4 Excellent Tips for Writing Professional Online Bios

Your professional bio is a strategic play and should be treated as such. A good bio can help you get hired, gain visibility, and win you serious respect.

Here are bio samples for different online profiles, and tips that would make you stand out:

1. Website Bio

This digital persona is where you want to lay it all on your audience in the “About Me” section. It can be tricky to produce personal content beyond the basics, so it’s helpful to remember that you’re aiming to sell your experience and skills as they apply to one industry or environment, not necessarily what defines your self-worth as a person.

If you’re struggling to communicate your value, ask yourself this question: Why do you do what you do, and what is your impact? Take the answer and work it into your “About Me” page so potential partners or employers understand what you can do for them and why you’re the person they should hire.

See a sample below:

bios

Why Ann’s bio stands out for us:

She uses simple, friendly language that invites the reader in rather than shutting them out.
Follow the link and you’ll be led to a page dedicated to a fuller online profile, which she’s divided into two parts: a “short version” (literally a bulleted list of key facts) and a “long version,” which includes traditional paragraphs. There’s something in there for everyone.

2. LinkedIn Bio

Start by identifying how you use—or would like to use—LinkedIn. Are you content with your job, but looking to expand your network? Or are you aiming to get your foot in the door of your dream company? Are you trying to attract recruiters?

Whatever you’re seeking, your summary should support your activity on the site; a profile focused on networking within the industry will read differently than that of someone aggressively hunting for a new job. Once you’ve identified your purpose, it will be much easier to select which style is best for you.

See a sample below:

Why Marvin’s summary stands out for us:

He’s authentic in explaining why he enjoys recruiting.
He demonstrates extensive expertise by listing specialties.
He shares personal interests, which increase his likeability factor.
He creates lots of white space by keeping paragraphs short.
His call to action isn’t just to connect, it’s to “share a story.

3. Twitter Bio

One of the hardest things about crafting a Twitter bio is fitting all you want to say into only 160 characters. 160 is very little – it’s basically your elevator pitch on steroids. Don’t waste it! But remember: you’ll rarely write the perfect bio the first time around. So keep trying!

A good profile would have a mix of a professional as well as personal information. Share something that will connect you with your audience.

See a sample below:

Why Jeff’s summary stands out for us:

In 160 characters, he was able to tell us about

What he does
His accomplishments

4. Instagram Bio

Your Instagram bio is one of the first things customers and Instagram users see. Occasionally, someone may see one of your photos before they come to your profile. But if they’re going to follow you, they will see what you are about first . So what impression are you making on them?

We all know the value of a good first impression. Instagram is no exception. So it’s important to have a great Instagram profile that draws in users and encourages them to follow you.

See a sample below:

bios

Why Pete’s bio stands out for us:

His bio tells us what he does. You do something – and you do something that sets you apart from anyone else. Tell this side of your brand in your bio.
He made it interesting by including ‘chronic daydreamer’. Instagram is about having fun. Your bio should reflect that fun side of your personality.
His bio includes a website link. The only place on Instagram where you can place a clickable link is in your bio. Take advantage of it!