5 Elements To Include in a Strong Bio

“Can you please send us the bio you would like us to share?” Panic pricked my heart and pulsated through me as I read the request. I didn’t have a bio, and I had no idea what to include. I had never been published; I had no formal training. I didn’t have a job.

What was I going to write? “Tracie is a stay-at-home mom of five, who loves Jesus.” While truthful, it would not likely inspire a reader to continue reading.

Before I could begin composing, I had to clarify what a bio was and understand its purpose.

A bio is your introduction to your reader. It gives a first impression and point of connection. It is a short story version of your resume. I like to think of a bio as a handshake you extend to your reader that says, “Hi, I’m Tracie; nice to meet you.”

I have found that there are five elements that help craft a strong bio. When you include some information about yourself from each element, your reader will have a full and accurate sense of who you are as a writer and more easily connect with you. 

1. Personal.

Your bio should include some personal information about yourself. A quirky fact, a favorite quote or a hobby you enjoy. This will allow your reader to see you as a person and a writer.

 For example, Suzie is a city girl living on a farm in a small town in Kansas.

2. Intentional.

Your bio should clearly convey WHO you write to and WHAT you write about. This portion of your bio will help your reader understand your intention as a writer: whether you write devotions, books, blog posts or articles, and the topics you specialize in your writing: whether healing from hurt, finding peace in the panic, or the ministry of motherhood. 

For example, Suzie shares her heart and God’s hope with moms who, like herself, are knee-deep in diapers.

3. Professional.

You should include in your bio any achievements you have made, positions you have held, organizations you hold a membership in, or degrees you have earned.

For example, Suzie is a member of Proverbs 31 COMPEL Training and serves in women’s ministry at her church.

4. Relational.

In this portion of your bio, you have the opportunity to share your relationships. This will allow your reader to relate to you as a real person who lives a real life. This will help to build the reader’s trust in you.

A daughter of the King of kings.

Wife to (your husband).

Momma to five blessings.

Gigi to two joys.

For example, Suzie is the wife of Scott and mom to her two Scottish terrier fur babies.

5. Informational.

The inclusion of this element is vital to your bio. You want to share information that will allow your reader to further connect with you via your social media accounts, your website or an email account. This information will allow further and future connections to be made.

For example, Connect with Suzie via Facebook and Instagram @SuzieQ.

You may be like me and think you don’t have a need for a bio, but you would be surprised how crafting a strong bio can aid your connectivity and enhance your credibility with your reader. Whether you use it for the back of a book, the byline of a blog or the introduction of your Instagram account, a bio is an effective way to introduce yourself to your reader.

For His glory, 

Tracie Gunther Nall

Choose one of the five elements of a strong bio and brainstorm some personal information you could include in that element. Share your ideas in the comments!