How to Share a LinkedIn Profile in an Email

Sharing a LinkedIn profile in an email is a quick way to make a professional connection, but how you share it says a lot about you. Instead of just dropping a messy link, you can present it in a way that looks sleek, professional, and intentional. This guide will walk you through the best methods for sharing a profile, from the simple copy-paste to embedding it in your email signature, and cover the etiquette you need to know to make the best impression.

Why Share a LinkedIn Profile in an Email?

Before we get into the "how," let's quickly cover the "why." Understanding the context helps you tailor your approach. You might share a profile to:

• Introduce someone: Connecting two people in your network who could benefit from knowing each other.
• Apply for a job: Giving recruiters and hiring managers an easy way to see your full professional background, recommendations, and portfolio.
• Follow up after networking: Sending your new contact a convenient link to connect and continue the conversation.
• Make a sales introduction: Providing a prospect with your profile to build credibility and establish yourself as an authority in your field.
• Recommend a colleague or collaborator: Vouching for someone's skills and experience by sharing their detailed profile.

In each case, your goal is to make it effortless for the recipient to view the profile and understand why you’ve sent it.

Method 1: The Simple URL Copy and Paste (With a Pro-Level Tweak)

This is the most direct way to get the job done. You find the link, copy it, and paste it. But there’s a small step you can take to make your link look much more professional.

Step 1: Find and Copy the LinkedIn Profile URL

First, navigate to the LinkedIn profile you want to share (either your own or someone else's). Look at the browser's address bar at the top of the page. That's the URL. Simply click on it, right-click, and select "Copy," or use the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+C on Windows, Cmd+C on Mac).

The URL will look something like this:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-doe-1a2b3c4d5/

Step 2: Customize Your Own URL (A Must-Do for Professionals)

If you're sharing your own profile, take a moment to customize your public profile URL. A default LinkedIn URL often contains random numbers and letters at the end. A custom URL is cleaner, more memorable, and looks far more professional.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to your own LinkedIn profile.
2. In the top right corner, click on "Edit public profile &, URL."
3. On the next page, again in the top right corner, you'll see a section called "Edit your custom URL." Click the small pencil icon.
4. Change the part after /in/ to something simple and professional, like your name. For example, /in/janedoe or /in/jane-doe-marketing.
5. Click "Save."

Now, your URL will be something clean like https://www.linkedin.com/in/janedoe. This small change makes a big difference when pasted into an email or added to a resume.

Method 2: Create a Hyperlink for a Polished Look

Pasting a raw URL into an email works, but it can look a bit clunky. A hyperlink - clickable text - is a much more elegant solution. It keeps your email clean and directs the reader's attention exactly where you want it. Instead of a long URL, the recipient sees a neat phrase like "View My LinkedIn Profile."

How to Create a Hyperlink in Gmail:

1. Copy the LinkedIn profile URL as described above.
2. In your Gmail compose window, type out the text you want to be clickable (e.g., "Here is my LinkedIn profile.").
3. Highlight the specific words you want to turn into a link (e.g., "my LinkedIn profile").
4. Click the link icon in the bottom toolbar (it looks like a small chain). Alternatively, use the shortcut Ctrl+K (Windows) or Cmd+K (Mac).
5. A box will pop up. In the "Web address" field, paste the LinkedIn URL you copied.
6. Click "OK." Your text is now a clean, clickable hyperlink.

How to Create a Hyperlink in Outlook:

1. Copy the profile URL.
2. In your new email in Outlook, type your desired text.
3. Highlight the text you want to hyperlink.
4. Right-click the highlighted text and select "Link" or go to the "Insert" tab and click "Link."
5. In the "Address" field of the new window, paste the URL.
6. Click "OK."

This method maintains the flow of your writing and is generally considered the most professional way to share a link within the body of an email.

