Lately I’ve assisted a few modeling talents in the re-engineering of their bio paragraph that describes them. I compiled a few take away notes to help you when it comes to writing your own bio.
First off; consider the three pillars of a good bio.
1. Who are you?
2. What do you do?
3. Why should we care?
Let’s start off with the first; who are you? What in your background has brought you to this moment? Did you have a turning point in your life that changed the course you were on or the direction you’ve taken in your personal or professional life?
Secondly; what do you do? What problem are you alleviating? Who is your target clientele? What challenges do they have that you help them with? Why are you the best compared to others? Get to this part quickly – if you spend too much time focusing on who you are, readers might lose interest before they even get to reading about what you do.
Thirdly; why should we care? This is the hard one that means the most. The why (or what I call the “so what” factor) illustrates why we as the readers should not only care – but take action on what you’re offering. Is it something unique about yourself or your background? A differentiator that separates you from others who are competing for the same thing. Perhaps it is a different approach into how you achieve what you do. It could be what makes the bio emotionally compelling or humorous or interesting. It could even be an illustration of how you do what you do that makes you stand apart.
The bio should be short (no more than a paragraph, two at the most). Realize that most people you send it to are not going to sit and sip their morning coffee with all the time in the world to read it. Make it short and to the point.
Before putting the bio out (whether it is on your website or in a media pitch) have a few cold eyes review it and respond to comment on if the bio defines who you are, what you do and why should the audience care.
James Patrick
jamespatrick.com
facebook.com/jamespatrickphotography
Twitter @jpphotography
Instagram @jpatrickphoto
It so great to have this bit of information especially for models just starting out in the business. If I knew this starting out it would have been a better marketing tool for me to utilize instead of just submitting pictures and a resume. I’m sharing this!
Really glad you liked it Evina! Thanks for always staying in touch through here!
Hi! Is it better to write the bio in first or third person?