how to make a biography of yourself

How to Write a Short Bio: 5 Examples and Templates

• How to Write a Short Bio Part 1
• What to Include in a Short Professional Bio Part 2
• Example of a Formal Short Bio Part 3
• Example of a Casual Short Bio Part 4
• Examples of Well-Written Short Bios Part 5
• Short Bio: Best Templates Part 6
• Tips for Writing a Short Bio Part 7
• Optimizing Your Bio for Different Platforms Part 8

A short bio is a concise and informative summary of your professional background, accomplishments, and personal interests. It’s an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to others, whether it’s for networking, job applications, or social media profiles. By writing a short bio, you allow others to quickly understand your expertise, strengths, and personality.

As you write your short bio, consider your audience and tailor the content accordingly. You might want to have different versions of your bio for varying contexts, such as a professional conference, a job application, or a social media platform. Regardless of the situation, strive to be authentic and maintain a tone that reflects your personality while also adhering to professional standards.

Part 1 How to Write a Short Bio

When writing a short bio, first focus on being concise and relevant. A short bio should be approximately 4-6 sentences or about 150 words. Be sure to highlight your achievements, experience, and expertise with confidence and clarity.

To start, introduce yourself briefly, including your name, title, and current role or profession. Next, mention your most significant accomplishments in your field thus far. This can include awards, certifications, publications, or any other relevant milestones. Discuss your current work and projects, providing the reader with a snapshot of your professional life. Make sure to emphasize your unique strengths and specialties. Then, touch upon your education or any other credentials that showcase your expertise.

“Jeremiah Smith, an award-winning graphic designer, specializes in creating visually stunning websites and marketing materials for a diverse clientele. With over 10 years of experience, Jeremiah has led branding projects for major corporations and small businesses alike, receiving accolades for his innovative design solutions. Currently, he serves as the Creative Director at X Design Studio, where he is dedicated to helping clients grow their digital presence. Jeremiah holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago.”

For a stronger impact, customize your short bio by tailoring it to the specific platform, audience, or purpose. By prioritizing information and emphasizing the most relevant points, you can create a brief, engaging bio that showcases your unique skills and accomplishments.

Part 2 What to Include in a Short Professional Bio

• Your job title and current role : Start by mentioning your current role and the industry you’re working in. This helps to establish your expertise and gives readers an immediate understanding of your professional focus.
• Career accomplishments and milestones : Highlight a few significant achievements in your career thus far. These can be successful projects, promotions, or awards you’ve received. Be specific about what you’ve accomplished and how it demonstrates your expertise.
• Skills and qualifications : Briefly mention the key skills and qualifications you possess that make you an expert in your field. This can include technical abilities, soft skills, certifications, or degrees.
• Interests and personal touch : Add a few personal details that showcase your interests and passions outside of work. This can humanize your professional persona and help you connect with readers on a more personal level. However, be careful not to share too much personal information.
• LinkedIn and networking opportunities : Include a link to your LinkedIn profile or other professional social media accounts. This provides readers with an opportunity to connect with you and discover more about your background.

To present this information effectively, write your short professional bio in the third person and maintain a confident, knowledgeable, and clear tone of voice. Keep the content concise and easy to understand by breaking it into paragraphs and using formatting elements such as bullet points and bold text when necessary.

Here is one more example of a well-crafted short professional bio:

“John Smith is a seasoned marketing manager with over 10 years of experience in the tech industry. He currently leads product marketing efforts at X Company, where he has successfully launched new products and significantly increased market share.

John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is certified in digital marketing. His expertise includes strategic planning, content creation, and driving brand awareness through innovative campaigns.

In his free time, John enjoys hiking, photography, and volunteering at the local animal shelter. Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about his professional experience and accomplishments.”

Taking Into Account Personal and Professional Aspects

Try to strike a balance between your personal and professional aspects:

• Make sure to mention any relevant professional accomplishments and skills that showcase your expertise in your field. If you are a student or a working professional, add details about your university, current position, or professional experiences that give readers an insight into your capabilities.
• Don’t forget to add a touch of personality to your bio. Including personal details, interests, and hobbies will make you more relatable and create a connection with your audience. However, try to keep these personal elements brief and relevant to your overall bio. For example, if you are writing a bio for a personal website or Twitter, you could mention that you are an avid painter or a dedicated volunteer at a local animal shelter.

When writing in the second person, use short paragraphs to make your bio easy to read and understand. For instance:

• Full name: Briefly mention your full name at the beginning of your bio.
• Professional skills: List your core skills and accomplishments in bullet points or a table format.
• Personal interests: Share some hobbies or interests related to your profession or that showcase your values.
• Personal goals or mission statement: Include a sentence or two about your professional philosophy and core values to give readers a sense of your personal brand.

Related: How to Write a Personal Mission Statement (20 Examples)

Be cautious with the contact information you provide, especially if your bio will be accessible to the public on your personal website or social media profiles. Make sure only the necessary details are included to avoid any privacy concerns.

In summary, your short bio should be a reflection of both your personal and professional self. Showcase your skills and accomplishments while adding personal touches to make it engaging and relatable. Keep the text concise, use appropriate formatting, and remember to maintain a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear tone throughout your bio.

Related: What Are Your Values? How to Discover Your Values

Selecting the Tone for Your Short Bio

Selecting the right tone for your short bio is crucial to portraying yourself in the way you want to be perceived. Consider the context in which the bio will be read and choose a tone accordingly. There are two main tones you can adopt: formal and casual.

Part 3 Example of a Formal Short Bio

Formal Tone : If you’re writing a bio for a professional context, such as a job, conference, or publication, opt for a formal tone. This means using more sophisticated language, avoiding slang, and maintaining a professional vibe throughout the bio. To achieve this, write in complete sentences, utilize proper grammar and punctuation, and highlight your achievements and expertise. Be sure to remain confident and clear in your writing. Example: “Dr. Jane Doe is a renowned expert in the field of molecular biology, with over 15 years of research experience to her credit. As the recipient of several prestigious awards, Dr. Doe’s groundbreaking work has had a significant impact on the scientific community.”

Part 4 Example of a Casual Short Bio

Casual Tone : A casual tone works well for less formal situations, such as bios on personal websites, blogs, or social media profiles. Here, you can use more relaxed language and showcase your personality. However, it’s still important to sound knowledgeable and approachable. Feel free to use contractions, incorporate humor, and speak directly to your audience to create an engaging tone.

“Hey there! I’m John, a travel enthusiast who loves exploring new cultures and tasting exotic dishes. When I’m not backpacking across the globe, you can find me geeking out about the latest tech gadgets or sipping on a well-crafted cocktail.”

In both cases, whether formal or casual, always ensure that your voice is confident, neutral, and clear. Remember to keep it concise, avoid exaggeration or false claims, and maintain a second-person point of view.

Part 5 Examples of Well-Written Short Bios

Short bio example 1.

Jane Smith is a marketing expert with over 10 years of experience in helping brands elevate their online presence. With a passion for storytelling, Jane excels in creating content that engages and inspires. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, photography, and exploring her city’s local coffee shops. Connect with Jane on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter @JaneSmith.

Short Bio Example 2

John Doe is an experienced software engineer with a knack for developing cutting-edge applications. Specializing in full-stack web development, John’s expertise lies in JavaScript, Python, and Node.js. When he’s not coding, John can be found playing the guitar, tutoring local students in programming, or cheering on his favorite esports team.

Part 6 Short Bio: Best Templates

Short bio template 1.

[Your Name] is a [industry or profession] expert with [number of years] of experience in [specific skills or areas of expertise]. [He/She/They] specializes in [technical skills or industry knowledge] and has a passion for [relevant interests]. In [his/her/their] free time, [your name] enjoys [hobbies or activities]. Connect with [your name] on [social media platforms] or through [his/her/their] website.

Short Bio Template 2

As a [occupation or field], [Your Name] incorporates [unique qualities or skills] to produce [specific type of work]. With a background in [relevant experience], [He/She/They] has been able to [achievement or accomplishment] through [personal path or passion]. When not [working or creating], [Your Name] spends [his/her/their] time [hobbies or activities], always seeking new inspiration.

[Your name] is a [profession or role] with a background in [relevant expertise or industry]. [He/She/They] earned a [degree] in [field] from [institution]. [Your name] has [number of years] experience in [profession/industry], providing [valuable service or skill]. Outside of work, [your name] enjoys [hobbies or personal interests]. Connect with [your name] on [social media platform] or visit [your website or portfolio].

Customize these examples and templates to fit your own unique skills, experiences, and personality. Using a second person point of view, focus on the key aspects you want your audience to know about. Be confident and transparent about your achievements and interests, and let your short bio speak for itself. Happy writing!

Part 7 Tips for Writing a Short Bio

• Know your target audience : Consider the people who will be reading your bio and focus on the information that will be most relevant to them. Tailor your bio to best serve their needs and expectations.
• Highlight your accomplishments : Share information on your achievements, awards, and notable experiences. This will give your audience an understanding of your expertise and success in your field.
• Include your goals and mission statement : Tell your audience what drives you and what you hope to achieve. This can help create a connection with the reader and showcase your dedication to your work.
• Maintain a professional tone : Write in a clear and concise manner, avoiding casual language and slang. A confident and knowledgeable tone will convey your competence in your field.
• Keep personal information to a minimum : While you may choose to mention some personal tidbits, be mindful of what you share. Focus on information that enhances your professional image, rather than oversharing personal details.
• Promote your brand and company : If you represent a business or have a personal brand, mention your company name and mission statement. This can help reinforce your brand identity and make a stronger impression on your audience.
• Prioritize transparency and authenticity : Be honest about your experience and qualifications. Avoid exaggerating or making false claims in order to maintain trust with your audience.
• Limit self-promotion : While it’s important to show off your accomplishments, be sure to keep the focus on meaningful information rather than excessive self-promotion. This will help engage readers and build credibility.
• Use formatting to enhance readability : Break up your bio into paragraphs, use bullet points for lists, and bold text for important details. This will make it easier for your audience to read and understand your bio.
• Include contact information : Provide a way for your audience to get in touch with you, whether it’s an email address, phone number, or a link to your website.

Part 8 Optimizing Your Bio for Different Platforms

On LinkedIn , focus on your professional achievements and skills. Use bullet points or a table to highlight your most significant accomplishments. Feel free to include any relevant certifications, courses, or awards. Remember that LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, so maintaining a professional tone is crucial.

For a resume , your bio should be concise and focus on summarizing your career history and specific expertise. Make it easy for potential employers to grasp your main strengths quickly. Use bold text to emphasize crucial information, such as your job title, years of experience, or industry-specific skills.

On a personal website , you have more freedom to express your personality and showcase unique aspects of your life. Consider adding anecdotes, hobbies, or personal achievements to give visitors a glimpse of who you are outside of your professional life. You can also touch on your professional capabilities but keep it concise.

For Twitter , keep in mind the character limit for bios and make every word count. Capture your profession or industry, and maybe add a touch of your personality or interests through emojis or hashtags. It’s common to see authors and celebrities mention their latest projects, books, or achievements here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential elements of a short bio.

A short bio should include:

• Your name and current role or profession.
• Brief background information including education and relevant work experience.
• Notable accomplishments or skills relevant to your profession.
• Personal interests or ambitions that showcase your personality.
• A call-to-action, such as directing readers to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile.

How can I create a compelling short professional bio?

To create a compelling short professional bio, follow these steps:

• Start strong with a clear and concise introduction.
• Focus on your most relevant qualifications and experience.
• Highlight key achievements and successes.
• Provide a personal touch that showcases your unique attributes.
• Keep it brief and easy to read, aiming for around 100-150 words.

What are some tips to make my short bio stand out?

• Use vivid language and strong, active verbs.
• Tailor your bio to your audience, emphasizing information that is most relevant to them.
• Share a unique or unexpected personal interest to pique interest.
• Edit and proofread your bio carefully, ensuring it is free of errors and reads smoothly.

How can I tailor my short bio to different contexts?

Adjust your short bio for different contexts by:

• Focusing on relevant skills, experience, or accomplishments for each specific audience.
• Adjusting the tone or language to suit the platform (e.g., more casual for a social media profile or more formal for a conference bio).
• Emphasizing specific personal interests or accomplishments that align with the context or audience.
• Updating your call-to-action as needed to direct readers to relevant content or profiles.

Related: 150+ Awesome Examples of Personal Values

• 20 Inspiring Examples: How to Write a Personal Mission Statement
• How to Live By Your Values

Alex Birkett

How to Write a Personal Bio (+ 15 Personal Bio Examples)

Last Updated on August 14, 2023 by Alex Birkett

Your personal bio could be the deciding factor in whether someone hires you, follows you, or buys from you.

However, writing one isn’t the easiest task in the world. It’s especially true if you’re one of those people who gets stage fright just thinking about having to talk about yourself.

So, how do you muster the courage to write a personal bio that stands out from the crowd? How do you make it witty, engaging, and memorable?

In this article, I’ll share some tips for crafting a personal bio (with some personal bio examples) that capture the attention of even the most distracted reader.

Before we start, here’s a quick overview of key elements you should include in your personal bio:

Editor’s note: I’m going to use some affiliate links when possible to try to earn some revenue from my content. These don’t change the opinions espoused in the content nor the style in which they are written.

What to include in a personal bio?

Here are some key elements that you should consider including in your professional bio:

• Brief background information: Start your bio by introducing yourself and your current job title. This helps to establish your professional credentials right away. For example: “Hi, I’m Jane, a freelance writer and editor with over ten years of experience in the industry.”
• Career highlights and achievements: Highlight some of your most notable achievements and accomplishments. This can help to establish your expertise and credibility in your field. Example: “I’ve worked with various high-profile clients, including XYZ Corporation and ABC Publications.”
• Your unique skills and qualities: What sets you apart from others in your industry? Mention those unique skills and qualities in your bio.
• Personal interests and hobbies: A few details about your life can help humanize your bio and make you more relatable to readers. Example: “In my free time, I enjoy hiking and exploring new places with my dog, Max.”
• A call-to-action or contact information: For example: “To see more of Jane’s work, visit her website at www.janesmithdesign.com or follow her on Instagram @janesmithdesign.”

Now that we’ve covered the key elements to include in a personal bio, let’s focus on some tips for crafting an effective and engaging bio.

Before that, it’s important to clear one pervasive doubt.

Should you write your personal bio in the first person or third person?

When a company first requested my personal bio, I remember scurrying here and there on the internet, frantically searching for examples of how other writers crafted their bios.

Was it customary to write in the first person or in the lofty, third-person perch of professional grandeur?

And I came to a conclusion.

Writing in the first person can be useful when writing a bio for a personal website or social media profile, or when trying to build a personal connection with the reader.

The tone is also often more personal and informal, as if you are speaking directly to the reader.

Hemingway’s autobiographical work , “A Moveable Feast,” is also written in the first person.

On writing in Paris…

This approach in his personal biography allowed Hemingway to share his personal experiences and insights into the literary world of Paris in the 1920s. The book is a classic of literary non-fiction.

On the other hand, writing in the third person is suitable when writing for a professional website , resume , or when trying to establish authority or expertise. The tone is more formal and objective, as if someone else is describing your accomplishments and background.

For instance, Albert Einstein’s professional bio on the official Nobel Prize website is entirely in the third person.

This approach emphasizes Einstein’s achievements and contributions to the field of physics while maintaining a sense of objectivity and professionalism.

So, it’s simple. For personal bios, it’s first person. And for professional bios, it’s the third person POV!

Tips for writing a compelling personal bio

To create a bio that leaves a lasting impression, think of it like a mini-story highlighting your achievements, quirks, and passions.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Know your purpose

Before you start writing your bio, you need to know why you’re writing it and what tone you want to convey.

Are you trying to showcase your expertise? Introduce yourself to potential clients or customers? Connect with fellow professionals in your field?

Whatever your purpose, you need to tailor your bio accordingly. Duh!

It should also show you have the skills and experience to do the job well. This is especially true if you seek work in a particular field.

For example, if you want to work as an accountant, architect, or teacher, you need to show that you are qualified for this type of work.

2. Address your audience

The best personal bios are written with a specific audience in mind. If you don’t know who that audience is, how can you write for them?

That’s why before writing anything at all, ask yourself who will be reading it.

Who do you want to reach out to with this information?

Are they looking for someone like you?

What do they need from someone like you?

Once you have an answer or two (or three), start writing.

Let’s say you’re writing a bio for a professional website or portfolio that targets potential employers or clients in the creative industry.

In that case, you might want to include background information such as:

• Your education and qualifications in a relevant field
• Your work experience and current position in a creative role
• Your professional goals and interests related to creativity
• Your hobbies and passions that showcase your creativity
• Your awards and recognition for your creative work

Allie Decker’s professional bio is a shining example of how to address your audience from the get-go.

By stating, “I love to write and help organizations produce content that builds and converts communities and drives revenue,” she immediately captures the attention of businesses needing content marketing expertise.

She’s also using specific language relevant to her audience – “builds and converts communities” and “drives revenue.” By using these terms, she’s showing that she understands her audience’s needs and priorities and can deliver results that matter to them.

What makes this short professional bio even better is how Allie strikes a balance between giving a glimpse into her professional and personal life.

Melinda Gates ‘ bio is another excellent example of how to tailor your personal bio for your target audience.

Her bio focuses on her work as a philanthropist and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, highlighting her passion for improving global health and empowering women and girls.

By focusing on these topics, she appeals to a broad audience of people who share her values and interests.

3. Keep it concise and focused

When it comes to your bio, Alexandre Bocquet , Founder and CEO of Betterly , has some great advice:

“In today’s digital world, people tend to skim rather than read, so it’s crucial to keep your descriptions short and to the point. If your “Personal bio” page looks more like a book, it will deter people from reading it.”

Alexandre adds, “keep your word count to roughly a thousand words, bullet point key attributes and accomplishments, and keep paragraphs to four sentences or fewer.”

And there are studies to support this.

A study found that recruiters typically spend an average of 6 seconds on a profile before deciding whether to pursue a candidate further – highlighting the importance of making a strong first impression with a concise and impactful personal bio.

Writing a lengthy, meandering introduction has its appeal. But if you’re looking to catch the eye of a recruiter or potential clients, or even snag a coveted byline, a snappy and concise personal bio will be more suitable.

Alex Birkett’s personal bio is a prime example of how to make a reader care with only a few sentences.

He succinctly mentions his professional expertise and accomplishments as a product growth and experimentation expert and co-founder of a content marketing agency. Additionally, he shares his personal interests and hobbies, such as skiing, giving the reader a glimpse into his personality.

The mention of his dog Biscuit provides a human touch that can make the reader smile. Overall, his bio is concise, engaging, and balances professional and personal information.

4. Highlight your unique qualities and accomplishments

When you’re writing your personal bio, you want to make sure that you highlight your unique qualities and achievements.

Think about what you have achieved in your professional or personal life. These could include awards, recognitions, publications, promotions, or other significant milestones.

To highlight your unique qualities, think about what sets you apart. What are your strengths, skills, and experiences that make you unique? Is it your uncanny ability to solve complex problems or your talent for playing the ukulele?

It’s a shame I didn’t pay more attention to my Bharatnatyam (a classical Indian dance form) classes when I was younger.

But if you’ve got a unique accomplishment, own it!

5. Show your personality and character

When writing a personal bio, using the same template as everyone else is tempting. But that’s a mistake: Your brand is unique, so your bio should be too.

You have a few precious seconds to make a good impression. You have to be memorable and stand out from the crowd.

One way to do this is by injecting your personality into your personal bio.

Just take it from Natalia Brzezinska , Marketing and Outreach Manager at UK Passport Photo , who cites the bio of Polish journalist Maciej Okraszewski as the best-crafted she’s ever seen.

Okraszewski briefly highlighted his educational background and shared some of his best articles before ending with a hilarious quip about his love for Italian movies, old hip hop, and potatoes with kefir.

According to Brzezinska , “this bio demonstrated Okraszewski’s easygoing nature and sense of humor, proving that showcasing your human face can be more impactful than simply listing achievements.”

Tom Hanks’ Twitter bio is a great example of a personal bio that showcases personality and humor. It’s short, concise, and gives readers a glimpse into his life and personality.

Hanks’ bio gives readers a sense of who he is as a person while also making them laugh and feel more connected to him. Such personal bios are especially perfect for social profiles, where you want to connect with your audience.

Your turn now to infuse your personal bio with your unique personality and character. Here are a few tips for doing that:

• Use action verbs: Instead of saying, “I am an entrepreneur,” say, “I build businesses from scratch.” Instead of saying, “I am a writer,” say, “I write stories that make people laugh, cry and think.”
• Be specific about what you do – and why you do it: Say you’re a marketing director at an online retailer because you love helping consumers find products they love, not because it pays well or gives you flexibility in your schedule.
• Inject humor: Humor is a great way to get people’s attention and make them like you more. You can do this by using jokes or puns in your bio or even being funny.
• Be yourself: This one should go without saying, but if you’re too formal, then it’s going to sound fake. If you want people to see another side of you, be natural and casual about it. People will appreciate an honest approach more than anything else.

6. Use keywords and industry-specific language

If the aim is to attract more clients or connect with other people in your industry, don’t forget to include keywords and industry-specific language in your bio.

For example, if you’re a software developer, you might include keywords like “Java,” “Python,” or “web development” in your bio. If you’re a freelance writer, you might mention specific industries or topics you specialize in, such as “B2B SaaS writer,” “healthcare writing,” or “content marketing for small businesses.”

The more specific you can be with your keywords, the better your chance of being found by your intended audience.

However, add these terms organically – don’t just cram a bunch of buzzwords into your bio unless they actually reflect your skills or experience. Instead, think about the key skills or areas of expertise you want to highlight and find ways to incorporate those naturally.

For instance, if you look for keywords like “SaaS freelance writer” or “content strategist,” you’ll come across Marijana Kay’s personal bio .

By using terms like “SaaS,” “marketing,” and “content strategist,” she’s making it clear what industries she specializes in and what types of clients she works with.

At the same time, her bio is also personal and engaging. By sharing her background and how she became interested in marketing, she’s giving readers a glimpse into who she is as a person and what motivates her in her work.

Another great aspect of her bio is that it includes a call to action, encouraging readers to learn more about her and her work. This can be a great way to get potential clients to take the next step and contact you for more information or to start a conversation.

7. Keep it up-to-date

If you think you can stick with your old, dusty bio from half a decade ago and still manage to wow potential clients, think again.

Your target audience will probably think you peaked once and still piggybacking on that one accomplishment.

Instead, your bio should give a current picture of who you are and what you’ve been up to.

When should you change your bio? There are key moments in your life and career when it becomes imperative to refresh it.

Don’t forget to change your bio when you:

• Change jobs or roles
• Complete a new project or course
• Receive an award or recognition
• Learn a new skill or tool
• Achieve a personal or professional goal

Make sure to double-check all the details in your bio, including your current job title, any recent projects or clients you’ve worked with, and any new skills or certifications.

Additionally, updating your bio can be a fun way to flex your creative muscles and inject a little personality into your online presence.

Finally, an up-to-date bio can make a big difference in how people perceive you and how likely they want to work with you.

Pro Tip: To keep your bio up-to-date, set a reminder for yourself to review it regularly. This might be once a month, once a quarter, or whenever you have a major change or accomplishment to add.

8. Name-drop previous clients or famous employers

A personal bio is a great place to name-drop previous clients or famous employers. The idea is to show you have experience working with other big names in your industry.

If you don’t have any big-name clients/employers, that’s OK! You can still use this technique to list small businesses and organizations relevant to your target market.

9. Include your personal story

Your bio is a great place to tell your story – especially if you’re writing for your personal website. It’s an opportunity to share your experiences and how you got where you are.

To get started, choose a central theme for your personal story that ties it all together. This could be a particular struggle you overcame, a key life lesson, or a defining experience that has shaped your worldview.

And while narrating your story, use vivid details and sensory language to bring it to life. This will help readers visualize the events and emotions you’re describing and make your story more engaging.

For example, instead of “I was nervous,” you could describe your sweaty palms and racing heartbeat.

That said, you don’t need to include every single detail of your life story. Focus only on the most impactful moments, and try to weave them together in a way that makes sense.

Marie Forleo , an author and entrepreneur, has nailed the art of spicing up her bio with her personal story.

Marie Forleo’s personal bio stands out from being just another generic bio as she takes a refreshingly honest approach by not only sharing her successes but also her struggles.

In her bio, she shares:

• Her curiosity and passion for human potential and various fields of interest
• Her journey from corporate jobs to odd jobs to building her own coaching business
• How coined the term “Multipassionate Entrepreneur” to describe her unconventional approach
• Her achievements and recognition as an author, speaker, TV host, and digital education company founder
• Her philosophy and mission – to help people thrive in today’s world and change their lives

A bio like this is perfect for sharing your struggles with your audience and building a personal rapport with them.

That said, if you’re anything like me, you might be hesitant to share too much personal information in your bio.

But fear not, my fellow introverted friend, because I have a solution!

Check out this nifty template for a personal bio that cleverly weaves in your personal story:

For instance:

Lily Jones is a travel writer and blogger who loves exploring new places and cultures. She has visited over 50 countries and written for publications such as Lonely Planet, National Geographic, and Travel + Leisure. Lily’s passion for travel started when she was a teenager and went on a school trip to France.

She was amazed by the beauty and history of the country and decided to pursue a career in journalism that would allow her to see more of the world. Lily believes that travel is not only fun but also educational and transformative. She hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams and discover new horizons through her stories. When she’s not on the road, Lily enjoys reading, yoga, and cooking. You can follow her adventures on her blog: www.lilytravels.com

10. Use AI tools for assistance

Despite all these tips and tricks, writing a bio is not easy.

You may still need some help getting started.

And that’s where AI writing tools come into the picture.

And rather than taking the approach of “AI bad,” once you start thinking of these AI writing tools as your assistants, you’ll realize just how much they can help you achieve.

They especially come in handy when you’re facing writer’s block or having a hard time coming up with something creative to write. Something creative like writing a personal bio.

So, which AI writing tool should you use to pen your bio?

Should you use Jasper or ChatGPT ? Or Copy.ai ?

Since I am more familiar with Jasper.ai and often use it to get inspiration for my blog post intros, let’s see how it works for personal bios.

For the uninitiated, AI writing tools like Jasper use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to generate human-like text.

It’s going to be similar to creating your ” About page copy ” using Jasper (which we already discussed in the linked article).

Jasper has a pre-built “ Personal Bio ” tool that, in their own words, helps you “write a personal bio that captures attention.”

You just need to provide some basic information about yourself, such as your name, occupation, skills, achievements, and hobbies. Jasper will then generate a personal bio for you based on your input.

You can also pick your tone of voice, such as friendly, formal, professional, and the like.

