Writing a bio for your website or LinkedIn profile isn’t always easy.

You know yourself more than anyone else, but organizing your bio in a few words makes it a tad more challenging.

We’ll try to distill how to write a captivating online biography that will get your ideal client wanting to work with you.

Online bios are different in many ways to what most of us are used to writing.

All major social networking platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, offer a small space for you to write a short description of yourself.

You’d probably write an entire book about yourself and not sweat it.

The problem with online bios is that you only have a couple of lines to work with.

Hence, it must be short and sweet at the same time.

Writing a short bio, either for your website or LinkedIn profile is easier said than done considering the ton of information that you want to insert, yet you have little room to operate.

So, the first step is to fill that space with the most critical information, enough for a total stranger to know you. The bio must contain these intangibles:

  • Name
  • Job/Role
  • Business/Brand
  • Goal in Life
  • Achievements

Bio for a Website

The focal point of a bio intended for a website is to showcase professionalism. You want to tell your staff and coworkers about your authority and qualifications. It must include a description of your personality, too.

The “About” section of a personal website is something you’d never want to do if you had your way, but it’s essential.

You think that it makes no sense since the website is pretty much about yourself. But then again, the bio is there to provide a site visitor with a quick preview of yourself.

The bio talks about who you are and what you’ve accomplished. Unlike your social media profile, you have more room to work with on this one, and you should take full advantage of it.

This section isn’t only about your name, job description, and achievements.

You must include a contact form or number so that potential clients and customers have a way to be in touch. Anything that contains an email, address, or phone number must also come with a call-to-action.

Website Bio Template

No matter how much you’ve read about writing bios, the first words or sentence is always a tough one. Since you’re creating a professional bio, it’s as if every word is scrutinized to perfection. That’s why you can’t seem to start. Here’s a template to give you some headway:

  • First and last name – No brainer.
  • Brand or company you own (or represent) – If you have a part-time job or side hustle, list it below.
  • Function or Position – Describe your role in the business or company.
  • Mission or Goals – Describe your goals and values in life. People want to know if you’re interesting enough.
  • Accomplishments – A professional bio must showcase what you’ve done so far in your career.
  • Closer – This can be a phrase or sentence that describes you as a person outside your professional life or career.
  • Contact information – This may contain your phone number, email, or a contact form.

How About a LinkedIn Bio?

LinkedIn has long been considered a social media platform for professionals.

The moment you decide to create a profile in this platform, you must focus on establishing your credibility. Build a positive first impression to anyone who sees your profile, and it starts with a kick-ass bio. So, how do you write one?

Write Your Bio in The First Person

Write your bio in the first person.

The idea is to connect with anyone who sees your profile right away. You don’t want an outsider or third person to describe you.

LinkedIn is still a social networking platform, which means that the human element must be preserved.

This is what makes it different from how you’d write a bio for your business or company website.

Create an Intro

The first paragraph is naturally the introduction, but it must contain a boatload of valuable information about yourself.

Start with your career experience; maybe talk about how you got your job or position.

The introduction is usually the most challenging part because you can’t decide on your opening statement.

To make it easier for you, think about how you’d introduce yourself in an actual interview right before you answer the questions from the interviewer.

Talk About Who You Want to Meet

The next paragraph on your LinkedIn bio talks about who you want to meet on this platform.

Since you’re representing your business/company interests, you must list the type of businesses and professionals that you hope to work with – anyone who reads this will know if connecting or meeting you is worthy of their time.

Call-to-Action

A LinkedIn bio doesn’t serve its purpose without the call-to-action.

Some people say it’s optional, but we insist that you include it. The CTA is meant to guide people on what to do next.

You want to bring them closer to you by suggesting a response, i.e., email you, visit your website, or fill up the contact form. You don’t want your profile visitors to guess on what to do next in case they’re interested in you.

Break It Down

The ideal LinkedIn bio is comprised of short paragraphs. Be reminded that more than half of your visitors will view your profile using a mobile device.

You don’t want to overwhelm them by having to read a long paragraph with a limited screen real estate, breaking your bio down into short paragraphs guarantees that visitors will read the entirety of it.

Joel Mark Harris

Joel Mark Harris graduated from the Langara School of Journalism in 2007. Joel is an award-winning journalist, novelist, screenwriter and producer.

He has ghostwritten numerous books in all types of genres including true life crime, business, memoir, and self help. With over 1,000 blog posts to his name, he has helped hundreds of business owners scale their business and increase their visibility. You can email him at info@ghostwritersandco.com