Author bios are one of the most overlooked tools in marketing: they can add credibility, make the rest of your content more effective, and even get you conversions. Your bio can work wonders for you and your business-here’s how to write one, including a template to start with.
The essentials for an author bio that works
A good bio is a short bio
- Use your real name first and last
- Include a friendly and professional headshot
- Authentic, authoritative, and approachable
- For the content of the bio itself, you’ll want to use the three A’s
Approachable: Let us see who you really are
String together various hobbies in the final sentence
- Go all-in on an unexpected skill or interest outside your work
- Share how you use your work expertise in your personal life
- Showing your personal interest also helps the reader see similarities between you and them
Basic bio templates
Authentic
Authentic: Show why you care
Start with a compelling first sentence that grabs the attention of your ideal reader
- Authentic authors care about the topic, know about the audience, and have the courage to put their names underneath what they write
- An authentic bio also shows ownership
- Include details that prove you’re invested enough in the topic to write about it
Final strategy to make your bio stand out
Test it by colleagues or potential clients.
- Run different versions on different articles, and track what generates the best results for you.
- Put yourself in your reader’s mindset and ask what would catch your eye in the comments section of your bio.
Authoritative: Show why you’re an expert
Focus on achievements, not titles, degrees, or years of experience
- Use concrete facts
- Show the results you’ve gotten for customers, putting the spotlight on them, while subtly pointing out your expertise
- Focusing on subject matter expertise rather than writing a book
