5 Ways to Get More Bang From Your Bio!

BIO.
It’s a small word with a big role.
Still, many writers underestimate its importance.
When created properly, a Bio can be an effective tool to enhance your writing image.
It should be considered the equivalent of a resume: it speaks volumes about your level of professionalism, accomplishments, and what you have to offer.
Not to mention, Bios, at their best, help to distinguish you from scores of other writers and bloggers, and gain attention from busy editors.

In fact, did you know that sometimes readers actually examine your Bio before deciding whether or not to fully read your material and heed your advice?

With this in mind, here’s how to make the most of yours:

1. Start by addressing the 5 basic questions of journalism:
who, what, when, where, why. Don’t make readers play 20 questions.
Approach it like you would an interview.

2. Make it brief but substantive.
Too much information, and you run the risk of being boring and braggadacious,(is that a word?). Too little and it fails to elicit enough interest.
Be sure to write tight, but highlight the most important aspects of your career.

3. Tailor the Bio to the cause and the publication.
For example, I have a different Bio for articles that I write for business publications than I do for pieces I pen for relationship columns. And an entirely different one for Blog gigs. And you should too.

4. Make it interesting.
Share something that’s unusual or contradictory in nature.
Like, say for instance, if you’re a writer who hated English in college. Or you‘re a man who writes primarily on female issues like pregnancy or shopping. Pretend like you’re a contestant on Jeopardy; seek to appeal to your audience quickly.

5. Add humor as part of the success equation.
Humor helps to make you more memorable, when applicable. And it also shows creativity and passion.

To sum it up, here's a useful acronym to keep in mind:

B--BRIEF
I--INTERESTING
O--ORIGINAL

Thoughts? How do you beef up your BIO?

Image: Stock photo