Method 3: Add Your LinkedIn Profile to Your Email Signature

For a "set it and forget it" approach, adding your LinkedIn profile link to your email signature is the best option. This makes it passively available in every email you send, allowing contacts to check out your professional life without you having to actively share it each time. It's an excellent way to continue building your network organically.

You can do this with either a simple text link or a more visual LinkedIn icon.

How to Add a LinkedIn Link to Your Gmail Signature:

1. Go to Gmail and click the "Settings" gear icon in the top right, then select "See all settings."
2. In the "General" tab, scroll down to the "Signature" section.
3. Select the signature you want to edit or create a new one.
4. Type the text you want to link, such as "LinkedIn Profile" or "Connect on LinkedIn."
5. Highlight the text and use the link icon to paste your custom LinkedIn profile URL, just as you would when making a regular hyperlink.
6. (Optional) To add an icon, use a search engine to find a small "LinkedIn icon," save it to your computer, and insert it into your signature using the "Insert image" button. Then highlight the icon and use the link button to make it clickable.
7. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Save Changes."

How to Add a LinkedIn Link to Your Outlook Signature:

1. In Outlook, go to "File" >, "Options" >, "Mail" >, "Signatures."
2. Choose the signature you want to edit or click "New" to create one.
3. In the signature editor box, type the text for your link.
4. Highlight the text and click the hyperlink icon (it looks like a globe with a chain).
5. Paste your profile URL in the "Address" field and click "OK."
6. Click "OK" to save your signature, and "OK" again to close the options window.

Your signature will now serve as a permanent, professional networking tool.

Best Practices and Etiquette for Sharing Profiles

How you share the link is just as important as the link itself. Simply dropping a URL without explanation can come across as lazy or spammy. Follow these etiquette tips to do it right.

Always Provide Context

Never send a profile link without explaining why. Whether you're making an introduction or applying for a job, your message should clearly state the purpose.

Example for an introduction: "Hi Alex, I wanted to introduce you to Ben. He's the UX designer I mentioned who has incredible experience in e-commerce strategy. You can see more of his work on his LinkedIn profile here. Ben, Alex leads the marketing team I was telling you about."

Personalize the Message

Avoid generic, copy-pasted messages. Mention something specific about the recipient or the reason for the connection. A touch of personalization demonstrates genuine interest and effort. If a mutual contact suggested the connection, mention their name (with their permission, of course).

For Job Applications

When applying for a job, you can include your LinkedIn profile link in a few places:

• In your cover letter or the body of your application email.
• As part of your email signature.
• At the top of your resume, next to your contact information.

Using a hyperlinked phrase like "My professional profile details can be viewed on LinkedIn" is a great way to embed it smoothly in your cover letter.

Quick Checklist: What to Do Before You Share Your Profile

Is your profile ready for viewing? Before you hit send, do a quick self-audit to make sure your profile is polished and up-to-date:

• Professional Photo: Is your headshot clear, professional, and recent?
• Compelling Headline: Does your headline clearly state what you do and the value you bring? Go beyond just your job title.
• Complete "About" Section: Is your summary a good representation of your skills, accomplishments, and career goals?
• Updated Experience: Are your recent roles and achievements filled in with descriptive bullet points?
• Checked for Typos: Read everything over one last time for any spelling or grammar mistakes.

Your LinkedIn profile is a living document. Spending just a few minutes keeping it fresh ensures you’re always ready to share it confidently.

Final Thoughts

Sharing your LinkedIn profile in an email is a fundamental networking move. Whether you opt for a simple, customized link, a more professional hyperlink, or a permanent fixture in your email signature, the goal is always to make a great impression and make it easy for others to learn more about you.

Maintaining a strong and active LinkedIn profile is a powerful way to manage your professional brand. At Postbase, we built our platform to help professionals and brands coordinate their social media presence across all the channels that matter, including LinkedIn. By using our visual calendar to plan and schedule content, you can consistently share your expertise, engage with your network, and build a profile that you're proud to share, ultimately turning it into a more powerful asset for your career.