Here’s how it works in action:

Once you hit the “Generate” button, you’ll get 4-5 personal bio results. The generated bios are all unique and customized to your input.

Now once you have the first draft, you can tweak it a bit to add more information or keywords. You might also change the wording of certain phrases or sentences if it appears too robotic – or even rewrite certain sections entirely to reflect your unique style and voice better.

You can also use the Personal Bio tool in tandem with other tools like sentence rewriter to improve the writing style. I talk about this in more detail here .

While these AI-generated bios are a great starting point, don’t forget to play around a bit and infuse your personality and voice into the final product.

Write a personal bio that makes you shine!

Crafting a personal bio that accurately reflects your unique personality and professional accomplishments can be challenging. That said, it’s also an essential part of building your personal brand and standing out from the competition.

By following the tips and taking inspiration from the professional bio examples in this article, you’ll be well on your way to writing your own professional bio that captures your audience’s attention.

Don’t forget to proofread and edit the bio, especially if you plan to use AI for better productivity . You can ask someone else to read it over for feedback or use an online tool like Grammarly.

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The Best Short Professional Bios (Examples + Templates)

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Summary. To write a short bio you should first make an initial introduction introducing yourself in the first or first person. Your short bio should include your brand, your accomplishments, and your values and goals. Your short bio should be one to three short paragraphs or four to eight sentences long.

Knowing how to write a concise, informative, and interesting biography about yourself can help throughout various parts of the professional process. You can use your bio to capture the attention of potential employers or clients and convince them to choose to employ or work with you.

In this article, you’ll learn more about what goes into a short bio and how to write one, and you’ll also get to see some short bio templates and examples to help you get an idea of what yours should look like.

Key Takeaways

A short bio serves to introduce you, your achievements, and what you offer professionally to potential employers or clients.

It’s important to keep your bio brief so that readers stay engaged and will remember your main points.

You may need to adjust your bio for different audiences, as your clients may want to know different information than a recruiter would.

Talk about your skills and accomplishments in your bio, but don’t exaggerate them.

What Is a Short Bio?

How to write a short bio, what to include in a short professional bio, short bio examples, short bio templates, tips for writing a short bio, writing a short bio faq.

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A short bio serves as your introduction to the professional world. In terms of finding or expanding on your job, a bio will cover your:

Work history

Achievements

Any other relevant professional information

Think of it as a professional memoir that a hiring manager or consumer can read and understand quickly. It’s usually about one to three paragraphs depending on experience.

There’s an emphasis on being succinct when it comes to writing a professional bio. This is because a bio is supposed to be a preface to attract recruiter attention and incline them to reach out for more information. Many readers will get lost or bored with a lengthy bio.

Using a short bio can be helpful across very different industries, from marketing to accounting, from psychiatry to sales.

You’re probably familiar with providing short bios on social media websites and applications. While the information and skills you include in a professional bio may differ, the general formatting is similar.

There’s a lot of considerations to take into account when writing a short bio, and it can quickly become intimidating. Deciding what information is relevant and how to keep it near 140 characters is no small task.

If you’re having difficulty writing a short bio, follow the outline below to craft an introduction that engages your reader.

Make an initial introduction. You can’t jump right into everything you’ve done and what you want to do in the future before introducing yourself.

Your bio’s first sentence should begin with your full name in the third person or introduce yourself in the first person and continue to briefly outline your most notable skills and accomplishments. It’s a good place to state your current job and employer.

Go deeper with what motivates you. Once you’ve catchily illustrated who you are in your short bio, you can use the second sentence to describe your motivations for your work.

Stating what drives you to do the work you do is essential to employers and customers alike. Whether you work as a physician or fitness consultant , there’s a reason why this is your profession, and you should explain that in your short professional bio.

Describe your accomplishments. Your short bio is for detailing why you’re the ideal candidate to be trusted with handling an employer or consumer’s business. By describing your prior accomplishments, you let them know what you could offer as an employee and how you’ve succeeded in the past.

While you should avoid sounding braggy, the reader is looking for information about what your qualifications are , and your accomplishments generally measure these qualities.

Even though you could probably go on for ages about the details of your accomplishments, save that for an interview . In a short bio, only include the most impressive of your achievements to outline.

Accomplishments relevant to a short bio could include:

Impressive results on a project

Former promotions

Awards received in your field

Certifications received

Include contact information. The purpose of a short bio as either a business or a job seeker is to inspire the reader to reach out. Without contact information, this pursuit becomes futile. Make sure your short bio has some way to contact you at the end.

Relevant contact information may include:

Phone number

Professional networking profile

A short professional bio includes:

Your full name. You can choose to write your bio in the first person (I, me, my) or third person (he, she, they), but either way, you need to include your full name at some point. Branding doesn’t work so well without a brand name (i.e., you!)

Your brand. Of course, if you have an actual brand that you’re trying to market, you should include the brand name as well.

What you do. Summarize what you want the reader to know about what you do in one sentence — tricky, we know.

Your accomplishments. For a short bio, you can stick with just one major accomplishment from your professional life. Or, if you have a string of impressive achievements, try condensing all of them down to one sentence.

Your goals and values. Let the reader know what makes you tick — why do you do what you do and what do you hope to achieve with your work? People are compelled by a story more than anything else, so it’s important to get this part right.

Something personal (optional). If you have a quirky tidbit about yourself you’d like to include, go for it. Just make sure it doesn’t throw off te the tone of the rest of your bio.

Contact info (optional). If your bio is serving as a call-to-action to drum up business or get leads on job opportunities, it makes sense to include your contact information at the end of your bio. It’s not necessary if that information is available elsewhere on the page , though.

Entry-Level Job-Seeker Bio Example

Mitchell Morrison is an upcoming video producer and editor who believes in the art of visual organization. He is a recent graduate from the University of Washington and focused on post-production during his time studying there. He was introduced to the magical world of visual art production by watching his father work on editing commercials growing up and has been working towards his dream of becoming a video editor ever since. During his last year of college, Mitchell participated in a competitive internship with Digital Space Films. He was chosen out of 2,000 applicants based on his academic portfolio and personal statement essay. This internship was an incredible learning experience and resulted in three professional accreditations for music video editing. Mitchell currently lives in Seattle, Washington pursuing freelance opportunities and spending time with his Dog, Pikachu. To get into contact with Mitchell: MitchellMorrisonVideo.com/contact

Working Professional Website Bio Example

Lisa Kennedy is an experienced real estate professional. She knows how important a home is for long-term happiness and has invested her career in putting people in the house they’ve always dreamed of. Lisa was driven to pursue real estate from her passion for helping people during life-altering times, and a keen interest in high-end, luxury homes. She’s been working in the real estate industry for ten years and in that time has assisted over 3,500 people in finding homes. She was educated at the University of Los Angeles with a bachelor’s in business management. She’s worked for some of the most respectable Real Estate companies in Los Angeles and individually under her agency “Kennedy Homes.” Lisa has also been published in Real Estate Quarterly Magazine as the 2017 winner of the “Top Luxury Home Seller” award. Lisa loves the culture of Los Angeles and has been living there with her family of five since she graduated from college. She enjoys spending her free time exploring towns along the West Coast and swimming. If you’d like to get in touch with Lisa: Email: [email protected]

Professional Networking Profile Bio Example

Bianca Jones Marketing Manager Miami, FL The first step towards customer satisfaction is being reached by stellar product marketing, and that’s what I aim to provide. My professional experience as a product marketing manager has allowed me to assist many organizations in improving their sales margins and audience response to emerging products. I’ve brought dedication and positive results to the companies I’ve worked for because I am passionate about product perception, marketing, and business statistics. What drives a product to success interests and inspires me. I specialize in long-term growth strategies and audience outreach. In addition to eight years of experience in professional product marketing, I have also published two books on creating a career as a marketer called “What to Do After Your Bachelor’s” and “A Marketer’s How-To.” If you’re interested in learning more about how to market your business better, or just discuss more, feel free to contact me by email at [email protected].

Your first choice is whether you want your bio to be written in the third person or first person. These short bio templates show both options, and also include different ideas for what to include, and how. Feel free to pick and choose your favorite parts of each of the two.

[Full Name] is a [job title] who [believes/knows] in the power of [what you do]. [He/She/They] began their journey in [field] by [how you got started in the field], and now dreams of [what you hope to accomplish]. [His/Her/Their] biggest accomplishment to date has been [your biggest accomplishment]. [Full Name] lives in [where you live] and participates in [a hobby/interest]. To get in touch with [Full Name], call/email/message me on [how you’d like to be contacted].

I am a [job title] who helps [who you help] [what you help them do]. It’s my belief that [your unique perspective on the field]. In the past [# of years] years, I’ve [major accomplishment #1] through [how you accomplished it]. I have a passion for [your professional passion], but on the side, I also enjoy [personal passion]. Get in touch with me today at [contact info] — I look forward to talking with you about [what you want to talk to your readers about].

You have a firm grasp of the structure of a short bio and what to include. Now, you may need some tips for how to polish your short professional bio and make it stand out from the competition.

Be mindful of length. While you’re probably getting sick of hearing that your bio should be short, it’s good to keep in mind throughout the writing process. It’s easy to go off on a tangent while trying to include everything relevant or rationalize, making your bio too long.

Avoid this impulse. The point of a bio is that it’s limited. You want to intrigue the reader enough to inspire them to seek more information about you or your services.

Tailor your bio to your intended audience. Whether you’re using a short bio to attract a particular customer base or potential employer, tailoring it to fit their wants and needs is crucial. Consider your intended audience base and what they’re looking for in a candidate or service.

Be genuine. Your short bio should be an authentic representation of your traits, experience, and personality. People are repelled by what they interpret as stretching the truth. If you’re being received as disingenuous by the reader, they’ll probably move on.

Proofread. The only way to steer clear of errors in your short bio is by proofreading it. Imagine a hiring manager being completely interested in your bio.

They love what you have to say about yourself and find your prior experience enticing. That is, until they come across a mistake that clearly shows you didn’t do proofread or edit.

Include links to your portfolio, website, or networking profile. One way to circumvent the confining factor of keeping your bio short is by including links to more detailed sources.

This can be in the form of linking your portfolio or website to allow the reader to go deeper into your discussed skills if they please, without taking up more space in your bio.

Implement these links seamlessly into your bio by attaching them to anchor words that describe what clicking will lead them to.

Add some personality. You aren’t the only person who has an impressive list of accomplishments to put on a bio, so you’re going to need to find some additional ways to make an impression.

What should a short bio include?

A short bio should include your name, what you do, and your achievements. You should also include your company or product’s brand, if you have one, and your goals and motivations for doing what you do. This humanizes you and helps you stand out from the rest of the pack.

How long is a short bio?

A short bio is typically one to three paragraphs long. These should be short paragraphs though, as other experts say that between four and eight sentences is the ideal length for a short bio.

What makes a good bio?

A good bio is succinct and memorable. Readers don’t want to spend long reading about your professional and personal life, so go back and cut it down to the important parts multiple times after you draft it. You might be surprised at how little you actually need to include.

What should you avoid putting in a short bio?

You should avoid including anything negative or arrogate. It’s never a good idea to write anything negative about previous jobs or employers. Only include positive things in your professional short bio.

It’s important to include your achievements in a short bio, but there is a fine line between mentioning your achievements and bragging about them. Stick to the facts when talking about your accomplishments.

Fremont University – Building Your Professional Bio

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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How to Write Engaging Personal & Professional Bios (with Examples)

Last Updated: August 24, 2023 Fact Checked

Writing Personal and Professional Bios

Writing student bios, making your bio stand out, sample bios.

This article was co-authored by Melody Godfred, JD and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau . Melody Godfred is a Career Coach, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Write In Color, a full-service resume and career development company that specializes in developing compelling personal narratives and brands. With over ten years of experience, Melody has worked with clients at entertainment and media companies including Apple, Disney, Fox, Netflix, Riot Games, Viacom, and Warner Bros, among others. The Muse invited Melody and Write In Color to serve as one of its 30 trusted career counselors (out of 3,000) to provide one-on-one coaching and resume services to the platform's more than four million active users. Melody earned a JD from Loyola Marymount University and BS from the University of Southern California. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 5,737,250 times.

Personal bios are a great way to show people who you are and what you do. Whether writing a bio about yourself for a personal or professional website, a college application, or a social media account, bios are an important part of connecting with your audience or customer base. It’s important to take your time and be thoughtful as you write to ensure you get the right message across! Read on for a complete guide to writing a personal (or professional) bio about yourself, along with writing tips to make it as engaging as possible.

Things You Should Know

• Start with your first and last name in a quick introductory sentence. Then, explain your job, greatest achievements, and professional mission statement.
• Expand on personal details, including where you’re from, your educational background, and a quick summary of passions that aren’t related to your job.
• Mention any projects you’re working on and end the bio with your contact information. Write in the third-person perspective unless it’s for social media.

• The difference between personal and professional bios is all in the tone you use. Both cover your job and skills, but the bio you write for a personal website might sound less formal than the one you write for a job application.
• As you write your bio, adjust your tone to make your bio appropriately formal, funny, professional, or personal.
• If you can’t figure out what to write, check out bios from other people in your field and get a sense of their writing strategy. You can use their bios as models and write yours based on their overall structure.

• For example, begin a third-person bio with a sentence like, "Joann Smith is a graphic designer in Boston," and a first-person bio with "I am a graphic designer in Boston."

• For example, a simple yet solid introduction sentence could be, “Dan Keller is a columnist for the Boulder Times.”
• Avoid writing a nickname in your bio. Even if your bio isn’t strictly for professional use, it’s best to treat it like a formal introduction to other people.
• Be sure to mention your company or brand within your introduction. You might work for a company or own your own business with a personal brand.

• For example, “Dan Keller is a columnist for the Boulder Times. He specializes in writing public interest stories on the latest technology.
• Both personal and professional bios typically include job information; personal bios simply present that information a little more informally.
• If you’re writing about your job informally, you might write something like, “Joann Smith is a passionate knitter who also happens to own and run her paper supply company.”

• “Dan Keller is a columnist for the Boulder Times. His 2011 series "All that and More" earned him Boulder’s prestigious “Up-and-Comer” award for innovation.”
• Don’t make up accomplishments if you don’t have anything notable to add and only include achievements that relate to the career information or skills discussed in the bio.
• Avoid buzzwords like "innovative," "experienced," "creative," and so on, which are often so overused that they don’t mean anything to people. Show readers what you can do through specific details, not catchy phrases.

• For example, “Dan is committed to helping people understand and embrace the true power of technology.”

• For example: “When he isn’t glued to a computer screen, Dan spends time working in the garden, learning French, and trying very hard not to be the worst pool player in the Rockies.”
• The details you share can vary by bio. For a strictly personal bio, include details like hobbies, personal beliefs, and mottos.
• For a bio that falls between "professional" and "personal," try sharing details that give a sense of who you are but won’t alienate others.
• Avoid self-deprecating comments and details that are too intimate or potentially embarrassing for you or your audience.

• For example: “Dan is currently working on a memoir.”
• Keep this part of your bio short and sweet! A sentence is two is all you need.

• If you publish this bio online, format your email address carefully to avoid spam. Many people write email addresses online like: “Greg (at) fizzlemail (dot) com.”
• This clearly tells readers how to spell out your email without making it easy for spammers and bots to copy and use your information.

• Ask your friends and family (especially anyone who is a strong writer) to proofread your bio and give you feedback. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes that you may miss!
• Online editing software like Grammarly can grade your piece in terms of readability and suggest minor improvements.
• Every once in a while, go back and update your bio. By putting in a little work frequently to keep it up to date, you'll save yourself a lot of work when you need to use it again.

• Chronological. Start at the story's beginning and end at the end. It’s simple and works well if you’ve had an interesting life that has taken you from points A to B to C in unusual or impressive ways.
• Circular. Start at an important moment (D), then backtrack to the beginning (A), and explain all the events leading up to that moment (B, C), eventually bringing the reader full circle. This is good for building suspense!
• Zoomed In. Focus on one critical event (C) to symbolically tell a larger story. Use a few small surrounding details (A, B, D) to orient the reader, but give that one moment enough emphasis to stand on its own.

• Avoid statements like, "UCSF has one of the top-ranked research-based med schools in the world, which would provide me with the foundation necessary to achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor."
• Instead, write something like, “Watching a trauma surgeon save my brother’s life is a moment I’ll never forget. Since then, I’ve known undoubtedly that I would dedicate my life to medicine. My brother was lucky that his surgeon studied at one of the best programs in the country. By doing the same, I hope to one day mean to another family what Dr. Heller does to mine."

• Avoid statements like, "Having had a rather minimalistic upbringing, I find that I continue to assiduously value hard work and frugality above all else."
• Instead, try something like, "Growing up very poor taught me that hard work and thrift are sometimes the only things a person can afford."
• Well-written ideas make you seem far more intelligent than big words do. Focus on expressing yourself clearly, and don’t worry about the syllable count!

• Avoid statements like, "I learned a lot from my experience as a camp counselor."
• Instead, try something like, "I came out of my time as a camp counselor with a better understanding of empathy than before. Now, when my younger sister acts up, I know how to help her without sounding bossy or controlling."

• Different types of bio have different word count expectations. For instance, the average brief personal bio is around 250 words. For a resume or job search, it’s okay to have a personal bio of around 300 to 500 words.
• For longer personal bios (ones you might post on an “about me” page for a professional website, for example), aim for around 1,000 to 2,000 words. Include all the details you can, but keep them concise.
• Some social media sites, such as Twitter, restrict your bio to a certain number of words or characters. Ensure that you make the most of that space.

• For example, Tom Hank’s personal bio on Twitter reads, “I'm that actor in some of the movies you liked and some you didn't. Sometimes I'm in pretty good shape, other times I'm not. Hey, you gotta live, you know?”

• Passive: "The window was broken by the zombie."
• Active: "The zombie broke the window."
• The difference between these sentences is stark: in the first, you have no idea whether the window just happened to be broken. The second is obvious: the zombie broke the window, and you need to hit the road.

• Avoid statements like, "Reading The Great Gatsby was a pivotal moment in my life that made me totally rethink my preconceptions about what it means to live in modern America. Thanks to that assignment, I want to pursue American Studies."
• Instead, try something like, "My family’s ties to this country aren’t glamorous. We didn’t arrive on the Mayflower or have our surname butchered at Ellis Island. We settled in four states across the Midwest, where we’ve lived happily for over 100 years. The magic of that simple act isn’t lost on me, which is why I’ve chosen to major in American Studies."

• For example, if you’re writing an Instagram bio, include a link to your personal website too—especially if there’s a longer and more detailed bio for readers to check out there.
• Include a brief call-to-action, too! For example, if you have contact info, you might write “Contact me using the following” before you add the links.

• On your website, longer bios (between 1,500 and 2,000 words) will have the best online optimization. If your bio needs to be shorter, be sure to at least use third-person POV, since your name is another keyword.
• For example, your website’s “About” page could easily support a 1,500+ word bio. However, from there, you’d need to edit that bio down to a few sentences (a short paragraph) for your LinkedIn profile.

Community Q&A

• Throughout the process, think back to the purpose and audience you identified in Step 1. This will help guide your writing. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you're writing online, include hyperlinks to things you mention, such as projects you worked on or a personal blog you keep. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/8-steps-writing-bio-pro-chris-brogan-fact/
• ↑ http://michaelbmaine.com/home/2012/12/13/how-to-write-a-personal-bio
• ↑ https://www.pullmanfoundation.org/professional-bio-writing-101/
• ↑ https://www.collegerecruiter.com/blog/2011/01/28/how-to-write-a-personal-bio
• ↑ https://thewritepractice.com/how-to-write-a-bio/
• ↑ https://weareindy.com/blog/freelance-bio-examples-how-to-write-an-eye-catching-bio
• ↑ https://searchengineland.com/guide/what-is-seo

About This Article

When you write a personal bio, write in the third person so it sounds more objective and professional. Start with a sentence that includes your name and what you do for a living. Then, mention your most important accomplishments that are relevant to your field of work. Briefly mention a couple of your hobbies or interests to make your bio more relatable. End with a sentence on any big projects you’re currently working on. Try to keep your bio around 250-500 words. For help writing a personal bio for college applications or social media, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to write a professional bio (with examples and templates)

• Rebecca Strehlow
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Get started by: Creating a website →  | Getting a domain →

Which three words would you use to describe yourself? Most of us have been asked this question and many of us have fumbled through it awkwardly.

Coming up with a personal description can be daunting. But there are times when it’s essential - whether we’re updating our LinkedIn profiles, blogging for Medium or creating a business website of our own.

In this post, we’ll go over how to write a bio, step by step. To help guide you, we’ve also included a handy template, along with some professional bio examples for your inspiration. With these resources, you’ll find that writing a bio, as part of making a website , is much easier than you might think.

What is a short bio?

Before you learn how to write a bio, you should have a clear understanding of what it is and why you need it.

In the world of literature, a personal biography can span the length of an entire novel, like Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom or Malala Yousafzai’s I Am Malala . In the online world, however, a bio is a short paragraph in which you introduce yourself. Typically, some of the best business websites place bios on a designated About Us page in their website, as well as on their social media pages and other networking platforms.

What to include in a short bio

Depending on your audience and goals, your bio can highlight your personal interests, your professional achievements or a mix of both. Here are some of the elements a bio might include:

Job title or workplace

University degree and other qualifications

Hometown or city of residence

Personal or professional goals

Mission statement and values

Skills and expertise

Interests and hobbies

The goal of writing a bio is to provide people with a snapshot of who you are. This is important for a variety of reasons, whether it’s drawing people toward your personal website or promoting your blog, attracting clients and business partners to your brand, or highlighting your achievements for job interviews.

How to write a short bio

The most effective online bios are both professional and concise. Here’s how to write a short professional bio that suits your website or brand:

Introduce yourself

State your company or brand name

Explain your professional role

Include professional achievements

Discuss your passions and values

Mention your personal interests

01. Introduce yourself

Begin your bio by stating your first and last name. If you’re writing in the third person, these should be the first two words of the paragraph. This makes your name easy for your audience to identify and remember. Your bio is a huge part of your personal branding efforts, and should start with a strong intro to make a positive impact.

02. State your company or brand name

Think about whether you want your bio to represent yourself on a personal level, or whether you’d like it to come across as more professional. If you have a personal brand or business - for example, a blog, freelance business or eCommerce site - be sure to mention your brand name at the beginning of your bio. Don’t be afraid if the name sounds simple or redundant. It’s perfectly fine, for instance, to say Mary Smith is the founder and CEO of Smith Digital.

Likewise, feel free to mention the name of another company or brand that you work for if you’d like to associate it with your professional accomplishments - e.g., Mary Smith is a consultant at Google and the founder and CEO of Smith Digital.

03. Explain your professional role

Next, briefly explain your current position. This is relevant whether you’re the founder of a company, a high-level specialist or a beginner in your field, and it can be similar to the description you have on your resume. Your website visitors won’t necessarily know what your job involves, so elaborating on your primary responsibilities helps paint a picture of who you are and what you have to offer. This can also be used, if needed for employment and recruitment opportunities. If you're a freelancer a strong bio can make all the difference in how successful sourcing work can be.

04. Include professional achievements

In addition to explaining what your job entails, highlight milestones that make you stand out. Even if you haven’t won an award or gained external recognition, you can discuss ways in which you’ve contributed to your professional role and touch on new ideas or approaches that you bring to the table.

05. Discuss your passions and values

Once you describe what you do and how you contribute to your role, you’ll need to explain the why . This is one of the most important elements to focus on as you consider how to write a bio.

Think about the values and passions underlying your work, as well as your professional philosophy. What gets you up in the morning? What’s the driving force behind what you do?

You can also think of this part of your professional bio as a kind of mission statement. Perhaps your mission is to serve others, contribute to society, grow your expertise or learn new skills. Whatever your reasons, expanding upon these ideas can help your audience get a better understanding of what truly matters to you. Don't be afraid to deploy storytelling in this part of creating your bio. Explore your narrative and then convey it.

06. Mention your personal interests

The most effective short bios will not only focus on your professional experience, but will also touch on what you like to do in your spare time. Consider mentioning:

Your family

Your hometown

Your hobbies

Side projects you’re working on

Transitioning to a more casual discussion of who you are outside of work is a great way to conclude your bio. This will present you as a more well-rounded person while making you relatable for your audience.

Professional bio template

As you go through the steps on how to write a bio, this handy template will help you get started:

Sentence 1: [Name] is a [job title] who [job description].

E.g., Lisa Green is an English teacher who teaches beginning to advanced literature courses for 10th and 11th grade students at Bloomfield High School.

Sentence 2: [Name] believes that [why you do the work you do].

E.g., Lisa believes that written and analytical skills are not only a fundamental part of academic excellence, but are also the building blocks of critical thinking in high school and beyond.

Sentence 3: [Name/pronoun] has [mention your achievements].

E.g., In addition to managing the English curriculum for the school, she runs an after school program where she works one-on-one with students.

Sentence 4: [Name/pronoun] is a [mention any relevant awards, training or honors].

E.g., She has also been nominated Teacher of the Year for two consecutive years.

Sentence 5: [Name/pronoun] holds a [insert degree] in [field of study] from [university].

E.g., Lisa holds a BA in Creative Writing and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Michigan.

Once you’ve filled in this template, put it all together into a single paragraph to create an initial framework for your professional biography. Note that you can shorten or expand upon this bio according to your unique needs.

Professional bio examples

Now that you know the basics of writing a professional bio, here are some short bio examples to inspire you. You can use these examples as additional templates for guidance as you craft your own personal biography.

Like the creators of these examples, you can place your bio on your personal or professional website and, later, revise the structure for other online platforms.

01. Bristol Guitar Making School

Of all the professional bio examples, Alex Bishop’s content exudes passion. Strategically placing the bio on the About page of his small business website , he highlights his skills and explains why he finds his work meaningful. In particular, we love his description of why he chose to pursue guitar making:

“​My passion as a guitar maker comes from a life-long obsession with making things. From a young age I have always tried to manipulate objects and materials in order to create something entirely different. I find that working with wood is a way for me to connect with nature. The simple act of shaping wood to make something functional or beautiful brings me endless satisfaction.”

He also lists his accomplishments and awards, adding credibility to his business and building trust among prospective clients.

02. Alexandra Zsigmond

As someone who has served as art director for both The New York Times' opinion section and The New Yorker , it's no surprise that Alexandra Zsigmond's bio is thorough and detailed. Providing statistics or reflections on the things she achieved in her career is a clever way to demonstrate her value without saying so directly. As she explains:

"She has collaborated with a roster of over 1000 artists worldwide and art directed over 4000 editorial illustrations. She is known for greatly expanding the range of visual contributors to the Times, drawing equally from the worlds of contemporary illustration, fine art, animation, and comics."

