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A few weeks ago, I talked about writing a practical About Page.
About Pages can be intense, but they are also an excellent way to share what makes you tick as a business professional and what you have to offer other entrepreneurs who need a helping hand. You can get the scoop on creating a practical About Page here.
A personal or business bio is a great way to express to people who you are and what you do. Whether your bio is for a magazine article, a professional website, an author’s press kit, a speaking engagement, or a social media account, take your time and be thoughtful about what you write so you get the right message across. This “message” in the form of a bio must also get your point across and appeal to your ideal client or reader thoroughly yet concisely.
The cool thing is that the details in your About Page are perfect for creating your 100-word bio for other business needs!
Creating an Author or Freelancer Bio
Before you start writing, you need to know who you’re writing for. Your bio is your first introduction to your audience (whatever that may be), and it should quickly and effectively communicate who you are and what you do.
An effective bio consists of words and sentences that hook the reader, make them want to know more, and help them decide whether or not you are the person they want to work with, read about, or learn from.
Step 1: Start by answering this question: Who am I {name} and what do I want to be known for {is a writer/blogger/professor/author/illustrator} who currently resides in {city/state}.
Step 2: Fill in the blank for the next section of your bio: “I am an expert in _______ and currently {work/career path} for ___years. {Share a fact or detail about your life and work}
As a work-from-home parent, Becky is passionate about helping other moms discover life beyond the cubicle.
Step 3: What makes you unique? State your claim to fame!
Another way of looking at what your bio should say is to answer a question that may be lurking in the minds of your prospective customer or reader: “Why should I listen to you or take the time to read what you have written? What makes YOU so darn special?”
Think about what makes you special:
- Are you a ___year veteran of sales and marketing?
- Have you published___books on the topic of___?
- Are you an inventor, teacher, survivor, or veteran?
- Do you have a skill that few others do?
- Do you have a unique life experience that would lend to your credibility?
- Has your career path led you to the work you are doing today (book, speaking engagement, blog post)?
- Are you an influencer on social media? In what niche?
Step 4: Conclude by including information on any projects you have in the works. For example, if you’re a writer, state the title of the new book you’re working on. This should be kept to a sentence or two.
Step 5: Add a personal and humanizing detail: This step is optional, but it helps to add personality and warmth to your bio.
“As a mother of two, Becky knows the power of naps and large quantities of chocolate.”
Step 6: The conclusion: Many professionals end their bio with a call to action or sharing where readers can learn more about you. “To learn more about Becky’s upcoming book, visit her website at______________” Or “Connect with Becky on her website or follow her on Twitter at @BeckyFlansburg.
Best Practices for Bio Writing
You can always lead with your name. You would like your audience to know immediately who the following information is about.
Use third-person only: Writing in the third person will make your bio sound more objective – like it’s been written by someone else – which can be helpful in a formal setting. For example, begin your bio with a sentence such as “Becky Flansburg is a freelance writer and blogger from Minnesota” rather than “I am a freelance writer and blogger from Minnesota.”
Length Matters: A “short bio” is roughly 100 words, and a long bio is approximately 250. Long bios can be used as part of an About Page on a website or as part of your About The Author in your press kit.
Proofread and revise often. YOU GOT THIS!
MY BOOKS!
