a biography sample

27 of the Best Professional Bio Examples I've Ever Seen [+ Templates]

Published: December 20, 2023

As a writer, I have to let readers and potential clients know my expertise, my skills, and why they should work with me or be interested in what I say. So, a professional bio is a must in my industry.

Though I'm definitely familiar with professional bios, I can admit they can be challenging. What do I include? What do readers need to know?

As daunting as writing a professional bio can be, professional bios are crucial when applying for jobs, seeking new clients, or networking. A professional bio also gives the world a brief snapshot of you and your professional ideals.

If you‘re at a loss for how to write a professional bio that packs a punch, I’ve got you covered. In this journey, tools like HubSpot’s user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder can be instrumental in showcasing your professional bio online with ease and style.

I will walk you through how to write a professional bio that you can proudly publish, provide professional bio templates, and show you the best professional bio examples you can get inspiration from.

What is a professional bio?

Professional bio templates, how to write a professional bio, best professional bio examples, how to write a short bio.

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A professional bio or biography is a short overview of your experience. Professional bios usually include details about education, employment, achievements, and relevant skills.

Purpose of Professional Bios

A bio tells an audience about who you are, what you've done, and what you can do. It can help potential employers, fans, or customers understand your personality and what you stand for.

Writing a bio without a clear starting point is challenging — believe me, I've tried. To ease the process, here are some templates I put together to get you started.

I‘ve found it’s best to keep your professional bio honest and to the point. Too long of a bio, and you risk losing your audience's attention. After all, audiences will only read a web page for less than a minute before clicking elsewhere.

And honesty is key because most consumers and clients won‘t invest in someone or something if it doesn’t seem trustworthy. In fact, 67% of consumers say they must trust a brand before investing in its products or services.

Download free, editable short and long professional bio templates.

What should a professional bio say?

No one wants to work with a clone — your professional bio should be as unique as you.

When writing your bio, include important professional roles and achievements. Add your passions, interests, and how you bring your values to your work. Finally, your bio should let readers know you and reflect your personality.

Here are the elements I recommend including when writing a professional bio:

Professional Roles and Achievements

It's essential to highlight your career roles and achievements in your bio. This can include your current position, previous roles, and notable accomplishments. It will help establish your expertise and credibility and start your bio on the right note.

Passions and Interests

This might be less essential, but it will help humanize you. Remember: Bios are shared via an impersonal medium, like a screen, and can sometimes feel distant if we don't take the proper steps.

Share your passions and interests, whether or not they relate to your work or industry. That way, you can show enthusiasm and dedication outside your professional life.

Plus, you could find common ground with readers — which is always beneficial.

Take a look at this short bio by HubSpot staff writer Erica Santiago.

"Plus," she adds, "I'm always happy to talk about my cats at any given moment. You never know when a fellow cat mom could be reading."

Values and Work Approach

Your values can sometimes show your work ethic more effectively than your career path. It can also help you endear yourself to employers and colleagues who want to work with people with similar values.

So don‘t be shy: Share how you incorporate your values into your work. Whether it’s a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, or ethical decision-making, explain what drives you and be enthusiastic about it.

Your Personality

Remember: Your bio should always include a taste of your personality! Your sense of humor, creativity, or collaborative nature could all give readers a sense of who you are. This helps readers connect with you on a more personal level.

Remember to tailor your bio for different platforms and audiences. Also, keep it concise and impactful while highlighting the most relevant information in each context.

First-Person Bio vs. Third-Person Bio

While first-person bios are common, third-person bios can be more effective in formal situations.

Your decision to write your professional bio in the first or third person depends on your desire to leave a more personable or assertive impression.

Both approaches work, provided you tailor them to your goals and audience. What’s important is to be clear and tell your story in a way that connects with your reader.

How to Write a First-Person Bio

Writing in the first person can be a great way to connect with your audience when building a personal brand. When you write a first-person bio, use "I" or "me" to make yourself relatable and approachable.

Here's one way I’d write a first-person bio:

"I'm a freelance writer specializing in small business content. I've worked with companies in a variety of industries like home care to fine leather goods."

Speaking in the first person here connects you with a client or brand based on your experience and opinions. Put another way, writing a first-person bio is like telling your story to your audience.

Here are a few tips to make your first-person bio great:

Don’t start every sentence with "I."

Showing instead of telling is a great approach.

Let’s say you’re a writer who wants to create a short professional bio. Instead of saying, "I love to write," you can say, "Writer. Bad but enthusiastic dancer."

This portrays your writing skill, shows your personality outside of writing as a dancer, and includes a little sense of humor, which is essential for a writer.

Remember, you know yourself better than anyone.

Adding a back story to your bio helps create context for the roles and successes you write about. Think of it like a case study about who you were, what you are now, and the process that got you to your current position.

Focus on valuable details.

Quick facts about you can showcase your identity and values. For example, if you're writing a bio for LinkedIn, think about how to tie your hobby into what you do.

Let's say Animal Crossing is your hobby. Does it align with your career aspirations? It can be a great addition to your bio if you want to pursue a video game career.

However, if your interests lie elsewhere, including a more relevant hobby is better.

How to Write a Third-Person Bio

Third-person bios sound more authoritative and objective. So, if you’re job searching in a formal industry, applying for grants, or trying to get published, you may want to stick to the third person.

For instance, when you write a third-person bio, you may start with:

"Jasmine Montgomery is a Senior Hiring Manager at L’Oreal based in New York. She recruits across several business units to connect with the brightest talent from around the globe."

By only using your name and pronouns to speak about yourself here, you are letting your title and skill set speak for themselves.

These bios create distance between the subject of the bio (you) and the reader through a third person. This person could be anyone, but they usually speak in a tone emphasizing their expertise.

This makes third-person bios feel aloof or overly formal sometimes.

Ideally, your third-person bio should sound friendly but polished, like a message from a close colleague at work. Here are a few tips on how to write a great third-person bio.

Write from the perspective of someone you know and trust.

It can be challenging to write about yourself, so try to see yourself from the perspective of your favorite person at work or a mentor you trust. This can help you write from a position of authority without feeling self-conscious.

Show the reader why they should trust your opinion.

A professional bio often reflects a specific industry or niche. With this in mind, your text should include relevant details that professionals in your industry know. Avoid jargon whenever you can.

Remember, you're telling a story.

If you want a third-person bio, but you're used to writing in first-person, it may help to write it the most comfortable way for you.

Your professional bio is an essential piece of writing, so edit it carefully. Edit your writing from both points of view and see which works best for your target audience.

Here's how to write a professional bio, step by step.

Create an 'About' page for your website or profile.
Begin writing your bio with your first and last name.
Mention any associated brand name you might use.
State your current position and what you do.
Include at least one professional accomplishment.
Describe your values and how they inform your career.
Briefly tell your readers who you are outside of work.
Use humor or a personal story to add flavor to your professional bio.

If you’re anything like me, you probably don't think about your professional bio until you’re asked to "send one over via email."

You have one afternoon to come up with it, so you scramble together a bio that ends up reading like this:

"Rodney Erickson is a content marketing professional at HubSpot, a CRM platform that helps companies attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers.

Previously, Rodney worked as a marketing manager for a tech software startup. He graduated with honors from Columbia University with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing."

To be fair, in certain contexts, your professional bio needs to be more formal, like Mr. Erickson's up there. But there are also cases where writing a personable and conversational bio is good.

Whether you choose the formal or casual route, use the following steps to create a perfect bio.

1. Create an 'About' page for your website or profile.

You need an online space to keep your professional bio. Here are a few to consider (some of these you might already have in place):

Facebook Business page .
Industry blog byline .
Instagram account .
Personal website .
LinkedIn profile .
Industry website .
Personal blog .

As you'll see in the professional bio examples below, the length and tone of your bio will differ depending on the platforms you use.

Instagram, for example, allows only 150 characters of bio space, whereas you can write as much as you want on your website or Facebook Business page.

2. Begin writing your bio with your first and last name.

If your readers remember nothing else about your bio, they should remember your name. Therefore, it's a good idea for your first and last name to be the first two words of your professional bio.

Even if your name is printed above this bio (hint: it should), this is a rare moment where it's okay to be redundant.

For example, if I were writing my bio, I might start it like this:

Lindsay Kolowich

Lindsay Kolowich is a Senior Marketing Manager at HubSpot.

3. Mention any associated brand name you might use.

Will your professional bio represent you or a business you work for? Ensure you mention the brand you associate with in your bio. If you're a freelancer, you may have a personal business name or pseudonym you advertise to your clients.

Here are a few examples:

Lindsay Kolowich Marketing.
SEO Lindsay.
Kolowich Consulting.
Content by Kolowich (what do you think ... too cheesy?).

Maybe you founded your own company and want its name to be separate from your real name. Keep it simple like this: "Lindsay Kolowich is the founder and CEO of Kolowich Consulting."

4. State your current position and what you do.

Whether you're the author of a novel or a mid-level specialist, use the following few lines of your bio to describe what you do in that position. Refrain from assuming your audience knows what your job title entails.

Make your primary responsibilities known so readers can know you and understand what you offer to your industry.

5. Include at least one professional accomplishment.

Just as a business touts its client successes through case studies, your professional bio should let your audience know what you've achieved.

What have you done for yourself — as well as for others — that makes you a valuable player in your industry?

6. Describe your values and how they inform your career.

Why do you do what you do? What might make your contribution to the market different from your colleagues? What are the values that make your business a worthwhile investment to others?

Create a professional bio that answers these questions.

7. Briefly tell your readers who you are outside of work.

Transition from describing your values in work to defining who you are outside of work. This may include:

Your family.
Your hometown.
Sports you play.
Hobbies and interests.
Favorite music and travel destinations.
Side hustles you're working on.

People like connecting with other people. The more transparent you are about who you are personally, the more likable you'll be to people reading about you.

8. Use humor or a personal story to add flavor to your professional bio.

End your professional bio on a good or, more specifically, a funny note. By leaving your audience with something quirky or unique, you can ensure they'll leave your website with a pleasant impression of you.

Following the steps above when writing your bio is important, but take your time with one section. People consume lots of information daily. So ensure your bio hooks 'em in the first line, and you won’t lose them.

(P.S. Want to boost your professional brand? Take one of HubSpot Academy's free certification courses . In just one weekend, you can add a line to your resume and bio that over 60,000 marketers covet.)

Why Good Bios Are Important for a Professional

You may think, "How many people read professional bios, anyway?"

The answer: A lot. Though there's no way to tell who is reading it, you want it catchy. Your professional bio will delight the right people coming across it on multiple platforms.

Professional bios can live on your LinkedIn profile , company website, guest posts, speaker profiles, Twitter bio , Instagram bio , and many other places.

And most importantly, it‘s the tool you can leverage most when you’re networking.

Bottom line? People will read your professional bio. Whether they remember it or it makes them care about you is a matter of how well you present yourself to your intended audience.

So, what does a top-notch professional bio look like? Let‘s review a few sample bios for professionals like you and me. Then, we’ll cover bio examples from some of the best people in the industry.

Short Sample Bios

Your bio doesn't have to be complicated. Here are five samples to glean inspiration from.

Example 1: Friendly Sample Bio

"Hey! My name is Ryan, and I'm a marketing specialist passionate about digital advertising. I have five years of experience managing various online campaigns and improving brand visibility for clients across multiple verticals. I love analyzing consumer behavior and leveraging data-driven strategies to maximize ROI. Outside work, I enjoy traveling, taking funny photos, and exploring new hiking trails."

Example 2: Mid-Career Sample Bio

"Jennifer Patel is a versatile graphic designer known for her creative approach and attention to detail. With a background in visual arts and eight years of experience, Jennifer has worked on diverse projects ranging from logo designs to website layouts. Her ability to understand and translate client needs into visually striking designs sets her apart. Jennifer finds inspiration in nature, music, and pop culture."

Example 3: Sales Sample Bio

"I'm a seasoned sales executive with a track record of exceeding targets and building strong client relationships. With a background in B2B sales, I've built a natural ability to understand customer needs and consistently exceed quota every month. I pride myself in my communication skills and strategic approaches, which have helped me thrive in highly competitive markets such as SaaS sales. Outside work, I enjoy playing basketball and volunteering at local charities."

Example 4: HR Sample Bio

"I am a dedicated human resources professional with a passion for fostering a positive workplace culture and facilitating employee development. With eight years of experience in talent acquisition and HR operations, I've played a key role in building high-performing teams. I'm known for my strong interpersonal skills and ability to create inclusive and supportive work environments. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga and exploring new culinary experiences."

Example 5: Software Engineer Sample Bio

"David Chang is a senior software engineer specializing in backend development. With a strong background in computer science and six years of experience, David has successfully built scalable and efficient solutions for complex technical challenges. He is well-versed in various programming languages and frameworks like C++, Java, and Ruby on Rails. In his spare time, David enjoys reading science fiction novels and playing the guitar."

Below, we've curated some of the best professional bio examples we've ever seen on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the various places you might describe yourself.

Check 'em out and use them as inspiration when crafting your own.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Author
Chima Mmeje: SEO Content Writer
DJ Nexus: DJ
Lena Axelsson: Marriage & Family Therapist
Mark Levy: Branding Firm Founder
Audra Simpson: Political Anthropologist
Marie Mikhail: Professional Recruiter
Wonbo Woo: Executive Producer
Chris Burkard: Freelance Photographer
Lisa Quine: Creative Consultant
Nancy Twine: Hair Care Founder
Trinity Mouzon: Wellness Brand Founder
Alberto Perez: Co-Founder of Zumba Fitness
Ann Handley: Writer and Marketer

1. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie : Author

Bio platform: personal website.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie begins her professional bio with an invitation to her roots.

In a few paragraphs, she describes when and where she was born, her family, her education, her honorary degrees, and the depth of her work, which has been translated into 30 languages and several publications.

She can keep readers engaged by leading with a powerful hook that aligns with her target audience’s marketing needs.

There’s clarity about who Chima serves.
The hook is bold, catchy, and compels anyone to read further.
Including client results makes clients visualize what they can expect.

3. DJ Nexus : DJ

Bio platform: facebook.