03. Amanda Shields Interiors

Amanda Shields provides us with another effective bio example on her interior design website. Importantly, she spices up her bio by explaining how home decor aligns with her personal life and why it’s so close to her heart as a mother and entrepreneur:

"After working as a product designer for numerous retailers over the years, and after I had my first child, I decided to take the plunge and start my own home staging business…. Coincidentally, a month later I discovered I was pregnant with my second child. I loved the new challenges I faced as a new entrepreneur and mom and it didn't take long for me to discover that this was my calling…. I felt the need to expand my business and launch Amanda Shields Interiors as its own entity to focus specifically on residential interiors and design."

By placing this content on her website’s About page, she provides potential clients with insights into her expertise and professional experience. She expands upon the choices she made along her career path, strategically making note of her achievements and acquired skills along the way.

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Tips for writing a bio

As you write your bio using the professional template above, make sure to keep the following tips in mind:

Keep it concise: Your bio should be sufficiently explanatory but it should also be short and to the point. A good rule of thumb is to keep each element of your bio - from your job description to your mission statement and hobbies - to about 1-2 sentences. That way, you’ll end up with a brief paragraph that holds your readers’ attention without rambling on.

Consider your audience: The voice and tone you choose for your biography largely depends on your audience and personal goals. If you’re looking for a job and are writing primarily for recruiters, you’ll want to use a serious, professional tone. On the other hand, if you’re creating an Instagram bio , consider using more casual, conversational language that reflects your personality.

Add humor: Relatedly, consider adding humor when appropriate. This is especially valuable if you’ve founded your own business or created your own website , as it can give you a distinct brand identity while helping your audience build a stronger sense of connection with your brand.

Link to your website: When writing a bio for a platform other than your own website - a social media page, another company page, or a guest blog or publication - remember to include a link to your website. This will help you promote your website while highlighting your professionalism and authority.

Adapt for different platforms: You’ll most likely need to adapt the length and writing style of your biography to suit different platforms. For example, you may place a longer bio on your website’s About page and a shorter one on your LinkedIn page. In these cases, use the same main principles for writing a bio while scaling down the most important elements.

How to write a bio in four sentences or less

Really need to create a super short bio? We'd suggest following some of the tips above, just condensing them into less word for a short bio that still makes impact.

But if we really had to choose we'd say focus on - you, your professional role and company. That condenses everything that matters for bio into three sentences. Humor, creativity and uniqueness still all matter - just use fewer words to convey them.

Creating a bio for your website

As we’ve noted in the examples above, one of the most strategic places to put your bio is on your website - so be sure to consider it within your web design plans. Whether the goal of your site is to start and promote your business , showcase your design portfolio or display your resume, including a bio gives your audience a glimpse into the person behind your content. It can also kickstart your professional growth . Show the world what you do, how you do it and why it matters, and people will be drawn to your passion and inspired by your experience.

Bio for a website example:

Hi, I'm Alex Johnson, a passionate web developer with over 10 years of experience in creating dynamic and user-friendly websites. I specialize in front-end development, bringing innovative designs to life with clean and efficient code. When I'm not coding, you can find me exploring hiking trails, experimenting with new recipes, or buried in a good book. Let's build something amazing together.

Pro tip: You can add a bio to many different types of websites, so using templates can help you create yours faster. For example, if you're creating a portfolio website , explore portfolio website templates to help you get started.

Creating a bio for social media

Crafting a professional bio for social media is vital as it introduces you or your brand, and it builds credibility and trust. A well-written bio establishes your expertise, attracts the right audience, and fosters engagement. It helps maintain a consistent brand image, optimizes search and discovery, and opens doors to networking and career opportunities. A compelling bio delivers a concise, informative snapshot of who you are, what you do, and the value you bring, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and potential collaborators alike.

Bio for social media example:

🌟 Tech Enthusiast | 📚 Avid Reader | 🎨 Amateur Artist | 🌍 Explorer

Passionate about AI and its impact on our future. Sharing insights on tech trends, book recommendations, and my travel adventures. Lover of all things creative. Let's connect and inspire each other

You may need to edit your bio depending on which social media platform you plan to use it on. Some of the most popular ones include Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Focus on getting your bio right on the platforms you plan to focus your personal or brand social media marketing efforts on.

Writing a bio with AI

If you're looking to write your bio fast while creating your website, consider using an AI text generator to build your draft. You'll still need to make sure it goes through. an intensive editing process, so that it really captures the essence of who you are and your professional skills. A bio is about much more than just basic information, so don't forget to include the storytelling too. Build a website with Wix and you can make use of the in-built AI text generator within its Editor .

Why good bios are important for a professional

In a world where first impressions matter, a well-crafted bio can make a significant impact in establishing trust and credibility with potential clients, employers or collaborators. It also offers insight into your personality and values, helping to forge authentic connections with your audience. It acts as a powerful tool for personal branding, allowing you to differentiate yourself in a competitive landscape and leave a memorable impression.

A strong bio also serves as a gateway to opportunities, whether it's securing new clients, landing job interviews or establishing partnerships. It acts as a professional introduction, allowing you to showcase your expertise. A polished and impactful bio is essential for you to effectively communicate your professional identity and stand out in your field.

Writing a bio without experience

Writing a bio when you don't yet have experience can be challenging, but it's an opportunity to showcase your potential and aspirations.

Begin by highlighting your educational background, skills and any relevant coursework or projects you've completed. Focus on your passions, interests and personal qualities that make you unique. Consider including volunteer work, internships or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment and initiative. Emphasize your eagerness to learn and grow in your chosen field and express your future goals and aspirations. Don't be afraid to be honest about your current stage and your willingness to gain experience and develop professionally.

If you don't know what to write in your bio, start by brainstorming your key experiences, achievements, skills and personal attributes. Consider what sets you apart and what you want others to know about you. Look for inspiration from other bios or profiles in your field, and consider seeking feedback from friends, mentors or colleagues. Don't hesitate to highlight your passions, interests and goals, as well as any unique experiences or perspectives you bring to the table. Remember to keep it concise and engaging, and don't be afraid to revise and refine your bio until it accurately represents you.

How to write a bio FAQ

A short bio, short for biography, is a concise summary of a your life or professional background. It provides a brief overview of your key achievements, qualifications, experiences, and relevant details. Typically written in the third person, a short bio is often used in various contexts, such as professional profiles, social media accounts, introductions for speaking engagements, author descriptions, and other situations where a brief introduction is required. The length of a short bio can vary, but it's generally kept to a few sentences or a short paragraph to provide a snapshot of the person's background and expertise.

How do I write a bio about myself?

What should i include in a short bio, how do you write a fun bio for work, how do i make my bio stand out, related posts.

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How to Write a Biography in 8 Steps (The Non-Boring Way!)

Compelling biographies help us better connect with others while fostering empathy and understanding. Discover the steps to write one that captivates your audience!

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Have you ever been captivated by someone’s life story? From the ancient tales of great conquerors to the modern accounts of influential figures, biographies have enchanted readers and viewers for centuries. 

The stories of real people’s lives not only entertain and educate but also provide a unique window into the human experience. In fact, according to research 1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8796048/ , human stories like biographies can help us better connect with others while fostering empathy and understanding.

In this article, let’s dive into how to write a compelling biography, from the research phase to delivery.

What Are the Key Elements of a Biography?

The key elements of a well-written biography bring characters to life. They include thorough research, relevant interviews, clear structure, captivating prose, compelling themes, and a balance between objectivity and empathy. 

• Thorough research: Helps create an accurate portrayal of your subject
• Relevant interviews: Insights help provide a deeper understanding of your subject
• Clear structure: Helps you outline your ideas for a compelling narrative
• Captivating prose: Provides descriptive language to paint a picture of your subject
• Compelling themes: Showcases the motivations and desires behind your subject
• A balance between objectivity and empathy: Keeps biases in check and allows your subject to shine for who they are

As you develop your biography, remember that these stories hold an enduring appeal because they offer people an opportunity to explore the depths of the human psyche, unravel extraordinary accomplishments, and discover the vulnerabilities and triumphs of individuals who have left their mark on the world. 

Here are the topics a biography typically covers:

• Early life and background : Provide context about the subject’s upbringing, family, and cultural influences.
• Achievements and milestones: Highlight notable accomplishments, contributions, and significant events throughout their life.
• Challenges and struggles: Explore the obstacles they faced, the lessons learned, and how they overcame adversity.
• Personal characteristics: Describe their personality traits, values, beliefs, and motivations that shaped their actions and decisions.
• Impact and legacy: Discuss the lasting influence and contributions of the subject, both during their lifetime and beyond.

Ready to start crafting your biography? Find greater success with this helpful goal-setting resource!

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Let’s look at the six key elements of a well-written biography more closely and the steps you can follow to develop your own.

How to Write a Biography in 8 Steps Using Key Elements

Choose your presentation format.

Presenting your biography can take on various forms, the most traditional being written form. The basis for this article assumes you’re writing a conventional biography; however, this foundation can also help you create a multimedia presentation or website as well. 

Consider these various formats to present your biography:

• Traditional Written Biographies: This classic approach provides a comprehensive account of a person’s life through the written word. Traditional biographies can be published in print or ebooks , allowing readers to engage deeply with the subject’s story.
• Multimedia Presentations: In the digital age, multimedia presentations offer a dynamic way to present biographies. Incorporate audio, video, photographs, and interactive elements to enhance the audience’s experience.
• Online Platforms: Online platforms, such as blogs or dedicated biography websites, provide accessible avenues for sharing biographies. They allow for easy updates, reader engagement, and the incorporation of multimedia elements. 

Choose your subject and conduct research

To create a vivid and accurate portrayal of a person’s life, conduct extensive research. Dive into archives, read letters, examine diaries, explore photographs, and immerse yourself in the historical and cultural context surrounding your subject. This will help you unearth the small details that breathe life into your biography. 

Whether you’re writing a biography about a historical figure, contemporary icon, or everyday individual, you’ll want to consider the different factors to focus on. Here are some examples of three types of individuals and the kind of research that will be most helpful.

• Historical Figures: When writing about historical figures, immerse yourself in their era. Understand the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped their lives. I recommend visiting your local library and connecting with a research librarian for support. Otherwise, other tools for historical research include Google Scholar. Analyze primary sources and multiple perspectives to present a well-rounded account.
• Contemporary Icons: Biographies of modern icons offer a chance to delve into their ongoing impact. Conduct interviews or gather insights from their close associates to understand their present-day influence. Stay current with the latest developments, and be prepared to update your work as the subject’s story unfolds.
• Everyday Individuals: Biographies need not be reserved for the famous. Every day individuals possess stories that can be just as compelling. Uncover the extraordinary within the ordinary, highlighting the struggles, triumphs, and personal growth of individuals who might otherwise remain unsung.
• Yourself! Want to write a biography on yourself? Autobiographies are a great way to explore who you are. Get ready to do some serious self-reflection with the steps below.

Pro Tip: Compile your research digitally using helpful cloud filings systems like Google Drive , OneDrive , or Dropbox . Organize your files by category, including information about their youth, family, achievements, and life lessons. You may also choose to write down research references or collect paper clippings on note cards, categorizing your physical files of research along the way.

Develop compelling themes and motifs 

Identify overarching themes or motifs that emerge from the subject’s life. These could be resilience, ambition, love, or societal change. Weave these elements into the narrative, highlighting their significance and impact on the person’s journey. Here are some examples:

• Overcoming Adversity: These biographies feature perseverance, resilience, and determination. Examples include Helen Keller, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Yousafzai.
• Pursuit of Excellence: These biographies highlight people who have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals. Examples include Steve Jobs, Serena Williams, and Michael Jordan.
• Quest for Knowledge: These biographies focus on the curiosity that led to significant contributions to our world. Examples include Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Charles Darwin.
• Personal Transformation: These biographies explore a change in beliefs, values, or priorities. Examples include Malcolm X, Oprah Winfrey, and Maya Angelou.
• Legacy and Impact: These biographies examine a body of work that made a lasting contribution to society. Examples include Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi.

Conduct relevant interviews 

Whenever possible, seek firsthand accounts from those who knew or interacted with the subject. Conduct interviews with family members, friends, colleagues, or experts in the field. Their insights and anecdotes can provide a deeper understanding of the person’s character and experiences.

When conducting interviews for a biography, consider the following tips to ensure a productive and insightful conversation:

• Familiarize yourself with the interviewee’s background and accomplishments.
• Develop a list of well-thought-out questions that cover key aspects of their lives and experiences, including questions about your subject’s youth, family, achievements, and life transitions or struggles.
• Begin the interview by establishing a comfortable and friendly atmosphere to put the interviewee at ease.
• Show genuine interest in their story and listen actively to their responses.
• Ask open-ended questions encouraging detailed and reflective responses.
• Avoid yes/no questions and ask for their insights, memories, and personal perspectives.
• Some topics you might consider for your questions include early life, achievements, challenges, motivations, values, relationships, lessons learned, and advice.
• Pay close attention to the interviewee’s answers, body language, and tone of voice.
• Ask follow-up questions to clarify or delve deeper into specific topics.
• Show empathy and understanding, creating a safe space for the interviewee to share personal or sensitive information.
• Remain flexible during the interview, allowing the conversation to flow naturally.
• Be prepared to deviate from your prepared questions if unexpected but relevant topics arise.
• Respect the interviewee’s boundaries and be mindful of any topics they may not wish to discuss.
• Take thorough and organized notes during the interview to capture important details.
• Consider recording the interview (with permission) to ensure accurate quotes and references.
• Ask for permission to follow up with additional questions or for clarification.
• Doing a biography on yourself? Ask yourself deep questions to harvest new stories and anecdotes.

Remember, the goal of the interview is to gather valuable information and personal perspectives that will contribute to the authenticity and depth of your biography. Approach the interview process with sensitivity, respect, and genuine curiosity about the interviewee’s life and experiences.

Develop a clear structure

Outline your biography, ensuring a logical and engaging narrative flow. Consider the chronological order, significant milestones, and turning points in the subject’s life. Organize your gathered information to capture the essence of their journey while maintaining a compelling rhythm throughout. 

A good outline for a biography can vary depending on the specific subject and the desired structure of the narrative. However, here’s a general outline that can serve as a starting point:

A. Introduction

a) Hook or engaging opening to capture the reader’s attention

b) Background information (birthplace, date, family, etc.)

c) A brief overview of the subject’s significance or why they are worth exploring

B. Early Life and Background

a) Childhood and upbringing

b) Influences, such as family, education, or cultural factors

c) Formative experiences or events that shaped the subject’s character or interests

C. Major Achievements and Milestones

a) A chronological exploration of the subject’s notable accomplishments, contributions, or milestones

b) Focus on key moments or achievements that highlight their impact or significance.

c) Provide context and details to paint a vivid picture of their achievements

D. Challenges and Obstacles

a) Discussion of the challenges, setbacks, or adversities the subject encountered

b) How they overcame obstacles or grew through difficult experiences

c) Insights into their resilience, determination, or problem-solving abilities

E. Personal Life and Relationships

a) Exploration of the subject’s relationships, such as family, friends, or romantic partners

b) Insights into their personal joys, struggles, or transformative experiences

c) How their personal life intersected with their professional or public achievements

F. Legacy and Impact

a) Examination of the subject’s lasting influence, contributions, or impact on society

b) Discuss how their work or actions continue to resonate or shape the world today

c) Reflection on their legacy and the lessons we can learn from their life story

G. Conclusion

a) Summarize the key aspects of the subject’s life and their significance

b) Provide a final reflection or insight on their overall journey or impact

c) Leave the reader with a lasting impression or call to action

Pro Tip: Looking for help drafting an outline to get you started? Use free tools like ChatGPT to jumpstart your outline by putting in a prompt request like, “Write an outline for a biography about X, including any relevant details on the subject that should be included.”

Craft captivating prose

Employ descriptive language to transport readers into the subject’s world. Paint vivid portraits of their physical appearance, mannerisms, and surroundings. Use sensory details to evoke emotions and create a strong connection between the reader and the subject. 

Here are some examples:

• “She was a force of nature, with a fierce determination and an unwavering commitment to justice.” (Ruth Bader Ginsburg)
• “His piercing blue eyes seemed to look right through you, and his voice had a commanding presence that demanded attention.” (Winston Churchill)
• “She moved with a grace and elegance that belied her inner strength and resilience.” (Audrey Hepburn)
• “His rugged features and piercing gaze made him a natural leading man, but it was his depth and vulnerability that set him apart.” (Marlon Brando)
• “She had a contagious energy and a magnetic personality that drew people to her like a moth to a flame.” (Princess Diana)
• “His quiet intensity and unwavering dedication to his craft made him one of the greatest artists of his time.” (Leonardo da Vinci)

Action Step: While writing descriptive prose takes some practice, it’s an art you can master with little creative writing skills. To help you write descriptive prose, practice closing your eyes and imagining your subject. 

• What expression is on their face? 
• How are they dressed? 
• What does their body language express? 
• How do they smell? 
• How do they make you feel? 
• How do they make others feel? 
• What’s in their surroundings? 
• What are they doing with their hands? 
• What do you imagine they’re thinking about? 

With questions like these, you’ll start to use descriptive language to bring your subject to life.

Build a balance of objectivity and empathy

Strive for an objective portrayal while infusing empathy and understanding into your writing. Remain aware of biases and preconceived notions, giving your subject the space to shine in their unique light. 

To check yourself, filter your writing and interviewing with these tips:

• Verify Information: Cross-reference information from various sources to ensure accuracy. Use tools like Fact Check Explorer to fact-check claims, dates, and events to avoid errors or inaccuracies that could skew the narrative. 
• Multiple Perspectives: Seek out different viewpoints on the subject. This includes interviewing or reaching out to people with significant interactions or relationships with the subject. Incorporating diverse perspectives can counterbalance biases and provide a broader understanding.
• Empathetic Listening: During interviews or conversations, practice active listening and empathize with the interviewee’s experiences and emotions. This allows you to understand the subject’s perspective and incorporate their insights and feelings into the narrative.
• Contextualize Emotions: When sharing the subject’s emotional experiences or personal struggles, provide sufficient context and background. This helps readers understand the motivations and circumstances behind their actions and allows for empathetic understanding without veering into excessive sentimentality.
• Credible Interpretation: While interpreting the subject’s thoughts, motives, or intentions, be clear about what is factual and what is speculative. Clearly distinguish between evidence-based information and your interpretations to maintain objectivity.
• Respect Boundaries: Be mindful of the subject’s privacy and any requests they may have regarding sensitive or personal information. Respecting their boundaries shows empathy and allows for a respectful portrayal while maintaining the necessary level of objectivity.
• Acknowledge Limitations: Recognize that achieving complete objectivity in a biography is challenging. Biases can inadvertently seep into the narrative. However, by being aware of your biases and consciously presenting a fair and balanced account, you can mitigate their influence.

Respect truth, privacy, and sensitivity

Remember, writing biographies carries ethical responsibilities. It’s important to maintain accuracy through credible research and gain consent while being sensitive to controversial or difficult topics. Here are some considerations:

• Accuracy: Maintain a commitment to truth and accuracy. Verify facts and corroborate information from multiple sources to ensure the reliability of your narrative. Cite your sources and be transparent about any uncertainties or gaps in knowledge.
• Privacy and Consent: Respect the privacy of living individuals mentioned in your biography. Seek consent when sharing personal details or sensitive information. Balance the subject’s right to privacy with the importance of honesty and transparency.
• Sensitivity: Approach sensitive or controversial topics with care and empathy. Consider the potential impact of your words on the subject’s loved ones or affected communities—present differing perspectives without sensationalism or bias.

Writing a Biography FAQs

The length of a biography can vary greatly, depending on the subject and the depth of exploration. Some biographies span a few hundred pages, while others extend to multiple volumes. Focus on capturing the subject’s life’s essence rather than strictly adhering to a predetermined length.

Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a biography include the following: Lack of thorough research or reliance on a single source. Inaccurate or misleading information. Excessive personal bias or projection onto the subject. Neglecting to verify facts or failing to cite sources. Poor organization or a disjointed narrative flow. Neglecting to balance objectivity with empathy. Overloading the biography with irrelevant details or digressions. Failing to respect privacy or ethical considerations.

While chronological order is commonly used in biographies, it is not required. Some biographers employ a thematic approach or explore specific periods or events in the subject’s life. Experiment with different structures to find the most engaging way to tell your subject’s story.

The purpose of writing a biography is to capture and share an individual’s life story. Biographies provide insights into a person’s experiences, achievements, and challenges, offering readers inspiration, knowledge, and understanding. They preserve the legacy of individuals, contribute to historical records, and celebrate the diversity of human lives.

When choosing a subject for your biography, consider someone who inspires you, interests you, or has significantly impacted society. It could be a historical figure, a contemporary icon, or even an everyday individual with a remarkable story. Choose a subject with sufficient available information, access to primary sources or interviews, and a narrative that resonates with you and potential readers.

Key elements to include in a biography are: Early life and background: Provide context about the subject’s upbringing, family, and cultural influences. Achievements and milestones: Highlight notable accomplishments, contributions, and significant events throughout their life. Challenges and struggles: Explore the obstacles they faced, the lessons learned, and how they overcame adversity. Personal characteristics: Describe their personality traits, values, beliefs, and motivations that shaped their actions and decisions. Impact and legacy: Discuss the lasting influence and contributions of the subject, both during their lifetime and beyond.

Including personal anecdotes can add depth and humanize the subject of your biography. However, be selective and ensure that the stories are relevant, contribute to understanding the person’s character or experiences, and align with the overall narrative. Balancing personal anecdotes with factual information is critical to maintaining accuracy and credibility.

Conducting research for a biography involves exploring a variety of sources. Start with primary sources such as personal papers, letters, journals, and interviews with the subject or people who knew them. Secondary sources such as books, articles, and academic papers provide additional context and perspectives. Online databases, archives, libraries, and museums are valuable resources for finding relevant information.

Consult a wide range of sources to ensure a comprehensive and accurate biography. Primary sources, such as personal documents, letters, diaries, and interviews, offer firsthand accounts and unique insights. Secondary sources provide broader context and analysis, including books, articles, scholarly works, and historical records. Remember to evaluate the credibility and reliability of your sources critically.

Organize the information in your biography logically and engagingly. Consider using a chronological structure, starting with the subject’s early life and progressing through significant events and milestones. Alternatively, adopt a thematic approach, grouping related information based on themes or significant aspects of their life. Use clear headings, subheadings, and transitions to guide readers through the narrative flow.

Writing Biographies Key Takeaways

In summary, take note of these ideas and tips before you start writing your biography:

• Biographies hold enduring appeal, offering a glimpse into the human experience across time.
• Thorough research, interviews, and captivating prose are essential for crafting compelling biographies.
• Ethical considerations, such as accuracy, privacy, and sensitivity, are crucial when writing about real people’s lives.
• Choose subjects that genuinely inspire and resonate with you.
• Immerse yourself in the subject’s world to understand their motivations and challenges.
• Develop strong research skills and utilize a wide range of sources.
• Craft a compelling narrative that engages readers from the very first page.
• Seek feedback from trusted sources to refine your writing and storytelling abilities.
• Continuously explore new biographies to broaden your understanding of different styles and approaches.
• Embrace the unique voice and perspective you bring to the storytelling process.

Writing a biography book? Check out this helpful article, How to Write a Book: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Start Writing !

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How to Write a Bio Like a Pro: The Do’s & Don’ts (+ Examples)

by Mel Wicks

on Jul 21, 2023

Writing a good bio is hard.

You have to knock ’em dead with two or three dazzling sentences that show you’re a likable, credible, and accomplished expert.

When readers read your bio (aka byline), they must believe you’re the answer to their prayers — a superhero who will swoop in and solve the big problem keeping them awake at night.

(And if you’re a freelance writer , your short professional bio should make a potential client want to hire you on the spot.)

No pressure, right?

Here’s the good news:

Learning how to write a compelling bio that dazzles readers doesn’t require feats of strength or the ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound.

And, best of all, it’s a process that works whether you’re doing a professional bio, a personal bio, an author bio, or a Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram bio.

Let’s dive in.

But first, we’ll look at a few short bio examples that make readers run for the exits…

The 6 Common Bio Blunders That Make You Look Like an Amateur (And What to Do Instead)

1. making it all about you.

Thanks for sharing, Jill. But do I really care? Nah.

It’s confusing, I know. “Bio” is short for biography, which suggests it should be all about you.  But the main purpose of your author bio is to show your audience how you can help them solve their problem with the professional skills you bring to the table, all within a short paragraph.

So, it’s not about you, Jill. It’s about them.

What to Do Instead:

In this post on sensory words , using almost the same number of words as Jill, Kevin gives us just enough information about himself to tell us what he does and how he helps his audience.

It’s clear, precise, and focused on the outcome, not on Kevin. He uses powerful words and phrases like “hone their writing skills,” and “stand out from the crowd,” which directly target the deep-rooted desires of aspiring writers . He speaks their language.

Here’s another tip: It’s usually best to write in the third person, as Kevin does in the above bio example. It’s more professional.

2. Writing a Condensed Resume, or a Laundry List of Accomplishments

Your professional biography is not a dumping ground for your career path, job titles, and qualifications. It’s a tiny elevator pitch that’s selling you as a credible solver of your reader’s problems.

So don’t list every degree you have or talk about your first job out of school. Readers don’t really care. They only care whether or not you have the solutions they are looking for.

Your should only include details about yourself that directly relate to your intended audience’s problem.

Think about your career accomplishments, education, and skill set, and then carefully select the most pertinent facts that are going to impress the audience you are writing for. Like this :

Jessi tells us the most important thing about herself (that she is a book editor), and what she can do for her audience (get their books into print ), while establishing her credibility (“best-selling,” “editor-in-chief”).

Everything she mentions is designed to appeal to the audience she’s trying to reach.

3. Sharing Irrelevant Details or Stuff You Think Your Audience Should Care About

This sample bio is from someone whose expertise is content and affiliate marketing , although he hides it well.

Much like your degrees and career path, your audience doesn’t care about your hobbies, passions , and personal details either, unless they directly impact the problem they’re trying to solve.

As mentioned earlier, only share the details that your audience will find relevant — not every little thing about you is a super-duper important detail your target audience will care about.

If you’re mad keen on knitting and you’re writing for an arts and crafts blog , then go ahead and mention your passion. It’s relevant. But don’t tell them about your cat, unless Fluffy can knit too.

4. Trying to Cram Too Much In

Okay, so you’ve managed to include only relevant details about yourself, so you’re safe. Right?

Not if you included too many of them.

Like this one from Jo. She’s had an impressive career with many accomplishments, but her bio feels endless:

This is way too much information.

Writing your own bio can be hard. Sometimes you’re too close to the subject matter to realize what’s important and what can be left out. But your bio isn’t the place to share your entire life story and every single notable accomplishment, and it certainly shouldn’t have an endless word count. You need to be picky.

