How to Add a Headline to Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn headline is often the first, and sometimes only, chance you get to make a professional impression. It follows your name everywhere on the platform - from search results and connection requests to comments you leave on other people's posts. This article will show you exactly how to add or update your headline, provide proven formulas for writing one that gets noticed, and share best practices to turn those 220 characters into your most powerful networking tool.

Why Your LinkedIn Headline is So Important

Before changing your headline, it's helpful to understand why it packs such a punch. It’s far more than just a job title, it's a strategic piece of your personal brand that serves three main functions:

• It’s your elevator pitch. Your photo tells people what you look like, but your headline tells them who you are, what you do, and what value you offer. It’s your chance to communicate your expertise and career goals in one concise line.
• It boosts your searchability. Recruiters, clients, and collaborators use keywords to find people on LinkedIn. The platform’s search algorithm gives significant weight to the words in your headline. A generic "Manager at Acme Corp" won't get you found, but a headline rich with relevant skills and industry terms will bring the right opportunities to you.
• It sets the context for every interaction. Whether you’re sending a connection request or contributing to a discussion, your headline provides immediate context. A strong headline can make someone more likely to accept your request, click on your profile, or take your comment seriously.

How to Add or Edit Your LinkedIn Headline: Step-by-Step

Updating your headline is a simple process you can complete in under a minute on both a desktop computer and the mobile app. Here's a quick guide to get it done.

On Your Desktop Computer:

1. Log in to your LinkedIn account.
2. Click the "Me" icon in the top navigation bar, then select "View Profile" from the dropdown menu.
3. Once on your profile page, click the pencil icon located to the right of your name and profile picture.
4. This will open the "Edit intro" pop-up window. The "Headline" field is the first editable box right under your name.
5. Type your new headline directly into this field.
6. Scroll to the bottom of the pop-up and click "Save." Your new headline will now appear on your profile.

On the LinkedIn Mobile App (iOS and Android):

1. Open the LinkedIn app and tap on your profile picture in the top-left corner.
2. Tap "View Profile" which appears just below your name.
3. On your profile page, tap the pencil icon to the right of your name.
4. In the "Edit intro" screen, find the "Headline" field.
5. Type in your new headline.
6. Tap "Save" in the top-right corner to publish your changes.

LinkedIn gives you up to 220 characters for your headline on both desktop and mobile, so make sure to use that space wisely.

Powerful LinkedIn Headline Formulas You Can Adapt Right Now

Staring at a blank box can be intimidating. Instead of starting from scratch, use one of these proven formulas as a starting point. Simply pick one that fits your goals and customize it with your own details.

Formula 1: The "I Help" Formula

This formula is perfect for freelancers, consultants, and anyone in a service-oriented role because it immediately communicates your value proposition.

Structure: [Your Title] | I help [Your Target Audience] achieve [Specific Outcome] through [Your Key Skills/Methods]

• Example 1: Freelance SEO Copywriter | I help B2B SaaS startups increase organic traffic and generate leads through long-form blog content.
• Example 2: Career Coach | I help mid-career professionals land their dream jobs by revamping their resumes and mastering interview skills.

Formula 2: The Keyword-Centric Formula

Ideal for job seekers or anyone looking to get noticed by recruiters for specific skills. This formula is all about maximizing your visibility in search results.

Structure: [Your Core Title] | [Skill 1] | [Skill 2] | [Skill 3] | [Industry or Area of Focus]

• Example 1: Senior Software Engineer | Python | AWS Cloud | SQL | API Development | FinTech Solutions.
• Example 2: Digital Marketing Manager | PPC & Paid Search | Google Analytics (GA4) | Social Media Advertising | E-commerce Growth.

Formula 3: The Role + Mission Formula

This formula adds a layer of purpose and personality beyond just a job title. It shows what you are passionate about within your professional role.

Structure: Building [What You Build/Create] as a [Your Job Title] | [Value Proposition or Area of Expertise]

• Example 1: Creating intuitive and accessible user experiences as a Senior UX/UI Designer | Webflow & Figma Specialist.
• Example 2: Leading remote teams and fostering a positive culture as a Director of Operations | Asynchronous Communication Advocate.

Formula 4: The Achievement-Oriented Formula

Use this to highlight a major accomplishment or piece of social proof. It's especially effective if you have a quantifiable result that can grab attention.

Structure: [Your Title] at [Your Company] | Previously helped [Specific Achievement] or [Notable Credential]

• Example 1: Account Executive at Salesforce | Ex-Gong IoL - Forbes 30 Under 30 | Grew ARR in my territory by 150% in FY23.
• Example 2: Content Marketer | My articles have been featured in Fast Company, Inc., and The Next Web | Author of "The SaaS Marketing Guide".

Best Practices for Crafting an Unforgettable Headline

Once you have a draft based on the formulas above, use these best practices to refine it into a polished, professional statement.

1. Write for Your Target Audience

Before you write a single word, ask yourself: Who do I want to attract? Is it a recruiter at a specific type of company? A potential client in a certain industry? Use language and keywords that will resonate with them and appear in their searches.

2. Place Important Keywords First

On some mobile views and in certain notifications, your headline may get cut off. Put your most important identifier - like your job title or primary skill - at the beginning to make sure it's always visible.

3. Use the Full 220 Characters

While you don't need to ramble, you have 220 characters for a reason. Don't stop at just "Marketing Manager at Company X." This is valuable real estate. Add your specializations, value proposition, or key skills to provide a fuller picture.

4. Use Dividers to Improve Readability

Your headline should be easy to scan. Use vertical bars (|), bullet points (•), or em-dashes ( - ) to separate different concepts. This breaks up the text and makes your headline much easier to digest quickly.

Good Example: Product Manager | Agile & Scrum | SaaS & Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) | Certified Product Owner®
Poor Example: Product manager agile scrum saas platform-as-a-service certified product owner

5. Steer Clear of Vague Jargon

Words like "Results-oriented," "Go-getter," "Seasoned professional," or "Team player" are cliche and don't provide any real information. Instead of saying you're results-oriented, mention a specific result. Show, don't just tell.

6. Add a Personal Touch (If It Fits Your Brand)

If appropriate for your industry, a small touch of personality can make you more memorable. This could be mentioning a passion related to your work or a unique personal tagline. Be careful not to make it unprofessional, but something like "Coffee Enthusiast" or "Advocate for Remote Work" can add character.

7. Constantly Refresh and Test

Your LinkedIn headline is not a "set it and forget it" part of your profile. Update it as your goals and skills change. If you're actively searching for a new role, your headline should reflect that. Try a few different versions and see which one feels right and resonates with your network.

Final Thoughts

Your LinkedIn headline is one of the most visible and versatile elements of your professional brand, functioning as both a first impression and a powerful search optimization tool. By replacing a generic job title with a clear, benefit-driven statement, you’ll start attracting the right kind of attention from recruiters, clients, and peers.

Once your profile is optimized with a standout headline, building on that brand means consistently sharing content that demonstrates your expertise. We actually created Postbase to make that next step easier. Our visual planning tools and a modern scheduler allow us to organize and publish content for LinkedIn and all our other channels without the complexity of older platforms, helping us stay visible and focus on meaningful engagement.