linkedin url customization

Create a Short LinkedIn URL for Your Profile

Learn how to create a short, professional LinkedIn URL to boost your personal brand, improve networking, and enhance profile visibility online.

Honghao Wang

— 3 min read
Create a Short LinkedIn URL for Your Profile

Create a Short LinkedIn URL for Your Profile

If you want to strengthen your personal brand, improve networking efficiency, and boost online visibility, learning how to create a short LinkedIn URL is a simple and effective step. This comprehensive guide explains why a customized URL matters, the exact process to create one, and strategic best practices to ensure your profile stands out across all professional platforms.

Create a Short LinkedIn URL for Your Profile — create short linkedin url

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Why a Short LinkedIn URL Matters

A default LinkedIn profile URL often contains random numbers and characters — for example:

linkedin.com/in/john-smith-94b74a12/

While functional, it’s neither memorable nor brand-friendly. A short, customized LinkedIn URL such as:

linkedin.com/in/johnsmith

offers several strong advantages:

  • Branding: A clean link reflecting your name or brand looks more professional on resumes, business cards, and email signatures.
  • Searchability: Custom URLs are easier to remember and type, and may improve search engine rankings.
  • Trust: A concise link signals legitimacy and professionalism, increasing click-through likelihood.

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Step 1: Locate Your Current LinkedIn URL

Before you create a short LinkedIn URL, find the one you currently use:

  1. Sign in to your LinkedIn account.
  2. Click on your profile photo and select View Profile.
  3. Look at the browser’s address bar — that’s your current LinkedIn URL.

You can also copy it directly from your profile’s header.

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Step 2: Navigate to “Edit public profile & URL”

LinkedIn offers a dedicated section to customize your profile URL:

  1. On your profile, click the Edit public profile & URL link on the top right.
  2. The public profile settings page will open.
Step 2: Navigate to “Edit public profile & URL” — create short linkedin url

On the right side, locate the Edit your custom URL section.

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Step 3: Choose a Simple and Professional Custom URL

When customizing your link:

  • Simple: Use your full name or a clear variation.
  • Professional: Avoid slang, nicknames, or gimmicky terms.
  • Consistent: Align with usernames used on other professional platforms.

Good Examples:

linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
linkedin.com/in/john-smith
linkedin.com/in/john-smith-marketing

Only add numbers if they are part of your brand (e.g., “Studio99”).

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Step 4: Check Availability & Restrictions

Not every combination is available — LinkedIn limits characters and formatting.

Do Not Use:

  • Spaces
  • Underscores (`_`)
  • Special characters (@, #, %, &, etc.)
  • Random number sequences (unless branding)

If taken, try:

  • Adding a middle initial
  • Including your profession (e.g., “johnsmithdesign”)
  • Adding location (e.g., “johnsmithnyc”)

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Step 5: Update, Save, and Confirm

Once you find an available short LinkedIn URL:

  1. Click Save.
  2. Copy the new link and test it in a browser.
  3. Refresh your profile page to ensure it’s live.
profile-update

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Step 6: Use Your Short LinkedIn URL Everywhere

A customized URL is a versatile branding tool. Include it on:

  • Email Signatures
  • Business Cards
  • Resumes/CVs
  • Portfolio Websites
  • Social Profile Bios

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Step 7: Align Your Profile With Your Short URL

Ensure your LinkedIn content complements your custom link:

  • Professional Headline: Make it descriptive and keyword-rich (e.g., “Senior UX Designer | SaaS Product Specialist”).
  • Profile Summary: Highlight value, achievements, skills.
  • Custom Banner Image: Use consistent colors or name branding.

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Step 8: Track Engagement

Monitor effectiveness using:

Tracking Method Pros Cons
LinkedIn Stats Built-in, easy to access Limited detail
UTM Parameters Detailed data via Google Analytics Longer URLs
Bitly / Custom Shorteners Brandable, trackable Extra setup step

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Step 9: Maintain Consistency Over Time

If your name, brand, or company changes:

  • Update your LinkedIn URL promptly.
  • Redirect old links if possible.
  • Revise URLs on all materials and notify key contacts.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect LinkedIn URL

  1. Keep it between 6–30 characters.
  2. Avoid unnecessary dates (e.g., “JohnSmith2023”) unless relevant.
  3. Match the URL to your personal domain when possible.
  4. Ensure your public profile displays essential sections when accessed.

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Final Thoughts

Knowing how to create a short LinkedIn URL is a quick action with long-term branding benefits. A well-crafted custom profile link makes it easier for people to find and connect with you, reinforces professionalism, and can strengthen job search and networking opportunities.

Follow these steps — from identifying your current URL to tracking engagement — and integrate your new link into all career materials. Start customizing today and take control of your professional presence online.

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