With some careful pruning, the real gems hidden away in Jo’s personal biography can be given center stage:

Go through your bio word by word and ask yourself, “Does this bit of information make any difference to my audience?”

If the answer is no, take it out, and limit your bio to two or three sentences.

5. Being Overly Formal (a.k.a. Boring)

If you’re anything like me, you had to read this bio more than once to get a sense of what Joe does. It’s way too formal. Most people will just glaze over this.

Instead of using stilted words and phrases like “maximize their online real estate” and “engender business growth”, Joe missed a great opportunity to showcase his personal brand and make himself stand out from the crowd.

Perhaps he could have started with something like:

Do you see how that might grab a few more eyeballs, cut through the noise, and make an impact with his target audience of doctors?

6. Being Vague (or Overly Woo-Woo)

Hands up, whoever doesn’t have a clue what this person is talking about. What does she do? How does she help solve my problem? Why should I be interested in her?

You need to avoid ambiguous phrases and boring metaphors like “inspiration for growth” and “find their way through the dark.” These phrases might have a nice ring to them, but they mean very little to your reader. They’re too open to interpretation.

You don’t have time to beat around the bush in your bio. Get straight to the point. Like this:

In two sentences, Cecile tells me everything I need to know about what she does and how she can help me. No fluff , no messing about, and a juicy opt-in bribe to seal the deal.

How to Write a Bio That Begs to be Clicked

• Introduce Yourself with a Bang
• Call Out Your Audience and Say How You Help Them
• Offer an Irresistible Reason to Click

So now you can see where you might’ve gone wrong with your bio after you started your blog , and you’re dying to write a new version of it. But how do you ensure your next bio won’t commit the same blunders?

Easy. Just follow these three simple writing tips for pumping out a professional bio that your ideal readers can’t resist clicking.

1. Introduce Yourself with a Bang

This is where you tell the audience who you are and what makes you different (while avoiding the common blunders we’ve just discussed). You need to spark their interest and curiosity and get them to say, “Tell me more.”

Let’s start with this example from a blogger in the personal development niche.

This tells me what Sue does, but it’s rather dull and same-y in a sea full of personal development blogs. For a first sentence, it’s too bland. There’s nothing here to set her apart or pique our interest.

Let’s give it a twist:

That sounds a bit more interesting. Sue manages to appeal to her audience on different levels by sounding educated, professional, and personable at the same time. Describing herself as an “agony aunt” downplays the more clinical “social scientist.”

I’m curious to know more, and it certainly makes her distinctive.

But there’s another angle Sue could take:

Now, this one is more similar to the first example, but the difference is that it adds more credibility — “certified psychologist” sounds much more credible than “has a degree in,” which suggests she’s fresh out of college — but it also sets her apart more.

She has a specialty, which gives her ideas on the topic more weight than others. If you suffer from social anxiety, you’d want to listen to the expert on it, right?

Compare also:

This version goes even further in establishing Sue’s credibility. Not only has she published multiple books on the topic of social anxiety, but she’s even been featured on some well-known media channels, adding social proof to her expertise.

We’ve talked before about not delivering a laundry list of accomplishments, but if you have specific accomplishments that make you stand out, those are worth including.

Here’s an excellent author bio example that both offers a point of interest and adds credibility:

Jessica doesn’t just say she’ll help you write a business plan, she mentions she has an “outside-the-box approach,” which immediately makes you curious what that approach is. Then she steps it up even more by mentioning her approach has collectively raised $50 million in financing. That’s nothing to sneeze at and creates instant credibility.

It’s an killer bio that will absolutely pique her audience’s interest.

2. Call Out Your Audience and Say How You Help Them

Remember, this isn’t about you, it’s about what you can do for your audience. So you need to define who they are and what problem of theirs (their key fear or desire) you can solve.

You should aim for both a logical and emotional connection.  It’s tough, but do-able.

Let’s take a look at Kim , a blogger from another highly-competitive writing niche , parenting:

By using language most parents will relate to and zeroing in on their fears, Kim makes a strong emotional connection. At the same time, there’s no mistaking the practical (logical) solution Kim offers.

Note: Of course, Kim’s bio would be even further improved if she had a call to action that linked to an incentive rather than her homepage. More on that in the next step!

Here’s another example :

Jessica clarifies immediately who she helps (busy people) and how she helps them (by re-energizing them through food, yoga, and wellness strategies).

You must be absolutely clear about this. If readers can’t identify themselves in your bio and see you have the solution they’re looking for, they will move on.

3. Offer an Irresistible Reason to Click

You’ve told your audience who you are, what you do, and how you can help them. You’ve impressed them with your credentials and sparked their curiosity.

They’re ready to move to second base, but they need that last push. An irresistible reason to click through to your site and sign up. You need to offer an incentive.

Take a look at this bio :

Boom! In 46 personality-packed, carefully curated words, Henneke tells us who she is, what she does, how she can help, and then gives us a gold-plated reason for parting with our email address .

Her free report is 16 parts, but it’s “snackable,” which makes it sound very easy to digest. And it’s for “busy people,” which shows Henneke understands her audience. She promises results and cleverly relates this back to her own blog, Enchanting Marketing.

Unfortunately, we can’t all steal Henneke’s near-perfect bio, but we can use it as a fine example of how to write our own.

Ready to Write Your Best Bio Ever?

Writing a bio like a superhero is simple, but it’s not easy, so give your bio the time it requires. You should brainstorm several options for each of the steps.

Whether they’re concluding an article you’ve written or they’re inside your Instagram bio (or Twitter bio, Facebook bio, LinkedIn profile, or, heck, any other social media profile), a great bio is hard to craft. But, they are also one of the most effective pieces of marketing you can create when you get it right.

You now know how to write a bio your audience will love. They’ll want to know more and they won’t be able to resist your free offer.

They’ll see you as a credible, personable problem-solver. Their problem-solver.

And they’ll click through to your personal website, ready and willing to hand over their email address to their new blogging superhero.

Note: For a handy visual reminder of the six bio blunders you can download or share on your own website, check out the image below:

Embed This Infographic On Your Site:

<!—– Copy and Paste This Code Into Your Post —-><a href=”https://smartblogger.com/how-to-write-a-bio/”><img src=”https://smartblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/6-common-blunders-v3.png” alt=”The 6 Common Bio Blunders That Make You Look Like an Amateur (And What to Do Instead)” width=”700px” class=”noa3lazy”/></a><br></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p><a href=”https://smartblogger.com/how-to-write-a-bio/”>The 6 Common Bio Blunders That Make You Look Like an Amateur (And What to Do Instead) from SmartBlogger.com</a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>

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How to Write a Biography: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Hannah Yang

Table of Contents

What is a biography, a step-by-step guide to writing a biography, tips for how to write a great biography, conclusion on how to write a biography.

Writing a biography can be a rewarding endeavor, but it can also feel a bit daunting if you’ve never written one before.

Whether you’re capturing the life story of a famous person, a family member, or even yourself, creating a compelling biography involves a mix of thorough research, narrative skill, and a personal touch.

So, how exactly do you write a successful biography? 

In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials to help you craft a biography that’s both informative and engaging, as well as our top tips for how to make it truly shine.

A biography is a detailed account of someone’s life.

A well-written biography needs to be objective and accurate. At the same time, it needs to depict more than just the basic facts like birth, education, work, relationships, and death—it should also portray the subject’s personal experience of those events.

So, in addition to being a good researcher, a good biographer also needs to be a good storyteller. You should provide insights into the subject’s personality, motivations, and impact on the world around them.

What’s the Difference Between a Biography, a Memoir, and an Autobiography?

Understanding the distinctions between different genres of life writing is crucial for both writers and readers. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences between a biography and other related genres.

Biography: a detailed account of a person’s life, usually written in the third-person POV and supported by extensive research 

Autobiography: a self-written account of the author’s own life, usually written in the first person POV and following a chronological order 

Memoir: a collection of memories that an individual writes about moments or events that took place in their life, usually in the first person POV and in an introspective and personal way

Narrative nonfiction: a book that tells true stories using the techniques of fiction writing, such as character development, narrative arc, and detailed settings

Best Biography Examples to Study

The best way to learn how to write well is to read other successful books within the genre you’re writing. 

Here are five great biographies to add to your reading list. For a longer list, check out our article on the 20 best biographies to read . 

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand: the incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympian and World War II hero.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson: a comprehensive and engaging account of the Apple co-founder’s life.

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow: the biography that inspired the hit musical, providing a deep dive into Hamilton ’ s life and legacy.

Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford: a nuanced story that uncovers the family connection between the three Millay sisters and their mother.

Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston: the story of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last-known survivors of the Atlantic slave trade.

As with writing any book, writing a biography is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s easier to think of it as a series of smaller steps than as one big challenge to tackle. 

Let’s break down the process step by step.

1. Choose Your Subject

Decide who you want to write about. It could be a well-known celebrity, a historical figure, or someone close to you.

In addition to figuring out who you’re writing about, this is also the step where you figure out why you want to write about them. Why is this a story worth telling, and what makes you interested in it? 

Maybe the subject of your biography overcame major hardships in life to achieve success, and that story will inspire others facing similar struggles. Or maybe they made a really unique contribution to the world that not enough people know about, and you want to shine a bigger spotlight on that impact.

Knowing why you’re telling this story will help you make the right decisions about how to research, outline, draft, and edit your biography.

2. Identify Your Target Audience

Understanding your target audience is a crucial step in writing a good biography. You should tailor your biography to the interests and knowledge level of your audience.

A biography for a general audience will differ from one written for experts in a particular field. For example, two biographies about Emily Dickinson would be vastly different if one is written for young children and the other is written for adult poets. 

3. Conduct Research

Dive deep into your research. Use a variety of sources to get a well-rounded view of your subject’s life. Take detailed notes and organize your findings.

Gather as much information as you can about your subject. This includes primary sources like interviews, letters, and diaries, as well as secondary sources such as books, articles, and documentaries.

Here are some primary sources to look for: 

Letters and diaries: These provide intimate insights into the subject’s thoughts, feelings, and daily life, and can often be found in family archives, libraries, and historical societies.

Birth, marriage, and death certificates: These documents can provide crucial dates and familial relationships.

Census data: Census records can provide demographic information and track changes over time.

Property records: These can reveal where the subject lived and owned property.

Employment and school records: These records offer formalized insights into the subject’s education and career.

Military records: If applicable, military records can provide information on service, ranks, and honors.

Photos and videos: Look for photographs and videos in public libraries, historical societies, online databases like the Library of Congress, and family photo albums.

Historical newspapers: Access archives of local and national newspapers for articles, interviews, and obituaries related to the subject.

Digital archives: Use online resources like ProQuest, Chronicling America, and newspaper databases available through public libraries.

You can also look for secondary sources, which provide more context and perspective, such as:

Existing biographies: Search for existing biographies and books about the subject or their era. How does your project stand out from the crowd? 

Academic articles and papers: Access journals through university libraries, which often have extensive collections of scholarly articles.

Documentaries and biographical films: You can often find these on streaming services or public television archives.

Websites and blogs: Look for reputable websites and blogs dedicated to the subject or related fields.

Social media platforms: The things people say on social media can offer insights into public perception about your subject.

Finally, you can also conduct your own interviews. Talk to the subject if they’re still alive, as well as their friends, family, and colleagues. You can ask them for personal anecdotes to add more color to your book, or more information to fill in any gaps in your knowledge. 

4. Ask Engaging Questions

Great biographers start from a place of curiosity. Before you start writing, you should know the answers to the following questions: 

What makes your subject’s story worth telling?

What was your subject’s childhood like? 

What were your subject’s early interests and hobbies?

What level of education did your subject achieve and where did they study?

What was your subject’s personality like?

What were their beliefs and values? 

How did your subject’s personality and beliefs change over time?

What were the major turning points in your subject’s life? 

How was your subject affected by the major political, cultural, and societal events that occurred throughout their life?  

What did their career path look like?

What were their major accomplishments? 

What were their major failures? 

How did they contribute to their field, their country, or their community?

Were they involved in any major controversies or scandals?

Who were the most important people in the subject’s life, such as friends, partners, or mentors?

If the subject is no longer living, how did they pass away?

What lasting impact did the subject leave behind? 

5. Create an Outline

An outline helps you structure your biography. You can write an extensive outline that includes every scene you need to write, or you can keep it simple and just make a list of high-level bullet points—whatever works best for your writing process. 

The best structure to use will depend on the shape of the story you’re trying to tell. Think about what your subject’s life looked like and what core messages you’re trying to leave the reader with.

If you want to keep things simple, you can simply go in chronological order. Tell the story from the birth of your subject to the death of your subject, or to the present day if this person is still living. 

You can also use a more thematically organized structure, similar to what you would find on a Wikipedia page. You could break your book down into sections such as major life events, personal relationships, core accomplishments, challenges, and legacy.

Or, if you want to be more creative, you can use a nonlinear story structure, jumping between recent events and older flashbacks based on which events feel thematically tied together. 

6. Write Your First Draft 

Now that you have an outline, it’s time to sit down and write your first draft.

Your opening chapters should hook the reader and give a preview of what’s to come. Highlight a compelling aspect of the subject’s life to draw readers in.

In your middle chapters, cover all the key events you need to include about your subject’s life and weave in themes and anecdotes that reveal their personality and impact.

In your final chapters, wrap up your biography by summarizing the subject’s legacy and reflecting on their overall significance. This provides closure and leaves the reader with a lasting impression.

Remember that it’s okay if your first draft isn’t perfect. Your goal is simply to get words down on the page so you have something to edit. 

7. Make Developmental Revisions

Now that you’re done with your first draft, it’s time to make big-picture revisions.

Review your biography for coherence and organization. Does the overall structure make sense? Are there any arcs or themes that aren’t given enough attention? Are there scenes or chapters that don’t need to be included? 

8. Make Line Edits

Once you’ve completed your developmental edits, it’s time to make smaller line edits. This is your time to edit for grammar, punctuation, and style.

Make sure you keep a consistent voice throughout the book. Some biographies feel more conversational and humorous, while others are serious and sophisticated. 

To get through your editing faster, you can run your manuscript through ProWritingAid , which will automatically catch errors, point out stylistic inconsistencies, and help you rephrase confusing sentences. 

Don’t be afraid to ask others for feedback. No good book is written in a vacuum, and you can ask critique partners and beta readers to help you improve your work.

What makes a great biography stand out from the rest? Here are our best tips for how to take your manuscript to the next level.

Tip 1: Focus on Key Themes

Identify the central themes or patterns in the subject’s life—the ones that will really make readers keep thinking about your book. These could be related to the subject’s struggles, achievements, relationships, or values.

Tip 2: Balance Facts and Narrative

A good biography should read like a story, not a list of facts.

Use narrative techniques like imagery, character development, and dialogue to create a compelling and coherent story.

Tip 3: Add Your Own Perspective

Biographies need to be objective, but that doesn’t mean the author has to be entirely invisible. Including your own perspective can make the biography relatable and engaging. 

Letting your voice shine can help illustrate the subject ’ s character and bring their story to life. It will also help make your biography stand out from the crowd. 

Tip 4: Create a Timeline

Organize the key events of the subject’s life in chronological order. This will help you see the bigger picture and ensure you cover all important aspects.

Tip 5: Be Considerate

Because biographies are about real people, you should be mindful of who will be impacted by the story you’re telling, especially if your subject is still alive or still has living family members.

If the subject is still alive, ask them for permission to tell their story before you start writing. This also helps ensure that you don’t get sued. 

Writing a biography is a journey of discovery, not just about the subject, but also about the craft of storytelling.

By combining thorough research, a clear structure, and engaging narrative techniques, you can create a biography that not only informs but also inspires and captivates your readers. 

Don’t forget to run your manuscript through ProWritingAid so you can make sure your prose is as polished as possible. 

Now, pick your subject, gather your resources, and start writing—there’s a fascinating story waiting to be told.

Good luck, and happy writing!

Write like a bestselling author

Love writing? ProWritingAid will help you improve the style, strength, and clarity of your stories.

Hannah Yang

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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27 of the Best Professional Bio Examples I've Ever Seen [+ Templates]

Published: December 20, 2023

As a writer, I have to let readers and potential clients know my expertise, my skills, and why they should work with me or be interested in what I say. So, a professional bio is a must in my industry.

Though I'm definitely familiar with professional bios, I can admit they can be challenging. What do I include? What do readers need to know?

As daunting as writing a professional bio can be, professional bios are crucial when applying for jobs, seeking new clients, or networking. A professional bio also gives the world a brief snapshot of you and your professional ideals.

If you‘re at a loss for how to write a professional bio that packs a punch, I’ve got you covered. In this journey, tools like HubSpot’s user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder can be instrumental in showcasing your professional bio online with ease and style.

I will walk you through how to write a professional bio that you can proudly publish, provide professional bio templates, and show you the best professional bio examples you can get inspiration from.

What is a professional bio?

Professional bio templates, how to write a professional bio, best professional bio examples, how to write a short bio.

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A professional bio or biography is a short overview of your experience. Professional bios usually include details about education, employment, achievements, and relevant skills.

Purpose of Professional Bios

A bio tells an audience about who you are, what you've done, and what you can do. It can help potential employers, fans, or customers understand your personality and what you stand for.

Writing a bio without a clear starting point is challenging — believe me, I've tried. To ease the process, here are some templates I put together to get you started.

I‘ve found it’s best to keep your professional bio honest and to the point. Too long of a bio, and you risk losing your audience's attention. After all, audiences will only read a web page for less than a minute before clicking elsewhere.

And honesty is key because most consumers and clients won‘t invest in someone or something if it doesn’t seem trustworthy. In fact, 67% of consumers say they must trust a brand before investing in its products or services.

Download free, editable short and long professional bio templates.

What should a professional bio say?

No one wants to work with a clone — your professional bio should be as unique as you.

When writing your bio, include important professional roles and achievements. Add your passions, interests, and how you bring your values to your work. Finally, your bio should let readers know you and reflect your personality.

Here are the elements I recommend including when writing a professional bio:

Professional Roles and Achievements

It's essential to highlight your career roles and achievements in your bio. This can include your current position, previous roles, and notable accomplishments. It will help establish your expertise and credibility and start your bio on the right note.

Passions and Interests

This might be less essential, but it will help humanize you. Remember: Bios are shared via an impersonal medium, like a screen, and can sometimes feel distant if we don't take the proper steps.

Share your passions and interests, whether or not they relate to your work or industry. That way, you can show enthusiasm and dedication outside your professional life.

Plus, you could find common ground with readers — which is always beneficial.

Take a look at this short bio by HubSpot staff writer Erica Santiago.

"Plus," she adds, "I'm always happy to talk about my cats at any given moment. You never know when a fellow cat mom could be reading."

Values and Work Approach

Your values can sometimes show your work ethic more effectively than your career path. It can also help you endear yourself to employers and colleagues who want to work with people with similar values.

So don‘t be shy: Share how you incorporate your values into your work. Whether it’s a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, or ethical decision-making, explain what drives you and be enthusiastic about it.

Your Personality

Remember: Your bio should always include a taste of your personality! Your sense of humor, creativity, or collaborative nature could all give readers a sense of who you are. This helps readers connect with you on a more personal level.

Remember to tailor your bio for different platforms and audiences. Also, keep it concise and impactful while highlighting the most relevant information in each context.

First-Person Bio vs. Third-Person Bio

While first-person bios are common, third-person bios can be more effective in formal situations.

Your decision to write your professional bio in the first or third person depends on your desire to leave a more personable or assertive impression.

Both approaches work, provided you tailor them to your goals and audience. What’s important is to be clear and tell your story in a way that connects with your reader.

How to Write a First-Person Bio

Writing in the first person can be a great way to connect with your audience when building a personal brand. When you write a first-person bio, use "I" or "me" to make yourself relatable and approachable.

Here's one way I’d write a first-person bio:

"I'm a freelance writer specializing in small business content. I've worked with companies in a variety of industries like home care to fine leather goods."

Speaking in the first person here connects you with a client or brand based on your experience and opinions. Put another way, writing a first-person bio is like telling your story to your audience.

Here are a few tips to make your first-person bio great:

Don’t start every sentence with "I."

Showing instead of telling is a great approach.

Let’s say you’re a writer who wants to create a short professional bio. Instead of saying, "I love to write," you can say, "Writer. Bad but enthusiastic dancer."

This portrays your writing skill, shows your personality outside of writing as a dancer, and includes a little sense of humor, which is essential for a writer.

Remember, you know yourself better than anyone.

Adding a back story to your bio helps create context for the roles and successes you write about. Think of it like a case study about who you were, what you are now, and the process that got you to your current position.

Focus on valuable details.

Quick facts about you can showcase your identity and values. For example, if you're writing a bio for LinkedIn, think about how to tie your hobby into what you do.

Let's say Animal Crossing is your hobby. Does it align with your career aspirations? It can be a great addition to your bio if you want to pursue a video game career.

However, if your interests lie elsewhere, including a more relevant hobby is better.

How to Write a Third-Person Bio

Third-person bios sound more authoritative and objective. So, if you’re job searching in a formal industry, applying for grants, or trying to get published, you may want to stick to the third person.

For instance, when you write a third-person bio, you may start with:

"Jasmine Montgomery is a Senior Hiring Manager at L’Oreal based in New York. She recruits across several business units to connect with the brightest talent from around the globe."

By only using your name and pronouns to speak about yourself here, you are letting your title and skill set speak for themselves.

These bios create distance between the subject of the bio (you) and the reader through a third person. This person could be anyone, but they usually speak in a tone emphasizing their expertise.

This makes third-person bios feel aloof or overly formal sometimes.

Ideally, your third-person bio should sound friendly but polished, like a message from a close colleague at work. Here are a few tips on how to write a great third-person bio.

Write from the perspective of someone you know and trust.

It can be challenging to write about yourself, so try to see yourself from the perspective of your favorite person at work or a mentor you trust. This can help you write from a position of authority without feeling self-conscious.

Show the reader why they should trust your opinion.

A professional bio often reflects a specific industry or niche. With this in mind, your text should include relevant details that professionals in your industry know. Avoid jargon whenever you can.

Remember, you're telling a story.

If you want a third-person bio, but you're used to writing in first-person, it may help to write it the most comfortable way for you.

Your professional bio is an essential piece of writing, so edit it carefully. Edit your writing from both points of view and see which works best for your target audience.

Here's how to write a professional bio, step by step.

• Create an 'About' page for your website or profile.
• Begin writing your bio with your first and last name.
• Mention any associated brand name you might use.
• State your current position and what you do.
• Include at least one professional accomplishment.
• Describe your values and how they inform your career.
• Briefly tell your readers who you are outside of work.
• Use humor or a personal story to add flavor to your professional bio.

If you’re anything like me, you probably don't think about your professional bio until you’re asked to "send one over via email."

You have one afternoon to come up with it, so you scramble together a bio that ends up reading like this:

"Rodney Erickson is a content marketing professional at HubSpot, a CRM platform that helps companies attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers.

Previously, Rodney worked as a marketing manager for a tech software startup. He graduated with honors from Columbia University with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing."

To be fair, in certain contexts, your professional bio needs to be more formal, like Mr. Erickson's up there. But there are also cases where writing a personable and conversational bio is good.

Whether you choose the formal or casual route, use the following steps to create a perfect bio.

1. Create an 'About' page for your website or profile.

You need an online space to keep your professional bio. Here are a few to consider (some of these you might already have in place):

• Facebook Business page .
• Industry blog byline .
• Instagram account .
• Personal website .
• LinkedIn profile .
• Industry website .
• Personal blog .

As you'll see in the professional bio examples below, the length and tone of your bio will differ depending on the platforms you use.

Instagram, for example, allows only 150 characters of bio space, whereas you can write as much as you want on your website or Facebook Business page.

2. Begin writing your bio with your first and last name.

If your readers remember nothing else about your bio, they should remember your name. Therefore, it's a good idea for your first and last name to be the first two words of your professional bio.

Even if your name is printed above this bio (hint: it should), this is a rare moment where it's okay to be redundant.

For example, if I were writing my bio, I might start it like this:

Lindsay Kolowich

Lindsay Kolowich is a Senior Marketing Manager at HubSpot.

3. Mention any associated brand name you might use.

Will your professional bio represent you or a business you work for? Ensure you mention the brand you associate with in your bio. If you're a freelancer, you may have a personal business name or pseudonym you advertise to your clients.

Here are a few examples:

• Lindsay Kolowich Marketing.
• SEO Lindsay.
• Kolowich Consulting.
• Content by Kolowich (what do you think ... too cheesy?).

Maybe you founded your own company and want its name to be separate from your real name. Keep it simple like this: "Lindsay Kolowich is the founder and CEO of Kolowich Consulting."

4. State your current position and what you do.

Whether you're the author of a novel or a mid-level specialist, use the following few lines of your bio to describe what you do in that position. Refrain from assuming your audience knows what your job title entails.

Make your primary responsibilities known so readers can know you and understand what you offer to your industry.

5. Include at least one professional accomplishment.

Just as a business touts its client successes through case studies, your professional bio should let your audience know what you've achieved.

What have you done for yourself — as well as for others — that makes you a valuable player in your industry?

6. Describe your values and how they inform your career.

Why do you do what you do? What might make your contribution to the market different from your colleagues? What are the values that make your business a worthwhile investment to others?

Create a professional bio that answers these questions.

7. Briefly tell your readers who you are outside of work.

Transition from describing your values in work to defining who you are outside of work. This may include:

• Your family.
• Your hometown.
• Sports you play.
• Hobbies and interests.
• Favorite music and travel destinations.
• Side hustles you're working on.

People like connecting with other people. The more transparent you are about who you are personally, the more likable you'll be to people reading about you.

8. Use humor or a personal story to add flavor to your professional bio.

End your professional bio on a good or, more specifically, a funny note. By leaving your audience with something quirky or unique, you can ensure they'll leave your website with a pleasant impression of you.

Following the steps above when writing your bio is important, but take your time with one section. People consume lots of information daily. So ensure your bio hooks 'em in the first line, and you won’t lose them.

(P.S. Want to boost your professional brand? Take one of HubSpot Academy's free certification courses . In just one weekend, you can add a line to your resume and bio that over 60,000 marketers covet.)

Why Good Bios Are Important for a Professional

You may think, "How many people read professional bios, anyway?"

The answer: A lot. Though there's no way to tell who is reading it, you want it catchy. Your professional bio will delight the right people coming across it on multiple platforms.

Professional bios can live on your LinkedIn profile , company website, guest posts, speaker profiles, Twitter bio , Instagram bio , and many other places.

And most importantly, it‘s the tool you can leverage most when you’re networking.

Bottom line? People will read your professional bio. Whether they remember it or it makes them care about you is a matter of how well you present yourself to your intended audience.

