How to Make a Custom URL on LinkedIn

Have you ever wondered how a simple tweak can make your LinkedIn profile more professional and accessible? Creating a custom LinkedIn URL is one of those underrated but highly impactful moves. It not only helps make your profile more memorable but also presents a cleaner and more professional image, especially when sharing your LinkedIn profile on resumes, business cards, or personal websites.

Let’s break it down step-by-step, but first, here’s why it matters. A customized LinkedIn URL provides a personal touch. Rather than a random string of numbers and letters that LinkedIn auto-generates for every user, you can have your name or a professional alias represent you online. Think about it: which one looks better, "linkedin.com/in/jane-doe12345" or "linkedin.com/in/janedoe"? It’s a no-brainer!

Why You Need a Custom LinkedIn URL

By default, LinkedIn assigns each user a standard URL with a long, confusing combination of numbers. When it comes to professionalism and personal branding, this doesn’t look clean or presentable. Imagine sending your LinkedIn profile to a recruiter or client, and they are greeted by a URL that screams "generic"! On the other hand, a sleek, customized URL instantly leaves a lasting impression.

Beyond aesthetics, a custom URL makes your profile easier to find and remember. If someone is trying to search for you, it’s much simpler to type in "linkedin.com/in/janedoe" than a string of random characters. It’s also a small, subtle SEO boost, making it more likely that your profile will pop up in search engines when someone Googles your name.

But how exactly do you go about changing your LinkedIn URL? Let’s dive into the process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your LinkedIn URL

1. Log into LinkedIn
First, make sure you’re logged into your LinkedIn account. This is an obvious step, but it’s important to mention for completeness. Once you’re logged in, navigate to your profile by clicking on your profile picture in the top right corner.

2. Click on ‘Edit Public Profile & URL’
On the right-hand side of your profile page, you’ll see a section labeled ‘Edit public profile & URL.’ This is where the magic happens. Click this option to proceed.

3. Customize Your URL
Once you’ve clicked the link, a new page will appear. On the top-right corner of this page, you’ll see your current URL with an option to edit it. Click on the little pencil icon next to the URL.

Now, you can enter the desired URL. LinkedIn allows you to use between 5-30 characters, and it can include your name, initials, or a relevant professional term. Keep it professional—this isn’t the place for nicknames or gimmicks!

If "janedoe" is already taken, try adding a middle initial or a professional designation (e.g., "janedoemba" or "janedoeconsulting"). Once you’ve decided on your custom URL, click ‘Save’ to confirm your changes.

4. Done!
Your new LinkedIn URL is now live and ready to be shared across your professional network. Be sure to update it on your resume, email signature, or anywhere else where you want your profile to shine.

Best Practices for Your Custom LinkedIn URL

While it’s tempting to choose something quirky or fun, it’s essential to remember that LinkedIn is a professional platform. When selecting your custom URL, consider the following tips:

• Keep it simple: Avoid long, complicated URLs. The goal is to make your profile easy to find and remember.
• Use your full name: If possible, opt for your first and last name without extra characters or numbers. This keeps your URL professional and polished.
• Avoid special characters: LinkedIn doesn’t allow special characters like @, !, or # in URLs, so stick to letters and numbers.
• Be mindful of brand consistency: If you have a personal website or a professional portfolio, try to keep your LinkedIn URL consistent with these to maintain uniformity across your online presence.

Why a Custom URL Enhances Your Personal Brand

A custom LinkedIn URL is more than just a vanity feature. It speaks volumes about your attention to detail and your understanding of personal branding. In today’s digital age, your online presence is often the first impression you make, so every detail counts. A messy URL suggests a lack of effort, while a clean, custom URL shows that you’re proactive about presenting yourself in the best possible light.

Moreover, customizing your URL positions you as someone who understands the importance of an integrated, polished online identity. This small change can make a big difference when networking, applying for jobs, or building your brand as a thought leader.

Potential Pitfalls to Avoid

While the process of creating a custom LinkedIn URL is simple, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Common names can pose a challenge: If your name is relatively common, there’s a good chance someone else may have already claimed it. In this case, get creative by adding a middle initial, job title, or a year to make your URL unique.
• Changing your URL too frequently: Stick to one custom URL, if possible. While LinkedIn allows you to change it as often as you like, frequent changes may confuse your network and make it harder for people to find you.
• Unprofessional URLs: As mentioned earlier, avoid using nicknames or unprofessional words. LinkedIn is a professional networking site, and your URL should reflect that.

How a Custom URL Affects Your LinkedIn SEO

Yes, LinkedIn is a search engine too! Your custom URL can improve your chances of showing up in search results when recruiters or potential clients search for your name. Here’s how it works:

• Search Engines: When Google or Bing index your LinkedIn profile, a customized URL tells the search engines exactly who you are and what you’re about. Having your name in the URL increases your profile’s visibility and makes it more likely to show up in search results when someone Googles you.
• Internal LinkedIn Search: LinkedIn itself uses various signals to determine whose profiles to show when someone searches for a name. Having your name or relevant professional terms in your URL is one small signal that can help improve your ranking.

Final Thoughts: The Impact of Customization

So, is it worth it to spend five minutes on customizing your LinkedIn URL? Absolutely! It’s one of those small, quick tweaks that can have an outsized impact on your professional presence. Whether you’re networking, job hunting, or just building your personal brand, a custom LinkedIn URL helps ensure you’re putting your best foot forward.

Make this change today and take your online presence to the next level!