This New England-based DJ has single-handedly captured the Likes of over 2,000 people in and beyond Boston, MA. And even if you don‘t listen to the type of music he produces, it’s hard not to read his compelling Facebook bio.

For instance, consider his tagline, under "About" — " Quiet during the day. QUITE LOUD at night! " DJ Nexus tells you when he works awesomely. I got goosebumps just imagining a dance club where he might play music.

The second is the "long version," which is even more interesting than the first. Why? It reads like a story — a compelling one, at that. In fact, it gets hilarious in some parts.

The second sentence of the bio reads: "He was frightened of public school, loved playing baseball and football, ran home to watch ape films on the 4:30 Movie, listened to The Jam and The Buzzcocks, and read magic trick books."

Here's another excerpt from the middle:

It's a well-put value proposition that sets her apart from the rest of the HR industry.

Marie concludes her bio with a smooth mix of professional skills, like her Spanish fluency, and personal interests, such as podcasting and Star Wars (she mentions the latter with just the right amount of humor).

Straight off the bat, Marie uses a story to share her experiences of how she began as a recruiter.
It provides a subtle pitch for readers to check out her podcast.
The bio exudes Maries approachable, fun, and playful personality.

8. Wonbo Woo : Executive Producer

Wonbo Woo is the executive producer of WIRED's video content and has several impressive credits to his name. What does this mean for his professional bio? He has to prioritize.

With this in mind, Wonbo opens his bio with the most eye-catching details first (if the image below is hard to read, click it to see the full copy ).

I wouldn‘t necessarily be inclined to follow Chris if his bio had simply read, "I post beautiful images." But images that inspire me to travel? Now that’s something I can get behind.

Last, he ends on a humble, sweet note: "He is happiest with his wife Breanne raising their two sons." So inject personal information into your bio — it makes you seem approachable.

It highlights Chris’s achievement without bragging.
The last sentence portrays Chris as a responsible man who loves his family.
The well-written bio speaks to nature lovers who like the outdoors, surfing, and more. This gives them reasons to follow Chris.

10. Lisa Quine : Creative Consultant

Bio platform: portfolio website.

Creative professionals who specialize in visual art may find it challenging to balance the writing of their bio and displaying of their portfolio. Not Lisa Quine. Lisa has an exceptional balance of her professional bio and creative work.

Throughout her bio, you'll notice the number of murals she's completed and a brief timeline of her career. This helps her paint the picture of who she is as a professional.

The rest of her bio similarly focuses on Twine's strengths as someone who’s able to take hair care "back to basics."

Mouzon effectively grips the reader's attention with this introduction and then dives into some of her impressive accomplishments — including a brand now sold at Urban Outfitters and Target.

The language used throughout Mouzon's bio is authentic, real, and honest.

For instance, in the second paragraph, she admits:

"While building a brand may have looked effortless from the outside, starting a business at age 23 with no resources or funding quickly forced me to realize that early-stage entrepreneurship was anything but transparent."

As an avid Zumba fan, I was excited to include this one. Perez styles his LinkedIn bio as a short story, starting with his background as a hard-working teen who held three jobs by age 14.

His bio tells the fun and fascinating origin story of Zumba, in which Perez, an aerobics teacher in Florida at the time, forgot his music for class and used a Latin music cassette tape instead ... "And it was an instant hit!"

His bio continues:

"Shortly after he was connected to Alberto Periman and Alberto Aghion, and Zumba was officially created ... What started as a dream now has 15 million people in more than 200,000 locations in 186 countries who take Zumba classes every week."

There's something in there for everyone.

The last section of the bio shows Ann’s warm personality — "Ann lives in Boston, where she is Mom to creatures two- and four-legged."
Written in the third person, this bio has lots of proof (like followers), which shows Ann is a terrific marketing leader.

If you're posting a bio on a social media account or sending a quick blurb to a client, you want to keep it short and sweet while showcasing your accomplishments.

To get started, use these best practices for writing your short professional bio:

Introduce yourself.
State what you do.
Add key skills or areas of expertise.
Include a personal mission statement
Celebrate your wins.
Provide your contact information.
Show them your personality.

1. Introduce yourself.

Your introduction is your first impression, so always begin by telling people who you are. You may start with a greeting like, "Hello, my name is" or "Hi! Let me first introduce myself …" when sending your bio as a message.

If you’re writing a bio for an online platform, stating your name at the beginning works as well.

Leading with your name — even as a question — is important for recognition and building relationships.

2. State what you do.

Give people an idea of what you do daily and where you work. Your job title is how the people put you into context and consider whether your profession relates to their industry.

So detail your most relevant work in your short bios, like CEO, professor, and author.

Take a cue from Angela Duckworth , who specifies what she does in her LinkedIn bio:

3. Add key skills or areas of expertise.

If you send a bio to a client or potential employer, highlight your most valuable skills. For instance, if your expertise is in social media marketing and content creation, like Ivanka Dekoning , list these skills.

A joke. "Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. At least that’s what I learned when I created…"
Mention a hobby. "I’ll be honest: for me, tennis is life — Go Nadal!"
A fun fact. "Every year, I watch 100 new films! I’m a cinephile and love every movie genre."
A few emojis related to your interests. "🎶🤖🎾🎬🎭"

Whichever way you choose to get personal, give people a glimpse into who you are as an individual.

When writing a short bio, it can be tempting to pack in as much relevant information about yourself as possible — but this isn’t the most effective approach.

Instead, focus on including the details that you and your audience care about most and leave out the fluff.

Let's dive into a few examples of short professional bios.

Short Professional Bio Examples

Tristen Taylor: Marketing Manager
Lianna Patch: Copywriter
Precious Oboidhe: Content Strategist and Writer
Rebecca Bollwitt: Writer
Megan Gilmore: Cookbook Author
Bea Dixon: Feminine Care Founder
Tammy Hembrow: Instagram Influencer
Dr. Cody: Chiropractor
Larry Kim: Founder
Dharmesh Shah: Founder and CTO
Lily Ugbaja: Content Strategist
Ian Anderson Gray: Marketer
Van Jones: Political Commentator, Author, and Lawyer

1. Tristen Taylor: Marketing Manager

Bio platform: blog byline.

Tristen Taylor is a Marketing Manager here at HubSpot. She's written content for HubSpot's Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service blogs; her blog author bio is one of my favorites.

What I love most about Tristen's bio is that it’s a great example of how to deliver information about yourself that is relevant to your work while also sharing fun details that audiences will find relatable.

Her bio reads:

"Building from her experience with GoCo.io and Southwest Airlines, Tristen's work has been recognized by Marketing Brew and BLACK@INBOUND. She lives in Washington, DC, attending anime conventions and painting in her free time."

Gilmore further includes a CTA link within her Instagram bio that leads followers to free, ready-to-use recipes. You might think, " Why would she do that since it discourages people from buying her book?"

But that couldn't be further from the truth.

By giving her followers the chance to try out her recipes, she's slowly turning leads into customers. After I tried a few of her Instagram recipes and loved them, I bought her book, knowing I'd like more of what she offered.

The bio is short and direct.
The CTA link includes an invitation for people to join her newsletter. Meaning, she can build her email list.

6. Bea Dixon : Feminine Care Founder

Bea Dixon, Founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Company, efficiently uses the space on her Instagram profile to highlight who she is as a well-rounded human — not just a businesswoman.

For instance, while she highlights her girl boss attitude with a tiara emoji, she equally calls attention to her fashion interests (Free People), her pets, Boss and Sadie, and her love for ramen noodles.

What more do you need to know?

Ian doesn't take his bio too seriously but uses every character to highlight everything about him.

He includes his skills as a marketer and podcast host, who he is outside work as a dad, and what he can help you do. His smiles also give the bio a sense of humor and realness.

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Summary. To write a short bio you should first make an initial introduction introducing yourself in the first or first person. Your short bio should include your brand, your accomplishments, and your values and goals. Your short bio should be one to three short paragraphs or four to eight sentences long.

Knowing how to write a concise, informative, and interesting biography about yourself can help throughout various parts of the professional process. You can use your bio to capture the attention of potential employers or clients and convince them to choose to employ or work with you.

In this article, you’ll learn more about what goes into a short bio and how to write one, and you’ll also get to see some short bio templates and examples to help you get an idea of what yours should look like.

Key Takeaways

A short bio serves to introduce you, your achievements, and what you offer professionally to potential employers or clients.

It’s important to keep your bio brief so that readers stay engaged and will remember your main points.

You may need to adjust your bio for different audiences, as your clients may want to know different information than a recruiter would.

Talk about your skills and accomplishments in your bio, but don’t exaggerate them.

What Is a Short Bio?

How to write a short bio, what to include in a short professional bio, short bio examples, short bio templates, tips for writing a short bio, writing a short bio faq.

A short bio serves as your introduction to the professional world. In terms of finding or expanding on your job, a bio will cover your:

Work history

Achievements

Any other relevant professional information

Think of it as a professional memoir that a hiring manager or consumer can read and understand quickly. It’s usually about one to three paragraphs depending on experience.

There’s an emphasis on being succinct when it comes to writing a professional bio. This is because a bio is supposed to be a preface to attract recruiter attention and incline them to reach out for more information. Many readers will get lost or bored with a lengthy bio.

Using a short bio can be helpful across very different industries, from marketing to accounting, from psychiatry to sales.

You’re probably familiar with providing short bios on social media websites and applications. While the information and skills you include in a professional bio may differ, the general formatting is similar.

There’s a lot of considerations to take into account when writing a short bio, and it can quickly become intimidating. Deciding what information is relevant and how to keep it near 140 characters is no small task.

If you’re having difficulty writing a short bio, follow the outline below to craft an introduction that engages your reader.

Make an initial introduction. You can’t jump right into everything you’ve done and what you want to do in the future before introducing yourself.

Your bio’s first sentence should begin with your full name in the third person or introduce yourself in the first person and continue to briefly outline your most notable skills and accomplishments. It’s a good place to state your current job and employer.

Go deeper with what motivates you. Once you’ve catchily illustrated who you are in your short bio, you can use the second sentence to describe your motivations for your work.

Stating what drives you to do the work you do is essential to employers and customers alike. Whether you work as a physician or fitness consultant , there’s a reason why this is your profession, and you should explain that in your short professional bio.

Describe your accomplishments. Your short bio is for detailing why you’re the ideal candidate to be trusted with handling an employer or consumer’s business. By describing your prior accomplishments, you let them know what you could offer as an employee and how you’ve succeeded in the past.

While you should avoid sounding braggy, the reader is looking for information about what your qualifications are , and your accomplishments generally measure these qualities.

Even though you could probably go on for ages about the details of your accomplishments, save that for an interview . In a short bio, only include the most impressive of your achievements to outline.

Accomplishments relevant to a short bio could include:

Impressive results on a project

Former promotions

Awards received in your field

Certifications received

Include contact information. The purpose of a short bio as either a business or a job seeker is to inspire the reader to reach out. Without contact information, this pursuit becomes futile. Make sure your short bio has some way to contact you at the end.

Relevant contact information may include:

Phone number

Professional networking profile

A short professional bio includes:

Your full name. You can choose to write your bio in the first person (I, me, my) or third person (he, she, they), but either way, you need to include your full name at some point. Branding doesn’t work so well without a brand name (i.e., you!)

Your brand. Of course, if you have an actual brand that you’re trying to market, you should include the brand name as well.

What you do. Summarize what you want the reader to know about what you do in one sentence — tricky, we know.

Your accomplishments. For a short bio, you can stick with just one major accomplishment from your professional life. Or, if you have a string of impressive achievements, try condensing all of them down to one sentence.

Your goals and values. Let the reader know what makes you tick — why do you do what you do and what do you hope to achieve with your work? People are compelled by a story more than anything else, so it’s important to get this part right.

Something personal (optional). If you have a quirky tidbit about yourself you’d like to include, go for it. Just make sure it doesn’t throw off te the tone of the rest of your bio.

Contact info (optional). If your bio is serving as a call-to-action to drum up business or get leads on job opportunities, it makes sense to include your contact information at the end of your bio. It’s not necessary if that information is available elsewhere on the page , though.

Entry-Level Job-Seeker Bio Example

Mitchell Morrison is an upcoming video producer and editor who believes in the art of visual organization. He is a recent graduate from the University of Washington and focused on post-production during his time studying there. He was introduced to the magical world of visual art production by watching his father work on editing commercials growing up and has been working towards his dream of becoming a video editor ever since. During his last year of college, Mitchell participated in a competitive internship with Digital Space Films. He was chosen out of 2,000 applicants based on his academic portfolio and personal statement essay. This internship was an incredible learning experience and resulted in three professional accreditations for music video editing. Mitchell currently lives in Seattle, Washington pursuing freelance opportunities and spending time with his Dog, Pikachu. To get into contact with Mitchell: MitchellMorrisonVideo.com/contact

Working Professional Website Bio Example

Lisa Kennedy is an experienced real estate professional. She knows how important a home is for long-term happiness and has invested her career in putting people in the house they’ve always dreamed of. Lisa was driven to pursue real estate from her passion for helping people during life-altering times, and a keen interest in high-end, luxury homes. She’s been working in the real estate industry for ten years and in that time has assisted over 3,500 people in finding homes. She was educated at the University of Los Angeles with a bachelor’s in business management. She’s worked for some of the most respectable Real Estate companies in Los Angeles and individually under her agency “Kennedy Homes.” Lisa has also been published in Real Estate Quarterly Magazine as the 2017 winner of the “Top Luxury Home Seller” award. Lisa loves the culture of Los Angeles and has been living there with her family of five since she graduated from college. She enjoys spending her free time exploring towns along the West Coast and swimming. If you’d like to get in touch with Lisa: Email: [email protected]

Professional Networking Profile Bio Example

Bianca Jones Marketing Manager Miami, FL The first step towards customer satisfaction is being reached by stellar product marketing, and that’s what I aim to provide. My professional experience as a product marketing manager has allowed me to assist many organizations in improving their sales margins and audience response to emerging products. I’ve brought dedication and positive results to the companies I’ve worked for because I am passionate about product perception, marketing, and business statistics. What drives a product to success interests and inspires me. I specialize in long-term growth strategies and audience outreach. In addition to eight years of experience in professional product marketing, I have also published two books on creating a career as a marketer called “What to Do After Your Bachelor’s” and “A Marketer’s How-To.” If you’re interested in learning more about how to market your business better, or just discuss more, feel free to contact me by email at [email protected].

