How to Personalize Your LinkedIn URL

Your default LinkedIn profile URL – that long string of letters and numbers – is working against you. It's forgettable, looks messy on a resume, and does nothing to build your personal brand. This article will walk you through exactly how to personalize your LinkedIn URL, why it's a non-negotiable step for any professional, and what to do once you've made the change.

Why Should You Personalize Your LinkedIn URL?

Changing your LinkedIn URL from the default jumble of characters to something clean and custom is a small adjustment that delivers a significant impact. It’s an easy win for your professional branding, and here’s why it’s so effective.

It Establishes Your Professional Brand

Your URL is one of the first things a potential employer, client, or connection sees. A custom URL like linkedin.com/in/sarahchenconsulting instantly communicates professionalism and attention to detail. In contrast, a default URL like linkedin.com/in/sarah-chen-a5b123cd/ can appear unintentional and less polished. By customizing it, you're curating your digital identity and taking control of your professional narrative.

It Makes You Easier to Find and Share

Imagine meeting someone at a conference and telling them, "Find me on LinkedIn, my URL is my name." A simple, memorable URL is far more shareable than a complex one. This ease of use extends to every place you might list your profile:

• Resumes and CVs: A clean URL looks professional and doesn't take up unnecessary space.
• Business Cards: It’s easy to type and doesn't clutter your card design.
• Email Signatures: It provides a polished link for recipients to connect with you.
• Social Media Bios: A concise link is perfect for character-limited bios on platforms like X or Instagram.

It Can Improve Your Search Visibility (SEO)

Search engines like Google rank LinkedIn profiles, and a well-structured URL can contribute to that. When someone searches for your name, a URL that contains it is more likely to rank highly. If you include a keyword relevant to your profession, like /in/liam-neeson-actor or /in/jennifer-aniston-producer, you create another signal to both LinkedIn and Google about who you are and what you do, potentially helping you appear in searches for professionals in your field.

How to Change Your LinkedIn URL: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of customizing your URL is straightforward, though the steps differ slightly between the desktop website and the mobile app. Follow the guide for the device you’re using.

On a Desktop or Laptop:

This is the most direct way to edit your profile URL. It only takes a minute.

1. Log into your LinkedIn account.
2. Click on the “Me” icon in the top navigation bar (it has your profile picture on it). A dropdown menu will appear.
3. From the dropdown, click “View Profile.”
4. On your profile page, look to the upper-right corner and click on “Edit public profile &, URL.”
5. This will open a new tab with your public profile settings. On the right-hand side, under the section labeled “Edit your custom URL,” you will see your current URL. Click the small pencil icon next to it.
6. The vanity part of the URL (the end section) will become editable. Delete the old one and type in your desired custom URL.
7. Click the “Save” button. LinkedIn will immediately let you know if that URL is available. If it’s taken, you’ll need to try a different variation.

On the LinkedIn Mobile App (iOS &, Android):

The mobile process involves a few more taps, but it is just as simple once you know where to look.

1. Open the LinkedIn app on your phone.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top-left corner of the screen to open the side menu.
3. Under your name, tap “View Profile.”
4. On your profile, find and tap the pencil icon located in the intro section (the top card with your name and headline).
5. This will open the “Edit intro” screen. Scroll all the way to the bottom and tap “Edit contact info.”
6. At the top of the contact info screen, under the “Your profile” section, you will see your profile URL. Tap on the URL itself.
7. Finally, tap the pencil icon next to your Custom URL. Edit the last part of the URL to your preference and tap “Save.”

Best Practices for Creating the Perfect LinkedIn URL

Now that you know how to change it, what should you change it to? The goal is to create a URL that is professional, memorable, and reflective of your brand. LinkedIn requires your custom URL to be between 3 and 100 characters and contain no spaces, symbols, or special characters. Here are some best practices to follow.

1. Start with Your Name

Your first choice should always be your first and last name. It’s the clearest and most professional option available. Variations include:

• firstname-lastname (e.g., /in/jane-doe)
• firstnamelastname (e.g., /in/janedoe)

Both are excellent choices. Which one you pick is a matter of personal preference, the hyphenated version is slightly more readable, while the non-hyphenated version is slightly shorter.

2. Handle a Taken URL Gracefully

With over a billion users on LinkedIn, it’s very possible your name is already taken. If that’s the case, don’t panic and add a string of numbers. Try one of these professional-looking alternatives:

• Add a middle initial or name: /in/jane-m-doe or /in/janemaridoe
• Incorporate your profession or specialty: /in/janedoe-writer, /in/consultant-janedoe This has the added benefit of extra keyword relevance.
• Use a credential: /in/janedoe-cpa or /in/jd-esq for lawyers.
• Include a location (if relevant to your brand): /in/janedoe-sf or /in/nycrealestate-janedoe
• Reverse the order: /in/doe-jane is a less common but still clean alternative.

3. Keep It Concise and Legible

While you have up to 100 characters, no one wants to type a novel-length URL. Aim for a length that is easy to remember and type. Avoid long strings of words or abbreviations that are hard to decipher. Remember that the goal is simplicity and professionalism.

4. Align with Your Other Social Handles (Where It Makes Sense)

If you have a consistent professional brand across all platforms (e.g., @TheSocialStrategist), you could consider using that for your LinkedIn URL (e.g., /in/thesocialstrategist). However, for LinkedIn, using your real name is almost always the better choice because it prioritizes personal identity and credibility over a brand handle. For most professionals, your name is your brand.

You’ve Changed It. Now What?

Customizing your URL is the first step. The second, equally important step is to update it everywhere it’s listed. You want to make sure people are finding you through your new, polished link.

Create an Update Checklist

Go through your professional assets and update your LinkedIn link. Here’s a quick list to get you started:

• Your resume and curriculum vitae (CV)
• Your business email signature
• Your personal website or portfolio's contact/about page
• Your bios on other social media platforms (X, Instagram, Threads, etc.)
• Your profiles on other professional sites (e.g., Behance, GitHub)
• Physical materials like business cards or flyers (update these before your next print run)

Understand How Redirects Work

When you change your LinkedIn URL, the old one doesn’t instantly break. LinkedIn automatically redirects your old URL to your new one for a period of 180 days (about six months). This grace period is useful, but you shouldn't rely on it. Actively updating your links is the only way to safeguard against future broken links and ensure a seamless experience for anyone trying to connect with you long-term.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your LinkedIn URL is a simple action that speaks volumes about your professional brand. It's a quick tweak that refines your online presence, making you appear more polished, prepared, and easier to connect with in a crowded digital world.

Taking the time to refine details like my LinkedIn URL is a core part of building a strong, consistent professional brand. For me, that same attention to detail applies to my entire content strategy. I rely on Postbase to maintain that consistency across all platforms. Its visual calendar helps me see my entire strategy at a glance, and because it was built for modern content like Reels and Shorts, I can confidently schedule everything in one place, knowing my digital presence will stay coherent and impactful.