So, what does a top-notch professional bio look like? Let‘s review a few sample bios for professionals like you and me. Then, we’ll cover bio examples from some of the best people in the industry.

Short Sample Bios

Your bio doesn't have to be complicated. Here are five samples to glean inspiration from.

Example 1: Friendly Sample Bio

"Hey! My name is Ryan, and I'm a marketing specialist passionate about digital advertising. I have five years of experience managing various online campaigns and improving brand visibility for clients across multiple verticals. I love analyzing consumer behavior and leveraging data-driven strategies to maximize ROI. Outside work, I enjoy traveling, taking funny photos, and exploring new hiking trails."

Example 2: Mid-Career Sample Bio

"Jennifer Patel is a versatile graphic designer known for her creative approach and attention to detail. With a background in visual arts and eight years of experience, Jennifer has worked on diverse projects ranging from logo designs to website layouts. Her ability to understand and translate client needs into visually striking designs sets her apart. Jennifer finds inspiration in nature, music, and pop culture."

Example 3: Sales Sample Bio

"I'm a seasoned sales executive with a track record of exceeding targets and building strong client relationships. With a background in B2B sales, I've built a natural ability to understand customer needs and consistently exceed quota every month. I pride myself in my communication skills and strategic approaches, which have helped me thrive in highly competitive markets such as SaaS sales. Outside work, I enjoy playing basketball and volunteering at local charities."

Example 4: HR Sample Bio

"I am a dedicated human resources professional with a passion for fostering a positive workplace culture and facilitating employee development. With eight years of experience in talent acquisition and HR operations, I've played a key role in building high-performing teams. I'm known for my strong interpersonal skills and ability to create inclusive and supportive work environments. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga and exploring new culinary experiences."

Example 5: Software Engineer Sample Bio

"David Chang is a senior software engineer specializing in backend development. With a strong background in computer science and six years of experience, David has successfully built scalable and efficient solutions for complex technical challenges. He is well-versed in various programming languages and frameworks like C++, Java, and Ruby on Rails. In his spare time, David enjoys reading science fiction novels and playing the guitar."

Below, we've curated some of the best professional bio examples we've ever seen on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the various places you might describe yourself.

Check 'em out and use them as inspiration when crafting your own.

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Author
• Chima Mmeje: SEO Content Writer
• DJ Nexus: DJ
• Lena Axelsson: Marriage & Family Therapist
• Mark Levy: Branding Firm Founder
• Audra Simpson: Political Anthropologist
• Marie Mikhail: Professional Recruiter
• Wonbo Woo: Executive Producer
• Chris Burkard: Freelance Photographer
• Lisa Quine: Creative Consultant
• Nancy Twine: Hair Care Founder
• Trinity Mouzon: Wellness Brand Founder
• Alberto Perez: Co-Founder of Zumba Fitness
• Ann Handley: Writer and Marketer

1. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie : Author

Bio platform: personal website.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie begins her professional bio with an invitation to her roots.

In a few paragraphs, she describes when and where she was born, her family, her education, her honorary degrees, and the depth of her work, which has been translated into 30 languages and several publications.

She can keep readers engaged by leading with a powerful hook that aligns with her target audience’s marketing needs.

• There’s clarity about who Chima serves.
• The hook is bold, catchy, and compels anyone to read further.
• Including client results makes clients visualize what they can expect.

3. DJ Nexus : DJ

Bio platform: facebook.

This New England-based DJ has single-handedly captured the Likes of over 2,000 people in and beyond Boston, MA. And even if you don‘t listen to the type of music he produces, it’s hard not to read his compelling Facebook bio.

For instance, consider his tagline, under "About" — " Quiet during the day. QUITE LOUD at night! " DJ Nexus tells you when he works awesomely. I got goosebumps just imagining a dance club where he might play music.

The second is the "long version," which is even more interesting than the first. Why? It reads like a story — a compelling one, at that. In fact, it gets hilarious in some parts.

The second sentence of the bio reads: "He was frightened of public school, loved playing baseball and football, ran home to watch ape films on the 4:30 Movie, listened to The Jam and The Buzzcocks, and read magic trick books."

Here's another excerpt from the middle:

It's a well-put value proposition that sets her apart from the rest of the HR industry.

Marie concludes her bio with a smooth mix of professional skills, like her Spanish fluency, and personal interests, such as podcasting and Star Wars (she mentions the latter with just the right amount of humor).

• Straight off the bat, Marie uses a story to share her experiences of how she began as a recruiter.
• It provides a subtle pitch for readers to check out her podcast.
• The bio exudes Maries approachable, fun, and playful personality.

8. Wonbo Woo : Executive Producer

Wonbo Woo is the executive producer of WIRED's video content and has several impressive credits to his name. What does this mean for his professional bio? He has to prioritize.

With this in mind, Wonbo opens his bio with the most eye-catching details first (if the image below is hard to read, click it to see the full copy ).

I wouldn‘t necessarily be inclined to follow Chris if his bio had simply read, "I post beautiful images." But images that inspire me to travel? Now that’s something I can get behind.

Last, he ends on a humble, sweet note: "He is happiest with his wife Breanne raising their two sons." So inject personal information into your bio — it makes you seem approachable.

• It highlights Chris’s achievement without bragging.
• The last sentence portrays Chris as a responsible man who loves his family.
• The well-written bio speaks to nature lovers who like the outdoors, surfing, and more. This gives them reasons to follow Chris.

10. Lisa Quine : Creative Consultant

Bio platform: portfolio website.

Creative professionals who specialize in visual art may find it challenging to balance the writing of their bio and displaying of their portfolio. Not Lisa Quine. Lisa has an exceptional balance of her professional bio and creative work.

Throughout her bio, you'll notice the number of murals she's completed and a brief timeline of her career. This helps her paint the picture of who she is as a professional.

The rest of her bio similarly focuses on Twine's strengths as someone who’s able to take hair care "back to basics."

Mouzon effectively grips the reader's attention with this introduction and then dives into some of her impressive accomplishments — including a brand now sold at Urban Outfitters and Target.

The language used throughout Mouzon's bio is authentic, real, and honest.

For instance, in the second paragraph, she admits:

"While building a brand may have looked effortless from the outside, starting a business at age 23 with no resources or funding quickly forced me to realize that early-stage entrepreneurship was anything but transparent."

As an avid Zumba fan, I was excited to include this one. Perez styles his LinkedIn bio as a short story, starting with his background as a hard-working teen who held three jobs by age 14.

His bio tells the fun and fascinating origin story of Zumba, in which Perez, an aerobics teacher in Florida at the time, forgot his music for class and used a Latin music cassette tape instead ... "And it was an instant hit!"

His bio continues:

"Shortly after he was connected to Alberto Periman and Alberto Aghion, and Zumba was officially created ... What started as a dream now has 15 million people in more than 200,000 locations in 186 countries who take Zumba classes every week."

There's something in there for everyone.

• The last section of the bio shows Ann’s warm personality — "Ann lives in Boston, where she is Mom to creatures two- and four-legged."
• Written in the third person, this bio has lots of proof (like followers), which shows Ann is a terrific marketing leader.

If you're posting a bio on a social media account or sending a quick blurb to a client, you want to keep it short and sweet while showcasing your accomplishments.

To get started, use these best practices for writing your short professional bio:

• Introduce yourself.
• State what you do.
• Add key skills or areas of expertise.
• Include a personal mission statement
• Celebrate your wins.
• Provide your contact information.
• Show them your personality.

1. Introduce yourself.

Your introduction is your first impression, so always begin by telling people who you are. You may start with a greeting like, "Hello, my name is" or "Hi! Let me first introduce myself …" when sending your bio as a message.

If you’re writing a bio for an online platform, stating your name at the beginning works as well.

Leading with your name — even as a question — is important for recognition and building relationships.

2. State what you do.

Give people an idea of what you do daily and where you work. Your job title is how the people put you into context and consider whether your profession relates to their industry.

So detail your most relevant work in your short bios, like CEO, professor, and author.

Take a cue from Angela Duckworth , who specifies what she does in her LinkedIn bio:

3. Add key skills or areas of expertise.

If you send a bio to a client or potential employer, highlight your most valuable skills. For instance, if your expertise is in social media marketing and content creation, like Ivanka Dekoning , list these skills.

7. Show them your personality.

Don’t be afraid to add a bit of charisma to your short professional bio. "Professional" doesn’t have to mean plain. You can best portray your personality through:

• A joke. "Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. At least that’s what I learned when I created…"
• Mention a hobby. "I’ll be honest: for me, tennis is life — Go Nadal!"
• A fun fact. "Every year, I watch 100 new films! I’m a cinephile and love every movie genre."
• A few emojis related to your interests. "🎶🤖🎾🎬🎭"

Whichever way you choose to get personal, give people a glimpse into who you are as an individual.

When writing a short bio, it can be tempting to pack in as much relevant information about yourself as possible — but this isn’t the most effective approach.

Instead, focus on including the details that you and your audience care about most and leave out the fluff.

Let's dive into a few examples of short professional bios.

Short Professional Bio Examples

• Tristen Taylor: Marketing Manager
• Lianna Patch: Copywriter
• Precious Oboidhe: Content Strategist and Writer
• Rebecca Bollwitt: Writer
• Megan Gilmore: Cookbook Author
• Bea Dixon: Feminine Care Founder
• Tammy Hembrow: Instagram Influencer
• Dr. Cody: Chiropractor
• Larry Kim: Founder
• Dharmesh Shah: Founder and CTO
• Lily Ugbaja: Content Strategist
• Ian Anderson Gray: Marketer
• Van Jones: Political Commentator, Author, and Lawyer

1. Tristen Taylor: Marketing Manager

Bio platform: blog byline.

Tristen Taylor is a Marketing Manager here at HubSpot. She's written content for HubSpot's Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service blogs; her blog author bio is one of my favorites.

What I love most about Tristen's bio is that it’s a great example of how to deliver information about yourself that is relevant to your work while also sharing fun details that audiences will find relatable.

Her bio reads:

"Building from her experience with GoCo.io and Southwest Airlines, Tristen's work has been recognized by Marketing Brew and BLACK@INBOUND. She lives in Washington, DC, attending anime conventions and painting in her free time."

Gilmore further includes a CTA link within her Instagram bio that leads followers to free, ready-to-use recipes. You might think, " Why would she do that since it discourages people from buying her book?"

But that couldn't be further from the truth.

By giving her followers the chance to try out her recipes, she's slowly turning leads into customers. After I tried a few of her Instagram recipes and loved them, I bought her book, knowing I'd like more of what she offered.

• The bio is short and direct.
• The CTA link includes an invitation for people to join her newsletter. Meaning, she can build her email list.

6. Bea Dixon : Feminine Care Founder

Bea Dixon, Founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Company, efficiently uses the space on her Instagram profile to highlight who she is as a well-rounded human — not just a businesswoman.

For instance, while she highlights her girl boss attitude with a tiara emoji, she equally calls attention to her fashion interests (Free People), her pets, Boss and Sadie, and her love for ramen noodles.

What more do you need to know?

Ian doesn't take his bio too seriously but uses every character to highlight everything about him.

He includes his skills as a marketer and podcast host, who he is outside work as a dad, and what he can help you do. His smiles also give the bio a sense of humor and realness.

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Personal Bio Examples: How to Craft a Great Bio About Yourself

May 15, 2023

As a professional or entrepreneur, having a well-crafted bio is crucial for making a great first impression on potential clients, employers, or partners. A bio is often the first thing people will read about you, and it can play a significant role in establishing your credibility, authority, and uniqueness. However, crafting a compelling bio can be a daunting task, especially if you're not a natural writer or struggle with self-promotion. A well-crafted personal bio typically includes several key elements, such as:

Introduction: Your introduction should be brief but impactful. It should capture the reader's attention and give them a sense of who you are and what you do. You can include your name, your profession or industry, and any relevant achievements or credentials.

Background: Your background section should provide more information about your education, work experience, and other relevant qualifications. This section should highlight your key skills and accomplishments, and demonstrate how they relate to your current or desired profession.

Values and interests: Including your values and interests can help to humanize your bio and show off your personality. This section should highlight your passions, hobbies, and personal values, and give the reader a sense of who you are beyond your professional accomplishments.

Achievements and awards: If you have any notable achievements or awards, be sure to include them in your bio. This could include things like industry recognition, leadership positions, or successful projects you've completed.

Call to action: A call to action is a statement that encourages the reader to take a specific action, such as visiting your website or contacting you for more information. This can be a powerful way to drive engagement and connect with potential clients or employers.

Your personal bio is an essential tool for introducing yourself to others, whether you're a freelancer, a job seeker, an entrepreneur, or simply looking to enhance your online presence. A well-crafted bio can help you stand out from the crowd, showcase your unique qualities, and connect with your audience. In this blog post, we'll explore some personal bio examples to help you craft a great bio about yourself.

The Professional Bio

A professional bio is a formal and concise introduction that emphasizes your qualifications, experience, and achievements. It is ideal for business settings, job applications, or LinkedIn profiles. Here's an example of a professional bio:

"John Smith is a seasoned marketing executive with over 10 years of experience in branding, strategy, and analytics. He has worked with leading brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, and Apple, and has a proven track record of driving revenue growth and customer engagement. John is passionate about innovation, creativity, and data-driven insights, and is dedicated to helping organizations achieve their marketing goals."

The Creative Bio

A creative bio is a more personal and expressive introduction that highlights your personality, interests, and values. It is ideal for creative fields, personal branding, or social media profiles. Here's an example of a creative bio:

"Hi, I'm Sarah, a coffee-loving writer and adventurer based in New York City. I spend my days exploring the city's hidden gems and writing about my experiences on my blog, Sarah's Adventures. When I'm not writing, you can find me sipping a latte at my favorite coffee shop, practicing yoga in Central Park, or planning my next travel adventure. I believe in living life to the fullest and inspiring others to do the same."

The Humorous Bio

A humorous bio is a playful and witty introduction that shows off your sense of humor and personality. It is ideal for informal settings, personal blogs, or social media profiles. Here's an example of a humorous bio:

"Meet Jack, a part-time superhero and full-time Netflix addict. Jack has a knack for solving complex problems with a quick wit and a cup of coffee. When he's not saving the world from boredom, you can find him binge-watching the latest sci-fi series or perfecting his pancake flipping skills. Jack believes that laughter is the best medicine, and he's always up for a good joke or a pun-tastic conversation."

Creating a personal bio webpage is an effective way to showcase your personal brand, skills, and achievements in a single online location. With the help of Simple.bio , creating a professional and polished bio webpage is easier than ever. Simple.bio is a user-friendly platform that allows you to create a personalized bio webpage in seconds. Its algorithm uses natural language processing to create a bio that sounds like you, using your inputs to generate a unique and engaging bio. With Simple.bio , you can create a bio webpage that stands out and connects with your audience.

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How to write a bio yourself that is fun and creative + 28 best bio examples

Table of contents

"With great bios comes great opportunities!"

Think of this: you’re at a party when suddenly an investor you have been trying to catch up with for some time now walks in. You quickly scramble for witty bio examples for yourself, but nothing comes to mind. So, how do you introduce yourself in such a situation?🧐

No worries, you’re not alone. Writing a bio is an art that often requires a lot of inspiration. However, you don't have to be Shakespeare or a globetrotting supermodel to have a bio that commands attention.

Whether you're starting a new career, changing directions, or just want to make sure your online presence is accurately reflecting your personal brand, we're here to help you create a bio that will make you stand out from the crowd without feeling too cheesy.

In this post, we'll explore the art of crafting creative, funny, and impactful bios for your professional or personal use, with 28 easy-to-follow bio examples for LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Tinder. Along with ready-to-pick killer tips on how to write a bio.

No need to put pen to paper and spend hours wondering what your bio can look like. Besides discussing bio writing tips and bio examples, we are going to explore using AI to create an amazing bio as well!

What is a bio? How bios are useful?

To put it simply, a bio is a short biography about yourself. It's like a mini-CV, and it's something you can use for a number of different occasions.

Let's say you're a freelancer who's actively looking for work; a bio can help show potential clients or employers what makes you unique from other people in the same field.

Bios can be used for websites, portfolios, applying for jobs , press releases, social media profiles, and any other situation where you need to introduce yourself to people.

But it's not just about bragging rights and showing off your stellar achievements; a bio should also tell people "why" you do what you do.

When you write a bio, you should focus on describing how your passions, services, and experiences connect to your mission and values. This will help people understand what motivates you and how you can help them.

Moreover, referring to well-written company bio examples can help you stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression. Once you get the hang of it, you can use bios in various ways, such as on your website , on social media, or in marketing materials.

So, in short, a bio is a short history of your past, present, and future endeavors that's designed to give people a better understanding of who you are and what you do.

No matter which type of bio you need to write, the most important thing is to be clear, concise, and interesting. Remember your audience, and don't be afraid to show off your personality!

What are the types of bios?

Bios are the gateway to the human soul (or at least the internet version of a soul). And if you look at it, there are different types of bios, depending on your audience and purpose, and you might need them to write at some point in your career.

Here's a quick rundown of the most common ones:

1. Professional bio

A professional bio is a more detailed account of your work experience and accomplishments. The purpose of this bio is to promote an individual. It is often used on a personal website, social media platforms, or as part of a job application or LinkedIn.

A professional bio can help others quickly learn about a person's background and accomplishments and can be a useful tool for networking and building professional relationships. Remember to check some professional bio examples first for inspiration when you sit down to write your professional bio.

2. Company bio

A company bio is a brief overview of your business, its history, and its mission. This is usually used on your website, on social media platforms, or in marketing materials. It should give an overview of your products or services, explain your mission and values, and give the reader a sense of what your company is all about.

3. Business bio

A business bio is similar to a company bio, but it focuses on you as the business owner. Utilize it to introduce yourself to potential customers or clients and to give them a sense of who you and your business are all about. This type of bio is often used on professional networking sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, etc, or when you're speaking at an event.

4. Personal bio

A personal bio is used to introduce yourself to new people. You can put it up on a website, in an email, or even in a physical letter. The best personal bio examples include information about a person's education, work experience, hobbies, interests, and other personal details. It can also include a person's goals and aspirations, as well as their values and beliefs.

Personal bios are often used as a way for people to connect with others who have similar interests or backgrounds. It should give an overview of your life, and it should be written in a way that is both interesting, relatable, creative, and fun. Additionally, this personal bio is intended for individuals only.

5. Dating profiles bio

A dating profile bio is a small section of text used to introduce yourself to potential matches. It usually appears on dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. The goal of a dating profile bio is to give potential matches a glimpse into who you are and what you’re looking for. It should be lighthearted and fun but also convey your values and interests.

A few things you can include in your dating profile bio are your occupation, hobbies and interests, and some fun tidbits about yourself. It should also be a reflection of your personality, and you should use it to your advantage - you never know who might come across it. So, be sure to make it interesting, informative, and entertaining! You never know who might be swiping right 😉

6. Short bio

Ever wondered how to make a tantalizing first impression with just a few lines of text? Yep, you got it - it's through a nifty little thing we call a 'short bio.'

Now, don’t just take this lightly. A short bio is like your personal elevator pitch, a golden opportunity to showcase who you are, what you do, and the value you bring—all wrapped up in a neat, engaging package. In short, it's a compact, concise summary of you, your skills, and your accomplishments.

Let's take a quick peek at some short creative bio examples:

"Meet Emily Windsor, a charismatic content strategist who has been jazzing up the digital marketing sphere for the last decade. With a knack for crafting engaging narratives, Emily's strategies have empowered brands to truly connect with their audiences. But that’s not all, folks! When Emily is not weaving marketing magic, she’s exploring serene hiking trails, recharging her creative batteries. Want a content strategy that resonates with your audience? Reach out to Emily!"

The biography example gives a glance at Emily's professional prowess, her passion, and a sprinkle of her personal life, too. That's what makes a short bio pop—it's a blend of your professional accolades with a touch of personal charm.

7. Social media profiles bio

Have you ever seen the short paragraphs that describe someone on a social media profile? Well, that's what a social media profile bio is! It's a short blurb about who you are and what you do, meant to grab the attention of potential employers, clients, and followers. Your profile bio can be used on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social media networks.

A good social media profile bio should also include relevant keywords in order to appear on key searched terms. If you're struggling to come up with a profile bio, try asking yourself questions like “What do I want to be known for?” or “How do I stand out from the rest?” From there, you can develop a profile bio that describes you in the best way possible.

8. Creative bio

A creative bio is a unique introduction of yourself or your business that captures a reader's attention and invites them to learn more. It's different from a standard bio in that it should be written in an engaging, story-like way, using exciting language and vivid descriptions.

Creative bios can be used for a variety of purposes, from introducing yourself on a website or blog to pitching a product or service in a press release. To write a creative bio, think about the main points you want to get across and the tone that best fits your brand.

Be sure to use descriptive language and vivid imagery to draw readers in and make them eager to learn more. Creative bios are a great way to make a lasting impression and can help you stand out from the crowd.

How to write a professional bio?

A professional bio is a great way to give potential employers, clients, or colleagues an insight into who you are and what you do. It can also be a helpful marketing tool, highlighting your skills and experience. And if you're looking for a new job, a professional bio can be a great way to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

So why should you have a professional bio? For starters, it's a great way to introduce yourself and give people an idea of what you do. It can also be a useful marketing tool, helping you to connect with potential clients or employers. And if you're job-hunting, a professional bio can help you to stand out from the competition.

A professional bio is also a great way to build your online presence. In today's digital world, more and more employers and clients are searching for candidates online. Having a professional bio gives you a great opportunity to showcase your skills and experience.

So if you're looking to improve your career prospects or simply want to build your online presence, a professional bio is a great place to start.

Here's a professional bio example that will give you a better overview.

In case you already have a bio and just want to paraphrase it, check out the best paraphrasing tools to help improve your content quality.

1. Professional bio for Twitter examples

Twitter is one of the most popular social networking platforms, with over 330 million active monthly users. And with such a large user base, it's no surprise that professionals use Twitter to reach potential customers.

Whether you're a seasoned Twitterati or a novice in the Twittersphere, a powerful bio can be your secret weapon. It's your 160-character elevator pitch to the world, your digital handshake, if you will.

But with such short characters space to work with, how can you make your professional Twitter profile stand out?

One way is to make sure your bio is creative, informative, and engaging. A good bio should give people an idea of who you are and what you do. It should also be interesting enough to make people want to learn more about your business.

Here are a few tips for writing a great professional Twitter bio:

• Embrace your superpower—Keywords: Incorporating industry-related keywords into your bio helps you swing into the search results of those looking for your expertise. For example, if you're an SEO expert, phrases like 'SEO aficionado,' 'SERP whisperer,' or 'keyword wrangler' could be your calling cards.
• Make it professional yet fun: Let your Twitter bio reflect your professional prowess but don't forget to sprinkle in some fun. After all, your bio will speak volumes about how it feels to be around you. And you are fun! Right?
• Show Off Your Battle Scars—Achievements: Have you led your team to a spectacular victory? Then don't shy away from showcasing your achievements in your bio. Remember, it's a testament to your capabilities and experiences.
• Create a Call to Action—Your Bat-Signal: If you have watched Batman movies, you already know it! Much like Gotham looks up to the Bat-Signal, your followers need a call-to-action (CTA). Invite them to check out your latest post, sign up for a newsletter, or even share a chuckle at your witty posts. A compelling CTA can turn casual visitors into loyal consumers.
• Stay Fresh—Update Regularly: Just as our superheroes evolve with every comic issue, your Twitter bio should reflect your growth. Regularly updating it keeps your profile fresh and relevant.

Following these tips, you're sure to create a professional Twitter bio that will make your business stand out from the rest.

Professional bio example for Twitter

2. Professional bio for Instagram examples (Instagram bio ideas)

Your Instagram bio is your introduction to the world. A professional yet creative bio can transform your Instagram profile from 'Just another face in the crowd' to 'The showstopper.' Here's your 150-character mission to make a stellar first impression—with some professional Instagram bio ideas. Sounds like an exciting expedition, right? Let's embark!

But how do you write a bio that's both professional and engaging?

Here are a few tips for writing an Instagram professional bio:

• Use keywords: Keywords are your trusty navigational tool on Instagram. Seed your bio with industry-related keywords that pique your audience's interest. For example, if you're a travel blogger, consider terms like 'Globe-Trotter', 'Adventure Curator', or 'Journey Weaver'.
• Balance professional and personal: Your Instagram bio has to be a vibrant blend of your professional capabilities and personal charms. A touch of personal flavor can make the professional part more intriguing!
• Add contact information: Just as astronauts depend on space signals for communication, your followers need an easy way to reach you. Ensure your contact details—whether your business email , phone number, or a direct 'Contact' button—are clearly visible.
• Include skills and services: Got unique skills that can help other brands skyrocket to success? Your bio is the perfect launchpad to showcase that. Add your unique skills and services and let the world know how you can help people to be as successful as you are!
• Craft call to action: Your bio needs a compelling call to action. You can guide your followers to your latest content, encourage them to explore your products, or gently prompt them to engage with a post— a well-crafted CTA can surely create a cosmic impact.
• Add emojis & hashtags: Lastly, maximize the dynamic duo of Instagram—Emojis and Hashtags. They can add a dash of color to your bio and improve its discoverability. However, just like precise navigation is crucial in space travel, careful and balanced use of emojis and hashtags is key.

By following these tips, you can write an Instagram bio that is both professional and engaging. So what are you waiting for? Get writing!

Professional bio example for Instagram

3. Professional bio for LinkedIn examples

It's time to talk about the business world's royal court—LinkedIn. Your LinkedIn bio can act as your knight in shining armor, escorting you from 'Networking Novice' to 'Business Baron.' Picture this: you have a generous 2000 characters to make a striking first impression, almost like you're preparing a keynote speech for a business conference. Exciting, right? Let's get down to business!

Here are a few tips for writing a professional bio for LinkedIn:

• Embrace authenticity: The business world values authenticity. Be yourself in your LinkedIn bio, allowing your genuine passion for your profession to be transparent. Your audience will connect more with a real, humanized bio than a list of cold, impersonal skills or job titles.
• Celebrate your accomplishments: Your LinkedIn bio is the ideal platform to highlight your career successes and milestones. Don't be modest—share the projects you nailed, the awards you received, and the recognitions that made you proud.
• Engage with visuals: Reinforce your bio with relevant media—images, videos, and slide decks. Visual elements make your profile more engaging and offer a tangible glimpse into your work, thereby enriching your narrative.
• Promote your publications: Any articles or blog posts under your name? Any book or ebook that you've authored? Use your bio to establish your thought leadership and expertise in your field. Sharing your written works is a great way to reinforce your professional standing.
• Showcase endorsements: Including snippets of testimonials or endorsements from clients, colleagues, or superiors who've praised your work can significantly boost your credibility. It's the digital equivalent of word-of-mouth recommendations.
• Highlight volunteer experiences: Sharing your volunteer work proves that you're a well-rounded individual and showcases your values. Many recruiters view volunteer work as an excellent supplement to professional experience.
• List certifications & courses: Don't forget to mention any professional development courses, certifications, or training you've undergone. This reveals your commitment to consistent learning and professional growth.
• Incorporate a personal anecdote: To make your bio more relatable and engaging, consider adding a personal story or an anecdote. It could be about how you overcame a significant challenge or a transformative moment in your career.