Your first choice is whether you want your bio to be written in the third person or first person. These short bio templates show both options, and also include different ideas for what to include, and how. Feel free to pick and choose your favorite parts of each of the two.

[Full Name] is a [job title] who [believes/knows] in the power of [what you do]. [He/She/They] began their journey in [field] by [how you got started in the field], and now dreams of [what you hope to accomplish]. [His/Her/Their] biggest accomplishment to date has been [your biggest accomplishment]. [Full Name] lives in [where you live] and participates in [a hobby/interest]. To get in touch with [Full Name], call/email/message me on [how you’d like to be contacted].

I am a [job title] who helps [who you help] [what you help them do]. It’s my belief that [your unique perspective on the field]. In the past [# of years] years, I’ve [major accomplishment #1] through [how you accomplished it]. I have a passion for [your professional passion], but on the side, I also enjoy [personal passion]. Get in touch with me today at [contact info] — I look forward to talking with you about [what you want to talk to your readers about].

You have a firm grasp of the structure of a short bio and what to include. Now, you may need some tips for how to polish your short professional bio and make it stand out from the competition.

Be mindful of length. While you’re probably getting sick of hearing that your bio should be short, it’s good to keep in mind throughout the writing process. It’s easy to go off on a tangent while trying to include everything relevant or rationalize, making your bio too long.

Avoid this impulse. The point of a bio is that it’s limited. You want to intrigue the reader enough to inspire them to seek more information about you or your services.

Tailor your bio to your intended audience. Whether you’re using a short bio to attract a particular customer base or potential employer, tailoring it to fit their wants and needs is crucial. Consider your intended audience base and what they’re looking for in a candidate or service.

Be genuine. Your short bio should be an authentic representation of your traits, experience, and personality. People are repelled by what they interpret as stretching the truth. If you’re being received as disingenuous by the reader, they’ll probably move on.

Proofread. The only way to steer clear of errors in your short bio is by proofreading it. Imagine a hiring manager being completely interested in your bio.

They love what you have to say about yourself and find your prior experience enticing. That is, until they come across a mistake that clearly shows you didn’t do proofread or edit.

Include links to your portfolio, website, or networking profile. One way to circumvent the confining factor of keeping your bio short is by including links to more detailed sources.

This can be in the form of linking your portfolio or website to allow the reader to go deeper into your discussed skills if they please, without taking up more space in your bio.

Implement these links seamlessly into your bio by attaching them to anchor words that describe what clicking will lead them to.

Add some personality. You aren’t the only person who has an impressive list of accomplishments to put on a bio, so you’re going to need to find some additional ways to make an impression.

What should a short bio include?

A short bio should include your name, what you do, and your achievements. You should also include your company or product’s brand, if you have one, and your goals and motivations for doing what you do. This humanizes you and helps you stand out from the rest of the pack.

How long is a short bio?

A short bio is typically one to three paragraphs long. These should be short paragraphs though, as other experts say that between four and eight sentences is the ideal length for a short bio.

What makes a good bio?

A good bio is succinct and memorable. Readers don’t want to spend long reading about your professional and personal life, so go back and cut it down to the important parts multiple times after you draft it. You might be surprised at how little you actually need to include.

What should you avoid putting in a short bio?

You should avoid including anything negative or arrogate. It’s never a good idea to write anything negative about previous jobs or employers. Only include positive things in your professional short bio.

It’s important to include your achievements in a short bio, but there is a fine line between mentioning your achievements and bragging about them. Stick to the facts when talking about your accomplishments.

Fremont University – Building Your Professional Bio

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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3 stand-out professional bio examples to inspire your own

woman-writing-on-her-laptop-for-social-media-professional-bio-examples

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What’s a professional bio?

How to write a professional bio, professional bio examples to inspire your own, promote with pride.

Opportunities to self-promote can arise when you least expect them. Whether you exchange LinkedIn profiles at a networking event , receive an invite to submit a resume , or share your personal website with a potential client, branded materials that effectively describe you are crucial to making a great first impression .

A professional biography (bio) is more than a simple self-introduction or opportunity to boast — although you should promote your skills and accomplishments with pride . With such little space and so much to say, you may struggle to find the perfect words.

After all, who you are and what you do extends far beyond a couple of sentences. But conciseness is possible — it just requires a little self-reflection and guidance.

Let’s explore different strategies for writing a bio that's engaging, adaptable, and, most importantly, encapsulates your professional values and identity. With these tips and professional bio examples to guide your process, you’ll learn how to write a bio about yourself that shows off your best side.

A professional bio is a brief but impactful blurb that introduces who you are and what you do. Ranging from a few sentences to several paragraphs, it sums up your area of expertise, talents, and professional background.

Think of your professional bio as an opportunity to expand your personal brand statement , which uses marketing strategies like punchy and emotion-provoking language to sell you in a few choice sentences. Your bio includes additional information and personal touches to create a fuller picture of your professional accomplishments and future aspirations .

man-smiling-using-earpods-and-writing-on-his-laptop-at-desk-professional-bio-examples

You never know who scans your social media profiles, company website, or resume. A thoughtful bio is adaptable and provides consistent messaging regardless of the platform and audience. Whether it’s a recruiter , client, or collaborator checking out your branded materials, your professional bio works around the clock to promote your personal brand .

Wherever you network, job search , or show off your work are all great places to include a bio. That may include:

The “About” section on your personal website, YouTube channel, or podcast , giving insight to visitors about the person behind the work

Your LinkedIn profile's summary section , providing a personal touch to the career achievements and skills highlighted in your work experience section

Promotional materials or event programs , like for a workshop, speaking engagement, or training webinar

On the team page of your organization’s website , showcasing your unique role and contributions to your team

In an author bio for blog posts and articles , establishing your trustworthiness and providing context to readers

In the bio sections of social media profiles used to promote your personal brand , adding personality to reflect your professional identity

Within a cover letter , letter of intent , or letter of interest , connecting your unique value to a potential employer’s needs

In a grant or proposal submission , lending credibility when applying for funding or pitching a project

On your online or physical portfolio , helping people connect more deeply with your work as a creative

On a book jacket, author page, or academic journal , highlighting your expertise, background, or focus areas

Adapting your professional bio template to fit different platforms helps you paint a consistent and engaging picture of yourself for varying audiences. You can control the narrative that surrounds your professional identity and reputation.

And clarity across platforms acts as a powerful call to action — the more your target audience understands what you represent, the more likely they’ll want to connect with you.

A great bio shows off your unique value, reflects your goals, and displays your personality . But, despite its highly personalized nature, you can still use templates or follow frameworks to write your own. Here are a few guidelines for writing different bio types.

How to write a short bio

A short professional bio offers your reader a quick snapshot, making it best suited for professional situations requiring brevity, like a cover letter or social media platform with character limits.

And a well-written short bio captures attention and entices your audience to follow through, carefully reading an attached resume or scrolling your LinkedIn profile.

Here are some general guidelines:

Start with the basics: Explain who you are, what you do, and your current work. Keep it as brief as possible and focus on essential information that reflects your identity and current professional situation.
Establish credibility: Share valuable professional triumphs to give readers insights about your unique value and credibility. Descriptors like “Award-winning” or “With 10 years of experience” are concise ways to express the breadth of your experience.
Be personal but appropriate: Add personal touches to make your bio feel more authentic and relatable , remembering to consider context. “Adventure-loving mechanical engineer” may suit an Instagram bio, whereas “ Innovation-seeking mechanical engineer” is better suited for a professional portfolio . Each conveys a sense of personality and aligns with the goals of the medium.

business-woman-looking-at-resume-at-office-professional-bio-examples

How to write a long bio

A long bio offers your audience a more comprehensive understanding of who you are and what you stand for. They’re best suited for professional situations requiring a more in-depth intro, like an author page, “About Me” section, or funding proposal.

A well-crafted long bio doesn’t just illuminate key experiences and skills. It humanizes you, showing off professional goals and personal interests that capture reader attention and build trust .

Here are some general tips:

Introduce yourself: Just like you do in a short bio, the first sentence should clearly establish who you are and the work that’s most important to you. Consider mentioning your current position and clarifying your responsibilities .

Go in-depth on your values: In a long bio, you can elaborate beyond short descriptors and action verbs . Depending on the medium, tell a fuller story that adds depth to your personal values and professional pursuits.

Mixing the personal with the professional, like mentioning your alma mater and describing your first roles, adds nuance and richness to your character representation. This creates a sense of closeness and understanding with your reader.

Detail your professional journey: While the focus should be on your current job title and area of expertise, readers can build a deeper connection when they learn more about your professional story.

Consider highlighting career milestones, including certifications, notable successes, and work experience. But describe yourself with humility . Bragging about your skills and accomplishments may come off as arrogant instead of confident , a misunderstanding that might put the reader off.

General guidelines

Regardless of format, a successful professional bio follows a few basic rules, like:

Keep it fresh: Your career is never stagnant, and your personal bio shouldn’t be, either. Regularly update your bio to include new achievements, professional skills , and shifts in your career focus.

Keeping your LinkedIn bio, portfolio website, and other materials current ensures that potential employers and collaborators have access to the most relevant information about you, avoiding misunderstandings and missed opportunities.

Provide a call-to-action: You’ve captured your target audience's attention — now what? Invite readers to connect, engage, and start a conversation . Clarity can help direct the kind of engagement you want.

Something like “For consulting inquiries or collaborations, contact me at [email]. For copyright requests, contact my publisher at [email].” is appropriately clear and direct.

Proofread for consistency: Like any professional communication, always double-check for grammar and spelling mistakes. Hiring managers and clients may interpret poor writing skills as a lack of clear thinking or attention to detail , discouraging them from following up with you.

And choose a point of view (first person “I” or third person full name), staying consistent to ensure a better reading experience. You want your reader to focus on the content without bad mechanics distracting them.

man-frowning-looking-at-documents-at-home-office-professional-bio-examples

Now that you have the basic rules down, here are some bio examples to help you write yours. Pay attention to flow and content, and edit them to meet your needs.

Short bio examples

Here’s a short bio for an events brochure for a graphic designer leading a workshop:

[name] is a speaker, graphic designer, and UX engineer who builds performant branding strategies with an eye for accessibility. [name] helps brands of all sorts, from startups to multinationals, transform how they tell stories through visual design and cutting-edge technologies that focus on sustainable, inclusive engagement.

And here’s a data analyst’s work bio example for LinkedIn:

I’m a certified data analyst with a natural curiosity for transforming complex data into action. With more than 10 years of experience, I’ve developed expertise in statistical modeling and predictive analysis.

Currently, I’m a project manager at TechBiz focused on enhancing business strategies through data optimization. I’ve been instrumental in driving growth for several Fortune 500 companies and was recognized in 2022 as one of “America’s Innovators” by Women in Data.

Why they work: Both bios concisely illustrate current job roles, career focus, and unique character traits. Small details like “eye for accessibility” and “natural curiosity” show personality and professional values, illustrating what they’ll be like to work with.

Long bio example

Here’s a freelance writer example for their portfolio website:

I’m a Mexico City-based freelance writer by way of Louisville, Kentucky. My weekly newsletter on sustainability, policy, and culture — Sustainability Now — has been mentioned by the LA Times, The Nation, and Vogue London and has over 20,000 subscribers.

My work recently appeared in Foreign Policy, the New York Times, and Mother Jones, where I’ve written about sustainability in cities, business, and consumption. And I’ve also contributed to Politico and Dissent and won an award for my story on the history of natural wine for MOLD.

I’m a firm believer that positive environmental change is powered by conscientious consumption. Since 2018, I’ve consulted content marketing teams of startups and branding agencies to transform how their businesses and consumers engage with our planet through storytelling.

I have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a minor in journalism from Boston University. I also have completed Google’s SEO Fundamentals and UC Davis’ Content Marketing Strategy course.

In my spare time, you can find me hiking through the national parks surrounding CDMX with my dog, Mole, when we aren’t looking for the city’s perfect vegan taco.

For business consulting, please contact me at [name]@gmail.com. For editorial inquiries and media work, please contact my agent at [name]@talentcorp.com.

Why it works: This bio is comprehensive and focused on professional goals while listing key achievements, recognitions, and core principles to establish credibility and align the reader with her values.

And personal details and a touch of humor add warmth and authenticity that resonate and illustrate a well-rounded individual.

A successful professional bio covers all the bases, letting your reader know what you’re about and what it’d be like to work with you. Clarity and conciseness require nuance and careful curation, but the extra work pays off.

With these tips, professional bio examples, and a little self-reflection about your accomplishments and aspirations, you’ll soon write a bio like a natural wordsmith.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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Biography Templates

47 Biography Templates & Examples (Personal, Professional)

A biography is simply an account of someone’s life written by another person. A biography can be short in the case of few sentences biography, and it can also be long enough to fill an entire book. The short biographies explain a person’s basic life facts and their importance, but the long biographies would go an extra mile and include more details to make an interesting read. You may find yourself in a situation which requires you to write a biography of a famous person, a close friend or a relative. For this reason, it pays to know how to come up with a biography and the important details that you should include in it. The lives of many people have interesting bits of information, but you ought to know what to capture in the biography and what to leave out.

Table of Contents

1 Biography Examples
2 What to include in a biography
3 How to write a good Biography
4 Steps in writing a biography;
5 Biography templates
6 A professional Biography Template
7 Personal Biography Template

Biography Examples

What to include in a biography

The length of a biography depends on the type of information that should be included. The length will determine the nature of information and how extensively it will explain the life of a person. For instance, if you are to write a short paragraph about a person it will mostly capture the important details that identify the person compared to a pages-long biography that may even include the person’s childhood experiences and achievements shaping their life.

