How to write a top-notch professional bio

Is your professional bio the best it can be? Or, like most people, did you sort of write it half-heartedly?

Although in certain contexts, your professional bio needs to be formal, most are quite dull to read. Writing one that’s conversational is actually a really good thing. That means dropping the traditional format of simply listing your accomplishments and squeezing in as much professional-sounding jargon in there as you can.

So with these simple steps, here’s how you can write a top-notch bio.

1. Creating an About page for your website or profile

Before you can publish your professional bio, here are a few places to consider putting it (some of these you might already have):

• Personal website
• Personal blog
• Industry website
• Facebook company page
• LinkedIn profile
• Twitter bio
• Instagram account

The length and tone of your bio will vary depending on which of the platforms above you write it for. For example, Instagram only allows 150 characters of space, whereas you can write virtually as much as you want on your Facebook company page or your personal website. But your bio should represent who you are in the eyes of your audience.

2. Begin writing your bio with your name

If your readers don’t remember anything else about your bio, make sure they remember your name. This means it’s good for the first two words of your professional bio to be your first and last name.

For example I might start writing my own bio like this:

Stephanie Collyer

Stephanie Collyer is the Company Founder of marketing company Belluber.

3. State your current position and what you do

Whether you’re the owner of your company or a mid-level member of the team, use the next few lines of your bio to describe what you do. Don’t assume your audience will know what your job title entails. Help your readers paint a picture of who you are during the day and what you have to offer to the industry.

4. Include at least one professional accomplishment

Your professional bio should let your audience know what you’ve achieved, just as a business uses the form of case studies. What have you done for yourself – or others – that makes you a valuable player in your field?

5. Describe your values

Why do you do what you do? What makes your contribution to the industry different to others? What values do you and your colleagues share that would make your business a worthwhile investment to others? Here’s where you simply describe what gets you up in the morning.

6. Briefly tell your audience who you are outside of work

Transition from describing your values in work to explaining who you are outside of work. This could include:

• Your hometown
• Your family
• Hobbies and interests
• Your favourite travel destinations and music
• Any side hustles you’re working on

Always remember that people like connecting with other people. The more transparent you are about who you are, the more likable you’ll be to the people reading about who you are professionally.

7. Feel free to add a personal story or some humour for some flavour

End your professional bio on a good note – or even better, a funny note. Leaving your readers with something unique or quirky will ensure you’ll give them a pleasant impression of you.

Try and follow the steps above when writing your bio, but don’t spend too much time obsessing over one section.

Why good bios are important for a professional

“How many people actually read professional bios, anyway?”

A lot of people, is the answer. There’s no way to tell exactly who is reading it, but you always want it to be ready for when the right people come across it. And when they do, you want to catch their eye.

It’s the tool that you can leverage most when you’re networking.

People will read your professional bio. Whether they remember it, is a matter of how well you present yourself to your intended audience.

Want to get started now?

Hubspot have provided a free download packed with professional bio templates, examples, and more tips. Download here.