Writing a professional bio doesn't have to be difficult. Just follow these tips, and you'll be on your way to writing a bio that will make a lasting impression.

Professional bio example for LinkedIn

4. Professional Bio for website examples

A great bio is critical for any website. A professional bio is a great way to connect with potential customers and give them an insight into who you are and what you do. But writing a great bio can be tough. Here are a few tips to help you write a professional bio for your website that will make it shine:

• Start with a brief introduction. Tell your readers who you are and what you do in a few sentences.
• Focus on your experience. What are you an expert in? What have you accomplished?
• Highlight your unique selling points. What makes you different from your competitors?
• Don't forget to add a call to action. Tell your readers what you want them to do, whether it's contacting you for more information or visiting your website.

By following these tips, you can write a professional bio that will make your website stand out from the rest.

How to write a company bio?

If you're wondering what to write in your company bio, the answer is simple: tell your story ! Your company bio is the perfect opportunity to share your story with the world. After all, people want to do business with companies that they can relate to.

1. Company Bio for Twitter examples:

Twitter is one of the most popular social media platforms with over 450 million monthly active users. And it's not just for personal use - businesses and companies can benefit from Twitter, too!

A Twitter bio has a character limit of 160 characters , so it is challenging to figure out what information is important to include.

If you're not sure how to get started, here are quick tips for writing a company bio for Twitter :

• Make sure to include a link to your website. This is a great way to drive traffic to your site and get more customers.
• Use keywords that describe your business. This will help potential customers find you more easily.
• Keep your bio short and sweet. Twitter is all about brevity, so make sure your bio is clear and to the point.
• Don't forget to include a call to action. Tell your customers what you want them to do, whether it's visiting your website, buying your product, or following you on Twitter.

A company bio example for Twitter

2. Company Bio for Instagram examples (Instagram bio ideas)

Are you looking to write a killer company bio for Instagram? If so, you're in the right place!

With over 2 billion monthly active users, Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. And for businesses, it's a great way to connect with customers, build brand awareness, and drive sales.

As far as Instagram posts are concerned, Writesonic's Instagram Captions Generator got you covered. But what about writing the bio? (Keep reading to discover a secret hack to generate a bio in seconds...)

It can be difficult to figure out what information to include in an Instagram bio because it has a 150-character limit. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Your company bio is the first thing people will see when they visit your Instagram profile, so it's important to make a good impression.

Here are a few tips for writing a great company bio for Instagram:

• Keep it short and concise. Nobody wants to read a novel while checking out your company's Instagram bio, so you must keep the bio to the point.
• Use keywords. What words or phrases would people use to search for your business? Use those keywords in your bio to help people find you.
• Use emojis. A little bit of personality goes a long way on social media. Use emojis to add some fun to your bio.
• Include a call to action. What do you want people to do when they read your bio? Include a call to action, like "Visit our website" or "Follow us for exclusive deals."

Keep these Instagram bio tips in mind, and you're sure to write a killer company bio for Instagram that will help you attract new followers and grow your business!

A company bio example for Instagram

3. Company Bio for LinkedIn examples:

Looking to make a professional connection? LinkedIn is the perfect platform for networking, finding a job, or growing your business. And with over 875 million users, you're sure to find the right contacts for whatever you're looking for.

A LinkedIn summary, also known as a LinkedIn bio or LinkedIn about section, appears before a LinkedIn user's list of current and previous positions. Unless a visitor has a LinkedIn account, only the first three lines are visible before the user has to click 'See More.' Visitors who do not have an account are only able to see the account's maximum of 2,000 words.

Here are a few tips for writing your LinkedIn Bio:

• Keep it brief. A company bio should be around 2000 words. This is enough to give people a good overview of your business without overwhelming them.
• Focus on what makes your company unique. What are your company's values? What do you offer that no one else does? This is what will make you stand out from the crowd.
• Use keywords. LinkedIn is a search engine, so you want to make sure your company comes up when people are searching for businesses like yours. Use keywords that describe your business, products, and services.
• Include a call to action. A company bio is a great way to get people interested in your business. So make sure you include a call to action, like a link to your website or a contact form.

A company bio example for LinkedIn

4. Company bio for Company’s Website:

You want your company bio for your website to be informative, engaging, and, above all, useful to your target audience.

So, how do you write a company bio that accomplishes all three of these things?

• History: When did you start? What's your story?
• Mission: What are you striving to achieve?
• Values: What do you stand for?
• Offerings: What products or services do you offer?
• Team: Who are the people behind your business?
• Achievements: What have you accomplished?

By including these elements, you can give potential customers a well-rounded picture of your business. So go ahead and start writing!

How to write a business bio?

A business bio and a company bio are two different things in case you are wondering if they are the same.

A business bio is often written in the first person and on account of an individual's professional experience, skills, and accomplishments. It's usually used by entrepreneurs and business professionals who want to showcase their skills and knowledge.

On the other hand, a company bio, usually written in the third person, is a written description of an organization. It explains what the company does, who its customers are, and what makes it different from its competitors.

Writing a business bio can be intimidating - especially if you're not sure where to start. After all, how do you sum up your business in a few sentences? Your business bio should be a concise yet engaging overview of your experience, qualifications, and accomplishments.

1. Business bio for Twitter examples:

Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, your Twitter bio is an important part of your online presence. A well-written bio can help you attract new customers and build brand awareness. So how should you go about writing your business bio for Twitter?

You only have 160 characters to make an impression on Twitter, so it's important to make your business bio count!

Here are a few tips on how to write an effective business bio:

• Keep it short and sweet.
• Use keywords that describe what your Business is all about.
• Highlight your USP (unique selling proposition).
• Use hashtags to reach a wider audience.
• Use @mentions to connect with other businesses.

By following these tips, you can make sure your Business bio makes a great impression on Twitter!

A business bio example for Twitter

2. Business bio for Instagram examples (Instagram bio ideas)

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to write your business bio for Instagram will vary depending on your business and your target audience. This paragraph answers a popular search query for Instagram bio ideas.

A business bio on Instagram can only be 150 characters long, so use them wisely!

However, there are a few general tips you can follow to make sure your business Instagram bio is effective.

• Use keywords: Choose 1-2 keywords that best describe your business, and make sure to include them in your bio. This will help people find your business more easily when they're searching for something specific.
• Keep it short and sweet: Your Instagram bio should be brief and to the point. After all, you only have 150 characters to work with! This doesn't mean you can't be creative but try to focus on the most important information about your business.
• Use emojis: A few well-placed emojis can add personality to your bio and make it more visually appealing. Just don't go overboard - a few are plenty.
• Include a call to action: What do you want people to do when they read your bio? Include a call to action that tells them what to do next. For example, you could include a link to your website or tell people to follow you for the latest news.
• Keep it up to date: Make sure to update your bio regularly, especially if anything changes about your business.

A business bio example for Instagram

3. Business Bio for LinkedIn examples

If you're looking to make a good impression on LinkedIn, you need to have a well-written bio. After all, your bio is one of the first things people will see when they visit your profile. So how do you write a good LinkedIn business bio?

LinkedIn Bios are limited to 2000 words, and you must write them within those limits.

Here are a few tips for writing a business bio for LinkedIn:

• Figure out a goal. Think about what you want to achieve with your bio. Are you looking to attract new customers? Network with other businesses? Bring in more speaking engagements? Once you know your goal, you can start crafting your bio to appeal to your target audience.
• Consider your tone. Are you looking to come across as a professional? or do you want to appear more approachable? or humorous, for that matter? The tone you choose should be in line with your brand voice.
• Don't forget to highlight your accomplishments! This is your chance to really show off what you and your business have achieved. When writing your bio, be sure to use keywords that will help you show up in search results.

And if you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of great examples out there to help you get inspired. So what are you waiting for? Get writing!

A business bio example for LinkedIn

4. Business Bio for Website examples

Your business bio is an important part of your online presence. The more information you can provide, the better. When writing your business bio, be sure to include your name, your business name, a brief description of what you do, your contact information, and any other relevant details.

You should also include a photo of yourself, as this will help people connect with you on a personal level. The more information you can provide, the more likely people are to do business with you. So don't be afraid to boast a little bit - after all, it's your business!

There are a few key tips to include in a business bio for your website:

• Who you are: Give a brief overview of who you are and what you do.
• What you're passionate about: What are you passionate about in your work? This can help you connect with potential customers and clients.
• Your experience: Give a brief overview of your experience in the business world.
• Your approach: What is your approach to business? What makes you unique?
• Your goals: What are your goals for your business? Why are you in business?
• Your website link: Be sure to include a link to it in your bio. And if you have any testimonials, feel free to include them as well!

How to write a personal bio?

Writing a personal bio can be a great way to increase your visibility, build your reputation, and make yourself stand out. Whether you're trying to land a job, win over potential clients, or just share a bit about yourself, a well-crafted personal bio can make all the difference.

Crafting your own personal bio gives you the opportunity to share your story in your own words and get creative. You can use it to highlight your accomplishments and skills, show off your personality, and share your journey and experiences. Writing a personal bio can be a great exercise in self-reflection, helping you to gain insight into yourself.

A personal bio example that will give you a better overview.

1. Personal Bio for Twitter examples

If you're trying to master the art of how to write tweets that go viral , knowing more about bios for Twitter is more important for you than ever.

Twitter allows using up to 160 characters to describe yourself. This is all you have to include every detail about yourself, so one thing you have to be is super smart in crafting your personal bio for Twitter.

Here's how to write a personal bio for Twitter in 8 easy steps:

• Decide what you want to share in your bio. What do you want people to know about you?
• Keep it short and sweet. Remember, you only have 160 characters to work with!
• Use keywords that describe you and your business. This will help people find you when they search for those keywords.
• Be unique. Don't just list your job title and contact information. Share something that makes you stand out.
• Use proper grammar and punctuation. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people make mistakes in their bios.
• Use hashtags sparingly. One or two is fine, but more than that looks spammy.
• Make sure your bio is up-to-date. If you make a change to your business, be sure to update your bio accordingly.

Have fun! This is your chance to share a little bit about yourself, so make it count.

A personal bio example for Twitter

2. Personal Bio for Instagram examples (Instagram bio ideas)

Your personal bio on Instagram should be a fun and creative way to show the world who you are. With a little bit of creativity, you can make an awesome personal bio that will help you stand out from the crowd and make a great first impression on Instagram. The best Instagram bio ideas are formulated keeping a few tips in mind.

Here are a few tips to help you write the perfect personal Instagram bio:

• Keep it short and sweet. Your bio should be no more than 150 characters.
• Use emojis and hashtags to add personality.
• Tell people what you do. Use your bio to let people know what you do or what you're passionate about.
• Show off a sense of humor. Use your bio to show off your sense of humor.
• Be creative. Be creative with your words and with the way you format your bio.
• Promote your work. If you have a blog, website, or book, be sure to include a link in your bio.
• Connect with users on multiple platforms. Include a link to your Facebook, Twitter, or Snapchat in your bio so people can connect with you on other platforms.
• Keep it updated. Be sure to update your bio regularly so it stays fresh and relevant.

A personal bio example for Instagram

3. Personal Bio for LinkedIn examples

Writing a personal bio for LinkedIn is a great way to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your unique value. By creating an engaging and informative personal bio, you can showcase your skills, accomplishments, and experiences in a way that will make you stand out to potential employers or clients on LinkedIn.

Here are a few tips for writing a better personal bio for LinkedIn:

• Keep it short within limits of 2000 words. Start with a brief summary of who you are and what you do.
• Use keywords that describe your skills and experience.
• Highlight your accomplishments.
• Use specific examples and use cases to illustrate your points.
• Update it regularly.
• Make sure it's error-free.
• Get feedback from others.

Once you've written your bio, take some time to edit and polish it. And don't forget to update it regularly as your career progresses. With a little effort, you can create a personal bio that will make a great impression on LinkedIn.

A personal bio example for LinkedIn

4. Personal Bio for Website examples

Personal bios are a great way to give your website a personal touch. They can help visitors get to know you and your business, and they can also build trust and credibility. If you're not sure how to write a personal bio, don't worry - it's not as difficult as you might think.

Here are a few tips to get you started with your website personal bio:

• Think about your audience. Who are you trying to reach? Knowing your target audience is key to crafting the perfect bio.
• Be concise. Your bio should be a few sentences long, so make sure to include only the most important information.
• Be honest. Your bio should accurately represent who you are and what you do, so don't be afraid to show off your achievements and successes.
• Be creative and share your story. Your bio should be engaging and memorable, so don't be afraid to use metaphors and storytelling to bring it to life.
• Ask for feedback. Getting feedback from others is a great way to make sure your bio is accurate and engaging.

Writing a personal bio can be a fun and rewarding process. Take your time and enjoy sharing your story with the world!

How to write a dating profile bio?

If you're looking for love online, your dating profile bio is the first impression that potential matches will get of you. You want it to be engaging and creative so that it stands out in a sea of other profiles. Writing a creative dating profile bio is no easy feat, but it is worth the effort. Your bio should accurately represent who you are and give potential matches a glimpse into your personality and interests. Plus, it should be entertaining and interesting to read.

1. Tinder bios for girls examples

Tinder bios for girls can be tricky to write, so it's important to put thought and effort into crafting an attention-grabbing profile. Show off your personality with humor, witty comments, or even a pun or two. Encourage potential matches to learn more about you by adding interesting details and giving a sense of who you are. Make sure to include some adjectives or emojis to give your Tinder bio a bit of spice!

Here are a few tips for writing the most creative Tinder bios for girls:

• Start with a funny opening line or joke.
• Use specific, interesting details. Describe your personality and interests in an engaging way.
• Keep it short and sweet. Make it concise, and use as few words as possible.
• Encourage conversation. This will give potential matches something to talk to you about.
• Include emojis to add some flavor. Emojis can be funny, quirky, or even a bit sarcastic - whatever suits your personality.
• Be positive and confident. Show off your best qualities, and make sure to highlight what makes you special.

Here are some example Tinder bios for girls:

• "When I'm not solving the world's problems, I'm busy playing cello and cuddling my cat."
• "I'm an explorer who loves living life to the fullest. Ready to join me on this journey?"
• "The voice of awkwardness, searching for someone to make me laugh (emoji)"
• "Avid Harry Potter fan, reader, and wine enthusiast. Looking for my Ron or Hermione?"
• "I'm a nomad on the quest for knowledge, culture, and adventure. Wanna be my sidekick?"
• "I'm a coffee-lover, road-tripper, and weekend chef. And I'm actually looking for someone to share the journey with."
• "Cat mom, bookworm, and all-around adventurer. Let's get coffee and explore the world together?"

2. Tinder bios for guys examples

Tinder bios for guys should be both entertaining and informative. Show off your personality and interests by adding unique adjectives, funny jokes, or witty comments. Don't be afraid to be yourself and express who you are! You want to stand out from the crowd, so don't be afraid to get creative and show off your sense of humor.

Here are a few tips to write the most creative tinder bios for guys:

• Start by asking yourself what you want your bio to say about you. Are you funny? Creative? A little bit of both? Once you know what kind of vibe you want to give off, focus on finding ways to express it in your bio.
• Use humor, clever wordplay, and even a sprinkling of puns to make your bio as engaging as possible. But don't forget to add some genuine facts about yourself, too. After all, your bio should give potential matches an idea of who you really are.
• Make sure to proofread your bio for any typos or errors. A few simple misspellings can make you look sloppy, which is the opposite of the cool, confident impression you're going for. With these tips in mind, you'll be writing the most creative Tinder bios for guys in no time!

Here are some example Tinder bios for guys:

• "Adventurer and thrill-seeker looking for my companion in crime. Who's up for joining me on this wild ride?"
• "Humble jokester and beer enthusiast looking for my partner in crime. Who's up for some fun?"
• "I'm a movie-lover, world traveler, and foodie, and I'm always looking for the next exciting adventure."
• "Craft beer aficionado and startup enthusiast. Let's grab a beer and discuss our ideas together."
• "Avid gamer, music lover, and UFC fan. Looking for something real and genuine."
• "I'm a yogi and full-time science nerd. How about our next adventure be to the lab?"
• "Last of the romantics, searching for my queen. Let's embark on this journey together!"

How to write a short bio?

A short bio is a brief description of who you are and what you do. A short bio can be used for professional purposes, such as on a resume or online portfolio, or for personal purposes, such as on social media or in a personal introduction.

It should be concise and to the point. It should include your most important accomplishments and credentials, as well as a bit about your personal life or interests if desired. Writing a short bio can be a challenge, but with a little thought and effort, it can be done!

Here are a few tips to help you get started writing a short bio:

• Decide what information you want to include. Think about your most important accomplishments and what you want people to know about you.
• Once you have an idea of what you want to include, start writing a short bio! Be sure to keep it concise and to the point.
• Keep in mind that a short bio should be very creative and appealing to the users.
• Don't forget to proofread your bio before you publish it. You want to make sure it is free of errors and accurately represents you.

Writing a short bio doesn't have to be difficult. With a little planning and effort, you can create a bio that is both informative and engaging.

A short bio example

How to write a social media bio?

A social media bio is a short description of who you are and what you do, used on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. A good social media bio should give your audience an idea of your interests, your personality, and your expertise. Social media bio should also be optimized for SEO, using keywords that will help you show up in search results. A great social media bio can influence people to follow and engage with you, so it's important to take the time to craft a good one!

All social media platforms have different restrictions for publishing social media Bios.

• Twitter bio has a limit of 160 characters
• Instagram bio has a limit of 150 characters
• LinkedIn bio has a limit of 2000 words.

So all types of social media bios, whether personal bio, professional bio, company bio, or business bio, should be limited to these characters' length.

Here are a few tips for writing social media bio:

• Keep it short and sweet: your bio should be no more than a few sentences long.
• Use keywords: as we mentioned, keywords are important for SEO. Use them throughout your bio to make sure you're showing up in search results.
• Be creative: use your bio as an opportunity to show off your personality. Be funny, quirky, or serious, but make sure you're being true to yourself.
• Use calls to action: tell your audience what you want them to do, whether it's following you on social media or visiting your website.

By following these tips, you can create a social media bio that will help you attract new followers

Example of social media bios

Twitter social media bio example

Instagram social media bio example

LinkedIn social media bio example

5 Instagram SEO tips to increase your Instagram bio reach

Are you looking for ways to boost your reach on Instagram? Look no further! We’ve put together our top five Instagram SEO tips to help you increase your Instagram bio reach.

Tip #1: Maximize the Use of Your Username and Profile Photo Your username and profile photo are the most visible aspects of your Instagram profile, so it’s important to take full advantage of them in order to increase your reach. Use a keyword-rich username that is easily identifiable, and use an eye-catching profile photo that will draw people’s attention.

Tip #2: Optimize Your Instagram Bio - Using keywords in your Instagram bio can help improve your search engine rankings. Make sure to include a description of your brand and insert your most important keywords in the bio. Additionally, use visuals like emojis and line break to make your bio stand out.

Tip #3: Use Hashtags Strategically Hashtags are an integral part of Instagram content, but it’s important to use them strategically. Research and use keywords that your target audience is searching for, and make sure to include them in your posts and captions.

Tip #4: Utilize Geotagging. Including geotagged locations in your posts can help you to reach a new, geographically-targeted audience. Utilizing geotagging can help you to gain followers who are interested in the same type of locations that you love.

Tip #5: Analyze and Refine. Make sure to track and analyze your Instagram stats! By evaluating your reach and engagement, you can make changes and refine your strategy to get the most out of your Instagram profile.

By following these five Instagram SEO tips, you can boost the reach of your Instagram bio and build a larger, more engaged audience.

How to write a creative bio?

A creative bio is a short, attention-grabbing description of yourself or your business. It should be written in a way that entices the reader to know more about you.

Writing a creative bio can be both fun and profound since it's something that can shape your life story. It's also a document that could be read by everyone from your boss to a potential investor, so make sure it's filled with truthful claims and memorable phrases.

The purpose of writing a creative bio is to leave the reader amused or astonished. A creative bio can be used on your website, in your social media profiles, or even in your HTML email signature .

Here is a creative bio example you can check out:

"Introducing Alex Crimson, an artist whose self-taught journey began in the heart of New York City's bustling art scene. Alex's work, a creative dance of color and form, has found its way into art galleries and magazines around the globe. But the canvas isn't her only source of inspiration. Alex's vibrant garden, a microcosm of nature's boundless beauty, often serves as a muse for her abstract creations. In the interconnectedness of nature, Alex finds a reflection of her artistic philosophy."

This bio is of Alex Crimson, who claims to be a self-taught artist and is the perfect example of a creative bio. The bio refers to Alex's work as a "creative dance of color and form," which showcases the person's innovative artistry. Apart from that, the last line of the bio indicates a deep, philosophical approach to her art. She sees an interconnectedness in nature and reflects that in her work, suggesting a creative process that goes beyond aesthetics to consider deeper themes and connections.

A well-written bio can help you stand out from the crowd and attract new customers or clients. So if you're looking to make a good impression, be sure to write a creative bio that accurately represents who you are and what you do.

Here are a few tips for writing a creative bio

• Include a unique detail or two. Make yourself stand out by adding a quirky detail or telling an interesting story about yourself.
• Be authentic and show off your personality. Avoid generic phrases and words. Show off your sense of humor and your passions so that the reader can get a sense of who you really are.
• Talk about accomplishments. Don't be afraid to toot your own horn and mention what you've achieved. This will show potential customers or clients why you're the best at what you do.
• Keep it short and simple. Try to keep it to a few sentences. If you have a long list of accomplishments or lots of information to include, make sure to write it in a way that's easy to read and digest.
• Ask for feedback. Getting feedback from others is a great way to make sure your bio is creative, accurate, and engaging.

How can Writesonic help in writing bios that are fun, engaging, and creative?

If you're looking for help in writing bios for yourself or your business, Writesonic is the perfect solution! The Writesonic platform specializes in creating high-quality, keyword-rich bios that are sure to get you noticed.

Whether you need a bio for your website or social media or just to introduce yourself, Writesonic can help. We'll work with you to get to know you and your business and then craft a bio that perfectly captures who you are and what you do.

This AI bio writing tool also makes sure to include all the important SEO keywords that will help you get found online. So if you're ready to take your bio to the next level, give Writesonic a try! We'll help you create a bio that's sure to get results.

Here's how you can use the Writesonic Personal Bio generator to create professional bios and personal bios for yourself.

Step 1 - Find Personal Bios on your Writesonic dashboard

The first thing you see when you log in to your Writesonic account is your Writesonic dashboard or library. If you don't have a Writesonic account yet, sign up now and claim your 10,000 words for free.

Step 2 - Type in your requirements

Next, fill in the given boxes with the required input. This involves your name, personal information, and tone of voice (language, if required- the default language is set to English).

Step 3 - Hit Generate

Finally, click on generate to create 3 pieces of personal bios at a time. If you want more, just click on regenerate.

And if you want to write impressive bios for your company, use Writesonic's Company Bio Generator to create many in seconds.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

Step 1 - Find Company Bios in your Writesonic library

The first thing you see when you log in to your Writesonic account is your Writesonic dashboard or library. If you don't have a Writesonic account yet, sign up now and claim your 2,500 words for free.

Step 2 - Fill in the input boxes

Now, fill in the given boxes with the required input. This involves your company's name, company information, and tone of voice (language, if required- the default language is set to English).

Finally, click on generate to create 3 pieces of personal bios at a time. If you want more, just click on regenerate.\

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write a short bio.

Writing a short bio is like making a bubbly snack platter: you have to take what you have and fill up the space with the perfect combination of deliciousness.

Start with your mission statement, which is like the fancy centerpiece of the platter. What makes you unique? Why are you here? What can people expect when they see your work? These are the tasty morsels that you sprinkle around the centerpiece in your short bio.

Look for stories or highlights that showcase your best accomplishments, awards, and accolades. Think of them as yummy sides to your mission statement. Choose wisely: Too many can make the plate seem overwhelming, and too few could leave the platter looking empty.

Finally, top the platter with some spiced-up words. What adjectives, nouns, and metaphors best describe you and your work? Think of these as your secret ingredients, giving your dish just the right amount of flavor.

To generate a short bio for yourself, use Writesonic’s personal bio generator. Now you can enjoy your tasty snack platter! With a well-crafted and unique bio, you'll have readers coming back for more.

What is a good bio for yourself?

Here’s an example of a good bio -

Hi, I'm [name]! I'm a multi-passionate creative who lives life chasing adventure and inspiration. I'm a sculptor, ceramicist, and illustrator with a love of crafting stories and experiences.

From wild forest hikes to industrial archaeology, I'm always looking for something new to try. I'm also an active member of my local creative community and am passionate about spreading the joy of creative expression to all.

I believe that everyone has a unique story to tell and a unique way to express it.

It's my mission to help people share their vision and unlock the power of their imagination. So, if you're looking for someone who's excited about exploring the world, pushing boundaries, and unlocking your creative potential, then I'm your guy.

If you want to generate many such personalized bios for yourself, use Writesonic’s Personal Bio generator now!

What is a good short bio?

Short bios need to pack a punch. You have one chance to make a great first impression. When it comes to writing a good short bio, it's all about getting to the point.

Think of it like an elevator pitch: you have a few seconds to introduce yourself quickly and explain why you're worth keeping around. Use action words and strong verbs to make every word count.

Start by introducing yourself, then detail your professional experience and interests. It's a good idea to mention your achievements, but make sure you don't come across as boastful. Finally, end with a call to action that encourages readers to take the next steps – whether it's following you on social media or signing up for your newsletter.

An effective short bio should be entertaining and informative. Be creative and unique to stand out from the crowd. Keep it concise and avoid obvious or generic facts. At the end of the day, your bio should communicate who you are in a memorable way.

How to write a bio about yourself?

Writing about yourself can feel like a daunting task if you've never done it before, but don't worry, we got you. It's actually quite simple.

First, decide what story you want to tell. This can be about your career, your passions, your beliefs, or anything! Just make sure it's unique and honest.

Once you know what you want to say, brainstorm the main points. What experiences and achievements do you want to highlight? Then, research any facts or stats that can add credibility to your story.

Second, decide what style and tone you want to write in. Do you want to go for a funny approach or a serious one? Will your writing be casual or professional? This is important, as it helps add personality to your writing and make it more enjoyable to read.