For a short biography, maybe a paragraph or two long, the following details should be captured:

A person’s date and place of birth, at times with the date and place of death as may be applicable
The person’s major achievements in life
Their educational background and notable awards
Work facts of a person and their contribution to that field if any
A brief account of the significance of an individual in the community

A lengthy biography will bring out more details of a person’s life making it a bit more complex. His/her history will be brought out more clearly especially the details that shaped them to be the persons they turned out to be.

The target audience will also dictate the nature of the information that is to be included. The relation of the audience to an individual will have an impact on how the information is presented and the important details that they could be interested in. In a case where the audience is unknown, more details will have to be included. This mostly happens in the case of a several paged biography. You will have to scrutinize the person in a more detailed way and establish more people relating to the person. Focusing on the uniqueness of an individual can do wonders in this case and this might turn out to be inspirational to many people. The field that the person has majored in or had majored in ought to influence the direction that the biography will take as this will help to bring out the contribution of the individual to their field of study.

How to write a good Biography

A biography is meant to analyze a person’s life and interpret it as well. A good biographer will try to join the dots and explain certain actions and events that a certain figure was involved in. This will help in clearly bringing out the significance of a person’s life through their accomplishments or remarkable deeds.

Biographies are usually written in a chronological order. Some biographers could also draft them in a themed order that is early life, educational background, a person’s achievements or accomplishments. But some especially the short ones will focus on one area in a person’s life.

There are several sources of information that could aid one in writing an astounding biography. These sources of information can be grouped into either primary sources or secondary sources. The primary sources of information include materials like letters, newspaper accounts or diaries. A biographer can also make an arrangement to interview an individual they want to write about. This is also considered as a primary source of information. The secondary sources are reference books, other biographies or historical records that are related to the subject being written about.

Steps in writing a biography;

Select the individual you want to write about
Search for the basic facts that relate to a person’s life. The encyclopedia or almanac could be handy at this.
What’s the most interesting bit about the person?
What is the significance of the individual to the society and the world in general?
What qualities or adjectives will be best suited for the description of the individual?
What actions or life events bring out the qualities or adjectives chosen above?
What life events or world events shaped the individual or brought out the best in them?
Did they face obstacles or take some risks in life? How did they handle the obstacles and did they happen to be lucky?
What impact did they have in the world? Did they add value to the way people view certain aspects of life? Did they come up with a thing, idea or way of action that transformed the way things are handled or rather done in their societies or world in general?
Carry out some additional research on the internet to answer some of the questions mentioned above. Ensure that you find information that will help you tell a story that many will love.
After getting everything in order, you can proceed to write the biography. We have provided sample biographies in this site that you could check out in order to get the drift.

Biography templates

A biography template is meant to specifically aid a writer come up with an excellent biography. For this purpose to be achieved the writer needs to get his/her hands on a high-quality biography template, just like the ones provided on this site.

The best biography templates should provide clear instructions, and this should be in great detail to avoid the risk of the writer missing out some important facts. The templates available on this site will help you capture all of the details.

The biography templates should also be precise and avoid beating around the bush. Going round one idea or item will make the biography boring to read and it is prudent for the writer to be straight to the point. By doing this it will be easier for the readers to skim through and find the details they might be interested in with lots of easy. The writer will also save his/her time and concentrate on writing other things.

The general sections of any biography as outlined by our sample biographies will have;

The name of the person
A picture of the person
An account of their early life
The person’s family life
The major achievements of the person
The three main interesting qualities or facts about the individual

Free Developing Artist Statements And Artist Bios

A professional Biography Template

A professional biography is a statement that could either be short or long that is written about a person, business or company. It should be engaging, informative and interesting for the readers to identify with the person or business entity being talked about. It has a sales pitch that is a little bit different. A professional biography template is meant to ease the process of generating printed professional biographies especially for an individual who wants to reach a lot of people or institutions.

Elements that should be captured in a professional biography are:

A summary of one’s early life in a sentence or two, make it interesting
Then information touching on your education, mention any academic awards or the clubs and societies that you were part of. Any work experience while in school.
Talk about how creative and innovative you are with coming with solutions to the problems that you have faced as an individual, mention any situation that you were self-reliant in coming up with solutions
Mention qualities that make you stand out for instance, being independent, principled or discerning to increase your trustworthiness.

The following tips will enable you to come up with the best professional biography;

Be brief and precise to the point. This is to enable the reader to easily and quickly get to know about you.
Be spontaneous in your writing
Be as expressive as possible and avoid too much of self-editing while drafting the professional biography in the initial stages to capture as much information as possible
Be friendly but not too informal
Be as interesting as you could in order to get the attention of many people out there
Write it in third person. Talk about your life as if someone else were describing it.

This site offers you a professional biography template that could aid in making the generation of professional biographies an easy and less time consuming task. You can also check out sample bios to figure out how to go about the whole process of coming up with a professional biography.

Personal Biography Template

A personal biography is a short account of who you are, your credentials and your notable accomplishments in life. Personal bios ought to be short, precise and relevant to your target audience. The use of personal statistics such as hobbies or family should be avoided. A personal biography template will help one to easily and conveniently come up with personal bios.

The key elements in a personal biography are;

Give an introduction of yourself. Remember to write it in third person and include the year that your professional career started to be relevant. You could give a list of any relevant specializations in your field.
State your educational facts and credentials. Mention the degrees that you have pursued and the respective institutions. Add any relevant experiences you have that are required for your career and mention the name of the society that you are legally a member of.
Proceed to outline any notable achievements or awards you have earned in your practice. Remember that the information ought to be relevant to the audience being addressed. If you happen to be an author you could mention the magazines or any publishing house that has recognized your works.
Your conclusion should mention any upcoming projects or works in progress that people should lookout for in the near future. Don’t forget to mention your current place of residence .

As you age, it is good to keep on updating your biography to reflect who you are at present time. You can make use of the personal biography template offered by this site to easily and in a more convenient way generate your own biography without missing out on the important details.

We also provide sample biographies to give you a feel of what your end draft should look like. If you have kids and you want to let them in on famous historical figures, this site offers biographies for kids. These will help them know the notable people who help shape the world to what it has become to be.

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BrandYourself Blog | ORM and Personal Branding

11 Tips On How To Write A Personal Biography + Examples

We’ve all been there: agonizing over how to write a bio that doesn’t sound too self-promotional or fall flat with modesty.

“What is a biography?” you may ask. A bio is a piece of work that details a person’s life. In addition to basic facts, like education and employment, it is meant to portray their lived experiences as well.

Writing a biography that’s professional and actually sparks interest can be tricky. And optimizing it for greater visibility in search engines can make your job even harder.

In many cases, your personal biography will define your first impression online when you’re Googled by:

A potential employer or client before an interview.
Someone at a networking event who wants to learn more about you.
A potential client or customer looking to get more info before working with you.

And when someone finds your social media profiles, personal website, or company bio page, your bio will be there to greet them.

It can make or break whether someone wants to take the next step and work with you.

So it’s important to make it count.

1. How to write a bio about yourself that checks all the boxes.

When it comes to writing a personal or professional bio, there are a few items that are standard to include. While a bio may not have all of these things, if any of the following apply to you, then they should be included. Use the following bullet points to write out a list of information about you. From there, you can draw info from each line item to start crafting your bio.

Your current role
Hometown/Current place of residence
Work experience
Education history
Special skills & attributes
Professional accomplishments
Personal accomplishments
High-level personal goals & aspirations
High-level professional accomplishments
Hobbies & pastimes
Personal passions
Awards or Accolades
Press Mentions
Miscellaneous (What makes you unique!)

Starting with a list ensures you won’t leave anything out.

2. Introduce yourself… like a real person.

This is one of the most important pieces of understanding how to write a personal biography. Always start with your name.

When many people start learning how to write a bio, they skip this important part. People need to know who you are before they learn what you do. Remember that your most important details should go in the very first sentence.

Keep the first sentence short and sweet, either by describing what you do at a high level or going into more detail about your specific role. Aim to describe yourself in a way that’s professional…but also human.

3. Watch your word count.

When you start writing a bio about yourself, determining the length may seem like an afterthought – something that just happens once you stop typing. However, it is something that you need to think about before you start writing – and your ideal word count may shift depending on your primary focus.

From an SEO perspective, the more words you use in your personal bio, the better. If you are filling in the bio section of a profile, find out the word or character limit – that’s how long your bio should be. If you are writing the bio on your personal website, the longer, the better. Plan to write 500 words – minimum. If you have 1,500 to 2,000 words in you, that’s even better.

From a branding perspective, you may have a different take on the length of your bio. Perhaps you would prefer to keep things short and sweet or don’t feel the immediate need for a 1,500-word count. If so, that’s fine too. Cater your personal bio to your goals. Start small. The length suggestion can change based on your situation and ultimate goals.

4. Write your biography in the third person.

This is one of the most common steps that you may struggle with when learning how to write a bio about yourself. While it can feel strange to talk about yourself in the third person at first, there are some very clear benefits from doing so:

From an SEO perspective, writing a bio in the third person allows you to include your full name throughout the bio. This lets search engines know that this lengthy, original, and well-written piece of content is about you . While making it clear that this awesome work is about you is important when it comes to search engine optimization, don’t let speaking in the third person become too much of a good thing.

Never overuse your name when writing a bio or include it in a way that seems unnatural. Instead, use your name when it is appropriate. By dropping your name too frequently, search engines may think that the article looks suspicious/spammy – or isn’t written very well.

5. Write a story, not a list.

When writing a personal bio, it can be easy to fall into the trap of rattling off accomplishments, but that’s what your resume is for. Your bio should go above and beyond your awards and get to the core of who you are and what you’re about.

Now, that may seem like a tall order, but with a bit of planning, you can pull it off. You can understand how to write a bio from a technical standpoint, but looking at it through this lens will help be your guideline going forward. Ask yourself questions like, “Who is your audience?” or, “What are the main takeaways for your reader?” and “What events in your life best illustrate those main points?”. Turn your biography into a story that engages the reader.

Those who have mastered the steps of how to write a bio spend a lot of time doing this. If you approach writing a bio like a story, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to differentiate yourself from others and truly connect with the reader.

6. Edit ruthlessly, analyze with free tools, and update constantly.

Your online bio is the authoritative source for you. That means that it needs to reflect you in the best light possible. This also means that it should be kept as up-to-date as possible. The proper action plan for how to write a bio is never truly finished because of this.

A lengthy, well-written, and regularly updated piece of content is like search engine gold. So when you complete your initial version of the longer personal bio that you will use on your website, know that you’re not finished.

As you gain more experience or perhaps shift your professional focus, include these changes in your bios. And keep asking other people that you trust to take a look at your main bios to edit them. Writing a bio is an ongoing process that you should never ignore for too long.

Read your bio aloud to yourself, use free editing tools like the Hemingway app , Slickwrite , or any other number of free resources that will help you write a great bio about yourself that keeps readers interested.

7. Link to your work.

Regardless of your profession, it’s likely that you have samples of your work that are pertinent to the audience reading about you. In addition to being an introduction to who you are and what you do, let your personal bio act as a marketing tool. In case you need some ideas, see this good real estate marketing teamwork where you can draw ideas. Many people want to learn how to write a bio effectively, but they don’t spend enough time learning how to use it as a promotion.

You can do this by including links to your product, company, or service. Avoid doing this in a heavy-handed way since nobody wants to read a direct sales pitch when they’re trying to learn about a human being. Mention the product, company, or service in a way that helps you tell your own story in a natural way.

These links should enhance and illustrate what you’re already describing yourself. This shouldn’t be a distraction or take anything away from the main thrust of your personal narrative.

If you have a lot of work and accomplishments to choose from, be selective! Highlight work that’s impressive, relevant, tells your story and makes you proud.

If you don’t currently have much to link to within your personal bio, don’t worry.

Start by learning more about personal branding . Make a note in your calendar, planner, or journal that this is something to work on outside of creating your personal bio. But don’t let this fall by the wayside. Set some time aside in the next few weeks to actively work on fixing this.

Whether it’s writing an article on your company’s website, submitting a post to a site that’s related to your industry, or finally getting your passion project’s website live… do it! For instance, if you’re passionate about cryptocurrency, you could write an in-depth review of a bitcoin casino utan svensk licens . Once that is live, get the most out of it by linking to it in your bios. Look to other professionals in your field who have a well-developed online presence for inspiration.

8. Don’t forget to share your contact information.

Even if you have a contact page on your site, or perhaps widgets on your website that link to your social media sites, make a point to include the most direct mode of connection at the end of your personal bio. This could be your email address, a link to your contact page, or a link to your LinkedIn account. When it comes down to it, understanding how to write a biography aids you in creating new and valuable connections.

By including this type of information at the end of your bio, you’re not only letting your audience know how you prefer that they get in touch with you but directing them to another hub that lets them learn even more information about you (if you so choose). Give some thought about what you want your audience to do after they have just been introduced to you through your personal bio.

9. Write a bio for all of your different profiles.

As you build your online presence, you will need different versions of your bio. They’ll vary in length depending on where you place them. So to start, don’t feel like you have to fit your entire life story into one bio.

It’s important to have multiple versions of your bio for two main reasons:

From a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) perspective, unique content helps your profiles and websites rank better in search results. Why? Because search engines like Google want to provide a broad range of information, not content that seems plagiarized (even if you just plagiarized yourself).
From a branding perspective, it’s helpful to have different versions of your bio at the ready for different platforms. For example, your Twitter bio will be very short due to character limitations, but your LinkedIn bio (called your summary) can be longer.

Both of these reasons fit into the bigger picture of managing your online presence. A lot goes into this process, which is why we put together this comprehensive online reputation management guide .

10. Use an online tool to ensure the bios on all your profiles are well-branded and optimized to rank high in search engines.

Understanding how to write a bio is a lot easier when you have a little help. At BrandYourself, we’ve built reputation management software that walks you through building an impressive online presence.

It includes a useful personal bio analyzer that helps you ensure your bios across all profiles (LinkedIn, Twitter, About.me, your website, etc.) are well-branded and optimized to show up as high as possible on Google. Just submit your profiles and quickly find out which bios need improvement.

If you want to analyze the bios on your own profiles, create a free account now . Just submit your main profiles, then click “optimize” on each one to see a list of ways you can improve them – including enhancing your personal bio.

