How to Describe Yourself When Writing a Bio

You may be a photographer looking to book more events or a healthcare professional aiming to grow your practice. Whatever your career path may be, your website bio can make all the difference in establishing your credentials. Indeed, writing a bio can be a complicated task. Though knowing how to write a biography essay or how to create a resume can help, creating a bio for websites is a totally different thing.

In this article, we’ll discuss what goes in and what should be left out in a website bio. We’ll also look at sample professional bio compositions as well as bio templates you can use. So make sure you read this piece before you write the “About” page on your website!

Info to Include in a Short Professional Bio

Think of your website bio as a piece that potential clients can base their first impression on. For example, if you’re a freelance writer pitching for an article, your editor will likely check out your website first. Aside from your portfolio, your bio can be the most crucial element that could make or break the stint.

So, what exactly should you put in a bio? Here are a few elements you may want to include:

Name

As a professional, your name is your brand. Putting your name on the website’s “About” page humanizes it. In the same vein, it ups the trust rating of your site.  

Photo

Though it’s not required, a photo adds a personal touch to your bio. Whether you’re going for a serious or a funny bio, pick an appropriate picture that reflects who you want to be viewed as.

Current Role

Describe what you do in the clearest but most creative way possible. For example, instead of referring to yourself as an SEO blog marketer, website copywriter, and content marketer, you may want to use “digital marketing rockstar” instead. 

Skillset

In the industry that you’re in, what’s your specialization? What do you have to offer that others can’t? 

Educational Background

If education is crucial in your field, you can include your academic credentials in your bio.

Achievements

Highlighting your accomplishments can up your chances of making a good impression. In addition to that, use strong words when describing yourself. Your bio isn’t a venue to downplay your achievements.

Social Media Accounts

If you want clients to know more about you, you can include links to your personal blog or social media accounts. Just be sure that there’s nothing on your Facebook and Twitter that may turn clients off!

What you include in your bio depends on the needs of your profession. You can also customize your bio depending on where it’s bound to appear – be it a website, your blog, a guest blog post, a press release, or a social media account.

What not to Include in a Bio

Some elements should never make it to your bio. Below are some “bio hazards” (pun intended) you must avoid at all costs.

Profanity

Even if you’re going for a casual tone, avoid inappropriate language in your bio at all costs. Not only does it paint you as unprofessional, but it also makes you look shady and unworthy of clients’ trust.

Lies

Yes, it would help if you highlight your achievements and qualifications. But you must never overplay your accomplishments to the point that you’re telling lies. 

Fluff

Using flowery language will only confuse and distract the reader. Instead of padding your sentences with too many adjectives or adverbs, use powerful words that drive straight to the point.

Sample Professional Bio (Formal)

For many professionals, a formal bio is non-negotiable. For example, nobody would take a lawyer seriously if their bio seems childish. In the same vein, you wouldn’t entrust your life to a cardiologist with a vague bio. 

In cases of these jobs, it’s vital to present an orderly bio. Education is an essential requirement for these professions, so degrees should be highlighted as well. In addition to that, writing a bio in third-person is most appropriate for a formal bio.

Here is a short bio template example for a formal website:

[First name] is a [current designation or profession]. After [earning/securing/working] [most compelling professional experiences], he/she knows [skills and values learned through experience]. [First name] has been [awarded/certified/trained] [name of awards, certifications and trainings]. He/she holds a [degree] in [field of study] from [academic institution]. 

When applied to an actual bio, it will read something like this:

Mike is a digital marketer who works with startups to grow their brand. After over a decade of doing PR work for international companies, he learned how to generate leads and increase conversions through strengthening the business’ brand. Mike has been awarded Marketer of the Year by the National Business Club. He holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from Harvard University. 

Creative Bio Examples (Casual)

If writing a bio with a formal tone seems to be too stiff for your website or blog, then a casual bio might be a better fit. A casual bio is typically used for personal blogs and social media. It can also be used for a website if one’s profession falls under the arts where formality isn’t required. 

It’s hard to create and find a template for a humorous bio. For one, a casual bio is tailor-fit to one’s personality. Secondly, spontaneity is the backbone of a funny bio. If it sounds like a hundred other bios, then it loses its unique appeal.  

Despite not having a template though, looking at funny personal bio examples may inspire you as you brainstorm for yours. 

For example, humor columnist and author Dave Barry’s bio starts like this: “Dave Barry has been a professional humorist ever since he discovered that professional humor was a lot easier than working.”

Another great example is comedian, author, and television host Trevor Noah’s Twitter bio. It says, “Comedian from South Africa. I was in the crowd when Rafiki held Simba over the edge of the cliff, like an African Michael Jackson.” 

Whether you’re aiming for a formal or a casual biography, make sure to put your own personal touch when writing a bio. More than impressing readers, a great bio should reflect how you work and let your personality shine through.