Third, write! This is the part where you actually put your thoughts and ideas onto the page (or screen). Don't worry if it's not perfect; you can always go back and edit it later. Just keep writing until you've said everything you wanted to say.

Finally, review and revise your work. Once you're done writing, make sure to re-read everything to check for typos and grammar mistakes. You can also read it out loud or have someone else read it to you. This step can help you see any areas that need improvement or clarification.

And there you have it, the basics of writing about yourself. And if you don’t want to waste hours figuring all this out, just key in your information in Writesonic’s bio generators, and boom—you get three personalized bios in seconds.

How can I make my bio look pretty?

Quick disclaimer: 'Pretty' is in the eye of the beholder, and beauty is relative. Don't fret about making your bio perfect by some standard of beauty.

That being said, here are a few tips.

First, keep it clean and organized. Don't try to jam everything in - it's better to leave out information than to cram it all in and make it confusing for the reader. A white background, a couple of bolded headings, and some short paragraphs can go a long way.

Second, avoid jargon. Your bio should be easy to read, so don't go overboard with technical language. No one expects you to dumb down your accomplishments, but a clunky bio can be off-putting and hard to get through.

Third, add in a little personality. If you can, give yourself a brief profile at the beginning - sometimes, a few sentences aren't enough to capture who you are, so a one-liner or two can go a long way. Throw in a joke or two or a fun fact about yourself. A bio is really a snapshot of who you are, so anything that helps give it life is a good idea.

Finally, make sure you proofread, of course. A typo or two isn't the end of the world but remember - first impressions matter. A bio is often what people judge you on, so make sure it's the best version of you.

And if you need any help writing bios for yourself or your business, try Writesonic now!

How do I make my bio attractive?

Try to think like a glamor magazine editor. Picture your bio as a cover story.

The basics are standard, such as a brief summary of your career, education, and unique background. Focus on why you are uniquely qualified for the position or task at hand.

If you skim through biography examples, you may find most of them dull, uninspired, and something that fails to bring any emotion or passion. So you know what to avoid while creating an attractive bio about yourself.

You got to spice up your bio with creativity and engaging storytelling. Reflect your personality from a different perspective through your bio while being legit. Highlight why your career has been special or how it has been meaningful to others; explain the obstacles you overcame to get where you are today. Be creative and inventive.

End with a grand finale. Explain your purpose, dream, or mission statement. What are you seeking to do? Who are you hoping to help? Share your vision for the future.

By offering a richer picture of yourself, you humanize your career, enhance your credibility and draw the reader into your story. That, my friend, is an attractive bio.

What should be in a 3 sentence bio?

Humans are notorious for their ability to jam more words into sentences than necessary. Let's take the opposite approach by creating a 3 sentence bio that captures the essence of who you are.

Sentence one: Introduce yourself with a short tagline, like "Data engineer by day, an armchair philosopher by night."

Sentence two: Describe your skills and interests, such as "I use my analytical skills to solve problems while also enjoying hiking and reading sci-fi novels."

Sentence three: Finish strong by including where you are heading, such as "I strive to become an expert in data science and work on projects that have a global impact."

There you have it: a concise, powerful 3-sentence bio! Claim your first 2,500 words for free on Writesonic to create a short bio now!

What are some best bios?

The best bios are those that are creative, quirky, and convey a clear message. A good bio whispers, "This person is interesting," and invites others to explore you further.

For example, take Lindsey, our marketing manager, who loves photography. She could focus her bio on her job and mention her passion for photography. However, this approach can be dull and generic. Instead, she could focus on the fact that she has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and mention photography as an interesting side tidbit.

See, the key is to stand out. Being specific, authentic, and interesting is the goal. Sure, you could list off your qualifications and job title, but what's the point? Nobody is going to remember. Embrace the unknown and express your personality!

In the end, biographies are all about getting people to notice you. So take a risk and show off your authentic self because that's what makes you unique!

What should a professional bio include?

Whether you do it on Linkedin, Instagram, or the back of a cereal box, the purpose of your professional bio is to quickly and succinctly communicate who you are and what you do. Here's a quick guide for maximizing the impact of your professional bio. 1. Start with your name and position.

2. Include your credentials and qualifications.

3. Describe your experience and accomplishments and how they benefit others.

4. Showcase your personality and unique talents.

5. Highlight past projects and successes.

6. Don’t be shy about what you do.

7. Include your contact information.

A powerful professional bio will tell your story in a way that appeals to both your target audience and potential employers. It should be succinct yet powerful. Don’t be afraid to be creative and showcase your personality, but don’t forget to keep it professional. Your bio should accurately reflect your identity and complement your brand, and if done correctly, it can help you stand out in the professional world.

How do you write a simple professional bio?

Say you were a boss and want to type up a bio of your best employee. What would you do?

It's easy: get a mugshot, write a couple of sentences, and BOOM – you have a professional bio. But if you want to make sure it's a good one, the best advice is to go with the classics.

Start with the basics. Full name, job title, and company name. Then go into more detail: how long the person has been with the company, what duties they have, any specific skills or talents they have, and a few personal tidbits about them.

You should also include some language that speaks to the person's professional accomplishments. What have they done to improve the company? Have they won any awards or recognition? You can also include any interesting hobbies or unique life experiences, but leave anything too personal out.

Finally, you'll want to give a couple of quotes from the person. This gives people a better idea of who they are and what drives them. Keep in mind the quotes should be professional and reflect the person's overall character.

Writing a great bio is all about getting the right tone and balance. Don't make it too corporate, but don't make it too casual either. Strike a balance, and you'll have a great, simple professional bio that reflects your best employee in a few sentences.

How do you introduce yourself in a professional bio?

This is an example of how you can introduce yourself in your professional bio…

Hi, my name is [your name], and I'm a professional [title]. I specialize in [field], with experience in [field] and [field]. I'm passionate about [topic] and have a penchant for exploring new ideas and solutions. I'm always looking to expand my knowledge, network, and skillset.

I'm a creative, detail-oriented individual with a drive for success. I'm a team player but can work independently to get the job done. I'm also great at problem-solving, communication, and multitasking.

If you're looking for someone with a unique blend of skills, I'm your person. I'm an enthusiastic individual with a proven track record of success. I'm excited to bring my knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to the team and am confident I can help you reach your goals and progress the organization.

To generate even more personalized professional bios for yourself or your company, try using Writesonic’s bio generators.

Which bio generator is best: Writesonic Vs. Rytr?

Rytr’s bio generators will simply rephrase your given information without adding the “magic touch” you need. However, Writesonic’s bio generators take into account all the information you provide and turn it into an attractive personalized bio in seconds. Try using it for free now!

Is Writesonic’s personal bio generator better than CopyAI?

Writesonic's personal bio generator is way better than CopyAI.

It's true: our personal bio generator uses the latest artificial intelligence technology to create bios customized to each individual.

We offer a range of features that CopyAI doesn't, like our AI-enabled bulk generation feature, which can generate 100s of bios in seconds. And because we integrate the latest AI models, you can rest assured that our bio generator is constantly learning and improving so you can get the most out of your bio.

Plus, our personal bio generator is incredibly fast and easy to use. With just a few clicks, you can create a powerful, unique bio that captures who you are and what you do in no time. So, if you're looking for a cutting-edge personal bio generator, Writesonic is definitely better than CopyAI.

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How to Write a Short Professional Bio (With Examples and Templates)

3 key takeaways

• What a short professional bio is and why you need one
• What to include in a short bio to make it stand out and relevant to your audience
• Short professional bio examples, templates, and a faster way to write your biography with Teal's Professional Bio Generator

In a world where just about everyone is represented online, your short professional bio often serves as a first introduction.

Often, it's what employers or other professionals will use to form their initial impression. And how you present yourself can help influence whether someone invites you to connect, interview you, or simply move on.

Below, you'll learn what you need to write your bio and how to actually write one. You'll also find templates and some short professional bio examples to use as a guide.

Looking for a quicker way to a polished bio? Sign up for Teal for free and try the Professional Bio Generator.

What is a short professional bio? 

A short professional bio is exactly what it sounds like—a short professional biography that introduces yourself and gives a brief overview of your career and accomplishments. It gives future employees, colleagues, and anyone else you're networking with a more well-rounded picture of who you are.  

While "short" can be subjective, length often depends on the platform and the audience you're sharing your bio with. There's no one-size-fits-all, and you'll tailor the length based on where it's being shared—whether that’s on your personal website, LinkedIn profile, Twitter bio, or your resume.

What’s the difference between a professional bio and short professional bio?

A professional bio and a short professional bio both summarize your career, qualifications, and achievements, but each caters to different contexts and needs. 

A professional bio is a detailed account—that can span several paragraphs—and covers your:

• Career background
• Most noteworthy achievements and impact or results
• Skills you've developed or are developing
• Some personal insights

This version is appropriate for professional websites, long-form pitch documents, or networking platforms (like in your LinkedIn About Me section) where a more thorough introduction is valuable.

On the other hand, a short professional bio is a concise version that filters the most important information from your professional bio into key takeaways. A short bio:

• Communicates your core qualifications
• Briefly touches on your professional persona
• Is ideal for your resume, author bio, or speaking engagements
• Can be used across social media profiles like Twitter and Instagram

What to include in a short bio 

Your short bio should summarize the key takeaways from a longer, more rounded-out professional bio. Think of it as kind of an elevator pitch that highlights what you'd want your target audience (who doesn't know much—if anything—about you) to understand about your career so far.

Here are some things you'll want to address.

• Level of education, if relevant to the audience
• Years of experience in your field, if relevant to the audience
• Your current or former career title
• Major professional accomplishments with impact or goals
• Professional experience, skills, and area(s) of expertise

Now, if you're a student or making a pivot, like transitioning into a new field where you might not have relevant work experience, you'll focus more on your educational achievements (think relevant awards, projects, or volunteer experience) and the skills and knowledge you're developing.

What to include in a short bio if you’re a student

Even if you're still in school, there's plenty of information you can include in your bio, like: 

• Where you're from
• What university, trade school, or boot camp you're attending
• Your area of study or intended major
• Any clubs, teams, volunteering, or other extracurriculars you're a part of 
• Any internships you've completed
• Your career goals 
• Your availability

Generate your professional bio with AI

Want to save time? You can also use the Teal to generate multiple versions of your short professional bio.

How to write a short bio

There's no right or wrong way to write your own bio. Think of this next section as a guide, and remember: short professional bios are unique to each person.

Here are the things you might want to consider if you're ready to write your professional bio:

1. Choose your voice

You have the option to write your short bio from either a first or third-person POV.

In the first person, you'll use  "I, me, and my." In the third person, you'll refer to yourself using your name and preferred pronouns.

As a general rule, using the third person is typically considered more formal, while using the first person is more casual and personal.

 First-person example : "I'm a bestselling author. My work has been published in The New York Times."

Third-person example: "Zane Smith is a bestselling author. His work has been published in The New York Times."

If you want to write and store multiple versions of your short professional bio in different tones or even with different information, use Teal to write and save as many versions as you need for free.

2. Choose your tone

Language can convey different moods. Depending on the context and your personal brand , your bio can sound more buttoned-up or more relaxed and conversational.

These two sentences describe the same person but showcase very different tones and writing styles: 

Example 1: “A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Sally is currently a consultant at XYZ Consulting based out of their New York office.” 

Example 2: “A recent UPenn grad, Sally swore off econ after years of hard classes only to end up as a consultant at a major firm — but don't worry, she loves it.” 

3. Start with your name and a current or recent role

This isn't a hard and fast rule, but to get your bio started, it's usually easiest to start with your name and current professional title or role. 

Example: “Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company.”

If you're pivoting careers , you can list your most recent role and use your first sentence to say what you're looking to do next.

Example 1: “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is actively pursuing new opportunities in marketing management.” 

Example 2 : “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is now an aspiring 2nd grade teacher.” 

4. Share your accomplishments and achievements

Once you've introduced yourself and your current title, you can flow into your professional background, former job titles, and what you've done or aspire to do. Together, the first two sentences of your bio could read something like this: 

Example:  “Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company. Previously, he was a Marketing Specialist at FGH Tech Company, where he grew paid traffic to their website by 500% year over year.” 

Pro Tip: Not sure where to start? Try the generative AI in the Teal Resume Builder . With Teal's AI, you can write individual achievement-based bullet points using a job description, keywords, or a custom prompt to articulate your accomplishments effectively and confidently.

5. Share your philosophy or “why” 

Self-promotion can feel incredibly uncomfortable, but it's important to make sure you don't undermine your value. Your “why,” the reason you do what you do every day, can be powerful and meaningful. Adding what gives you the spark to start each workday can set your own professional bio apart from others. 

Example: “Claire was inspired to pursue a career in elder law after volunteering in a nursing home throughout high school and college.” 

6. Add your personal touch

Even though your bio will be used in a professional capacity, it's okay to list a few personal details. We're more than just our jobs, and adding a few personal facts can help illustrate who you are outside of the office. 

Example: “When he's not working, Martin can be found tending to his spice garden and going on nature walks with his golden retriever.” 

Short professional bio examples

Examples of professional bios are invaluable because they provide a clear framework and inspiration for writing your own. They can also help you see how to condense years of experience into a few compelling sentences so you communicate the right details clearly, briefly, and full of impact. 

Short bio example for a personal website

"AUDREE KATE LOPEZ IS A FASHION STYLIST, EDITOR, INDUSTRY EXPERT AND INFLUENCER BASED IN NEW YORK. Audree began her professional career in the fashion departments at Glamour, O, the Oprah Magazine, Editorialist and Redbook magazines. She launched Audree Kate Studios in 2017 and worked on freelance projects at Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia, J.Crew and Club Monaco, joined the styling team at Alice + Olivia and became a contributing fashion editor for StyleCaster.com. Over the past few years Audree has styled for various publications, celebrities and retail brands. In 2016, Audree founded a digital course and community for fashion students called Fashion Fundamentals and has hosted workshops and classes around the country, and wrote an ebook titled Fashion Fundamentals."

Why it works: Audrey's bio immediately establishes her as a multifaceted professional within the fashion industry. It outlines her career trajectory and showcases broad experience and evolution, demonstrating growth and adaptability. The mention of initiatives and workshops adds a layer of approachability and commitment to education in her field, improving her appeal as an influencer and mentor.

Professional short bio example on LinkedIn

"Latina creator. Speaker. Tech Mentor. Christen is the Founder of the newly launched app Clara, a community that empowers creators through transparency, brand reviews, and discoverability. An industry vet, Christen has almost a decade of experience working with top content creators at social networking companies such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. She is a motivational speaker and mentor in the tech space who is passionate about helping people break into the industry through career advice and actionable content."

Why it works: This professional bio online is punchy and concise. It opens by noting Christen's titles and includes years of experience, giving her credibility while underscoring her heritage (which can resonate strongly with a diverse audience on LinkedIn). By focusing on her app, she not only showcases initiative but also aligns herself with trends in tech innovation. Rounding out her short bio are details of working with top content creators, establishing her as a seasoned industry pro.

Short professional bio example on social media

"Founder of Makelane, a private community for female DTC founders. 70K followers on TikTok where I analyze consumer brands"

Why it works: With only 160 characters to work with, Dulma’s Twitter bio is an example of brevity. It clearly outlines her two main pursuits: managing an online community and producing content for TikTok, making it easy for readers to gauge her interests and activities at a glance.

Company website short bio examples

"Meet our wonderful team We're a tight-knit group of curious creatures, always learning, and constantly seeking out new perspectives and ideas. Get to know our team—they're what makes Teachable, well, Teachable."

Why it works: "Meet our wonderful team" feels like a personal invitation to get to know the group, which can make visitors more inclined to engage. Describing them as "tight-knit" and "curious creatures" adds character and illustrates a vibrant and collaborative work environment. Highlighting that the team is "always learning" and "constantly seeking out new perspectives" positions Teachable as a dynamic and innovative company—committed to growth and evolution.

Tips for writing a short bio

Even though there aren't official rules for writing a bio, there are still some things you should strive for as well as steer clear of if you want to make the best possible impression. 

1. Tailor your professional bio to your audience

Whether it's potential employers, LinkedIn connections, Twitter followers, or visitors to your website, each platform and audience has its own expectations. Keep your information relevant and concise, focusing on what matters most to that intended audience.

2. Be authentic

Your bio is not the place to fudge the truth about who you are. Be honest about what you've done and where you're heading. Not telling the truth could bar you from achieving your goals and land you in hot water. 

3. Prioritize relevant information

We really hate to be the one to tell you this, but unfortunately, most people do not have the time or patience to read a five-paragraph essay about your life story. Sorry to break it to you! 

4. Be relatable

No matter how lofty your accomplishments are, staying grounded may help you establish stronger connections with others. This is where adding personal details and highlighting your personal brand can serve you well. Whether that's with a hobby, interest , or other role outside of work, being relatable can let others understand and get to know you better and determine if you would be a good fit for a company.  

5. Be professional

It's appropriate and expected for you to talk about your professional skills and accomplishments in your short bio. That said, there's a fine line between talking about your achievements and sounding arrogant. These two examples talk about the same accomplishment but come across differently: 

Example 1: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was selected out of nearly 7,000 applicants to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring.” 

Example 2: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was the obvious choice to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring (because he's the best).” 

Also, if you're revising your bio after a lay-off or termination, avoid sounding spiteful. As tempting as it might be, don't make negative statements or accusations in your short bio. Positivity and a good attitude will get you much further.

Short professional bio templates

If you prefer to plug and play or need a short bio in a pinch, don't worry; here are three short bio templates to get you started:

Short professional bio template for working professionals

[First name last name] is [currently/formerly] a [insert most recent job title] at [most recent company name] . A proud graduate of [school or university] , they were inspired to pursue a career in [field] after [explain what led to your decision to work in your industry] . Prior to working at [most recent job title], they were the [previous title] at [previous company], where they were responsible for [insert professional accomplishments here] . In their free time, they can be found [insert your favorite hobbies] . 

Short professional biography template for students

[First name last name] is a current [year] at [institution] majoring in [area(s) of study] . On campus, [First name] is actively involved in [activity name] , for which they [insert details about what you do for the activity you're involved in] . They most recently [interned/worked] at [organization name] , where they had the opportunity to [insert details about what you did on the job] . They intend to work in the [insert field name or industry] after graduation to follow their passion of [insert what you are passionate about] . In their spare time, they can be found [insert your favorite hobbies] . 

Short professional bio template for a gap in employment

[First name last name] is a [position/job title] with [number] years of experience in [specific skills or industry] . Following [briefly mention the reason for the employment gap] , [he/she/they] took some time off to focus on [briefly mention what they did during the gap, e.g., personal development, family obligations, health reasons] . During this time, [he/she/they] also [briefly mention any relevant skills or achievements acquired during the gap] . [Name] is now eager to return to the workforce and is excited to bring [specific skills/accomplishments] to [his/her/their] next role. With a proven track record of [list specific achievements or skills] , [Name] is confident in [his/her/their] ability to contribute to [specific industry/profession] and make an impact in [his/her/their] next position.

If you decide to use any of these biography templates, tweak it ever-so-slightly. Once you've finished entering your details, try adding a bit of personal flair.

Swap adjectives, remove anything that doesn't quite fit with your vibe or experiences, or append some more personal details as you see fit. Feel free to work off of any one of the bios from these resume examples to get a feel for how different styles can be used across roles.

Create your short professional bio with Teal

In a digital world where your online presence often speaks before you do, writing a good, short professional bio is more important than ever. It's the first glimpse potential employers, clients, or colleagues get of your professional life and persona, and the right presentation can open doors to new opportunities and connections. 

Teal's Professional Bio Generator saves time by speeding up the writing process with AI. Whether you're trying to impress potential employers, clients, or peers, Teal's generator adapts to your needs and experience, allowing you to create a unique short bio for any audience with one click.

Ready to write a professional bio with maximum impact in less time?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a short professional bio.

An example of a short professional bio is: "Katie is a seasoned marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in digital advertising strategies. She has helped numerous brands achieve their online marketing goals, leading to increased visibility and 3x revenue YoY."

How do you write an impressive short bio?

To write an impressive short bio, focus on your most significant achievements, relevant skills, and experiences that set you apart. Keep it concise and tailored to your audience to engage and leave a memorable impression. You can also use the Teal  AI Resume Builder  Generative AI to craft a bio that highlights your unique professional journey and skills in an engaging way.

What is a short biography about yourself?

A short biography about yourself should concisely summarize your professional background, major accomplishments, and skills. For example, "I'm an innovative software developer with 5 years of experience in creating scalable applications, known for my ability to troubleshoot complex issues and my commitment to delivering high-quality software solutions."

Emily Polner

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We help you find the career dream.

• Jul 13, 2022

How to Write a Stand-Out Professional Bio (with Examples)

Not good at writing about yourself? Follow these handy tips!

Nikki Vivian

Careers Coach and Writer

Reviewed by Hayley Ramsey

If you’ve reached the point in your life where you’re applying for jobs and making headway in your career, networking online, or setting up a business, the chances are, you’ve needed to write a professional biography. This can be a daunting task. Writing about ourselves and focusing on our strengths doesn’t always come easy, and neither does making it captivating enough to draw in the reader.

Take a look through our article on how to write a professional bio, with top tips for what to include and detailed examples for inspiration.

What is a professional bio

A professional bio is a short introduction or summary about you and what you can offer. Its purpose is to sell you as a professiona l in whatever capacity you are using it for. Typically, you can use a bio at the start of your CV , you can have a detailed bio on a LinkedIn profile , and you can present a bio to clients, employers or customers.

For your bio to be effective, it needs to be written in a way that draws in the reader, giving them all the information they need to know about you in a professional capacity, in a way that is engaging, clear and genuine. Think of it as your sales pitch.

You can be creative or stick to a traditional structure for your bio, but there are certain things that you may want to include:

• Current job title
• Educational attainment
• Relevant certifications
• Area of specialism
• Skills and experience
• Previous career background

How to write a professional bio

Knowing what you need to include is one thing, but writing it can still be tricky. It has to be catchy so that the reader wants to continue to the end, and it has to give all the information needed to do you and your professional standing justice. It is a snapshot of you and your career, so you want to make sure you come across professional and qualified but also demonstrate how you stand out.

Here are some tips to help.

Give an introduction

Start your personal biography with an introduction to who you are. You can include your name and what you do currently, or a summary of your most recent years of experience. If you have a business you are representing, this can also be stated here as part of the introduction. Starting with an introduction is impactful and personal and sets the scene.

Highlight your experience

As well as introducing yourself in terms of what you do, you will do well to include some details about your current role or business, along with previous experience that brought you to this point. Think about your responsibilities, what you’re best known for, and how you got to the position you are currently in.

Avoid using phrases like “trying to” or “attempting to”, as this makes it sound like you’re not achieving the things you’re aiming for. Go with something more powerful, as you are doing it (and doing it well!)

Focus on achievements

What you do on a day-to-day basis is important, but your bio needs to show what you personally have to offer. Think about what makes you stand out, such as any awards, commendations, or anything with great results that you have contributed to personally. These need to be a focus of your bio. For example, think about using percentages to show increase in revenue, numbers to demonstrate how many people you managed or secured at an event or naming (and linking to) publications that you were mentioned in.

Show your personality

Why is what you do important to you? Why are you passionate about it? If relevant, talk about your views and mission within your field and why you love what you do. Injecting a bit of personality into your bio will help readers to relate to you and understand your goals and commitments.

Keep it short

Professional bios don’t need to be — and shouldn’t be — long. They are a snapshot of you and your career, in the context of what you’re using the bio for. Your résumé, the rest of your LinkedIn profile, website, or any further documents can add further details that don’t need to be covered in your bio. A bios length will vary depending on what you’re using it for. A résumé bio should be short, just a few sentences, whereas a LinkedIn bio can be up to 2000 characters. Generally, a business bio is expected to be around 300–500 words.

Keep it relevant

Your bio needs to be entirely relevant to whatever you’re using it for. If you are applying for a job and your bio is on your résumé, it needs to clearly outline who you are, your most relevant skills and experience, and what you’re looking to do. If your bio is to be used to show your membership to a professional organization, you need to be highlighting experience, credentials and job titles relating to that. Don’t be tempted to include everything. You are looking to show your professionalism in a certain area.

Break up the text

You want your bio to be easy to read, so break up text into short paragraphs or use bullets if you are listing skills or achievements where necessary. Short paragraphs are easier to scan and easier to take in than large bodies of text. A large paragraph can be offputting and means your bio is less likely to be read.

Tell a story

Professional bios can be boring. You don’t want that. You actually want people to read yours, so write it in a way that speaks to the reader. Rather than a stale list of achievements and a list of past positions, weave a story. Talk about where you are, how you got there, why you love what you do and why you’re so good at it but do it in a way that is engaging. People love stories and it will also help them to relate to you.

While telling stories is good, don’t make it an essay. Keep it short and sweet.

What can you offer

It’s very tempting to think about what you are looking for when you are applying for a job, or membership in an organization. Talk about your career goals and ambitions, yes, but don’t forget to make it very clear what you can offer. A future employer or customer wants to know why they should pick you, rather than what you hope to gain.

Call to action

Depending on what the bio is being used for, you may want to include a call to action. This works especially well with a professional bio on LinkedIn or a website. The call to action could be to join a mailing list, visit your website or give you a call.

Taking note of all the advice above, here are some examples of how you can construct a short professional bio. These are bios are particularly suitable for a résumé, the by-line of a guest article or a short bio on a website.

I first became interested in engineering at a young age, when I became fascinated with the mechanisms of toys and vehicles. This passion continued as I progressed through education and realized that I could study engineering and make a career out of it. Following my BA in mechanical engineering, I went on to complete a MEng and began my career with [company name] where I quickly progressed from intern to regional manager, winning employer of the year in 2021.

With 15 years of experience working in business development for successful start-ups, including [company name] and [company name], I set up [your company/business name] to incorporate my business knowledge and experience of bringing products successfully to market, with my passion for cooking. Since 2019, I have grown the business to trade in three countries, employing 50 members of staff and increasing revenue year on year by 15 percent.

With strong leadership skills, a growth mindset and a genuine interest in the industry I trade in, I have big growth plans for 2022, including new product lines, market expansion and some exciting collaborations.

My name is [your name] and I am a marketing assistant with experience in the corporate, creative and fashion industry. I completed my bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2019 with a distinction and have since completed internships and placements with [company name(s)], building my experience in events and the corporate environment.

I am skilled at building relationships with clients and using my creativity to contribute to effective marketing strategies, including the [campaign name] campaign for [company name]. I am passionate about learning and outside of formal education; I have taken a number of online courses including digital marketing, marketing and branding and influencer marketing to level up my skills.

Final thoughts

Done right, a professional bio can be an effective tool for getting you noticed, to help you advance in your career and to outline exactly what you’re good at and what you stand for. However, it isn’t as simple as just listing your credentials. You need to make yourself stand out by creating a bio that is readable, human, relatable, and that sells you for all your relevant skills and experience.

