by Karin Beery
Besides your website’s home page, the “About Me” page is the most frequently clicked page on your website. Why? Because people want to know who they’re working with. If they can’t meet you face-to-face or come into your store, they need a way to meet you online.
That’s why a killer “About Me” page is not optional—it’s necessary. Your biography doesn’t just need to be grammatically correct—it needs to be an accurate reflection of you, and it needs to grab your reader’s attention. Publishing a captivating, authentic “About Me” page shows potential customers who you really are. To do that, you need to start at the beginning.
What is a professional biography?
A professional biography focuses on the part of your life associated with your business. Your website bio is also your chance to make a good first impression. More than simply the story of who you are, it’s the story of how you ended up in your career or position. Information you should mention in your bio includes:
- Education
- Motivation
- Inspiration
- Experience
- Certifications
- Awards
It’s okay to include some personal details, but the bulk of your bio needs to focus on who you are as a professional. Unless it’s relevant, no one needs a list of your hobbies, your kids’ activities, or your religious and political affiliations. Keep it professional.
How should you format your bio?
Think back to high school and college. Do you remember the five-paragraph essay? An introduction with thesis, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion. It worked then, and it can work for you again as the foundation of your professional bio.
How do you make it authentic?
The single most important aspect of your biography is your voice. After you’ve finished your first draft, it’s time to make your bio sound like you. Regardless of the information you include, the voice of your bio needs to reflect your personality and character. When potential clients read your bio, it needs to feel like they’re having a conversation with you. Stay true to your natural voice and you’ll give readers an authentic look at the real you.
What Not to Do
Three things your bio should not be:
- Your resume
- A timeline of events
- Your life’s story
Remember, people are reading your “About Me” page to learn about you. Names, dates, and facts tell them about your accomplishments but not about you as a person. Resist the urge to upload your resume.
Similarly, your website bio is about you as a professional. You don’t need to and should avoid sharing your entire life’s story. Personal details are called that for a reason—people who visit your professional website want to know about the professional you.
Follow these steps and you’re on your way to publishing a professional, authentic “About Me” page!
Still not sure if you can do it? Check out my Better Bios Toolkit! It includes good and bad bio examples, a biography blueprint, and interview questions to ask yourself to help you include the right kind of information in your bio.
Owner of Write Now Editing and Copywriting Services, Karin Beery specializes in fiction and professional business copy. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the American Christian Writers Association. A Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network member, she is the Substantive Editing for Fiction instructor for the PEN Institute. Karin is represented by literary agent Steve Hutson at Word Wise Media. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or at her website, www.karinbeery.com.
