Want people to actually read your LinkedIn About section? Effective opening lines—like promises, personal sparks, or punchy lists—grab attention instantly. Here are the best LinkedIn About kick-offs that make your profile stand out and pull people in.
This Article Covers:
Why Your LinkedIn About’s Opening Matters
Your About section is typically the most-read part of your profile, and those first two or three lines determine whether someone clicks “see more.” So picking a strong start isn’t optional—it’s essential.
7 Kick-Off Styles That Work (And Why They Hook Readers)
1. Promise
Example: “I help brands become unforgettable by turning casual customers into loyal fans…”
Why it works: Sets reader expectations and shows clear value immediately.
2. Purpose
Example: “I’m on a mission to make illiteracy a thing of the past…”
Why it works: Inspires connection—it’s not just what you do, but why you do it.
3. Passion
Example: “I can lose hours when I’m coding an app that solves a real-world problem…”
Why it works: Reveals genuine curiosity and depth right off the bat.
4. Point of View
Example: “The 9-to-5 is dead. Good riddance! I believe work should energize you, not drain you.”
Why it works: Challenges assumptions, grabs attention, and feels unique.
5. Point in Time
Example: “I still remember the day my CFO quit unexpectedly…”
Why it works: Creates a narrative moment that’s immediate and human.
6. Provocative Phrase
Example: “My business is going downhill. Fast.”
Why it works: Shocks the reader—in the best way—so they keep reading.
7. Punctuated List
Example: “Brand whisperer. Idea machine. Deadline assassin.”
Why it works: High energy, memorable, and breaks the mold of long sentences.
How to Choose Your Kick-Off Style
Match your tone: Choose a style that echoes your personality or brand voice.
Think about your audience: Are you speaking to hiring managers? Clients? Colleagues?
Test and iterate: Try one style, review analytics (views, messages, profile visits), and adjust.
Quick Real-World Example (Tested by Pros)
As of September 2025, personal-branding guru William Arruda emphasizes that among the 2,600 characters in the LinkedIn About, how you start matters most—since only the first few lines show without expansion. Real profiles using “Promise” or “Provocative Phrase” approaches saw 30–50% more engagement in profile views.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
What makes a strong opening line for a LinkedIn About?
A clear promise, mission, or surprising hook that tells readers why they should care—right away.
How can I hook readers in my LinkedIn About section?
Start with something emotional, bold, or unexpected—a promise, statement of purpose, or punchy list.
What are examples of engaging LinkedIn About kick-offs?
Try: “I help brands become unforgettable…”, “The 9-to-5 is dead…“, or “Brand whisperer. Idea machine…”
These are just a few, you can set according to your niche.
Why is the start of your LinkedIn About so important?
Because LinkedIn only shows the first few lines by default—those lines decide whether people click “see more”.
How many characters can the LinkedIn About section include?
You get up to 2,600 characters—but the first 200–300 are the most critical to hook readers.
Your LinkedIn About is powerful. By starting with one of these P-style kick-offs—Promise, Purpose, Passion, Point of View, Point in Time, Provocative Phrase, or Punctuated List—you can stop the scroll and start the connection. Try one, tweak it until it feels you, and watch your profile come alive.
Pick the P-style that fits your voice, write three options, and A/B test which one gets more engagement. Let your profile do the talking.
