works

  • Explanation of the member's role and value proposition in simple words: The headline effectively communicates what the individual does and how they provide value to others in a clear and approachable manner. 
  • Excellent keyword choice for LinkedIn SEO: The chosen keywords “Business design & development” are not only relevant to understanding the industry but are also optimized for LinkedIn's search engine, increasing the likelihood of this member appearing in search results.

LinkedIn headline example #2


LinkedIn headline example 2

Why this LinkedIn headline works

  • Communicates authority and strength of personal brand: The words “leadership expert” give out a sense of confidence and expertise, establishing a strong personal brand that commands respect and attention.
  • Transparency of offered expertise and past results: By highlighting their past achievements of being the “trainer of 6 million leaders”, the LinkedIn headline instills trust and credibility.
  • Searchable keywords for LinkedIn SEO: The keywords “Certification program for coaches, teachers, speakers, professionals” are not only relevant to the individual's expertise but also optimized for LinkedIn's search algorithm, increasing this member’s visibility in search results.

LinkedIn headline example #3


LinkedIn headline example 3

Why this LinkedIn headline works

  • Clear insight into career highlights: The headline provides a concise overview of the individual's current and past career accomplishments, giving visitors a clear understanding of their professional journey and expertise.
  • Detailed description of the company: It offers a straightforward explanation of the individual's business and its operations in plain language. 
  • Searchable keywords for LinkedIn SEO: This headline is optimized for LinkedIn's search engine, increasing the likelihood of the profile appearing in search results and attracting relevant connections.

LinkedIn headline example #4


LinkedIn Headline Example 4

Why this LinkedIn headline works

  • Searchable keywords for LinkedIn SEO: The headline includes keywords relevant to the individual's industry or profession such as “branding” and “growth, content marketing, storytelling”, optimizing their profile for search engine visibility within the LinkedIn platform.
  • Uses humor: Utilizing industry-related humor can capture attention and leave a memorable impression. It adds personality to the profile while keeping it professional. 
  • Demonstrates creativity: The use of humor in the headline showcases the individual's creative thinking, which is, at the same time, an asset in their career path. 


LinkedIn headline example #5


LinkedIn headline example 5

Why this LinkedIn headline works

  • Clear description of copywriting format: By starting with the type of copywriting format they specialize in, the headline provides clarity to potential connections or clients. 
  • Searchable keywords for LinkedIn SEO: By incorporating relevant keywords, the headline is optimized for LinkedIn's search engine, increasing visibility in search results related to the individual's field.
  • Highlights niche expertise: The headline effectively communicates the individual's specialized area of expertise, helping them attract connections and opportunities specific to their niche.

LinkedIn headline example #6


LinkedIn headline example 6

Why this LinkedIn headline works

  • Demonstrates authority: By mentioning the number of readers, the headline establishes the individual as credible and authoritative in their field.
  • Keywords for LinkedIn SEO: Incorporating relevant keywords such as “content marketing consultant” ensures that the profile is optimized for search engine visibility. 
  • Includes social proof: By mentioning “Forbes, Fast company, and 500 startups”, the headline provides social proof of the individual's expertise and success. 

LinkedIn headline example #7


LinkedIn headline example 7

Why this LinkedIn headline works

  • Explicit and clear value proposition: By stating that she “turns overworked executives into successful business owners”, the headline communicates the value she provides, and in simple language. 
  • Includes a call-to-action: By including "DM me to learn more" and "Follow for daily content," the headline encourages engagement and interaction with her profile. 
  • Achievements highlighted: The headline mentions her achievement of being “a mentor to millionaires”, showcasing her expertise and the benefits of her work. 
  • Utilizes humor but keeps it professional: The use of humor, if relevant and professional, can add personality to the headline and make it more memorable. 

LinkedIn headline example #8 


LinkedIn headline example 8

Why this LinkedIn headline works

  • Keyword-rich content: By including a multitude of relevant keywords, the headline is optimized for LinkedIn's search algorithm, increasing the likelihood of appearing in search results related to the individual's expertise and field.
  • Clarity of role and skills: The headline clearly and concisely outlines what the individual does, her skills, and her job description. This makes it easier for potential connections and customers to understand her value proposition.

LinkedIn headline example #9 


LinkedIn headline example 9

Why this LinkedIn headline works

  • Clear benefits of the service: It highlights the tangible benefits that the individual's service provides.
  • Clarity of service delivery: The headline clearly outlines the methods or approach used by the individual to deliver their service.

