Start with a good LinkedIn headline to attract clients on LinkedIn
Entrepreneurs: want simple way to get more clients, increase your visibility, and position yourself as an expert on LinkedIn?
It all starts with your LinkedIn headline.
Why is your LinkedIn headline so important for entrepreneurs?
It’s one of THE most visible pieces of your profile.
Your headline gets displayed beside your profile photo in other LinkedIn members’ Suggested Connections, their News Feed posts and comments, and – of course – on your profile page.
A rock-solid headline will help you to attract your ideal clients (LinkedIn is a gold mine of them!) and also play to LinkedIn’s built-in search feature when you incorporate keywords.
Bonus, your LinkedIn headline will also show up in Google search results for your name.
Give it a try… go put your name into Google’s search bar.
When you search your name on Google, your LinkedIn page will show up on the first page the majority of the time (and your LinkedIn headline will be there right after your name).
It’s also a major factor in LinkedIn’s search algorithm. The words you incorporate in your LinkedIn headline help you get found when a potential client is searching for someone with your skills to help them.
Optimized LinkedIn headlines = more searches, more searches = more views, and more views = more leads and clients.
How to Write a Good LinkedIn Headline that Stands Out
If you’re familiar with my content or have connected with me on social media, you know that I absolutely love LinkedIn (Click here to Follow me there). It’s been a game-changer for me personally, helping me land $5K, $10K, and even $15K clients on a regular basis.
LinkedIn is amazing for boosting your visibility, building your audience, and bringing in a steady stream of leads who come to you.
And a big part of the success equation is your LinkedIn headline.
That’s why I want to share my top 7 proven strategies for crafting a LinkedIn headline that makes you stand out and attracts those high-paying clients you deserve.
With these tips, you’ll be able to optimize your profile to appear at the top of relevant LinkedIn searches and stay top-of-mind for your perfect-fit audience.
1) Incorporate Search Terms into your LinkedIn Headline
LinkedIn is not just a social network – it’s a search engine.
Just like Google, when potential clients search for the services you offer, Linkedin will show them results that match their search terms.
To ensure that you show up in the Service results when people search for your services, start by identifying the specific keywords that your audience uses. Think bookkeeping, copywriting, business coaching, virtual assisting, and so on.
Incorporate those specific terms into your headline, and be straightforward and clear with your message. For instance, if you specialize in bookkeeping for restaurants, don’t miss out by using vague language like “helping clients streamline processes and take control of their finances.” Instead, be specific and mention that you specialize in bookkeeping for restaurants.
Make sure that your headline is clear, not clever, and includes the most important keywords that your ideal clients use when searching for services like yours.
2) Hone Your LinkedIn Headline Length
When it comes to crafting a killer LinkedIn headline, length matters. LinkedIn allows up to 220 characters in your headline, giving you more room to highlight your skills and experience.
This can equal four rows of text!
And while it’s beneficial in some ways to use all that juicy real estate, remember that your headline will get cut off after the first 75-90 characters throughout LinkedIn.
Don’t leave your audience hanging with a cut-off headline that looks something like this: “I help small businesses to reach new successful heights by…”
Test out different variations of your headline, and be aware of where it gets cut off on the News Feed and Suggested Connections pages.
Test out different variations of your headline, and be aware of where it gets cut off on the News Feed and Suggested Connections pages.
Once you’ve nailed the first 75-90 characters, feel free to elaborate on your skills and experience in the remaining space. This is an opportunity to showcase your superpowers, experience, background, testimonials, hashtags, and more.
Just remember to keep the most important information right up front, where it’s visible to potential clients and collaborators. With a killer headline that captures attention and includes relevant keywords, you’ll be well on your way to growing your network and attracting the right opportunities on LinkedIn.
3) Use Your Potential Client’s Language in Your LinkedIn Headline
Knowing your ideal client is crucial when it comes to crafting a killer LinkedIn headline. You need to understand their language and the terms they use to describe the services they need.
When it comes to your headline, avoid using industry jargon and complicated phrases that your audience may not understand. Instead, use easy-to-digest language that resonates with your ideal clients and shows them that you understand their needs.
Avoid using acronyms or industry-specific terms that may be confusing or turn off potential leads. Remember, you want to make a good first impression and show your audience that you can communicate effectively.
By using language that your potential clients can understand, you’ll increase the chances that they’ll engage with your profile and reach out to learn more about your services. So keep it simple, straightforward, and focused on your audience’s needs.
