How to Write a Bio for Your Website

Yesterday I posted a quick status update regarding how to write an effective website bio. What resulted was people responding via Facebook and Twitter stating they had no idea where to start. As in, How Do I Write a Bio For My Website? This got me thinking and I wondered if I could help. I'm no wordsmith, but here are a few tips to get started.

This is the most simple approach I can think of (of course, you'll amend and improve as you progress, but let's focus on simply getting started), so let's use the example of a baker. Of course, I could use a photographer as an example, but I want to demonstrate in an entirely different genre to show how it can be done.
1. List three reasons why you do what you do
    Don't over-think this. Just write what comes to mind, comes from your heart.
    Example:
        I'm a baker because I love the way cookies make children smile.
        I'm a baker because my grandmother shared her secrete recipes with me.
        I'm a baker because I've dreamed of becoming a sugar connoisseur my entire life.
2. List three things that make you unique.
    This may feel self-indulgent, but this is the chance to simply showcase your beautiful differences in a sea of talented competitors
    Example:
        I started selling homemade cupcakes at my son's soccer games…soon enough I started getting orders by the dozen.
        I've taken decorating classes from some the the nation's premier pastry chefs.
        I went on a chocolate tasting tour through France when I was 17 years old.
3. List three things you want your customers to know.
    This is your call to action…be bold in stating your intentions and let them decide if you're the best fit for their needs.
    Example:
        If you'd like to order, call me at: 555-555-555
        I'd love for you to stop by the bakery for a tasting.
        I bake delicious confections to share my love of baking, so email me to taste the sweetness of my passion.
4. Now that you have three reasons, three things that make you unique, and three things you want customers to know, all you have to do is combine them.
    No, really, simply combine these ideas and find ways to connect them so they make sense.
    Example:
        As a child my grandmother shared her secret recipes with me and it was then I realized I wanted to become a sugar connoisseur. Let's face it, is there anything better than seeing a child smile while eating a cookie? I started my passion for all things sweet when I went on a chocolate tasting tour through France when I was 17 years old. Decades later, I started selling homemade cupcakes at my son's soccer games…and shortly thereafter received orders by the dozen. Since then I've studied under the nation's premier pastry chefs and I'm proud to define my artisanship under their guidance. I'd love for you to stop by the bakery for a tasting or if you'd like to place an order, call me at 555-555-5555. I bake delicious confections to share my love of baking, so contact me to taste the sweetness of my passion.

This might not be the best website bio I've put together, but it's a solid start. And sometimes a start is all we need as entrepreneurs to get our brains moving in the right direction. I gave this same advice to Rebecca Nash, a blog reader, and I'm happy to see she's put it to good use:

Happy Friday!