Branding on LinkedIn

July 2019


One of the best ways to brand yourself on LinkedIn is by using the right keywords throughout your profile. The most important area is in your headline because it is the most heavily weighted field on LinkedIn for Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  The default setting will be for the system to fill in your most recent job or education, but you can edit it as you see fit. You are allowed 120 characters on the website (and more on the mobile app) to make the best use of this space.

updated my headline last year (I wrote about this and shared the trick for more character space for your headline).

Since that update, I have been seeing an increase in inquiries and one new client said she found me on LinkedIn by searching on the words “Global Coach” so it’s working. Using the right keywords should attract the right opportunities for you too so give some thought to what they should be.

Below are some examples of keyword-rich LinkedIn headlines.  They promote your brand and you can be found more easily for these areas of expertise because the right keywords are used. Notice on the third example, I spell out and use the acronym so you can be found no matter which way the person searches.  Adding the PMP is for those searching for project managers with Project Management Certification (but spelling out the title takes you over 120 characters).

  • Passionate International Development Advocate, Project Manager & Policy Expert
  • Bilingual accounting manager with expertise in non-profits and auditing
  • Information Technology (IT) Executive with proven leadership in global project management (PMP)

Need more help on this topic?  Check out this quick read by Careerwise contributor Chris Kulbaba. He shares advice on formulating your headline.


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