Freshen Up Your Bio and Profiles: Make the First Impression Count

Most people cringe at the idea of writing about themselves. It’s common to hear, “I hate writing about myself. It feels like bragging!” But why is that? 

Many of us were raised to be humble, to not talk too much about ourselves. This mindset can make it challenging to craft a compelling bio. However, in today’s digital world, your online profile or bio is often the very first impression people get of you.

Here is the reality – people will read, and seek out, your profile on social media and your website. They just will. Oftentimes this is the first impression they see of you. Gone are the days when you were face-to-face with someone BEFORE they knew everything about you, your family, your likes and dislikes, your education and professional experience, and so much more. 

Whether on LinkedIn, your website, or other social media, your profile links you to new opportunities: strategic alliances, potential employers, collaborators, and clients. So, think of your bio as a bridge connecting you to others. Done well, it provides not only visibility but also credibility.

It is good to keep in mind that you are presenting your expertise and experience as it applies to your industry or business. Although it is not a resume, it is also not about trying to prove your worth as a person. You are not vying for ‘most popular’ or trying to find your new best friend. 

It is more about why you do what you do and the impact you make. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring or devoid of your personality – it shouldn’t. It absolutely should give them a sense of who you are beyond the job.

It is about providing enough intriguing information that it encourages them to want to connect, or supports the impression they have of you (or have heard of about you).

To help you create a bio that truly represents you and engages readers, here are some essential tips and strategies.

Objective

Depending on where you are placing the information will determine the objective of the BIO/Profile. For example: are you looking for a job, or are you simply trying to expand your network and circle of influence? Your objective should guide the tone and content of your profile.

Whatever your objective is, the way you write your BIO/Profile should support that.

Know Your Audience

Understand Who’s Reading: Different platforms attract different audiences. LinkedIn often requires a more professional, achievement-oriented tone, while Instagram or Twitter can be lighter and more personal. Followers on these channels want to connect with your values, personality, and day-to-day insights.

Find a balance between professional highlights and personal flair. Avoid being too clever or cryptic, but don’t just list dry facts. Let your personality shine through while providing value to readers.

Key Words or Phrases

Jot down key things that need to be included in your BIO/Profile. This may be different for the differing platforms. Some may want/need your title while others it may be better to include your aspirations or mission for what you do or stand for.

Think about if you were an ambassador for your industry – what would you say?

For Example: If you’re a speaker coach, you might choose phrases like “Speaker Coach and Strategist” or “Empowering speakers to amplify their influence.” These keywords should reflect your skills and aspirations.

Interjecting Personal Details

Not everything is important, and again, depending on the platform you may choose different specifics. It is great to add a bit of flavor and pizzaz – what makes you unique. But too much of it can overpower your credentials and dilute your message. Providing unnecessary details that border on annoying may invoke the ’who cares’ statement. 

Think about what distinguishes you from your competitors. Not just accolades and accomplishments, but you – as a person.

• What are you proud of, or what makes you an MVP for what you do?
• What is not part of your job description that makes you successful?
• Why do you do what you do and what impact do you make?
• What you stand for – even your mission in life and business

Spread the Love

Start with Your Website: Write your full bio for your website, including all relevant details and achievements. This bio should be comprehensive and detailed.

Adapt for Other Platforms: Each social media platform has different length requirements. Craft a unique, concise version of your bio for each one, but avoid regurgitation. Customize each bio with a tone suited to the audience and purpose of that platform.

Further Connection

Make it Easy to Connect: Include links to your website or a Linktree to guide people to additional profiles or projects. This makes it easier for potential collaborators, clients, and employers to see a fuller picture of who you are.

Keep Building Connections: Your online profile isn’t just about racking up followers; it’s about cultivating relationships. Once you’ve connected with someone, engage meaningfully. Share, comment, and like others’ posts and be active in conversations.

There is an obligation of mutual respect when connecting. Don’t be the person that connects then pitches – no one likes that (do you?)

Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

If you’re struggling, try writing your bio in the third person first, as if you’re describing someone else. This perspective can help remove the pressure and make it easier to write naturally. Then, convert it back to first person if you’re writing for platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram, where a more personal tone is better.

A strong bio is more than a list of qualifications—it’s an invitation for others to connect with who you are and what you stand for. When people read your bio, they should feel like they’re getting to know the real you. So take time to refresh your bio, keep it aligned with your goals, and remember to let your uniqueness and personality shine through.