Putting “content creator” as your job title on LinkedIn is a decision that requires some thought. On one hand, it communicates what you do and can help connect you with potential clients or collaborators. On the other hand, some argue it looks unprofessional or not fully reflective of your skills. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to put content creator on your LinkedIn profile.
The Pros of Putting Content Creator on LinkedIn
Here are some potential benefits of listing content creator as your LinkedIn job title:
Accurately Describes What You Do
Listing content creator makes it immediately clear to anyone viewing your profile that you create content professionally. This gets right to the point instead of using vague titles like “freelance writer” or “creative consultant.” Being transparent about your work can help attract the right opportunities.
Connects You With Potential Clients
Using content creator helps people find you if they are specifically looking to hire or collaborate with a content creation professional. It signals the type of work you do and can increase your visibility to potential new clients.
Demonstrates Your Skills
The title content creator implies you have honed your skills in writing, editing, graphic design, photography, videography, or other content-focused capabilities. Listing it shows you have experience and expertise in producing quality content.
Shows You Are Entrepreneurial
Opting for content creator over more traditional job titles demonstrates you are self-driven enough to build your own content business or brand. This entrepreneurial spirit can be attractive to potential clients or partners.
The Cons of Putting Content Creator on LinkedIn
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
May Look Less Professional
Some hiring managers or recruiters prefer to see more traditional job titles on LinkedIn profiles. Content creator may come across as too informal or vague if you are trying to get hired for a full-time content role.
Doesn’t Fully Encapsulate Your Abilities
While content creator shows you can produce content, it doesn’t communicate specialized skills like SEO writing, copywriting, editing, etc. It is a very broad title that may not reflect all your capabilities.
Overused by Inexperienced Creators
There has been an influx of people calling themselves content creators, when they actually have limited professional experience. The overuse of the title has diluted its meaning.
Not Ideal if Seeking Non-Content Roles
If you are open to opportunities outside of content creation, having content creator as your main job title may pigeonhole you if recruiting for other roles. It focuses solely on content skills.
Tips for Using Content Creator on LinkedIn
If you do opt to put content creator on your LinkedIn profile, here are some tips:
Use it Alongside Formal Job Titles
List content creator alongside more formal titles from full-time roles to get the best of both worlds. For example: “Content Creator & Marketing Writer at XYZ Company.”
Expand Your Headline to Include Specialties
Specifying your specialties helps provide more context, such as: “Content Creator: Copywriter, Video Producer, Social Media Manager”
Clarify Your Skills in Your Summary
Use your summary section to provide an overview of your top skills, experience level, services you offer, and industries you serve.
Include Examples of Your Work
Showcase links to writing samples, videos, graphics, or other content you have produced. This demonstrates the quality and breadth of your work.
List Previous Full-Time Roles
Include formal job titles and descriptions from previous roles at companies to showcase your professional experience.
Note Your Education
Listing any relevant degrees or certifications shows you have training and qualifications in content creation.
Key Factors to Consider
When deciding if content creator is the right fit for your LinkedIn profile, consider these key factors:
Factor | Best Suited for Content Creator Title? |
---|---|
Actively pursuing content creation clients | Yes |
Want to be found for your content skills | Yes |
Applying to full-time non-content roles | No |
Have limited professional experience | No |
Possess specialized content skills | No |
Served in content roles at established companies | No |
The factors that make content creator most appropriate are seeking content clients and wanting visibility for your content abilities. Factors like pursuing full-time non-content work or having specialized skills make it less ideal. Evaluate your own motivations and career stage to determine if it is a fit.
Content Creator vs. Other Titles
Here is how content creator compares to some other common titles used by content professionals on LinkedIn:
Title | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Content Creator |
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Writer |
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Content Strategist |
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As this comparison shows, content creator has its advantages but also some limitations compared to other options. Choose the title that best represents your skills and goals.
Should You Put Content Creator on LinkedIn?
Better Suited For:
– Freelancers, consultants, and solopreneurs actively seeking new clients
– Early to mid-career content professionals looking to build their brand
– Creators wanting to be easily found for their video, writing, design, or editing skills
Less Ideal For:
– Senior content professionals and leaders
– Those applying for full-time non-content positions
– Creators with specialized expertise like social media or SEO
Tips for Using It:
– Pair it with formal job titles from previous roles
– Expand headline to describe your specialties
– Showcase relevant skills, experience, and work examples
– Consider your career stage and goals when deciding if it’s a fit
Conclusion
Should you put content creator on your LinkedIn profile? There are certainly some benefits in terms of easily communicating that you develop content professionally. It can be advantageous when actively promoting your services or wanting to get discovered by potential clients. However, it also has limitations in not conveying specialized skills or experience. It may also be seen as too informal by some hiring managers.
Evaluate your own career motivations and qualifications to determine if content creator is the right fit or if another title would better represent you. Formal titles from previous roles can complement it well on a profile. There are also ways to tweak your headline and summary to provide more context. With the right supplemental information and understanding of the trade-offs, content creator can be an effective title for some professionals on LinkedIn. Just be sure it accurately and advantageously communicates your abilities for your goals.