11. Get help from an expert.

Sometimes you just need a second pair of eyes on your personal bio – or you can have a specialist write it for you. That’s part of the larger reputation management services we provide at BrandYourself.

If you’re interested in working with one of our in-house reputation specialists, we can help. As part of your kickoff strategy session, we’ll help define the most powerful way to talk about yourself, position yourself effectively against others in your industry, and ensure your bios are working for you across all your online profiles and websites. Our reputation specialists understand the ins and outs of how to write a bio that helps you achieve your goals, and it’s one of the first things they go over with you.

To learn more, check out our reputation management services here . Otherwise, don’t hesitate to check out our other blog posts as you continue your journey in building your brand. And if you don’t want to miss out on similar tips and tricks in the future, just scroll up and subscribe.

Personal Biography Examples

1. noah kagan.

Read Noah’s full bio .

This is a good biography example that does a lot of the things we’ve mentioned well. Noah links to his work, writes with a friendly style, and even connects the reader with the people he works with.

The reason why we’re highlighting this bio, though, is that Noah makes it easy to get in touch with him via email. So many biography examples that you might find will include links to social media accounts only, which is fine. However, if you want to build up a fast connection with someone who just found you, email is the way to go.

Not only that, but because he wrote this bio in a fun and conversational style (the little mention about taco gift cards), it actually encourages people to reach out. Noah is great at building connections with people, and this biography example is no exception.

2. Katerina Jeng

Read Katerina’s full bio .

The biography example from Katerina Jeng illustrates how to introduce yourself like a real person while demonstrating professionalism at the same time. Katerina covers her background, useful traits, current work, and hobbies – all while keeping things light and conversational.

The balance in this bio example can be tough to replicate, but it’s worth exploring if it fits your writing style.

Going too casual or stuffy can leave a bad impression professionally and won’t give you the best possible opportunity to stand out. This is a good example of how to write a bio that does both.

3. Barack & Michelle Obama

Read the full bios .

On Barack and Michelle Obama’s page, you can find textbook biography examples that show you how to write your bio in the third person without making it awkward to read. So many people struggle with this, so hopefully, these bio examples will make things easier by seeing it in action.

Both of these bios do a great job of not going overboard and varying the kind of third-person mentions you can include. This makes your biography more natural to read while still ensuring that it has the best chance of being seen when someone looks you up.

4. Darren Rowse

Read Darren’s full bio .

Using ProBlogger as a biography example for our tips is a perfect fit. When you check out the page, you’ll see that Darren wrote this bio to be comprehensive but also lead viewers right into his offerings (very smart).

He is mindful of his word count and makes sure to expand a bit more after he’s done talking about his background by continuing into what he’s working on now. This biography is a perfect example of how not being too brief can help the bio you wrote rank well in search engines while also catching the reader up if it’s their first time hearing of you.

5. Tim Ferriss

Read Tim’s full bio .

Tim is a master at promoting his work, and when he wrote his bio, he took full advantage of the opportunity.

Throughout Tim’s bio, he seamlessly links to his work, credentials, social media accounts, and books he’s written. If you had never heard of him before, he makes it quite easy to get up to speed and find out about his work.

One thing we like about this biography example is that he alternates between lists and paragraphs to help break things up. So many times, people write their bio as an extremely dense and text-heavy monster that ultimately never gets read fully. If you give the reader a break (especially in this age of skimming), more will be consumed in the long run.

6. Pete Kistler

Read Pete’s full bio .

Pete’s bio works in both his personal & professional story. Instead of being just a list of facts, it includes the story of how he was mistaken for a drug dealer in Google — and how it became the turning point in his career that led to BrandYourself .

38 Comments

Thank you for your post. A bio accompanied with a powerful and enticing resume are your two most important sales tools.

When presenting these documents you only have on chance, first impressions count. Your blog goes a long way in creating the correct image with a bio.

Thanks again

This info was very helpful. Is there any info on creating a health bio?

Thanks for the input. One way I was able to create my own personal brand was by using a new website called personavita.com. it was really helpful in bringing all my thoughts ideas and accomplishments together. It builds credibility and others can validate my work. You can also create different Bios based on who you are showing it to. ( Future/existing employers, family, friends etc.) I think it really sets me apart.

Thank you for the tips. Being in the process of publishing my first book I’ve had to generate a bio and despite the fact that I call myself a writer I had a tough time with it. This site has given me a much better feel for the whole thing. Keep an ey on my site for the updated version.

I had the same problem lol I call myself a writer, author but this at first was so freaking difficult to write until I found this web site to break it completly down to like what first grade level for me. lol now it makes so much since. I’m glad we got it. 🙂

I know more much than the bio rules of the kindes of the people

Thank you. These tips are easy to follow and I didn’t know about the 3 bio rule! I really enjoyed the breakdown of the other bio and used that to help me get started writing mine.

Thanks again!

Thanks this was nice and simpe and easy to use.

Thanks! As a novice this was really helpful.

Thanks for posting this tool to the web. Over and over again, I recreate the wheel college course after college course and more recently for my introduction into the civilian arena. I am more confident now that I have this standardized method of writing bios in hand. Army Strong!

@Craig: Thanks, glad you loved it!

@Martin: Absolutely! Your bio is one of the most powerful tools to control first impressions. It’s got to pack a concise and serious punch.

@EASanders: The principles of bio writing apply to all fields. Think about what you’ve done that is noteworthy, and say it in as few words as possible 🙂

@Tim: Good luck with your book, Tim!

@LaKaye: I’m glad both of my bio articles could help. Sometimes it takes inspiration from other people to compellingly talk about ourselves.

@Rose: Thanks for the kind words!

@Martie: We’ve got a bunch of other excellent articles on resumes, cover letters, interviews, etc. if you’re looking to work on your entire career toolkit.

@Sapp: Great! The beauty of your bio is that once you consciously sit down and write it once, then you have a strong foundation that you can tweak for the rest of your life.

– Pete Kistler CEO, Brand-Yourself.com @pete_kistler and @brandyourself

Go get ’em tiger!

Thanks for Guding ….. Wonderful tips..Thanks a lot

Guiding

hi thanks so much for this wonderful guide. am so grateful.

great article – thanks for the tips! you guys rock!

The tips are so helpful . Thanks

thank you for the tips

great tips it helps me alot….

Thank you for this amazing and helpful tip.

supper is ready yum, come and get your biscuits!

tips are very useful. thank you so much

The best I’ve see yet

thank you so much this will really help me get in to the film fest from cruisinwithkenny

useful tips for me

thanx helped me alot

helpful tips…thanks!

That’s what I looked for . Thanx for that ♡♥

if you want to make a biography you need to know all about you ,family , and friends so you can write a biography

Really good information…especially the getting feedback part. While we may not want to hear it, we NEED it sometimes. Good friends who know what they’re doing can be very valuable in this situation.

So many things I wouldn’t even consider. Thanks for the tips. They are timely, since I am just going through a total rebrand!

You raise a good point, in fact you are ‘fixing’ something right now. You are adding your unique perspective as an ‘innovator’ in the information age that can assist other unlikely writers to get branded and ranked. Maybe it would be a great idea to answer questions in Quora, Yahoo Answers and the like. That can be your links to your ‘works’.

Nice article. thanks for share.

Surely in your many years of experience there are some good/funny/genius problems/solutions or stories you’ve lived or caused. Share them. 🙂

Thanks! TIps #3, #5, and #6 were especially helpful for me. I also find useful this article on how to write a biography so I recommend reading it as well. I also find really helpful suing samples. At least, it’s really helpful for me!

Thank you so much for this great blog. You wrote lot of valuable information about how to write Personal Biography . I like your post. I agree to all of your points that you have mentioned.

For me, the key to this article is section 6. Anymore, I DON’T think the expectation is a list of your accomplishments. I think the people who make the decisions based on biographies are looking for something different, a way to truly distinguish one person from another. A list says one thing about a person–a STORY says something much different. It SHOWS you are creative. A story gives you a lot of flexibility and opportunity to qualify yourself; a list is often reduced to a quantity. Dylan makes an excellent point about ‘sources’ or achievement; in a technician’s role, resolution can be rote, but my experience is solving problems presents lots of opportunities to get creative. David also makes an outstanding point: even if you truly don’t have anything that qualifies as an accomplishment, in this day and age, there are numerous ways to create demonstrable achievement. I believe that’s what the Gig Economy is all about. Dave mentions two specifics; there are dozens more opportunities. This could be an important consideration if you have been stuck for a while in a job that TRULY sucks. I’ve been in those. Then, the story REALLY comes in handy–’cause you don’t have to dwell exclusively on work related stuff. Never hurts to show people you are compassionate, or generous, or kind.

Comments are closed.

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20 of the Best Professional Bio Examples We’ve Ever Seen [+ Templates]

Share This: Share 20 of the Best Professional Bio Examples We’ve Ever Seen [+ Templates] on Facebook Share 20 of the Best Professional Bio Examples We’ve Ever Seen [+ Templates] on LinkedIn Share 20 of the Best Professional Bio Examples We’ve Ever Seen [+ Templates] on X

Lindsay Kolowich Cox | HubSpot | October 13, 2022

Your professional bio is not only relevant when applying for jobs, seeking new clients, or networking — it also gives the world a brief snapshot of who you are and your professional ideals.

To help you author one that packs a punch, we’ll teach you how to write a professional bio and leverage professional bio templates with the best professional bio examples we’ve ever seen to draw inspiration from.

What is a Professional Bio?

A professional bio or biography is a short overview of your experience. Professional bios usually include details about education, employment, achievements, and relevant skills.

Purpose of Professional Bios

A bio tells an audience who you are, and what you’ve done, and also hints at what you are capable of doing. It can help potential employers, fans, or customers get a sense of your personality and what you stand for.

That may be hard to achieve without a starting point. Below, we’ve included professional templates to expedite the process of writing a great resume bio.

Read the full article and access templates here .

How to Write a Professional Bio for Any Situation—Without the Stress

person in orange jacket taking a big step in front of a bright blue wall while looking at phone

How many times have you sat in front of a blank screen staring at the pesky cursor, wondering why it’s so hard to write about yourself? I’ll bet it’s more than once. Contemplating who you are as a human being is an exercise in mental (or existential?) gymnastics. And if you’re trying to write a professional bio, you’re trying to distill who you are and what you do in a way that’s compelling to recruiters, hiring managers, colleagues, potential clients, and other contacts all at once—so it can feel ramped up to Simone-Biles-floor-routine-difficulty levels.

SEARCH OPEN JOBS ON THE MUSE! See who’s hiring here , and you can even filter your search by benefits, company size, remote opportunities, and more. Then, sign up for our newsletter and we’ll deliver advice on landing the job right to you.

Your professional bio is, arguably, the most important text you’ll ever write about yourself. It’s the first introduction to who you are, what you do, and what you’re interested in—whether it’s for a social media platform, a personal website , or company team page. What you choose to highlight may play a role in others deciding to follow you, call you in for an interview, or invite you to participate in an event. It’s an opportunity for you to—in a few lines—showcase your work, competence, and areas of expertise. So you’d better stick the landing.

But don’t worry too much: You don’t have to be the Simone Biles of LinkedIn to write a professional bio. We’ve gathered the steps, template, examples, and bonus tips you’ll need to write a bio for any occasion.

How to get started on your professional bio

We’ll get to the good stuff shortly (read: the template and examples), but before you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, there are a few things you should know—about yourself.

Your bio shouldn’t be a laundry list of accomplishments, but a window into the person behind the accolades. You’re more than your most recent position (especially if you have a trendy startup title; I’m looking at you, ninjas and rock stars), so think about the strengths that make you good at what you do and the qualities that make you unique. These are what you want the person reading your bio to come away knowing.

If you’re drawing a blank, try to answer these questions before you start writing:

How have you personally helped your company, department, or clients?
Which of your accomplishments would be most impressive to your entry-level self?
What makes you most valuable in your role?
What’s one thing not in your job description that relates to why you’re so successful? Maybe you want to include a line about volunteering, about writing in your free time, or about a previous role.
Why do you do what you do? What do you believe about your field that drives you to do the work you do each day?

Once you’ve got all that down, you’re ready to get it into your professional bio.

Professional bio template

The template below is designed to help you write a “master” professional bio that you can then tweak for different situations. This template is meant to offer you a general framework only—if you find that you need to add an extra couple of sentences or determine that a section we’ve included doesn’t feel relevant to how you wish to present yourself, feel free to tweak it.

[Name] is a [role] who [how you help clients, customers, or your employer] by [something unique about your process or output]. [First name] [knows/believes] [what you know/believe about the work you do].

[First name] has [landed/secured/garnered/worked at/supported/mastered] [insert your most compelling experiences, accomplishments, and skills]. Currently [he/she/they] is/are [working toward/studying/planning to] [your next professional goal or some way you’re developing as a professional].

[First name] is [trained/certified/awarded] in [relevant trainings, awards, honors, etc]. [First name] holds a [ degree] in [area of study] from [University].

When [he/she/they] is not [brief phrase that describes what you do], [First Name] [can be found/enjoys] [brief description of compelling interests or hobbies you’d like to share].

Here’s an example of how this template could look filled in:

Matthew Chang is a social media manager who excels at creating campaigns and posts for nonprofits that make followers take action by combining strong writing and design with insights about the org’s audience. Matthew believes that the right post, seen at the right time, can inspire people who believe in a nonprofit’s mission to help the causes they care about and ultimately allow that org to make a bigger impact.

Matthew has driven more than 10,000 social-influenced donations to three different nonprofits, with over $200,000 raised for important causes. Currently they’re working with GoodBoyGirl dog rescue to inspire not only donations, but also pet adoptions through Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok posts. (Matthew is always happy to share pictures of dogs they’ve helped find forever homes!)

Matthew holds a HubSpot Social Media Certification, and has taken several graphic design courses through The New School. They hold a bachelor’s degree from UCLA where they double majored in marketing and English.

When they’re not crafting social media campaigns, Matthew can be found biking around the city with their chihuahua Kyra on their back (don’t worry, the pup has a tiny helmet!) or taking in a Broadway show.

