How to Change Your LinkedIn Profile Link

Your LinkedIn profile link, also known as your LinkedIn URL, is the web address that leads directly to your profile. By default, LinkedIn assigns you a URL that includes a random string of numbers and letters. However, you can customize this URL to make it shorter, more professional, and easier to share. Changing your LinkedIn profile link can make your profile appear more polished, and it’s especially helpful if you’re using the link on your resume, business cards, or email signature.

This guide will walk you through the steps of changing your LinkedIn profile link and provide tips on how to create a URL that reflects your personal brand.

Why Should You Change Your LinkedIn Profile Link?

There are several reasons why you should change your LinkedIn URL:

1. Professional Appearance: A customized URL looks cleaner and more professional. For instance, “linkedin.com/in/johnsmith” looks much better than “linkedin.com/in/johnsmith12345xyz.”
2. Easier to Remember and Share: A personalized URL is easier for people to remember and share, which is helpful when networking or applying for jobs.
3. Improved Branding: Customizing your LinkedIn profile link allows you to align it with your personal or professional brand, making it more recognizable.
4. SEO Benefits: A more concise URL can help improve your visibility in search engines when people search for your name or related terms.

Steps to Change Your LinkedIn Profile Link

Changing your LinkedIn profile link is a simple process that can be done in just a few minutes. Follow these steps:

1. Log In to Your LinkedIn Account

First, log in to your LinkedIn account with your email and password. You can do this from the LinkedIn website or the mobile app.

2. Go to Your LinkedIn Profile

Once logged in, navigate to your LinkedIn profile by clicking on your profile picture or name at the top of the LinkedIn homepage. This will take you to your profile page, where you can view and edit your personal information.

3. Access the Public Profile Settings

In the top-right corner of your profile page, you’ll see a button that says “Edit public profile & URL.” This is located just above your profile’s introduction section. Click on this button to access the settings where you can change your public profile URL.

4. Customize Your LinkedIn URL

After clicking “Edit public profile & URL,” you’ll be taken to a new page. On the right-hand side, you’ll see a section labeled “Edit your custom URL.” Here, you’ll see your current LinkedIn profile URL with an option to edit it.

To customize your URL:

• Click the pencil icon next to your current URL.
• Type in your desired URL in the text box that appears. This will be the portion of the URL that comes after “linkedin.com/in/.” LinkedIn will automatically check if the URL is available.
• Once you’ve typed in your new URL and confirmed its availability, click “Save” to update your profile link.

5. Choose a Professional URL

When creating a new LinkedIn URL, choose one that is simple, professional, and easy to remember. Here are some tips:

• Use your full name: If available, using your full name (e.g., linkedin.com/in/johndoe) is often the best option.
• Avoid numbers and special characters: Stick to letters to keep the URL clean and professional.
• Incorporate your brand: If your name is common or unavailable, consider adding your middle initial, job title, or profession (e.g., linkedin.com/in/johndoe-marketer).
• Keep it short: The shorter and more concise the URL, the better. It makes sharing easier and looks more polished.

6. Update Your Links Everywhere

After changing your LinkedIn profile link, remember to update it wherever it’s listed. This may include:

• Your resume
• Business cards
• Email signature
• Personal website or blog
• Other social media profiles

Keeping these links up to date ensures that anyone who clicks on your LinkedIn URL is directed to the correct profile.

Tips for Choosing a Good LinkedIn URL

To make your LinkedIn URL as effective as possible, follow these best practices:

• Be Consistent: If possible, try to make your LinkedIn URL consistent with your URLs on other social media platforms or personal websites. This helps strengthen your personal brand across the web.
• Avoid Overcomplicating: Don’t add unnecessary details like job titles, company names, or keywords unless necessary. A clean, simple URL is usually the best choice.

How to Change Your LinkedIn URL on Mobile

If you prefer to change your LinkedIn URL on your smartphone, you can do so through the LinkedIn mobile app.

Step-by-Step Process on Mobile:

1. Open the LinkedIn App:
   Launch the LinkedIn app on your mobile device and log in if you aren’t already.
2. Go to Your Profile:
   Tap your profile picture or name at the top-left corner of the app to access your profile.
3. Access Public Profile Settings:
   Scroll down and find the “Edit public profile & URL” option. Tap on it to open the customization settings.
4. Edit Your URL:
   Once you’re in the public profile settings, tap the pencil icon next to your current LinkedIn URL. Then, type in your new custom URL and save your changes.

Common Issues When Changing Your LinkedIn Profile Link

Here are a few common issues that users face when changing their LinkedIn profile URL:

1. Unavailable URL:
   If your desired URL is already taken, LinkedIn will prompt you to choose another one. In this case, try adding numbers, initials, or a professional designation (e.g., “johndoe123” or “johndoemarketer”).
2. Special Characters Not Allowed:
   LinkedIn only allows letters, numbers, and hyphens in the custom URL. Special characters like @, &, or # are not permitted.
3. URL Too Long:
   Keep in mind that LinkedIn URLs must be between 5 and 30 characters. If your custom URL is too long, you’ll need to shorten it before it can be saved.
4. No Profanity or Inappropriate Language:
   LinkedIn has strict guidelines about the use of offensive language in profile URLs. Ensure that your custom URL adheres to professional standards.

Benefits of a Custom LinkedIn URL

Changing your LinkedIn profile link to something more customized has several benefits:

• Professionalism: A well-crafted LinkedIn URL enhances your professional image.
• Branding: If you’re building a personal or business brand, having a custom LinkedIn URL helps unify your online presence.
• Searchability: A simple, name-based URL is more likely to appear in search results when people search for you online.
• Networking: A clean, memorable URL makes it easier for others to connect with you, both online and in person.

Conclusion

Changing your LinkedIn profile link is a quick and easy way to improve your profile’s appearance and make it more memorable for others. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a custom URL that reflects your personal or professional brand. Whether you’re using LinkedIn for job hunting, networking, or business development, having a professional and easy-to-share LinkedIn URL will help you make a stronger impression. Be sure to update your custom URL across all platforms to maintain consistency and make it easier for people to find and connect with you on LinkedIn.