Let’s be honest - most people waste the single most powerful line on their LinkedIn profile: the headline.
Too many settle for the default: Job Title at Company. Technically correct? Sure. Memorable? Not even close.
Your headline isn’t just a label - it’s prime real estate. It’s the first thing people see in searches, comments, DMs, and connection requests. If you’re serious about being seen as a go-to expert, it needs to work a lot harder for you.
First, What’s a Good Headline Actually For?
Your headline should do three things:
✅ Tell people what you do.
✅ Show how you add value.
✅ Hint at what makes you different.
Think of it as your positioning statement - short, sharp, and impossible to ignore.
The Mistake Most Professionals Make
The biggest mistake? Using your headline like a name badge. Senior Account Manager means nothing if I don’t know what you solve or who you help.
Remember: people don’t hire job titles - they hire outcomes.
How to Make Yours Work Harder
1️⃣ Be Clear, Not Cute
Clarity beats cleverness. If your family or a new client wouldn’t immediately ‘get it’, rewrite it.
💡 Instead of: Marketing Ninja
✅ Try: Helping Small Businesses Grow with Smart Digital Marketing
2️⃣ Add Who You Help and How
Turn your headline into a mini value prop. For example:
👉 I help CEOs communicate complex ideas clearly and confidently.
👉 Empowering HR leaders to build happier, high-performing teams.
3️⃣ Include Keywords (But Don’t Stuff Them)
Think about what your ideal audience would type into LinkedIn if they needed you. Weave in relevant keywords naturally - no keyword salad, please.
4️⃣ Make It Yours
Show a bit of personality. Are you a challenger? A champion for change? A calm advisor? Pick words that feel like you.
Quick Wins to Try Today
Swap Job Title at Company for a line that explains your value.
Use action words: Helping, Building, Empowering, Solving.
Keep it to 220 characters - enough space, not endless waffle.
Check it on mobile - does it cut off awkwardly? Adjust.
Final Thought
A strong headline isn’t about bragging - it’s about positioning. It answers the silent question every visitor has: Why should I connect with you?
So, does yours answer it?
If not, let’s fix it. Book a 1:1 LinkedIn Strategy Session with me or a LinkedIn Masterclass for your team. Together, we’ll turn your headline (and the rest of your profile) into a magnet for the right people and opportunities.
✨ Your next client or role is reading it right now - make every word count.