If your headline says “expert” or “specialist,” it’s probably working against you.

Here's why...

If your headline says “expert” or “specialist,” it’s probably working against you.

Not because those words are bad.

But because YOU wrote them.

Let me explain.

Imagine someone introduces you on a podcast like this:

“Today’s guest is a specialist in AI and personal branding.”

Now imagine you introduce yourself on LinkedIn like this:

“I’m an AI specialist and personal branding expert.”

Same words.

Completely different effect.

One is earned.

The other is claimed.

One signals credibility.

The other signals insecurity.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

There’s no global board handing out “specialist” titles.

No exam to pass before you can call yourself an “expert.”

Anyone can write it.

So everyone does.

Which means when you use these words in your headline, you don’t sound more qualified...

you just blend into a sea of self-proclaimed professionals.

And worse, you make it harder for people to trust your work.

I’ve optimized over 500 LinkedIn profiles.

Worked with coaches, founders, top voices.

Not once have I written “expert” or “specialist” in a headline.

Not because it’s wrong

but because there’s a better way.

Say what you do,

not what you think you are.

→ “I write LinkedIn content that drives inbound leads.”

→ “I help consultants clarify their positioning and land clients.”

→ “I build brand systems that make founders unforgettable.”

That’s real.

That’s humble.

That works.

If you are an expert:

Your clients will say it.

Your work will prove it.

Your testimonials will show it.

You don’t need to shout it in your headline.

And if you’re using it for SEO, there are better places to plant those keywords:

→ In your testimonials

→ In your ‘About’ section

→ In your featured content

→ In the work you share

But please, leave your headline for clarity, not hype.

Because the words you choose to describe yourself?

They shape how people see you.

How people talk about you.

And eventually...

how you see yourself.

So if your headline says “expert,” delete it.

Not because it’s wrong.

But because it’s not how real experts introduce themselves.

Fair warning: changing your headline might just change how you show up.

Will you rewrite it?

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Thanks for reading. :-)