Take time to think about your audience, what they need to know about you, and don’t be shy about including your big achievements and the experience that sets you apart.

Do you struggle writing about yourself and your achievements? Did you find this helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Posted on Jun 30, 2023

How to Write a Biography: A 7-Step Guide [+Template]

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Dario Villirilli

Editor-in-Chief of the Reedsy blog, Dario is a graduate of Mälardalen University. As a freelance writer, he has written for many esteemed outlets aimed at writers. A traveler at heart, he can be found roaming the world and working from his laptop.

From time to time, nonfiction authors become so captivated by a particular figure from either the present or the past, that they feel compelled to write an entire book about their life. Whether casting them as heroes or villains, there is an interesting quality in their humanity that compels these authors to revisit their life paths and write their story.

However, portraying someone’s life on paper in a comprehensive and engaging way requires solid preparation. If you’re looking to write a biography yourself, in this post we’ll share a step-by-step blueprint that you can follow. 

How to write a biography: 

1. Seek permission when possible 

2. research your subject thoroughly, 3. do interviews and visit locations, 4. organize your findings, 5. identify a central thesis, 6. write it using narrative elements, 7. get feedback and polish the text.

FREE RESOURCE

Biography Outline Template

Craft a satisfying story arc for your biography with our free template.

While you technically don’t need permission to write about public figures (or deceased ones), that doesn't guarantee their legal team won't pursue legal action against you. Author Kitty Kelley was sued by Frank Sinatra before she even started to write His Way , a biography that paints Ol Blue Eyes in a controversial light. (Kelley ended up winning the lawsuit, however).  

Whenever feasible, advise the subject’s representatives of your intentions. If all goes according to plan, you’ll get a green light to proceed, or potentially an offer to collaborate. It's a matter of common sense; if someone were to write a book about you, you would likely want to know about it well prior to publication. So, make a sincere effort to reach out to their PR staff to negotiate an agreement or at least a mutual understanding of the scope of your project. 

At the same time, make sure that you still retain editorial control over the project, and not end up writing a puff piece that treats its protagonist like a saint or hero. No biography can ever be entirely objective, but you should always strive for a portrayal that closely aligns with facts and reality.

If you can’t get an answer from your subject, or you’re asked not to proceed forward, you can still accept the potential repercussions and write an unauthorized biography . The “rebellious act” of publishing without consent indeed makes for great marketing, though it’ll likely bring more headaches with it too. 

✋ Please note that, like other nonfiction books, if you intend to release your biography with a publishing house , you can put together a book proposal to send to them before you even write the book. If they like it enough, they might pay you an advance to write it.  

Book Proposal Template

Craft a professional pitch for your nonfiction book with our handy template.

Once you’ve settled (or not) the permission part, it’s time to dive deep into your character’s story.  

Deep and thorough research skills are the cornerstone of every biographer worth their salt. To paint a vivid and accurate portrait of someone's life, you’ll have to gather qualitative information from a wide range of reliable sources. 

Start with the information already available, from books on your subject to archival documents, then collect new ones firsthand by interviewing people or traveling to locations. 

Browse the web and library archives

Put your researcher hat on and start consuming any piece on your subject you can find, from their Wikipedia page to news articles, interviews, TV and radio appearances, YouTube videos, podcasts, books, magazines, and any other media outlets they may have been featured in. 

Establish a system to orderly collect the information you find 一 even seemingly insignificant details can prove valuable during the writing process, so be sure to save them. 

Depending on their era, you may find most of the information readily available online, or you may need to search through university libraries for older references. 

For his landmark biography of Alexander Hamilton, Ron Chernow spent untold hours at Columbia University’s library , reading through the Hamilton family papers, visiting the New York Historical Society, as well as interviewing the archivist of the New York Stock Exchange, and so on. The research process took years, but it certainly paid off. Chernow discovered that Hamilton created the first five securities originally traded on Wall Street. This finding, among others, revealed his significant contributions to shaping the current American financial and political systems, a legacy previously often overshadowed by other founding fathers. Today Alexander Hamilton is one of the best-selling biographies of all time, and it has become a cultural phenomenon with its own dedicated musical. 

Besides reading documents about your subject, research can help you understand the world that your subject lived in. 

Try to understand their time and social environment

Many biographies show how their protagonists have had a profound impact on society through their philosophical, artistic, or scientific contributions. But at the same time, it’s worth it as a biographer to make an effort to understand how their societal and historical context influenced their life’s path and work.

An interesting example is Stephen Greenblatt’s Will in the World . Finding himself limited by a lack of verified detail surrounding William Shakespeare's personal life, Greenblatt, instead, employs literary interpretation and imaginative reenactments to transport readers back to the Elizabethan era. The result is a vivid (though speculative) depiction of the playwright's life, enriching our understanding of his world.

Many readers enjoy biographies that transport them to a time and place, so exploring a historical period through the lens of a character can be entertaining in its own right. The Diary of Samuel Pepys became a classic not because people were enthralled by his life as an administrator, but rather from his meticulous and vivid documentation of everyday existence during the Restoration period.

Once you’ve gotten your hands on as many secondary sources as you can find, you’ll want to go hunting for stories first-hand from people who are (or were) close to your subject.

With all the material you’ve been through, by now you should already have a pretty good picture of your protagonist. But you’ll surely have some curiosities and missing dots in their character development to figure out, which you can only get by interviewing primary sources.

Interview friends and associates

This part is more relevant if your subject is contemporary, and you can actually meet up or call with relatives, friends, colleagues, business partners, neighbors, or any other person related to them. 

In writing the popular biography of Steve Jobs, Walter Isaacson interviewed more than one hundred people, including Jobs’s family, colleagues, former college mates, business rivals, and the man himself.

🔍 Read other biographies to get a sense of what makes a great one. Check out our list of the 30 best biographies of all time , or take our 30-second quiz below for tips on which one you should read next. 

Which biography should you read next?

Discover the perfect biography for you. Takes 30 seconds!

When you conduct your interviews, make sure to record them with high quality audio you can revisit later. Then use tools like Otter.ai or Descript to transcribe them 一 it’ll save you countless hours. 

You can approach the interview with a specific set of questions, or follow your curiosity blindly, trying to uncover revealing stories and anecdotes about your subject. Whatever your method, author and biography editor Tom Bromley suggests that every interviewer arrives prepared, "Show that you’ve done your work. This will help to put the interviewee at ease, and get their best answers.” 

Bromley also places emphasis on the order in which you conduct interviews. “You may want to interview different members of the family or friends first, to get their perspective on something, and then go directly to the main interviewee. You'll be able to use that knowledge to ask sharper, more specific questions.” 

Finally, consider how much time you have with each interviewee. If you only have a 30-minute phone call with an important person, make it count by asking directly the most pressing questions you have. And, if you find a reliable source who is also particularly willing to help, conduct several interviews and ask them, if appropriate, to write a foreword as part of the book’s front matter .

Sometimes an important part of the process is packing your bags, getting on a plane, and personally visiting significant places in your character’s journey.

Visit significant places in their life

A place, whether that’s a city, a rural house, or a bodhi tree, can carry a particular energy that you can only truly experience by being there. In putting the pieces together about someone’s life, it may be useful to go visit where they grew up, or where other significant events of their lives happened. It will be easier to imagine what they experienced, and better tell their story. 

In researching The Lost City of Z , author David Grann embarked on a trek through the Amazon, retracing the steps of British explorer Percy Fawcett. This led Grann to develop new theories about the circumstances surrounding the explorer's disappearance.

Hopefully, you won’t have to deal with jaguars and anacondas to better understand your subject’s environment, but try to walk into their shoes as much as possible. 

Once you’ve researched your character enough, it’s time to put together all the puzzle pieces you collected so far. 

Take the bulk of notes, media, and other documents you’ve collected, and start to give them some order and structure. A simple way to do this is by creating a timeline. 

Create a chronological timeline

It helps to organize your notes chronologically 一 from childhood to the senior years, line up the most significant events of your subject’s life, including dates, places, names and other relevant bits. 

You should be able to divide their life into distinct periods, each with their unique events and significance. Based on that, you can start drafting an outline of the narrative you want to create.  

Draft a story outline 

Since a biography entails writing about a person’s entire life, it will have a beginning, a middle, and an end. You can pick where you want to end the story, depending on how consequential the last years of your subject were. But the nature of the work will give you a starting character arc to work with. 

To outline the story then, you could turn to the popular Three-Act Structure , which divides the narrative in three main parts. In a nutshell, you’ll want to make sure to have the following:

• Act 1. Setup : Introduce the protagonist's background and the turning points that set them on a path to achieve a goal. 
• Act 2. Confrontation : Describe the challenges they encounter, both internal and external, and how they rise to them. Then..
• Act 3. Resolution : Reach a climactic point in their story in which they succeed (or fail), showing how they (and the world around them) have changed as a result. 

Only one question remains before you begin writing: what will be the main focus of your biography?

Think about why you’re so drawn to your subject to dedicate years of your life to recounting their own. What aspect of their life do you want to highlight? Is it their evil nature, artistic genius, or visionary mindset? And what evidence have you got to back that up? Find a central thesis or focus to weave as the main thread throughout your narrative. 

Or find a unique angle

If you don’t have a particular theme to explore, finding a distinct angle on your subject’s story can also help you distinguish your work from other biographies or existing works on the same subject.

Plenty of biographies have been published about The Beatles 一 many of which have different focuses and approaches: 

• Philip Norman's Shout is sometimes regarded as leaning more towards a pro-Lennon and anti-McCartney stance, offering insights into the band's inner dynamics. 
• Ian McDonald's Revolution in the Head closely examines their music track by track, shifting the focus back to McCartney as a primary creative force. 
• Craig Brown's One Two Three Four aims to capture their story through anecdotes, fan letters, diary entries, and interviews. 
• Mark Lewisohn's monumental three-volume biography, Tune In , stands as a testament to over a decade of meticulous research, chronicling every intricate detail of the Beatles' journey.

Finally, consider that biographies are often more than recounting the life of a person. Similar to how Dickens’ Great Expectations is not solely about a boy named Pip (but an examination and critique of Britain’s fickle, unforgiving class system), a biography should strive to illuminate a broader truth — be it social, political, or human — beyond the immediate subject of the book. 

Once you’ve identified your main focus or angle, it’s time to write a great story. 

While biographies are often highly informative, they do not have to be dry and purely expository in nature . You can play with storytelling elements to make it an engaging read. 

You could do that by thoroughly detailing the setting of the story , depicting the people involved in the story as fully-fledged characters , or using rising action and building to a climax when describing a particularly significant milestone of the subject’s life. 

One common way to make a biography interesting to read is starting on a strong foot…

Hook the reader from the start

Just because you're honoring your character's whole life doesn't mean you have to begin when they said their first word. Starting from the middle or end of their life can be more captivating as it introduces conflicts and stakes that shaped their journey.

When he wrote about Christopher McCandless in Into the Wild , author Jon Krakauer didn’t open his subject’s childhood and abusive family environment. Instead, the book begins with McCandless hitchhiking his way into the wilderness, and subsequently being discovered dead in an abandoned bus. By starting in the middle of the action  in medias res, Krakauer hooks the reader’s interest, before tracing back the causes and motivations that led McCandless to die alone in that bus in the first place.

You can bend the timeline to improve the reader’s reading experience throughout the rest of the story too…

Play with flashback 

While biographies tend to follow a chronological narrative, you can use flashbacks to tell brief stories or anecdotes when appropriate. For example, if you were telling the story of footballer Lionel Messi, before the climax of winning the World Cup with Argentina, you could recall when he was just 13 years old, giving an interview to a local newspaper, expressing his lifelong dream of playing for the national team. 

Used sparsely and intentionally, flashbacks can add more context to the story and keep the narrative interesting. Just like including dialogue does…

Reimagine conversations

Recreating conversations that your subject had with people around them is another effective way to color the story. Dialogue helps the reader imagine the story like a movie, providing a deeper sensory experience. 

One thing is trying to articulate the root of Steve Jobs’ obsession with product design, another would be to quote his father , teaching him how to build a fence when he was young: “You've got to make the back of the fence just as good looking as the front of the fence. Even though nobody will see it, you will know. And that will show that you're dedicated to making something perfect.”

Unlike memoirs and autobiographies, in which the author tells the story from their personal viewpoint and enjoys greater freedom to recall conversations, biographies require a commitment to facts. So, when recreating dialogue, try to quote directly from reliable sources like personal diaries, emails, and text messages. You could also use your interview scripts as an alternative to dialogue. As Tom Bromley suggests, “If you talk with a good amount of people, you can try to tell the story from their perspective, interweaving different segments and quoting the interviewees directly.”

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These are just some of the story elements you can use to make your biography more compelling. Once you’ve finished your manuscript, it’s a good idea to ask for feedback. 

If you’re going to publish your own  biography, you’ll have to polish it to professional standards. After leaving your work to rest for a while, look at it with fresh eyes and edit your own manuscript eliminating passive voice, filler words, and redundant adverbs. 

Then, have a professional editor give you a general assessment. They’ll look at the structure and shape of your manuscript and tell you which parts need to be expanded on or cut. As someone who edited and commissioned several biographies, Tom Bromley points out that a professional “will look at the sources used and assess whether they back up the points made, or if more are needed. They would also look for context, and whether or not more background information is needed for the reader to understand the story fully. And they might check your facts, too.”  

In addition to structural editing, you may want to have someone copy-edit and proofread your work.

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Importantly, make sure to include a bibliography with a list of all the interviews, documents, and sources used in the writing process. You’ll have to compile it according to a manual of style, but you can easily create one by using tools like EasyBib . Once the text is nicely polished and typeset in your writing applications , you can prepare for the publication process.  

In conclusion, by mixing storytelling elements with diligent research, you’ll be able to breathe life into a powerful biography that immerses readers in another individual’s life experience. Whether that’ll spark inspiration or controversy, remember you could have an important role in shaping their legacy 一 and that’s something not to take lightly. 

Continue reading

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How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Break the habit of feeling insecure, envious, and discontented with your life..

Posted March 5, 2018 | Reviewed by Kaja Perina

• Understanding Jealousy
• Take our Jealousy Test? (Women)
• Find a therapist near me
• When scrolling through one's newsfeed, it's helpful to remember that people carefully curate the appearance of their lives on social media.
• Committing oneself to being deeply grateful everyday for what’s good in one's life can reduce vulnerability to comparison.
• Being envious of another person's money may be a waste of time since wealth isn’t associated with increased happiness or well-being.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” —Theodore Roosevelt

Who do you most frequently compare yourself to?

If you’re not sure, try this question: Who have you compared yourself to in the last 24 hours?

If you’re still not sure, think of the last time you checked your Facebook or Instagram feed. Which updates made you feel envious, or made you feel as if your life paled in comparison? In turn, did any posts make you feel smug, or better than that person?

The comparison game—or war—is as old as humanity.

I avoid mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds as much as possible. As part of my work (I speak and write about wellness, resilience , burnout , and mental health), I read the studies that show that time on social media feeds increases depression and envy and decreases well-being. This motivates me to use social media purposefully, specifically choosing what I will look at and keeping it to a minimum.

I almost always regret it when I let my guard down and start scrolling. I’ll inevitably see something that makes me feel bad about myself or my life, or something else that makes me feel envious, that I’m missing something from my life that others have (something I probably wasn't even thinking of until I saw it). I posted about the comparison trap the other day on Facebook, and a senior citizen posted a comment that made my heart ache:

“Reading about everyone’s vacations kills me. Not in my budget, ever. And these posts never stop.”

I’ve written previously about developing awareness about the impact of your social media posts on others. I stopped posting pictures from my vacations years ago. Share those, perhaps, with a limited audience, maybe close family and friends who really want to see them. But…ask yourself first if they really want to see them. Before you show anything to anyone, review what you know about their life. When was the last time they went on a tropical vacation? Maybe they dream of going to the tropics but have never had (and may never have) the opportunity. You’d be surprised how many people don’t actually enjoy pictures of you lounging by a clear blue sea with a coconut drink in your hand.

Back to Roosevelt’s quote about comparison being the thief of joy. In addition to cultivating awareness with respect to inadvertently (or advertently) provoking comparison and therefore stealing the joy of others, become a student of how you squander your own contentedness by getting sucked into the comparison trap.

Here are some tips:

1. Become aware of, and avoid, your triggers.

Start noticing the situations that cause you to play the comparison game. Social media, as I’ve mentioned, is a big one for most of us. What about other circumstances? Is there a certain person who is constantly bragging about this or that, or asks you questions about your life that are designed to make you feel inferior? Are there certain activities, such as strolling through a high-end shopping mall, or driving through an expensive neighborhood, that frequently make you feel discontented with your life (when you were feeling just fine about your life, an hour before)?

Make a list of who and what you frequently envy or compare yourself to. Write how each negatively affects you, and why it’s actually a waste of your time. Resolve to catch yourself next time. Avoid comparison triggers if you can, especially if the activity or contact doesn’t add meaning or any real value to your life.

2. Remind yourself that other people’s “outsides” can’t be compared to your “insides.”

This is such a helpful habit to cultivate. Unless you’re really close to someone, you can’t use their outward appearance to judge the reality of their life. People carefully curate the social media versions of their lives, and do the same with the lives they live publicly. You may have had the experience, as I have, of being shocked when a couple that appeared to be happy and solid announce their divorce . Continue to wish others well, of course, but in the event that their life gives you a reason to feel bad about yours, remind yourself that you don’t actually know what goes on behind closed doors.

3. Repeat whenever necessary: “Money doesn’t buy happiness , and never will.”

It’s well established that wealth, beyond having the basics in life, isn’t associated with increased happiness or well-being. I used to perform flamenco dance at an exclusive resort frequented by celebrities and the mega-wealthy, and a manager there once told me that she’d never seen so many unhappy people in her life. Money and things provide temporary boosts of joy; their inevitable inability to provide lasting sustenance is usually more disappointing than anything else.

4. Be grateful for the good in your life, and resist any lies that shout, “It’s not enough.”

If you commit yourself to being deeply grateful for what’s good in your life and remind yourself of it daily, you’ll be far less vulnerable to comparison and envy. If someone or something triggers that ugly feeling of negative comparison, stop and remind yourself of what’s good in your life, right now. There is so much.

5. Use comparison as motivation to improve what actually matters.

This human propensity to want what others have is such a waste of time unless what you see and “covet” in another is something of deep worth, such as their generosity or kindness. Who do you admire? What kinds of comparisons might actually be healthy for you? For example, there are women I know well who are extraordinarily kind and generous wives, mothers, and friends. They truly make a difference in their worlds, and I want to be more and more like them. Who inspires you to live better, in the way that matters most? Spend your precious time and thoughts on this, instead.

Imagine if you could elevate the comparison game to a useful art form. Stop falling prey to its dark underbelly, which does little more than increase feelings of misery and lack in your life. Use comparison, instead, to become a better person and maybe even make your little corner of the world a better place.

Copyright Dr. Susan Biali Haas 2018.

Susan Biali Haas, M.D. is a physician who speaks and writes about stress reduction, burnout prevention, mental health, wellness and resilience.

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Recommit to Yourself

Starting the new season with a purpose.

Dear Friends,

Happy September!

There’s something so special about a fresh start. Whether we’re diving into a new book, listening to an inspiring story, or stepping into a new chapter in our own lives, the possibilities seem endless. It’s as if the slate has been wiped clean, giving us the chance to create anything our hearts desire.

As we move into this final chapter of 2024, we want to dedicate this month to embracing the new season with intention and rekindling our commitment to the goals that light us up.

In this letter, you’ll find:

5 Practices to Embrace a New Chapter

5 Positive Affirmations for Fresh Beginnings

A Quote to Inspire the Life of Your Dreams

Our hope is to send positive energy your way, fill this season with fresh intentions, and leave you feeling inspired with new practices to carry you forward.

With warmth and kindness, The PMPL Team

Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

5 Practices for Starting a New Chapter

Daily Check-In: When you’re connected to yourself, you can achieve anything. That’s why we recommend incorporating meditation or mindfulness into your daily routine. These practices will not only reduce stress and help you feel more centered, but will also help you discover your true self—the part of you that’s ready to shine. This connection to your inner-self is key to creating the life of your dreams.

Getting Clear: Clarity can feel elusive, and it’s frustrating knowing how beneficial it is starting something new. Recognize that clarity isn’t knowing all the answers all at once; it’s picking up the pieces of the puzzle as you go along. Clarity can a feeling, a notion, a hint, a direction. Start recognizing your desires by noticing the clues in your life and owning them as your clarity.

Saying No: One of the best self-care practices is knowing it’s okay to say no to things that don’t truly light you up. Many of us often cater to the demands of the outside world, saying yes to things that drain us. Reclaim your power by giving yourself permission to say no when needed..

Be Patient: Starting a new chapter can be exciting, with endless possibilities ahead. But it’s natural to feel let down when things don’t happen right away. Be patient with your life’s timeline. Trust that life unfolds as it should, and the seeds you’ve planted will grow in their own time.

Bring Back Fun: As Barb always says, “be serious about the life you want to live, but don’t take yourself so seriously”. While focus is important, so is fun! Life feels better when we’re smiling, so try to sprinkle some extra joy into your days. Find happiness in the little things and make time for what brings you laughter!

5 Positive Affirmations for New Beginnings

While a fresh start can feel uplifting and positive, it can also stir up anxieties about the unknown. Here are our favorite affirmations to help you stay centered during times of transition. These affirmations serve as a grounding reminder to trust yourself and keep faith in your life’s path.

I trust the timing of my life, I love to watch my life unfold in each moment.

I am worthy of the good things coming to me.

I am strong, capable, and ready to take on this chapter of my life.

I always feel loved, supported, and valued.

I love my life and I am grateful for each new opportunity.

A Quote to Help You Create The Life of Your Dreams

As we move through this new chapter, remember: if you want to create the life of your dreams, sometimes you need to go a different direction. Embrace the unexpected, trust your journey, and keep faith in your path. Here’s to new beginnings and the adventures they bring!

Happy Autumn!

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Spend Carefully

Our complete guide to making your home more accessible

Whether you just need to convert some stairs into ramps, or your entire home needs an accessibility overhaul, we’ve got the financial side of things covered. Our guide will prepare you with the right information and have you ready to grab your tool belt.

ANZ Financial Wellbeing Coach

2024-09-04 04:30

Estimated reading time   6 min

Learn all about

• The costs involved in an accessible home renovation
• What you might be able to do yourself, and what to leave to the professionals
• Getting financial support for your accessibility upgrade

Home is where the heart is, so it has to be accessible for everyone living in it.

No matter what type of disability, illness or injury, you’re living with, making sure your home meets your needs is important. Making some well-planned modifications can help you live comfortably and independently, but where do you begin?

While it can feel overwhelming working out where to start and how to fund your home modifications, we’re here to take some of the guesswork out of upgrading your home as well as guide you through the different support available.

How can you make your home more accessible?

At the end of the day, the modifications you make to your home will come down to your unique needs. Below, we’ve broken down some common adjustments that will make your home more accessible:

• Motion sensor lights inside and outside the home remove the need for accessing light switches.
• Accessible doorbells and alarms that flash, make a noise or vibrate (or a combination) can help people with blindness or low vision when someone is at the door, or the alarm goes off.
• Door handle grippers throughout the home can make opening and closing doors easier – perfect for people with arthritis or limited hand function.
• High-contrast colours and tactile markings throughout the home can make it easier to navigate if you have blindness or low vision.
• Widening doorways and hallways will help with wheelchair, walker and scooter accessibility.
• Swapping stairs for a lift or adding slip-resistant mats and sturdy handrails to your stairs can help those who need support with their balance.
• Investing in smart appliances means you can switch your devices on and off with the sound of your voice. You can also install stovetops and ovens that automatically switch off after you’re done cooking.
• Installing grab rails and a toilet safety frame in your bathroom will make using this space easier and safer.
• Lowering anything you need easy access to can help if you’re a wheelchair user or if you live with limited mobility. This includes cupboards, wardrobes, kitchen benches and appliances.

Can you DIY home modifications?

If you only need to make a few adjustments or you want to gradually make your home more accessible as your needs change, there are plenty of things you can do yourself. For smaller jobs like changing to pull-down cabinets, or ripping up the carpet for smooth, sturdy flooring, you may not need to call in the pros. You (or a friend or family member) might even don the toolbelt and build ramps for your home’s entrances or steps – just make sure the ramps align with gradient guidelines .

For those larger jobs like installing a lift, knocking down walls or changing floorplans, it’s a smart idea to get the professionals involved. Making sure the tradies you hire have experience in accessible home modifications can also give you peace of mind.

How much do home modifications cost?

The cost of your home modifications will depend on the scope of the project, your specific needs, and the funding you’re eligible for.

If you’re part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS provides support and services to Australians with disability including home modifications.

If you’re a NDIS participant, you can use your funding to pay for two types of home changes:

• Minor home modifications – adjustments to your home that aren’t structural and cost less than $20,000. For example, widening a hallway.
• Complex home modifications – changes that involve multiple areas of your home and cost more than $20,000. For example, you might need to install a permanent ramp.

Some home modifications might include what’s known as ‘assistive technology’. Assistive technology is the name given to equipment, technology and devices that help make your everyday life easier. It can range in cost from around $1,500 per item, to around $15,000 per item). You can use your NDIS funding to pay for this type of modification too.

Going through My Aged Care

My Aged Care is a service offered by the Australian Government. If you are an older person with disability or a health condition that limits your independence and mobility, you might be eligible for My Aged Care support. This includes minor home modifications, like installing easy-access taps, and providing advice on fixing areas of concern in the home.

Getting support from your bank

If you need further support to do your home modifications, or you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for the NDIS or My Aged Care, you can chat to your bank. To learn more about your financial options with ANZ, contact our team and we’ll help find the right option for you.

Need extra support? ANZ is here to help

If you’re experiencing emotional distress due to challenging circumstances, the ANZ 24/7 Customer Support Program (CSP) is here for you. It’s a short-term, confidential telephone counselling service available to Australian customers who would like to speak to a qualified clinician.

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Living well with disability: What financial support are you entitled to?

There are many types of disability support. But how can you access them? And who's eligible? We’re here to guide you through the financial side of things so you can live well supported.

How to be financially ready for unexpected injury or illness

When it comes to life-changing injury or illness, the reality is, we’re all one step away from finding ourselves in need of support. We’re here to help you get financially ready for whatever life throws at you.

Becoming a carer – Supporting yourself while you support others

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Important information

The information set out above is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the information, you should consider whether the information is appropriate for you having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. By providing this information ANZ does not intend to provide any financial advice or other advice or recommendations. You should seek independent financial, legal, tax and other relevant advice having regard to your particular circumstances.