Your social media bios are others’ first impression of you and your brand.

A professional bio on a social network is an introduction – a foot in the door so your potential audience can evaluate you and decide if they want to get to know you further.

In each of your social media profiles, you have a short amount of space to let viewers know who you are, what you do and what makes you different than your competitors. Be strategic about how every word you use. Especially on Twitter and Instagram where you have a limited character count.

Your social media bio should include all of the following:

  • Who you are
  • Where you work
  • What you do
  • The topics that most interest you
  • Something that makes you memorable
  • How someone can get in touch with you

Think show versus tell. The “show, don’t tell” principle of writing means focusing on what you do, not who you are – and that means action verbs.

Be concise, be original, be targeted. Avoid overused buzzwords (such as “creative,” “innovative,” “expert”) and write copy that really stands out.

Connect your profile to others by using hashtags, tags, and links. On Twitter, tag your company, alma mater and other networks. Use searchable hashtags to represent your passions. Make sure to use words specific to your particular niche (“divorce lawyer” “mediator” “entrepreneur” “forensic accountant”) that will stand out to others who are looking for someone like you.

Keywords should be used liberally in all professional bios. All social media profiles are searchable to some degree, so being specific with words that describe what you do enables you to be found through SEO for what you do.

If you want to create a social media bio that will really stand out, use the information above as a starting point and then add the following – one thing you love to do every day (how you help your target market). Write down who should hire you based on how you can help them. Explain what you do and how it solves the problem of your target market. Going a step further, try this formula:

  • One thing you love to do every day +
  • Your greatest achievement +
  • The person you help +
  • Your solution =
  • Your new bio!

Your bio represents your business and should reflect your brand’s tone of voice. However, you will need to adapt your bio for each of the different social media channels. As you make these edits, make sure your tone of voice stays consistent in each bio. Also, keep in mind that a little humor, especially on certain social media channels, can also help your audience relate to you and your brand.

As always, authenticity is important. So always be yourself. Use the first person to be more approachable. Add elements that highlight your personality such as your interests. Include at least one detail that will make you memorable. In some of my social bios, I note that I am a “proud New Yorker” or a “dog mom” – again, think about who you are and what makes you unique.

Happy bio creating! Please reach out to me with any questions!