The advantages of a customized LinkedIn URL for freelancers or entrepreneurs
The Benefits of a Customized LinkedIn URL for Freelancers and Entrepreneurs
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for freelancers and entrepreneurs. One of the most important platforms for professionals to showcase their skills and connect with potential clients or employers is LinkedIn. With over 740 million members worldwide, LinkedIn provides a valuable platform for networking, job hunting, and business growth.
When creating a LinkedIn profile, one of the first steps is to customize your LinkedIn URL. A LinkedIn URL is your unique web address on the platform, which allows you to share your profile easily with others. In this article, we will explore the advantages of having a customized LinkedIn URL for freelancers and entrepreneurs and provide step-by-step instructions on how to get, change, and optimize your LinkedIn URL for maximum impact.
What is a LinkedIn URL?
A LinkedIn URL, also known as a LinkedIn profile link or LinkedIn web address, is the unique web address that directs users to your LinkedIn profile. By default, LinkedIn assigns a random combination of letters and numbers as your URL, which is not user-friendly or memorable. For example, a default LinkedIn URL might look like this: “linkedin.com/in/johndoe-123456”.
However, LinkedIn allows users to customize their URL to make it more professional and personalized. A customized LinkedIn URL typically includes your name or a variation of it. For example, a customized LinkedIn URL could look like this: “linkedin.com/in/johndoe”. Having a customized LinkedIn URL not only looks more professional but also makes it easier for others to find and remember your profile.
Advantages of a Customized LinkedIn URL
Customizing your LinkedIn URL offers several advantages for freelancers and entrepreneurs. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:
1. Enhanced Professional Branding
A customized LinkedIn URL adds a touch of professionalism to your online presence. It showcases your personal brand and makes it easier for others to recognize and remember you. When networking or sharing your LinkedIn profile with potential clients or employers, a customized URL creates a positive impression and reinforces your commitment to professionalism.
For freelancers and entrepreneurs, a strong personal brand is vital for attracting clients and opportunities. A customized LinkedIn URL is an excellent way to enhance your professional branding and stand out from the competition.
2. Easy Sharing and Networking
With a customized LinkedIn URL, sharing your profile becomes effortless. Instead of sharing a long and complex URL, you can simply provide your personalized LinkedIn URL, which is concise and easy to remember. Whether you’re connecting with someone at a networking event, including your LinkedIn URL on your business card, or adding it to your email signature, a customized URL makes it convenient for others to find and connect with you.
Furthermore, a customized LinkedIn URL is more visually appealing when included in your resume or portfolio. It adds a professional touch and demonstrates your commitment to building a strong online presence.
3. Improved Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Customizing your LinkedIn URL can have a positive impact on your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. When someone searches for your name on a search engine like Google, having a customized LinkedIn URL can help your profile appear higher in the search results. Search engines tend to prioritize URLs that contain relevant keywords, such as your name.
By including your name in your customized LinkedIn URL, you increase the chances of your profile appearing in the top search results when someone looks you up online. This can be especially beneficial for freelancers and entrepreneurs who rely on their online presence to attract clients and opportunities.
4. Consistent Personal Branding Across Platforms
Having a customized LinkedIn URL allows you to maintain consistent personal branding across different platforms. When your LinkedIn URL matches your other social media handles or website domain, it creates a cohesive and professional online presence.
Consistency in personal branding helps build trust and recognition among your target audience. It shows that you are intentional about your online presence and that you take your professional image seriously. By customizing your LinkedIn URL to align with your other online platforms, you reinforce your personal brand and make it easier for people to find and connect with you across various channels.
How to Get a Customized LinkedIn URL
Now that we understand the benefits of having a customized LinkedIn URL, let’s dive into the process of obtaining one. Follow these steps to get your personalized LinkedIn URL:
Step 1: Access Your LinkedIn Profile
To get started, log in to your LinkedIn account and navigate to your profile. You can do this by clicking on “Me” in the top navigation bar and selecting “View Profile” from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Edit Your Public Profile & URL
Once you’re on your profile page, locate the “Edit public profile & URL” option. It is usually located on the right side of your profile, under the “Add profile section” button. Click on it to proceed.
Step 3: Customize Your URL
In the “Edit public profile & URL” section, you will see your current LinkedIn URL displayed at the top. To customize it, click on the pencil icon next to your URL.
Step 4: Choose Your Customized URL
After clicking the pencil icon, a window will appear where you can edit your LinkedIn URL. Enter your desired URL, which is usually your first and last name or a variation of it. It’s important to choose a URL that is professional, easy to remember, and closely aligned with your personal brand.
LinkedIn will automatically check the availability of your chosen URL. If it is already taken, LinkedIn will suggest alternative options for you to choose from. Once you find an available URL that suits your needs, click “Save” to apply the changes.
Step 5: Share Your Customized LinkedIn URL
Once you have successfully customized your LinkedIn URL, it’s time to start sharing it with others. Include it in your email signature, business cards, resume, portfolio, and other professional materials. The more you promote your customized LinkedIn URL, the easier it will be for others to find and connect with you.
Tips for Optimizing Your Customized LinkedIn URL
While customizing your LinkedIn URL is a great first step, there are additional ways to optimize it for maximum impact. Consider the following tips:
1. Use Your Full Name
When customizing your LinkedIn URL, it’s best to use your full name or a variation of it. Avoid using nicknames, numbers, or special characters, as they can make your URL less professional and harder to remember. Using your full name helps with search engine optimization and reinforces your personal brand.
2. Keep It Simple and Concise
Avoid using long and complicated URLs that are difficult to type or remember. Keep your customized LinkedIn URL simple and concise. Ideally, it should be your first and last name or a combination of your name and professional title.
3. Be Consistent Across Platforms
For consistent personal branding, try to use the same or similar customized URL across all your online platforms. This includes your website, blog, social media profiles, and other professional accounts. Consistency helps build recognition and makes it easier for others to find and connect with you.
4. Test Your URL
After customizing your LinkedIn URL, test it to ensure it works correctly. Copy and paste it into a web browser to see if it directs you to your LinkedIn profile. Additionally, ask a friend or colleague to click on the URL to confirm that it works for them as well.
Conclusion
A customized LinkedIn URL is a valuable asset for freelancers and entrepreneurs. It enhances your professional branding, makes it easier to share and network, improves your search engine visibility, and ensures consistency across platforms. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can customize your LinkedIn URL and optimize it for maximum impact.
Remember that your LinkedIn profile is an essential tool for establishing professional connections and attracting clients or opportunities. Invest time in creating a compelling profile and customizing your LinkedIn URL to make a lasting impression on potential clients, employers, and collaborators.
