LinkedIn Profile URL
Everything about LinkedIn profile URLs: what they are, how to find them, customize them, and use them for professional networking and job searching.
A LinkedIn profile URL is your unique web address on the LinkedIn platform. It's the direct link that takes anyone to your professional profile—no searching required.
Every LinkedIn member automatically receives a profile URL upon creating an account. According to LinkedIn, this URL follows the format linkedin.com/in/[identifier] where the identifier is either auto-generated or customized by you.
Key Takeaways
- Format:
linkedin.com/in/your-identifier - Two types: Default (with random characters) and Custom (clean, memorable)
- Customizable: Change it up to 5 times per 6 months
- Essential for: Resumes, business cards, email signatures, networking
What Is a LinkedIn Profile URL?
Your LinkedIn profile URL is a permanent web address that points directly to your profile. Think of it as your professional internet address.
Structure breakdown:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourname
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ └─ Your unique identifier
│ │ └────── Profile indicator
│ └───────────────────── LinkedIn domain
└───────────────────────────── Protocol
The /in/ portion indicates this is an individual profile (as opposed to /company/ for company pages).
Types of LinkedIn Profile URLs
Default URLs
When you create a LinkedIn account, the platform generates a default URL:
linkedin.com/in/john-smith-a1b2c3d4
The random characters at the end ensure uniqueness across LinkedIn's 1.3 billion+ members.
Custom URLs
You can replace the default with a clean custom URL:
linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Custom URLs are:
- More professional
- Easier to remember
- Better for branding
- Ideal for printed materials
How to Find Your LinkedIn Profile URL
On Desktop
- Log in to LinkedIn
- Click Me → View Profile
- Check your browser's address bar
On Mobile App
- Tap your profile picture
- Go to your profile
- Tap three dots → Copy link
In Contact Info
- Go to your profile
- Click Contact info
- Find URL under "Your Profile"
How to Customize Your LinkedIn Profile URL
According to LinkedIn Help, custom URLs must follow these rules:
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Length | 5-30 characters |
| Characters | Letters, numbers, hyphens only |
| Restrictions | No spaces, symbols, or "LinkedIn" |
| Changes | Maximum 5 per 6 months |
Steps to Customize
- Go to your profile
- Click Edit public profile & URL
- Click the pencil icon next to your URL
- Enter your preferred custom URL
- Click Save
Best Practices for LinkedIn Profile URLs
Do
- Use your name:
linkedin.com/in/janedoe - Keep it simple: Easy to type and remember
- Be consistent: Match your other professional profiles
- Include in materials: Resume, business cards, email signature
Don't
- Use random numbers: Unless your name is taken
- Change frequently: You're limited to 5 changes per 6 months
- Include job titles: These change; your name doesn't
Where to Use Your LinkedIn Profile URL
| Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Resume header | 87% of recruiters check LinkedIn profiles |
| Email signature | Professional credibility in every message |
| Business cards | Essential for modern networking |
| Personal website | Connects your web presence |
| Other social bios | Cross-platform discoverability |
LinkedIn Profile URL FAQs
What happens to my old URL after I change it?
According to LinkedIn, your previous URL remains linked to your profile for 6 months. After that, it may become available for others to claim.
Can two people have the same LinkedIn profile URL?
No. Each URL is unique. If your preferred URL is taken, you'll need to add a number or variation.
Does my LinkedIn profile URL affect SEO?
Yes. A custom URL with your name can improve your visibility in Google searches for your name. Keep it clean and professional.
Is my LinkedIn profile URL public?
Your URL itself is public, but you control profile visibility through privacy settings. You can limit what non-connections see.
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