Networking & Career / Online Networking / Lesson 01

LESSON 01 · ONLINE NETWORKING

Write a Headline That Gets Noticed

Eighteen easy tips to write a headline that gets noticed, so people understand you in one glance.

Your headline is your first handshake. Make it clear and kind.

27 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

27 tips that really help

These ideas come from Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why your headline matters

People see your headline before anything else. It shows up in searches, messages and comments, so it works like a tiny advert for you.

TRY THIS
Rewrite it.

TIP 2

Say who you help

Name the people you serve, such as small shops, new managers or busy parents. People stop scrolling when they see themselves.

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Name your people.

TIP 3

Say what you do in plain words

Use simple verbs like help, build and teach. Plain words are easy to read on a small screen.

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Use plain verbs.

TIP 4

Add the result you bring

Say the change you create, such as saves time or grows sales. Results are more interesting than titles.

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Add a result.

TIP 5

Use keywords people search

Include a few words people may type, such as marketing, teaching or design. It helps the right people find you.

TRY THIS
Add two keywords.

TIP 6

Keep it under one hundred characters

Short lines are easy to read and do not get cut off. Count your characters if you can.

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Trim it.

TIP 7

Skip empty buzzwords

Words like guru and ninja say little. Show what you actually do instead.

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Replace one buzzword.

TIP 8

Update it when you grow

Your headline should match your goals today. Review it every few months.

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Set a reminder.

TIP 9

Script: simple headline

Helping small shops get more customers with easy online tools. Say it clearly.

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Use it.

TIP 10

Script: student headline

Business student exploring marketing and kind leadership. Say it warmly.

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Use it.

TIP 11

Script: job seeker headline

Customer support expert who loves solving problems with a smile. Say it brightly.

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Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: using only your job title

A title alone says little, so add who you help and why.

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Add more.

TIP 13

Mistake: stuffing too many keywords

A wall of words is hard to read, so choose a few that fit.

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Pick a few.

TIP 14

Mistake: copying someone else’s line

Borrowed lines sound fake, so use your own voice.

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Be yourself.

TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when you do many things

Choose the one that matches your goal this year and mention others in your About section.

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Choose one.

TIP 16

Troubleshoot: when you are between jobs

Say what you do best and what you seek, such as open to work in design.

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Show your skill.

TIP 17

Drill: write five headlines

Write five different headlines and read them aloud, then keep the clearest.

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Write five.

TIP 18

Drill: ask three people

Show your headline to three friends and ask what they think you do.

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Test it.

TIP 19

Put your main keyword near the start

Search tools weigh the first words. Start with the thing you want to be found for.

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Move your keyword.

TIP 20

Use a clear separator

A short bar or dash between ideas, like Teacher / Writer, keeps it tidy.

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Try a separator.

TIP 21

Mention who you help

Helping parents plan healthy meals is clearer than nutrition expert. Say the people.

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Name your people.

TIP 22

Test it on a phone

Many people read on phones where long text is cut. Check how it looks.

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Check on your phone.

TIP 23

Example: the designer

Logo designer for small cafes, making brands friendly and simple.

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Write a similar one.

TIP 24

Example: the teacher

Primary teacher who helps children love reading.

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Write yours.

TIP 25

Mistake: using only open to work

It tells little about you. Add what you do best.

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Add your skill.

TIP 26

Troubleshoot: when you are changing fields

Mention both, like Teacher turned data analyst. It shows your story.

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Combine both.

TIP 27

Drill: update your headline today

Change your headline today and check how it looks.

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Do it now.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.

WHO

“I help people with this.”

WHAT

“I work as a designer.”

VALUE

“I make things simple.”

PROOF

“Trusted by many teams.”

PLAIN

“In plain words, I do this.”

CLOSE

“Let us connect.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Write three versions

DAY 2
Remove jargon

DAY 3
Add who you help

DAY 4
Add the result

DAY 5
Keep it short

DAY 6
Test on a friend

DAY 7
Save the best

Further reading

• Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon)
• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.