We all need bios in every part of what we do. As a matter of fact, bios are where a person can judge our ability to express ourselves; our ability to write. Without it, it’ll leave other parties questioning or gauging how well you are skilled in expressing yourself.
A lot of people have the misconception that an online bio is necessary. Bios, in fact, is where the first impression of the online world is — without it, it can be hard to choose from a number of people who you see over the Internet.
Even Tinder, one of the most famous online dating sites need a bio. What do you think it is for?
Read: Tinder: The Hot Online Dating App That Everyone Should Try
Where can I put a bio?
Almost all platforms online would ask for a bio. Why? Because this is what other people (friends, clients) can use to determine if you are the kind of person they are looking for.
Some platforms have different limitations in terms of the number of words you can use in your bio. One thing is for certain, though, that a bio is something that can make or break whatever it is you are achieving.
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So how do I write an effective online bio?
If you think that this is something not important, then go ahead and read another topic. However, please do not forget that first impressions last; when a person sees what you’ve written for yourself in your bio, they might remember that and can be attached to that bio — if you’ve written it good — it is an effective tool if you are trying to show something off.
Don’t flood it with buzzwords
Buzzwords are words that were used by many people and have now become mainstream. This can belittle you and can make you uninteresting. Some of these buzzwords are:
- Enthusiastic
- Team-player
- Responsible
- Expert
- Guru
- Thoughtful
Instead, you can use words that are not often read in any type of literature; words that are rare and uncommonly used by people when expressing themselves. Words like:
- Unique
- Absolute (ly)
- Extreme (ly)
- Accountable
- Reliable
- Artistic
- Adept
- Competent
Using these words can trigger a switch in anyone who is reading it and can easily be impressed by how well you are presenting yourself.
Read: 7 Useful Online Writing and Editing Tools for Professional Bloggers
Conciseness is key
As we mentioned, all platforms have their limits for you to structure your bios in it. This is why you have to make it accurate and you have to be creative at the same time. The key here is to, as much as possible, stray from grammar mistakes and to make it seem natural and flawless.
There are certain online tools that can help with spelling, grammar, and better construction. There’s no shame in using these because writers utilize them too. Hey, there’s nothing better than presenting something crisp and clear, right?
- Essayroo and Stateofwriting are two (2) tools that can help you edit whatever you’ve written. At the same time, it can also aid you in checking whether or not you’ve copied what you wrote or not.
- Study Demic is an effective checker for your grammar. Use it to repair your structure for you to avoid grammar mistakes.
- Academized and Boomessays, on the other hand, are tools you can use to come up with the best hashtags to specify the market that you are trying to capture.
Avoid telling, show them instead
Now this might sound a little bit unorthodox but it bears a lot of meaning. One of the biggest and worst mistakes people do when they are writing a bio is that they tell people instead of showing them who they are.
For example, a lot of peoples like to indicate in their bios that they are experts, that they are creative, that they are a good team player. Yeah, people can read it but would they believe you?
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So what do you need to do?
In this instance, you can cite or reference something, a project you were able to accomplish. Instead of saying that you are creative, indicate or discuss ideas or innovation you have thought of — you get the idea.
Be personal… and funny
A lot of people, especially employers, would try to find people who can make everything personal. Why? Because if they see that you can take it at a personal level, you won’t think of it as just “a job.” Instead, you will try to resolve whatever it is that needs a resolution so you will do a fulfilling and an excellent job.
And oh, a lot of people, not just employers, like people who have a light or a good sense of humor. Nothing beats a classic joke, they say.
State what you want to accomplish
People like the idea of knowing what you want to achieve or do with your time. As a matter of fact, employers who try to find workers or employees would look at the bio and see what the direction of that specific person is heading.
By telling everyone who you are and what you want to accomplish, you are like telling them that you are a dreamer and that you will work hard and smart in order to get what you want.
Questions that you need to answer
Since you only have a limited number of words, you have to be straight-to-the-point but you have to stray at it simultaneously. You can do that by answering a specific set of questions that relate to yourself. Questions like:
- Who are you?
- Your interests?
- Strengths?
- Weaknesses?
- Accomplishments?
- Commitment?
These questions are not answered by a close-ended answer. In fact, these questions are just guides for you to properly relay information about yourself that many people find difficult.
By answering these questions, you are opening the doors to anyone reading your bio; you are letting them know the personality type you have in an unconscious manner.
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These are just some of the basic and simplest things that many people miss in writing their bios. If you care to analyze them, they are simple yet direct things that people, employers, and clients want. These are the traits or the style that a lot of people kind of miss.
It might not be taught in school; it not might be taught by your parents, but at least you know. At least you have an idea on how you can write a bio that would both be effective and efficient for the type of use you want with it.