How to adapt your bio for different situations

Now that you have your “master professional bio,” you’ll want to tweak it for different situations.

For each iteration of your bio, imagine a specific reader and what they’d want to know about you, and then write for them. For instance, let’s say you’re on an alumni panel for your college. Student attendees will want to know what they should be doing now to get the career you have. In this case, your bio should reflect less of your day-to-day work responsibilities and more of the past campus activities, classes, and early-career internships and jobs that led you to where you are.

We’ve outlined specific advice for some of the most common scenarios where you’ll need to write a professional bio below—along with examples.

1. Your LinkedIn summary

Start by identifying how you use—or would like to use— LinkedIn . Are you content with your job, but looking to expand your network? Are you trying to attract recruiters?

Whatever you’re seeking, your LinkedIn summary should support your activity on the site; a profile focused on networking within the industry will read differently than that of someone aggressively hunting for a new job. Once you’ve identified your purpose, it will be much easier to tweak the above template for your LinkedIn summary. You’ll still want to lead with your position and other info from the first paragraph of the bio template. Then move onto whatever skills or accomplishments are most relevant to your LinkedIn goals. Last, share those goals.

Here’s an example of a LinkedIn summary that follows this strategy:

As a field sales manager with over eight years of experience driving market share growth in designated territories, I have mastered the ins and outs of pharmaceutical sales and territorial prospecting. After honing and executing these specialties to reach numerous company goals, I was honored with an invitation to join the National Marketing Council. Now, I spend the majority of my time brainstorming sales strategies and connecting with other industry professionals who are interested in talking shop.

You can always add supporting content on either side of this skeleton paragraph, such as a personal anecdote, previous positions, or a mission statement. If you need a bit more inspiration, look to your recommendations for outside opinions on what makes you special.

Read More: 5 Templates That’ll Make Writing the Perfect LinkedIn Summary a Total Breeze

2. Your Twitter bio

Even a snappy, 160-character bio can help set you apart. To write a great bio for social media, grab the first two sentences of the bio we just drafted. We’ve crammed a lot of great info in there: who you are, what you do, who you do it for, how you do it, and what you believe about the work you do. Then make sure you’re stating it as succinctly as possible. Finally, squeeze in your pizazz. Key word: squeeze. Don’t focus on unrelated quirks or superfluous details.

For example:

Software engineering whiz @Belly spreading nuggets of coding gold related to mobile applications. 8-year member of @IEEEorg, aspiring member of The Avengers.

If you’re looking to create a more serious social presence, though, you may choose to leave out the pizazz while including all the same important info:

Proud 8-year member of @IEEEorg and lead software engineer @Belly. Passionate about innovations in coding and mobile applications.

3. Your company website blurb

A bio for your company website (like on a team or staff page) is where you can opt out of some standard details, such as your title, in favor of things that distinguish you as a pro (or a person). After all, anyone reading this knows where you work and your job title will likely be listed by default. So you can use the second and third paragraph of the template to craft a bio focused on what makes you unique.

Margot has exceeded every Clarabridge sales goal by at least 84%, which landed her in the top CEM-seller spot and prepared her for the challenging position of strategizing sales tactics for the National Association of Sales Professionals. Her keen and innovative insights in the areas of forecasting and sales force development have enabled Clarabridge to emerge as a national leader, with a sharp and qualified team in tow to maintain the standard she helped set.

If that’s too formal for the culture of your office, and all your colleagues mention their favorite food trucks, you can aim for a 50-50 split between the professional and personal—or whatever balance suits the company’s brand.

Margot tops the sales charts at Clarabridge. In fact, she’s beat every goal by at least 84% without ever missing a practice as the coach of her son’s (undefeated) soccer team. Fueled by loaded nachos, she landed the top CEM-seller spot and took on a position brainstorming sales tactics for the National Association of Sales Professionals. Not only is she a pro when it comes to forecasting and sales force development, but she can also advise a team on where to find the best free events in the city on any given weekend.

4. Your personal website or portfolio “About Me” page

Here’s where you want to lay it all on your audience. You can use as much of the bio you wrote from the template above as you see fit and feel free to expand on whatever sections you’d like. Craft your “About Me” page so potential partners or employers understand what you can do for them and why you’re the person they should hire .

Chad Wilborn takes complex technical ideas and distills them into user-friendly visuals to improve digital marketing campaigns for companies along the West Coast. He has an education in traditional advertising and a background loaded with marketing and graphic design projects, centered around modernizing the consumer experience. Chad’s portfolio demonstrates his ability to capitalize on every pixel for the overall benefit of startups or established enterprises trying to reach consumers. His services have won multiple design and branding awards, and he is excited to help add your company to his list of successes.

But don’t forget your brand ! If you want to showcase yourself in a more unique or quirky light, opt for a first-person version with more light-hearted language.

I am a modern magician, except I transform complicated technical ideas into user-friendly images before the eyes of your company’s customers. I believe in telling relatable stories through graphics, so I studied the basics of traditional advertising before working my magic on corporate marketing projects for companies along the West Coast. My portfolio showcases a lineup of my most recent tricks, which range from visual startup campaigns to Fortune 500 projects—each of which have won design and branding awards. I’m always ready for new design opportunities and have plenty of room up my sleeve for a few more award-winning performances.

A few more tips

Keep these in mind as you write your professional bio, no matter where it’s going to end up:

Know your limits: Just as your resume is best when it fits on one or two pages, your bio likely also requires a certain length. Whether it’s two sentences, two paragraphs, or 160 characters, respect the limit or risk it being arbitrarily chopped down.
Avoid jargon and buzzwords: When you spend nearly a third of your life at work, it’s easy to forget that the rest of the world doesn’t speak your industry’s (or company’s) language. Use your bio to share facts and impact in terms everyone will understand.
Use your own voice: Write about what you know best and write the way that you talk. If your bio readers ever meet you in person, they should feel as if they already know you.
Write more than one draft: Don’t just throw something together and send it off. Write it, sleep on it, then come back to it and ask: “Would I want to meet me?” Or better yet: “Would I want to hire or work with me?”
Don’t forget to update your bio: Your bio should evolve as you do. If you start looking for jobs in different industries, have a new and exciting accomplishment to note, or just feel ready for a refresh, go for it. Now that you’ve got this draft down, it’ll be easy to rework your professional bio.

Alex Honeysett , Adrian J. Hopkins , and Regina Borsellino also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

How to Write a Short Professional Bio (With Examples and Templates)

3 key takeaways

What a short professional bio is and why you need one
What to include in a short bio to make it stand out and relevant to your audience
Short professional bio examples, templates, and a faster way to write your biography with Teal's Professional Bio Generator

In a world where just about everyone is represented online, your short professional bio often serves as a first introduction.

Often, it's what employers or other professionals will use to form their initial impression. And how you present yourself can help influence whether someone invites you to connect, interview you, or simply move on.

Below, you'll learn what you need to write your bio and how to actually write one. You'll also find templates and some short professional bio examples to use as a guide.

Looking for a quicker way to a polished bio? Sign up for Teal for free and try the Professional Bio Generator.

What is a short professional bio?

A short professional bio is exactly what it sounds like—a short professional biography that introduces yourself and gives a brief overview of your career and accomplishments. It gives future employees, colleagues, and anyone else you're networking with a more well-rounded picture of who you are.

While "short" can be subjective, length often depends on the platform and the audience you're sharing your bio with. There's no one-size-fits-all, and you'll tailor the length based on where it's being shared—whether that’s on your personal website, LinkedIn profile, Twitter bio, or your resume.

What’s the difference between a professional bio and short professional bio?

A professional bio and a short professional bio both summarize your career, qualifications, and achievements, but each caters to different contexts and needs.

A professional bio is a detailed account—that can span several paragraphs—and covers your:

Career background
Most noteworthy achievements and impact or results
Skills you've developed or are developing
Some personal insights

This version is appropriate for professional websites, long-form pitch documents, or networking platforms (like in your LinkedIn About Me section) where a more thorough introduction is valuable.

On the other hand, a short professional bio is a concise version that filters the most important information from your professional bio into key takeaways. A short bio:

Communicates your core qualifications
Briefly touches on your professional persona
Is ideal for your resume, author bio, or speaking engagements
Can be used across social media profiles like Twitter and Instagram

What to include in a short bio

Your short bio should summarize the key takeaways from a longer, more rounded-out professional bio. Think of it as kind of an elevator pitch that highlights what you'd want your target audience (who doesn't know much—if anything—about you) to understand about your career so far.

Here are some things you'll want to address.

Level of education, if relevant to the audience
Years of experience in your field, if relevant to the audience
Your current or former career title
Major professional accomplishments with impact or goals
Professional experience, skills, and area(s) of expertise

Now, if you're a student or making a pivot, like transitioning into a new field where you might not have relevant work experience, you'll focus more on your educational achievements (think relevant awards, projects, or volunteer experience) and the skills and knowledge you're developing.

What to include in a short bio if you’re a student

Even if you're still in school, there's plenty of information you can include in your bio, like:

Where you're from
What university, trade school, or boot camp you're attending
Your area of study or intended major
Any clubs, teams, volunteering, or other extracurriculars you're a part of
Any internships you've completed
Your career goals
Your availability

Generate your professional bio with AI

Want to save time? You can also use the Teal to generate multiple versions of your short professional bio.

How to write a short bio

There's no right or wrong way to write your own bio. Think of this next section as a guide, and remember: short professional bios are unique to each person.

Here are the things you might want to consider if you're ready to write your professional bio:

1. Choose your voice

You have the option to write your short bio from either a first or third-person POV.

In the first person, you'll use "I, me, and my." In the third person, you'll refer to yourself using your name and preferred pronouns.

As a general rule, using the third person is typically considered more formal, while using the first person is more casual and personal.

First-person example : "I'm a bestselling author. My work has been published in The New York Times."

Third-person example: "Zane Smith is a bestselling author. His work has been published in The New York Times."

If you want to write and store multiple versions of your short professional bio in different tones or even with different information, use Teal to write and save as many versions as you need for free.

2. Choose your tone

Language can convey different moods. Depending on the context and your personal brand , your bio can sound more buttoned-up or more relaxed and conversational.

These two sentences describe the same person but showcase very different tones and writing styles:

Example 1: “A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Sally is currently a consultant at XYZ Consulting based out of their New York office.”

Example 2: “A recent UPenn grad, Sally swore off econ after years of hard classes only to end up as a consultant at a major firm — but don't worry, she loves it.”

3. Start with your name and a current or recent role

This isn't a hard and fast rule, but to get your bio started, it's usually easiest to start with your name and current professional title or role.

Example: “Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company.”

If you're pivoting careers , you can list your most recent role and use your first sentence to say what you're looking to do next.

Example 1: “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is actively pursuing new opportunities in marketing management.”

Example 2 : “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is now an aspiring 2nd grade teacher.”

4. Share your accomplishments and achievements

Once you've introduced yourself and your current title, you can flow into your professional background, former job titles, and what you've done or aspire to do. Together, the first two sentences of your bio could read something like this:

Example: “Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company. Previously, he was a Marketing Specialist at FGH Tech Company, where he grew paid traffic to their website by 500% year over year.”

Pro Tip: Not sure where to start? Try the generative AI in the Teal Resume Builder . With Teal's AI, you can write individual achievement-based bullet points using a job description, keywords, or a custom prompt to articulate your accomplishments effectively and confidently.

5. Share your philosophy or “why”

Self-promotion can feel incredibly uncomfortable, but it's important to make sure you don't undermine your value. Your “why,” the reason you do what you do every day, can be powerful and meaningful. Adding what gives you the spark to start each workday can set your own professional bio apart from others.

Example: “Claire was inspired to pursue a career in elder law after volunteering in a nursing home throughout high school and college.”

6. Add your personal touch

Even though your bio will be used in a professional capacity, it's okay to list a few personal details. We're more than just our jobs, and adding a few personal facts can help illustrate who you are outside of the office.

Example: “When he's not working, Martin can be found tending to his spice garden and going on nature walks with his golden retriever.”

Short professional bio examples

Examples of professional bios are invaluable because they provide a clear framework and inspiration for writing your own. They can also help you see how to condense years of experience into a few compelling sentences so you communicate the right details clearly, briefly, and full of impact.

Short bio example for a personal website

short professional bio example for resume

"AUDREE KATE LOPEZ IS A FASHION STYLIST, EDITOR, INDUSTRY EXPERT AND INFLUENCER BASED IN NEW YORK. Audree began her professional career in the fashion departments at Glamour, O, the Oprah Magazine, Editorialist and Redbook magazines. She launched Audree Kate Studios in 2017 and worked on freelance projects at Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia, J.Crew and Club Monaco, joined the styling team at Alice + Olivia and became a contributing fashion editor for StyleCaster.com. Over the past few years Audree has styled for various publications, celebrities and retail brands. In 2016, Audree founded a digital course and community for fashion students called Fashion Fundamentals and has hosted workshops and classes around the country, and wrote an ebook titled Fashion Fundamentals."

Why it works: Audrey's bio immediately establishes her as a multifaceted professional within the fashion industry. It outlines her career trajectory and showcases broad experience and evolution, demonstrating growth and adaptability. The mention of initiatives and workshops adds a layer of approachability and commitment to education in her field, improving her appeal as an influencer and mentor.

Professional short bio example on LinkedIn

example of a short professional bio that has a punchy tone

"Latina creator. Speaker. Tech Mentor. Christen is the Founder of the newly launched app Clara, a community that empowers creators through transparency, brand reviews, and discoverability. An industry vet, Christen has almost a decade of experience working with top content creators at social networking companies such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. She is a motivational speaker and mentor in the tech space who is passionate about helping people break into the industry through career advice and actionable content."

Why it works: This professional bio online is punchy and concise. It opens by noting Christen's titles and includes years of experience, giving her credibility while underscoring her heritage (which can resonate strongly with a diverse audience on LinkedIn). By focusing on her app, she not only showcases initiative but also aligns herself with trends in tech innovation. Rounding out her short bio are details of working with top content creators, establishing her as a seasoned industry pro.

