By Natasha Tracy
Twitter bios disappoint more often than delight. Many writers even commit the cardinal sin of leaving it blank. But it’s important to remember that a Twitter bio is just enough to turn someone on, or off, to a new writer.
Here’s a common type of Twitter bio:
I’m a writer, bipolar and live in the Pacific Northwest.
Inspiring? Interest piquing? I almost fell asleep just writing it.
My current Twitter bio:
Now how interested are you in reading more?
Even though we are talented writers, many of our bios are mediocre and mundane. We wax endlessly on the smell of the Grand Canyon at sunset but when it comes time to write two or three honeyed, explanatory sentences about ourselves, our creative inkwells turn to dust.
Twitter Bios Aren’t About You
The most common mistake people make when they write their bio is they think it’s about them. The newsflash is: bios aren’t about you.
Writing a Twitter bio is just like writing anything else, it’s about the reader; you just happen to be serving as subject matter.
Twitter Bios Are About Marketing
As writers, we are always trying to persuade the reader in some way. We are trying to make them believe a character, buy a product or feel what it’s like to zip-line through the Amazon rainforests. Bios are about persuading people to become your readers.
Twitter Bios Should Never
1. Be just a list of facts
2. Include details that don’t add to your public persona in some way
3. Be devoid of personality
Twitter Bios Should
In order of importance:
1. Be true and relevant
2. Assert credibility
3. Imbue personality
Twitter Bio Accuracy and Relevance
Writers have many colorful characteristics to present in a bio; the key is choosing the right ones. You need tidbits that are honest, pertinent, and educational or enjoyable for the reader. You may be a parent of three genius children, but if that isn’t relevant to your writing, then it isn’t the best fact to lead with when 160 characters are on the line.
Twitter Bio Credibility
Credibility matters. You literally have two seconds to make an impression on a reader before they decide that there is a better person from which to get their gourmet ice cream information. You have to give them a solid reason why you are better than @ice_cream_mama or @frozen_fool.
This is the time to trot out accomplishments and awards. These give you instant credibility. Some writers think it’s egotistical to lead with achievements, but remember the golden rule: this bio isn’t about you. If you don’t tell a reader why they should listen to you, then why would they?
Twitter Bio Personality
Now you know what you want to say; you just have to decide how to say it. This depends on your style of writing. Your bio style needs to hint at what the reader will find in your writings. Your style might be pithy, funny, serious or questioning; all these styles are OK as long as they’re consistent with your writing. In my case, I try to be very straightforward and a little entertaining as that’s how I want my writing to be viewed. I’m crafting a persona. I’m persuading people to see me in a certain light.
Bios Are Fun
While all this seems like a lot to take into account for three sentences, really bios are just word teasers. This is the game of writing. There are staunch limits and your job is to do your best writing within these constraints. You do this every day.
And the best part about a Twitter bio is that it is infinitely changeable and never complete. You never have to sign your name, shellac it and hang it on a gallery wall. Every Monday morning you can wake up and try something new. We as writers are constantly changing, so why shouldn’t our bios?
Natasha Tracy is a writer of fiction, non-fiction and bathroom stall limericks. Natasha works to bring authenticity to the world of mental health writings and believes rose-coloured glasses should be reserved for Sir Elton John alone. Follow her on Twitter at @natasha_tracy.
Interested in contributing a guest blog post of your own? Check out the guest blogger guidelines.