There are two words that strike fear into the hearts of even the most experienced business people and entrepreneurs: professional bio. No matter how great you are at your job, writing the perfect professional bio to showcase your skills is no easy feat. That’s why we’ve put together a list of four tips to help you create the perfect professional bio for every social media platform.
Let’s get started!
Include a Photo
It might sound obvious, but one of the best ways to start building your professional bio is to attach a photo. According to Hubspot, 51% of B2B marketers prioritize visual assets in their content marketing strategy.
Not only do visuals assist viewers in retaining information, but they also paint a picture of your personal brand. Studies have shown that being perceived as honest on LinkedIn correlates to improved success with stakeholders. New York University found that photos with a positive expression, such as upturned eyebrows and an upward curving mouth (not necessarily a broad smile), denote trustworthiness.
Ditch the buzzwords
We’ve just covered how ensuring your photo appears trustworthy can improve your reputation on social media platforms. The language you use on your professional bio works similarly.
Most prospective customers and collaborators value a human touch, and using too many buzzwords and relying on jargon can come across as overly corporate and insincere. A recent study found that the most loathed phrase in the professional environment is “think outside the box.” Meaningless buzzwords like this create confusion instead of clarity. Avoid ambiguity and explain how your solutions are innovative.
Consider Your Audience
While some aspects of your professional bio will remain the same throughout your social media platforms, it’s still important to tailor your bio to each platform. For example, your LinkedIn or faculty profile can afford to be wordier and list all of your professional accomplishments, while your Instagram or Twitter listing needs to be short and sharp to adhere to word limits and shorter attention spans.
Do your research on average age ranges for each platform. While you should strive to remain professional in presentation, younger audiences may appreciate less corporate language choices. Conversely, platforms with older demographics may frown upon over-reliance on colloquial language and slang.
Keep it Up to Date
A common mistake is to create a great professional bio and then let it gather dust. This can lead to outdated links and contact information. It also gives the impression that you’re not proactive and professional in your business conduct. By spring cleaning your bio once a month, you can ensure your information is accurate and all your latest accomplishments are added. Just as you evolve, so too should your bio.
Creating and maintaining a professional bio may seem daunting, but by using these four simple tips, you can easily create a social media presence that truly showcases your professional talents and keeps stakeholders informed.
