Many people use LinkedIn which is a very popular professional networking platform to search for jobs. It is important to have a good LinkedIn profile and a working URL so people can find you easily. Sometimes you might find that the LinkedIn URL you have entered is invalid which can be frustrating. If you are facing this issue and want to know why your LinkedIn URL is invalid, this article will guide you through the common reasons and what you can do to fix it.
What are LinkedIn URLs?
A LinkedIn URL is basically the web address of your LinkedIn profile. It is how people find you on the platform. A good and valid URL makes it easy for people to connect with you and see your professional experience on your profile page. If your URL is invalid, people will not be able to find you which can also have an effect on your networking opportunities.
Understanding LinkedIn URLs
A LinkedIn URL for profiles usually looks like www.linkedin.com/in/yourname. The “yourname” part is what you usually customize to make it easier to remember and share with others. This part is what can sometimes cause problems if it is not done correctly.
Linkeding URL for Businesses / pages looks like www.linkedin.com/company/companyname. LinkedIn usually replace the “companyname” part with random characters by default which are not easy to remember. When people search using the company name, it leads them to a failed URL.
Common Reasons for Invalid LinkedIn URLs
Typographical Errors
One of the most common reasons for an invalid LinkedIn URL is simple typos. If you accidentally type an extra letter or number or if you misspell your name in the URL, it will not work. For example, if your name is JohnDoe and you type JohnDoee in your URL, it will be invalid.
Incorrect Formatting
LinkedIn has some formatting rules for profile URLs you can have. You can only use letters, numbers and hyphens in your URLs. You can’t use spaces, symbols or other special characters. The minimum number of the characters in your URL must also be between 3 and 100. If your URL has any of these it will be invalid.
Profile Privacy Settings
If your profile privacy settings are set too high, people might not be able to see your profile even if they have the correct URL. If your profile is set to private, only people who are directly connected to you on LinkedIn can see or visit it.
Special Characters
You are not allowed to use special characters in your LinkedIn URL. This includes things like “space” @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) + = [ ] \ | ; : ‘ “ , < > / ? . If your URL has any of these characters, it will be invalid.
Profile Changes
If you change your name or other information on your LinkedIn profile, this can also affect your URL. It is always a good idea to check your URL after making any changes to your profile to make sure it’s still working.
Account Status
If your LinkedIn account is suspended or you have deactivated it, your URL will be invalid. This usually happens if you violate LinkedIn’s terms of service. If you think your account was suspended by mistake you can contact LinkedIn support.
How to Identify an Invalid LinkedIn URL
If your LinkedIn URL is invalid, you will see an error message when you try to open the link. This message might say something like “Page Not Found” or “The profile you’re looking for could not be found.” If you see one of these messages, it means your URL is not working.
The easiest way to test if your LinkedIn URL is valid is by simply typing it into your web browser and seeing if it works. If it takes you to your profile, then it is valid. If it shows an error message and fails to load, then this means it is invalid. You can also try sharing your URL with a friend and ask them to see if they can access your profile if it is an issue of higher privacy.
Steps to Fix an Invalid LinkedIn URL
Verify and Correct the URL
The first thing you should do is double check the URL you are typing for any typos or formatting errors. Make sure you have spelled the name correctly and that you’re not using any spaces or special characters in the URL.
Adjust Privacy Settings
If you think your privacy settings are the problem, you can go to your LinkedIn profile settings and check your visibility. Make sure your profile is set to “public” so everyone can see it.
Remove Special Characters
If your URL has any special characters, you will have to remove them. You can only use letters, numbers and hyphens which must be at least 3 to 100.
Update Account Information
If you have recently changed your name or other profile information you will need to update your URL as well. You can do this in your LinkedIn profile settings. This might also be because others are still using the outdated URL to search for your profile.
Preventing Future URL Issues
Best practices for maintaining a valid LinkedIn URL.
To avoid future problems with your LinkedIn URL, make sure to choose a URL that is simple and easy to remember. Use your name or a shortened version of your name. Avoid using numbers or special characters (hyphens) unless necessary.
Regular checks and updates to profile information.
It is always good to check your LinkedIn URL every now and then to make sure it is still working. If you make any changes to your profile information, you must check after that.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my LinkedIn URL not working?
It can be due to typos, incorrect formatting, privacy settings, special characters, profile changes or account status.
How do I fix my invalid LinkedIn URL?
Verify and correct the URL, adjust privacy settings, remove special characters, update account information or contact LinkedIn support.
Can I change my LinkedIn URL?
Yes. You can change your LinkedIn URL in your profile settings but there is a limit on how many times you can change it.
What characters can I use in my LinkedIn URL?
You can only use letters, numbers and hyphens.
How do I find my LinkedIn URL?
You can find your LinkedIn URL on your profile page below your profile picture.