Short professional bio example on social media

"Founder of Makelane, a private community for female DTC founders. 70K followers on TikTok where I analyze consumer brands"

Why it works: With only 160 characters to work with, Dulma’s Twitter bio is an example of brevity. It clearly outlines her two main pursuits: managing an online community and producing content for TikTok, making it easy for readers to gauge her interests and activities at a glance.

Company website short bio examples

"Meet our wonderful team We're a tight-knit group of curious creatures, always learning, and constantly seeking out new perspectives and ideas. Get to know our team—they're what makes Teachable, well, Teachable."

Why it works: "Meet our wonderful team" feels like a personal invitation to get to know the group, which can make visitors more inclined to engage. Describing them as "tight-knit" and "curious creatures" adds character and illustrates a vibrant and collaborative work environment. Highlighting that the team is "always learning" and "constantly seeking out new perspectives" positions Teachable as a dynamic and innovative company—committed to growth and evolution.

Tips for writing a short bio

Even though there aren't official rules for writing a bio, there are still some things you should strive for as well as steer clear of if you want to make the best possible impression.

1. Tailor your professional bio to your audience

Whether it's potential employers, LinkedIn connections, Twitter followers, or visitors to your website, each platform and audience has its own expectations. Keep your information relevant and concise, focusing on what matters most to that intended audience.

2. Be authentic

Your bio is not the place to fudge the truth about who you are. Be honest about what you've done and where you're heading. Not telling the truth could bar you from achieving your goals and land you in hot water.

3. Prioritize relevant information

We really hate to be the one to tell you this, but unfortunately, most people do not have the time or patience to read a five-paragraph essay about your life story. Sorry to break it to you!

4. Be relatable

No matter how lofty your accomplishments are, staying grounded may help you establish stronger connections with others. This is where adding personal details and highlighting your personal brand can serve you well. Whether that's with a hobby, interest , or other role outside of work, being relatable can let others understand and get to know you better and determine if you would be a good fit for a company.

5. Be professional

It's appropriate and expected for you to talk about your professional skills and accomplishments in your short bio. That said, there's a fine line between talking about your achievements and sounding arrogant. These two examples talk about the same accomplishment but come across differently:

Example 1: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was selected out of nearly 7,000 applicants to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring.”

Example 2: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was the obvious choice to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring (because he's the best).”

Also, if you're revising your bio after a lay-off or termination, avoid sounding spiteful. As tempting as it might be, don't make negative statements or accusations in your short bio. Positivity and a good attitude will get you much further.

Short professional bio templates

If you prefer to plug and play or need a short bio in a pinch, don't worry; here are three short bio templates to get you started:

Short professional bio template for working professionals

[First name last name] is [currently/formerly] a [insert most recent job title] at [most recent company name] . A proud graduate of [school or university] , they were inspired to pursue a career in [field] after [explain what led to your decision to work in your industry] . Prior to working at [most recent job title], they were the [previous title] at [previous company], where they were responsible for [insert professional accomplishments here] . In their free time, they can be found [insert your favorite hobbies] .

Short professional biography template for students

[First name last name] is a current [year] at [institution] majoring in [area(s) of study] . On campus, [First name] is actively involved in [activity name] , for which they [insert details about what you do for the activity you're involved in] . They most recently [interned/worked] at [organization name] , where they had the opportunity to [insert details about what you did on the job] . They intend to work in the [insert field name or industry] after graduation to follow their passion of [insert what you are passionate about] . In their spare time, they can be found [insert your favorite hobbies] .

Short professional bio template for a gap in employment

[First name last name] is a [position/job title] with [number] years of experience in [specific skills or industry] . Following [briefly mention the reason for the employment gap] , [he/she/they] took some time off to focus on [briefly mention what they did during the gap, e.g., personal development, family obligations, health reasons] . During this time, [he/she/they] also [briefly mention any relevant skills or achievements acquired during the gap] . [Name] is now eager to return to the workforce and is excited to bring [specific skills/accomplishments] to [his/her/their] next role. With a proven track record of [list specific achievements or skills] , [Name] is confident in [his/her/their] ability to contribute to [specific industry/profession] and make an impact in [his/her/their] next position.

If you decide to use any of these biography templates, tweak it ever-so-slightly. Once you've finished entering your details, try adding a bit of personal flair.

Swap adjectives, remove anything that doesn't quite fit with your vibe or experiences, or append some more personal details as you see fit. Feel free to work off of any one of the bios from these resume examples to get a feel for how different styles can be used across roles.

Create your short professional bio with Teal

In a digital world where your online presence often speaks before you do, writing a good, short professional bio is more important than ever. It's the first glimpse potential employers, clients, or colleagues get of your professional life and persona, and the right presentation can open doors to new opportunities and connections.

Teal's Professional Bio Generator saves time by speeding up the writing process with AI. Whether you're trying to impress potential employers, clients, or peers, Teal's generator adapts to your needs and experience, allowing you to create a unique short bio for any audience with one click.

Ready to write a professional bio with maximum impact in less time?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a short professional bio.

An example of a short professional bio is: "Katie is a seasoned marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in digital advertising strategies. She has helped numerous brands achieve their online marketing goals, leading to increased visibility and 3x revenue YoY."

How do you write an impressive short bio?

To write an impressive short bio, focus on your most significant achievements, relevant skills, and experiences that set you apart. Keep it concise and tailored to your audience to engage and leave a memorable impression. You can also use the Teal AI Resume Builder Generative AI to craft a bio that highlights your unique professional journey and skills in an engaging way.

What is a short biography about yourself?

A short biography about yourself should concisely summarize your professional background, major accomplishments, and skills. For example, "I'm an innovative software developer with 5 years of experience in creating scalable applications, known for my ability to troubleshoot complex issues and my commitment to delivering high-quality software solutions."

Emily Polner

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How to Write a Short Bio: 5 Examples and Templates

How to Write a Short Bio Part 1
What to Include in a Short Professional Bio Part 2
Example of a Formal Short Bio Part 3
Example of a Casual Short Bio Part 4
Examples of Well-Written Short Bios Part 5
Short Bio: Best Templates Part 6
Tips for Writing a Short Bio Part 7
Optimizing Your Bio for Different Platforms Part 8

A short bio is a concise and informative summary of your professional background, accomplishments, and personal interests. It’s an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to others, whether it’s for networking, job applications, or social media profiles. By writing a short bio, you allow others to quickly understand your expertise, strengths, and personality.

As you write your short bio, consider your audience and tailor the content accordingly. You might want to have different versions of your bio for varying contexts, such as a professional conference, a job application, or a social media platform. Regardless of the situation, strive to be authentic and maintain a tone that reflects your personality while also adhering to professional standards.

Part 1 How to Write a Short Bio

When writing a short bio, first focus on being concise and relevant. A short bio should be approximately 4-6 sentences or about 150 words. Be sure to highlight your achievements, experience, and expertise with confidence and clarity.

To start, introduce yourself briefly, including your name, title, and current role or profession. Next, mention your most significant accomplishments in your field thus far. This can include awards, certifications, publications, or any other relevant milestones. Discuss your current work and projects, providing the reader with a snapshot of your professional life. Make sure to emphasize your unique strengths and specialties. Then, touch upon your education or any other credentials that showcase your expertise.

“Jeremiah Smith, an award-winning graphic designer, specializes in creating visually stunning websites and marketing materials for a diverse clientele. With over 10 years of experience, Jeremiah has led branding projects for major corporations and small businesses alike, receiving accolades for his innovative design solutions. Currently, he serves as the Creative Director at X Design Studio, where he is dedicated to helping clients grow their digital presence. Jeremiah holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago.”

For a stronger impact, customize your short bio by tailoring it to the specific platform, audience, or purpose. By prioritizing information and emphasizing the most relevant points, you can create a brief, engaging bio that showcases your unique skills and accomplishments.

Part 2 What to Include in a Short Professional Bio

Your job title and current role : Start by mentioning your current role and the industry you’re working in. This helps to establish your expertise and gives readers an immediate understanding of your professional focus.
Career accomplishments and milestones : Highlight a few significant achievements in your career thus far. These can be successful projects, promotions, or awards you’ve received. Be specific about what you’ve accomplished and how it demonstrates your expertise.
Skills and qualifications : Briefly mention the key skills and qualifications you possess that make you an expert in your field. This can include technical abilities, soft skills, certifications, or degrees.
Interests and personal touch : Add a few personal details that showcase your interests and passions outside of work. This can humanize your professional persona and help you connect with readers on a more personal level. However, be careful not to share too much personal information.
LinkedIn and networking opportunities : Include a link to your LinkedIn profile or other professional social media accounts. This provides readers with an opportunity to connect with you and discover more about your background.

To present this information effectively, write your short professional bio in the third person and maintain a confident, knowledgeable, and clear tone of voice. Keep the content concise and easy to understand by breaking it into paragraphs and using formatting elements such as bullet points and bold text when necessary.

Here is one more example of a well-crafted short professional bio:

“John Smith is a seasoned marketing manager with over 10 years of experience in the tech industry. He currently leads product marketing efforts at X Company, where he has successfully launched new products and significantly increased market share.

John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is certified in digital marketing. His expertise includes strategic planning, content creation, and driving brand awareness through innovative campaigns.

In his free time, John enjoys hiking, photography, and volunteering at the local animal shelter. Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about his professional experience and accomplishments.”

Taking Into Account Personal and Professional Aspects

Try to strike a balance between your personal and professional aspects:

Make sure to mention any relevant professional accomplishments and skills that showcase your expertise in your field. If you are a student or a working professional, add details about your university, current position, or professional experiences that give readers an insight into your capabilities.
Don’t forget to add a touch of personality to your bio. Including personal details, interests, and hobbies will make you more relatable and create a connection with your audience. However, try to keep these personal elements brief and relevant to your overall bio. For example, if you are writing a bio for a personal website or Twitter, you could mention that you are an avid painter or a dedicated volunteer at a local animal shelter.

When writing in the second person, use short paragraphs to make your bio easy to read and understand. For instance:

Full name: Briefly mention your full name at the beginning of your bio.
Professional skills: List your core skills and accomplishments in bullet points or a table format.
Personal interests: Share some hobbies or interests related to your profession or that showcase your values.
Personal goals or mission statement: Include a sentence or two about your professional philosophy and core values to give readers a sense of your personal brand.

Related: How to Write a Personal Mission Statement (20 Examples)

Be cautious with the contact information you provide, especially if your bio will be accessible to the public on your personal website or social media profiles. Make sure only the necessary details are included to avoid any privacy concerns.

In summary, your short bio should be a reflection of both your personal and professional self. Showcase your skills and accomplishments while adding personal touches to make it engaging and relatable. Keep the text concise, use appropriate formatting, and remember to maintain a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear tone throughout your bio.

Related: What Are Your Values? How to Discover Your Values

Selecting the Tone for Your Short Bio

Selecting the right tone for your short bio is crucial to portraying yourself in the way you want to be perceived. Consider the context in which the bio will be read and choose a tone accordingly. There are two main tones you can adopt: formal and casual.

Part 3 Example of a Formal Short Bio

Formal Tone : If you’re writing a bio for a professional context, such as a job, conference, or publication, opt for a formal tone. This means using more sophisticated language, avoiding slang, and maintaining a professional vibe throughout the bio. To achieve this, write in complete sentences, utilize proper grammar and punctuation, and highlight your achievements and expertise. Be sure to remain confident and clear in your writing. Example: “Dr. Jane Doe is a renowned expert in the field of molecular biology, with over 15 years of research experience to her credit. As the recipient of several prestigious awards, Dr. Doe’s groundbreaking work has had a significant impact on the scientific community.”

Part 4 Example of a Casual Short Bio

Casual Tone : A casual tone works well for less formal situations, such as bios on personal websites, blogs, or social media profiles. Here, you can use more relaxed language and showcase your personality. However, it’s still important to sound knowledgeable and approachable. Feel free to use contractions, incorporate humor, and speak directly to your audience to create an engaging tone.

“Hey there! I’m John, a travel enthusiast who loves exploring new cultures and tasting exotic dishes. When I’m not backpacking across the globe, you can find me geeking out about the latest tech gadgets or sipping on a well-crafted cocktail.”

In both cases, whether formal or casual, always ensure that your voice is confident, neutral, and clear. Remember to keep it concise, avoid exaggeration or false claims, and maintain a second-person point of view.

Part 5 Examples of Well-Written Short Bios

Short bio example 1.

Jane Smith is a marketing expert with over 10 years of experience in helping brands elevate their online presence. With a passion for storytelling, Jane excels in creating content that engages and inspires. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, photography, and exploring her city’s local coffee shops. Connect with Jane on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter @JaneSmith.

Short Bio Example 2

John Doe is an experienced software engineer with a knack for developing cutting-edge applications. Specializing in full-stack web development, John’s expertise lies in JavaScript, Python, and Node.js. When he’s not coding, John can be found playing the guitar, tutoring local students in programming, or cheering on his favorite esports team.

Part 6 Short Bio: Best Templates

Short bio template 1.

[Your Name] is a [industry or profession] expert with [number of years] of experience in [specific skills or areas of expertise]. [He/She/They] specializes in [technical skills or industry knowledge] and has a passion for [relevant interests]. In [his/her/their] free time, [your name] enjoys [hobbies or activities]. Connect with [your name] on [social media platforms] or through [his/her/their] website.

Short Bio Template 2

As a [occupation or field], [Your Name] incorporates [unique qualities or skills] to produce [specific type of work]. With a background in [relevant experience], [He/She/They] has been able to [achievement or accomplishment] through [personal path or passion]. When not [working or creating], [Your Name] spends [his/her/their] time [hobbies or activities], always seeking new inspiration.

[Your name] is a [profession or role] with a background in [relevant expertise or industry]. [He/She/They] earned a [degree] in [field] from [institution]. [Your name] has [number of years] experience in [profession/industry], providing [valuable service or skill]. Outside of work, [your name] enjoys [hobbies or personal interests]. Connect with [your name] on [social media platform] or visit [your website or portfolio].

Customize these examples and templates to fit your own unique skills, experiences, and personality. Using a second person point of view, focus on the key aspects you want your audience to know about. Be confident and transparent about your achievements and interests, and let your short bio speak for itself. Happy writing!