LinkedIn headline example #10


LinkedIn headline example 10

Why this LinkedIn headline works

  • Keyword-rich content: Packed with relevant keywords including current occupation, company, additional titles, university, etc., increasing the individual's visibility in LinkedIn searches across various criteria.
  • Personal touch: A bold and catchy personal note at the end adds a human touch to the headline, making it more memorable to viewers.

LinkedIn headline example #11


LinkedIn headline example 11

Why this LinkedIn headline works

  • Includes searchable keywords: Incorporates relevant keywords for LinkedIn SEO, increasing the likelihood of the profile appearing in search results for related job roles and criteria.
  • Indicates readiness for opportunity: This headline communicates the individual's eagerness for their first opportunity and willingness to work their way up, which can resonate with potential employers or recruiters seeking ambitious candidates.
  • Specifies qualified roles: It states the types of roles the individual is qualified for, helping to attract only relevant job opportunities.

LinkedIn headline example #12


LinkedIn headline example 12

Why this LinkedIn headline works

  • Highlights business results straight off the gate: It showcases the individual's business achievements right away, demonstrating their value and credibility to potential connections or clients.
  • Inspirational and inviting: The headline inspires curiosity and prompts viewers to connect to learn more about how the individual achieves their results. 

LinkedIn headline example #13


LinkedIn headline example 13

Why this LinkedIn headline works

  • Clearly states the title: The headline provides a straightforward indication of the individual's occupation or title. 
  • Includes searchable keywords: Incorporating relevant keywords such as “brand, direct mail, marketing automation” ensures that the profile is optimized for LinkedIn's search engine, increasing visibility in search results related to the individual's expertise and field.
  • Explains "Hybrid Experience": By explaining the term "Hybrid Experience," the headline removes ambiguity for those who may not be familiar with this industry niche-related field.

How to use a LinkedIn headline for lead generation


Using a LinkedIn headline to personalize your Connection requests, LinkedIn messages, or LinkedIn InMail messages is a powerful LinkedIn lead generation strategy. 

Referring to something from the individual's headline can be incredibly effective because people enjoy discussing their achievements and interests. By complimenting them or showing genuine interest in something highlighted in their headline, you can increase the likelihood of starting a conversation. 

We'll take inspiration from this member's LinkedIn headline to showcase different ways you can personalize your messages on LinkedIn. 

By incorporating different elements from their headline, we'll illustrate the full range of possibilities for crafting a personalized outreach approach. 

All examples below are inspired by the way our Head of sales, Andrea, utilizes Skylead’s ideal lead’s LinkedIn headline to connect and start sales-oriented conversations. 


LinkedIn headline for lead generation

Example #1: Use the lead's current position to personalize your approach

Hello Thamina, 

It’s nice to meet someone who’s working on creating growth opportunities for businesses on LinkedIn! I love this platform, it helped scale up my business in a matter of months.

I would love to add you to my network. 


Hello Thamina, 

I checked out Femme Hive Podcast! Helping female professionals feel less overwhelmed in their 20s is outstanding. I wish I had someone to encourage me back then. It sure was a bumpy ride. 

I would love to have you in my network!


Example #3 Use industry/background to personalize your approach

Hello Thamina, 

I am searching to connect with professionals that have a finance background, and I loved yours very much!

Let’s connect! 


Example #4 Use something that your lead advocates for to personalize your approach 

Hey, 

I love to meet professionals who advocate for women’s rights and make them feel more confident on their career paths! 

I would love to have a person like you in my network, Thamina! 


Example #5 Use your lead's university to personalize your approach

Hello fellow-alumna! 

I also graduated from Duke University! It was such a great experience, wasn’t it? 

Let’s get in touch and exchange experiences! 


Example #6 Use the part of the headline that caught your attention 

Hello Thamina, 

Sharp headline! Love the last sentence! 

Would love to have such a go-getter in my network. Let’s connect! 


Summary 

Yes, we always encourage our clients to take advantage of AI, but no platform beats human creativity and wittiness so far! Use Chat GPT as a tool to speed up and perfect some of the ideas you come up with. 

In the meantime, follow the above instructions and LinkedIn headline examples we listed for you, and you might find yourself brainstorming your ideal LinkedIn headline much quicker than expected.

At the end of the day, no one knows you better than you!  

And, speaking of quicker, if you want to make your entire lead generation and outreach significantly faster while booking 3x more meetings than before, you should check out Skylead and its 7-day FREE trial to learn how its groundbreaking solutions could get you faster to your business goals.


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