4) Be specific in your LinkedIn Headline and explain the solution you provide for clients
Your LinkedIn headline should be specific about the services you offer and the problems you help your clients solve. This will help you stand out from the competition and attract the right clients who are looking for someone with your particular skills and expertise.
Instead of using vague language like “consultant” or “entrepreneur,” use specific terms that describe the services you offer.
For example, if you’re a social media marketing expert, your headline might read “Social Media Marketing Consultant | Helping businesses grow through strategic content creation and engagement.”
Similarly, instead of using general terms like “business coach,” highlight the specific areas in which you specialize, such as “Executive Coach | Focusing on Leadership Development and Strategic Planning for High-Growth Startups.”
By being specific about your services, you’ll increase your chances of being hired by potential clients who are looking for someone with your particular expertise. You’ll also show that you have a clear understanding of your niche and are focused on providing the best possible services to your clients.
So take the time to craft a headline that accurately reflects the services you offer and the value you bring to your clients. This will help you attract the right clients and set yourself apart from the competition.
5) Show your unique differentiators in your LinkedIn Headline
In addition to being specific about the services you offer, your LinkedIn headline should also communicate your unique value proposition and what sets you apart from others in your industry.
This is your chance to highlight what makes you special and why potential clients should choose to work with you over someone else.
One way to do this is to highlight your experience and expertise.
If you have years of experience in your field, make sure to mention it in your headline. For example, “10+ Years of Marketing Experience | Helping Businesses Grow Through Creative Campaigns and Strategic Planning.” This will show potential clients that you have a proven track record of success and can be trusted to deliver results.
You can also highlight any certifications or awards you’ve received that demonstrate your expertise in your field. For example, “Certified Financial Planner | Helping Individuals and Families Build Wealth and Plan for the Future.”
Another way to show your unique value proposition is to highlight your specific approach to solving problems.
If you have a particular methodology or approach that sets you apart from others in your industry, make sure to mention it in your headline. For example, “Innovative Design Thinking Strategist | Helping Businesses Solve Complex Problems Through Human-Centered Design.”
By showing your unique value proposition in your headline, you’ll stand out from the competition and attract the right clients who are looking for someone with your particular skills and expertise.
6) Stand out in your LinkedIn Headline without bragging
While it’s important to showcase your unique value proposition in your LinkedIn headline, it’s equally important to avoid coming across as boastful or arrogant.
This can be a delicate balance, and it’s easy to cross the line into bragging territory.
Avoid using hyperbolic language and adjectives like “best,” “amazing,” or “gifted.” While these may be accurate descriptions of your skills and expertise, they can come across as you bragging and turn off potential clients and collaborators.
Instead of telling people how great you are, show them. Highlight your achievements and prior experience in a way that demonstrates your value and expertise. For example, you might mention that you increased revenue for your company by 40%, or that you organized a successful event for a major client.
By letting your work speak for itself, you’ll come across as genuine and authentic. This will help you attract the right opportunities and build meaningful relationships with potential clients and collaborators.
So when crafting your LinkedIn headline, remember the golden rule: Show, don’t tell.
7) Make sure your LinkedIn Headline is authentic and aligns with your brand
Your LinkedIn headline should be true to your personal brand and showcase your personality and unique style.
This will help you attract the right-fit clients and collaborators who appreciate your approach and are a good fit for your services.
Don’t try to be someone you’re not or use language that doesn’t feel authentic to you.
Instead, focus on highlighting your unique strengths and personality traits that set you apart from others in your industry.
For example, if you have a great sense of humor, don’t be afraid to show it in your headline. You might use a playful tagline that showcases your personality, such as “Marketing Magician | Turning Ideas into Reality with a Side of Sass.”
Similarly, if you have a more serious, professional approach to your work, don’t try to be funny or overly casual in your headline.
Instead, focus on highlighting your expertise and professionalism in a way that feels true to your personal brand.
By being authentic in your LinkedIn headline, you’ll attract the right opportunities and build meaningful relationships with potential clients and collaborators who appreciate your unique approach and personality.
So take the time to craft a headline that accurately reflects who you are and what you bring to the table.
Use Your Headline to Land Right-Fit Clients on LinkedIn
By incorporating these 7 strategies into your LinkedIn headline, you can craft a compelling overview of who you are and how you can help your clients that also showcases your expertise and attracts the right opportunities.
