How to Write the Perfect Bio
You've heard me say this time and time again, but first impressions matter.
When someone considers doing business with you, they're going to want to know about what makes you special. Your bio is the perfect opportunity to dazzle them.
Daunted? Don't be. Here's a listed guide to writing the perfect bio from scratch.
1. Focus on quality, not quantity.
The majority of people on this planet do not have a good bio. Somehow people have equated bio length with bio impact, which is far from the truth. The longer you make something, the less control you have over what your reader sees. Isn't that scary? Get it in your head that your bio will be concise before you even lift a pen to paper.
2. List adjectives about your ideal self.
As uncomfortable as it may seem, writing a bio is a process of self actualization. The bio isn't necessarily about what you've done, but it's more about how your past will lead to a fruitful future for a prospective business acquaintance.
Brainstorm a list of adjectives that you'd like people to use about your brand five years from now. Opt for words with energy and excitement.
For example, instead of...
professional, choose expert
creative, choose visionary
organized, choose decisive
empathetic, choose perceptive
experience, choose accomplished
See how much more interesting those words are? Don't be scared to go bold with language. Now is the time for it.
3. Write for your reader.
This is a biggie. Your reader likely doesn't care what age you were when you moved cities. She doesn't care about the year you graduated from school, or that two-month unrelated job you had before starting on your career path.
Show your reader you're the perfect fit through elimination.
Leaving personal information out can be a tough pill to swallow, but it will give you control in the end. If you don't think every single fact on your bio will make your case about why someone should give you money, don't put it on. Simple.
Start writing out your bio, using language from your adjectives list, and be ruthless with slicing down information. Concise is best.
4. Consider perspective.
Objectively look at your draft and see if it resonates. If it feels uncomfortable, you might want to switch perspectives. I usually push for first-person perspective, but I understand that certain engagements require third person. Do what you can to make your bio as conversational and welcoming as possible, even if it's in third person.
5. Be search friendly.
If you wanted a prospective client to find you on Google, what would they write? Would it be "celebrity brand strategist," like yours truly? Or perhaps "songwriting coach Los Angeles," like Judy Stakee? Choose your keywords and make sure your bio is full of them. Not only will this help clarify what you do, but it will help you be found through organic search.
Is your updated bio online? Comment below with a link so I can take a look. I promise not to judge. Nevermind, I can't make that promise.