Part 7 Tips for Writing a Short Bio

Know your target audience : Consider the people who will be reading your bio and focus on the information that will be most relevant to them. Tailor your bio to best serve their needs and expectations.
Highlight your accomplishments : Share information on your achievements, awards, and notable experiences. This will give your audience an understanding of your expertise and success in your field.
Include your goals and mission statement : Tell your audience what drives you and what you hope to achieve. This can help create a connection with the reader and showcase your dedication to your work.
Maintain a professional tone : Write in a clear and concise manner, avoiding casual language and slang. A confident and knowledgeable tone will convey your competence in your field.
Keep personal information to a minimum : While you may choose to mention some personal tidbits, be mindful of what you share. Focus on information that enhances your professional image, rather than oversharing personal details.
Promote your brand and company : If you represent a business or have a personal brand, mention your company name and mission statement. This can help reinforce your brand identity and make a stronger impression on your audience.
Prioritize transparency and authenticity : Be honest about your experience and qualifications. Avoid exaggerating or making false claims in order to maintain trust with your audience.
Limit self-promotion : While it’s important to show off your accomplishments, be sure to keep the focus on meaningful information rather than excessive self-promotion. This will help engage readers and build credibility.
Use formatting to enhance readability : Break up your bio into paragraphs, use bullet points for lists, and bold text for important details. This will make it easier for your audience to read and understand your bio.
Include contact information : Provide a way for your audience to get in touch with you, whether it’s an email address, phone number, or a link to your website.

Part 8 Optimizing Your Bio for Different Platforms

On LinkedIn , focus on your professional achievements and skills. Use bullet points or a table to highlight your most significant accomplishments. Feel free to include any relevant certifications, courses, or awards. Remember that LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, so maintaining a professional tone is crucial.

For a resume , your bio should be concise and focus on summarizing your career history and specific expertise. Make it easy for potential employers to grasp your main strengths quickly. Use bold text to emphasize crucial information, such as your job title, years of experience, or industry-specific skills.

On a personal website , you have more freedom to express your personality and showcase unique aspects of your life. Consider adding anecdotes, hobbies, or personal achievements to give visitors a glimpse of who you are outside of your professional life. You can also touch on your professional capabilities but keep it concise.

For Twitter , keep in mind the character limit for bios and make every word count. Capture your profession or industry, and maybe add a touch of your personality or interests through emojis or hashtags. It’s common to see authors and celebrities mention their latest projects, books, or achievements here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential elements of a short bio.

A short bio should include:

Your name and current role or profession.
Brief background information including education and relevant work experience.
Notable accomplishments or skills relevant to your profession.
Personal interests or ambitions that showcase your personality.
A call-to-action, such as directing readers to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile.

How can I create a compelling short professional bio?

To create a compelling short professional bio, follow these steps:

Start strong with a clear and concise introduction.
Focus on your most relevant qualifications and experience.
Highlight key achievements and successes.
Provide a personal touch that showcases your unique attributes.
Keep it brief and easy to read, aiming for around 100-150 words.

What are some tips to make my short bio stand out?

Use vivid language and strong, active verbs.
Tailor your bio to your audience, emphasizing information that is most relevant to them.
Share a unique or unexpected personal interest to pique interest.
Edit and proofread your bio carefully, ensuring it is free of errors and reads smoothly.

How can I tailor my short bio to different contexts?

Adjust your short bio for different contexts by:

Focusing on relevant skills, experience, or accomplishments for each specific audience.
Adjusting the tone or language to suit the platform (e.g., more casual for a social media profile or more formal for a conference bio).
Emphasizing specific personal interests or accomplishments that align with the context or audience.
Updating your call-to-action as needed to direct readers to relevant content or profiles.

Related: 150+ Awesome Examples of Personal Values

20 Inspiring Examples: How to Write a Personal Mission Statement
How to Live By Your Values

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Blog Career Advice Professional Bio Examples

9 Professional Bio Examples and Expert Writing Guide

If you’re wondering how to write a professional bio or resume bio that makes you stand out to employers, recruiters, and business connections, we’ll show you how.

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What is a professional bio?

What to include in a bio, how to write a good bio for work, professional bio examples, professional bio templates, what is a resume bio, resume bio examples, frequently asked questions about professional bios.

Professional bios are an important part of making a good first impression on potential employers, clients, or contacts. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about professional bios.

Our free-to-use resume builder can make you a resume in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.

A professional bio is a brief description of who you are as a professional, including your accomplishments, goals, and skills. Bios can vary in length, but are typically around 4-7 sentences.

You can include professional bios on:

LinkedIn profiles
Personal websites
Social media profiles

An example of a professional bio for an email marketing strategist

Your professional bio provides others with an opportunity to get to know a little bit about who you are and what you do, and gives potential employers or clients a bit of insight into what you have to offer as an employee.

Your professional bio should include your:

Place of work
Educational background
Mission statement
Professional accomplishments
Professional goals
Hobbies or interests

That may seem like a lot to squeeze into 4-7 sentences. The good news is, you can take or leave what you need depending on who your bio is geared towards.

For example, if you’re writing a resume and want to include a bio, keep it professional and leave out your hobbies and interests. If it’s for your social media profile, adding more personal flair will help you connect with your audience.

Graphic comparing a professional bio and a resume bio.

Pick and choose what is most relevant for your purposes, and what will leave the best impression.

Summing yourself up in a few short sentences can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you write a bio that champions your skills and qualifications:

1. Describe what you do

The first thing people want to know about you is what you do, so be sure to explain clearly by including your job title and a brief description of your work.

Here’s an example of an effective opening sentence to a professional bio:

Explain your current position

Christy is a wedding photographer with extensive experience shooting destination and theme weddings. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and French, and often coordinates with local studios to provide equipment and shooting locations.

For a more casual and friendly tone, you can write in the first person (I, my). For a more professional and objective tone, opt for the third person (he/his, she/her, they/their).

2. Highlight your professional achievements

When you’re trying to make a good first impression, highlighting your professional accomplishments can make a big difference, so don’t be shy. Quantify your achievements and put them in the spotlight.

Following from our first example, here’s a strong second sentence that includes some accomplishments:

Include an accomplishment

She has photographed weddings for prominent travel influencers such as Lauren Bullen and Jack Morris, gaining over 4 million views of her photographs on Instagram.

3. Add a personal touch

If you decide adding a personal touch to your bio is appropriate, it can give your audience a sense of your personality and something to relate to.

Here’s a sample that demonstrates how to close out your work bio with style:

Tell readers something about yourself

She loves the adventure of her work, the culture, and problem solving on the fly. Her favorite wedding location so far has been at the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica.

4. Tailor your bio according to your platform and goals

To make your professional bio impactful, it should be tailored to a specific audience. Don’t write just one professional bio and slap it on your resume, LinkedIn and Instagram. Each medium has a unique audience, and catering to each one individually will give you the best results.

Moreover, how you write your bio should shift according to your goals. For example, writing two versions of your LinkedIn bio for when you’re looking to make connections versus job hunting will help you get the response you’re looking for.

Here are some tips to help guide you in tailoring your professional bio:

Know your audience : Before you start writing your bio, consider who will be reading it and what they will most want to know about you. Consider the platform: Each platform has its own set of practices and etiquette, so make sure that your bio is appropriate for the one you choose.
Prioritize relevant information : Put the most relevant information first. Readers should immediately understand what you do and why they should be interested.
Include keywords : If you’re using your professional bio as part of a job search, incorporate relevant keywords related to your target role to improve your visibility.
Highlight your unique qualities : To leave a lasting impression, emphasize what sets you apart, whether it’s a unique skill, a prestigious award, or a notable project.
Share personal insights wisely : While a personal touch can humanize your bio, be selective about what details you include and keep the focus on your professional journey.

Now that you know how to put together a short bio, let’s look at some examples of both brief and longer professional bios.

Short professional bio examples

Here are some examples of short professional bios:

Recent nursing school graduate short bio example

Here’s an example of a professional bio for an aspiring pediatric nurse:

Example of a professional bio for a recent nursing school graduate.

Recent nursing graduate short bio example (text version)

Denise recently graduated from the University of Michigan School of Nursing with honors (summa cum laude). They passed the NCLEX in 2022 and are currently obtaining their state nursing license to begin work as an RN.

Denise aims to pursue advanced training in Pediatrics to provide support and care for children when they need it most.

Outside of the hospital, Denise loves embarking on lakeside camping trips with their dog, Kerfuffle.

Denise’s bio is concise, but gives readers a good idea of their educational background and professional goals. It also shows that Denise is a compassionate person, and gives a little insight into their hobbies outside of work.

Elementary school teacher short bio example

Here is a professional bio for a teacher:

Example of a professional short bio for a teacher.

Elementary school teacher short bio example (text version)

Hi, I’m Darryl. I’m a 4th-grade teacher at Woodland Park Elementary School, where I’ve been learning about learning for the last 3 years. My lifelong desire to teach led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Education from Metropolitan State University, where I graduated in 2018.

I have experience teaching mathematics at the 2nd–5th grade level, and strive to make learning fun, engaging, and accessible to all of my students. I believe deeply in student-centered learning and am always looking for new and creative ways to present the curriculum.

My goal is to inspire the next generation to have confidence in their problem solving abilities.

Darryl’s bio lays out his key qualifications: his teaching experience, degree, and key teaching skills. He also mentions what motivates him in his teaching, which tells employers that he is dedicated and driven.

Long professional bio example

If you’re a seasoned professional, you’ll likely have more career highlights to show off. In that case, you can opt for a long professional bio and include 3-5 short paragraphs summarizing your achievements.

Here are a couple examples:

Writer bio example

Here’s what a writer’s professional bio might look like:

Writer bio example (text version)

Tabitha Greeley is currently a staff writer at the New Yorker, and previously worked as an Editor at Tin House, reviewing poetry, short stories, and nonfiction pieces. She has authored 5 books, including the New York Times Bestseller Meet Us Where We Were.

She grew up in New Mexico, where she was heavily influenced by the thriving art scene, and decided to become a writer. In 2016 she graduated from the University of New Mexico with an MFA in creative writing.

Her work has appeared in literary publications such as Sky Island, Puerto Del Sol, Blue Mesa Review, A Room of Her Own, Tin House, American Short Fiction, and The Paris Review. She has given talks on her work at university campuses, writing workshops, and conferences across the country.

In this example, Tabitha tells readers about her writing background, where she derived inspiration and her most noteworthy accomplishments. Including the literary magazines she’s been published in leaves readers with a strong first impression.

Brand strategist bio example

Here’s an example of a brand strategist’s professional bio:

Brand strategist bio example (text version)

I’m a Brand Strategist based in Portland, Oregon. I work mostly with emerging sustainable brands looking to grow their identity and reach, something I am very passionate about.

I grew up immersed in nature, in the mountains and forests of the Pacific Northwest. I have always wanted to devote my life to preserving the natural world. I earned a degree in Environmental Science & Sustainability from the University of Portland, and through an internship at the Forestry Department discovered that I had a knack for, and enjoyed, marketing.

I love telling stories that engage and connect people, and inspire them to envision a positive future. I’m adept at helping brands figure out their core identity and mission, and helping them build effective strategies to identify and connect with their target market.

My background informs my unique approach to brand strategy and gives me clarity and insight into what it takes to be a responsible brand that’s committed to environmental justice in the modern age.

As a professional who makes a living crafting rich stories, Jamie includes his own in his bio, giving potential clients a good idea of the services he can provide. By telling his own story, he demonstrates his value as a brand strategist, and helps the reader connect with him.

Ready to make your own bio? Below are two templates you can fill in with your own information to create an eye-catching bio for work or your LinkedIn profile. The first one is a first-person short bio template:

First person short professional bio example.

First-person short bio template (copy-and-paste text)

I am a [Job Title] who is passionate about [job-related passion]. With a [Degree] from [University] and a background in [industry niche], I use my skills to [job purpose].

At [Current Company], I [job responsibility #1 and #2] in order to [company goal]. Prior to working with [Current Company], I was the [Job Title] at [Previous Company] for [X] years, where I [job responsibility #1 and #2]. I have been recognized for [professional achievement].

I aim to use my [job-specific skills] to bring about [goal].

If you want to make it a bit more formal, use the third-person. Here’s a template for a short professional bio using third-person:

Third-person short professional bio template.

Third-person short bio template (copy-and-paste text)

In the future, [Name] is looking forward to [professional goal].

A resume bio is a great way to start your resume . It’s a brief 3-5 sentence introduction of yourself as a candidate that highlights all of your key qualifications, such as your:

Relevant professional experience
Industry-specific skills
Related accomplishments

A resume bio should include less information than a standard professional bio used for a personal website or LinkedIn profile, and should leave out any personal details that aren’t directly related to the job you’re applying for (for instance, you don’t need to include hobbies and interests on your resume ).

Another key difference to note is that while a professional bio is written for a broad audience, your resume bio is written for a particular employer, and should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for.

The best resume templates for 2024

One of the best ways to make your resume is by filling out one of our free resume templates. All our templates are designed by experts and free to download for Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

So, what is a good bio for a resume?

Here are a couple examples of good resume bios for you to follow:

Bio for resume example #1

Aspiring IT Support Specialist with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science adept at troubleshooting technical issues and handling customer complaints in a professional setting. During my undergraduate studies, I successfully led a team project that improved the efficiency of a campus IT system, resulting in a 30% reduction in response time for technical support requests. Proactive worker recognized by peers for my effective analytical and problem-solving skills. Looking to apply my understanding of help desk software and virus scanning software at your company. CCNA certified.

Bio for resume example #2

Certified administrator skilled in streamlining office operations and administering records. As a detail-oriented worker, I successfully reduced document retrieval time by 25% through efficient organization and streamlined record-keeping processes, a feat recognized by my peers. Looking to apply my expertise in Oracle PeopleSoft and data entry software at Revitalize.

If you need some help coming up with a resume bio, try using our free AI-powered resume summary generator .

Have more unanswered questions? Check out our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about professional bios below:

How do you write a powerful bio?

Here’s how you write a powerful bio:

Tailor the information so that it will resonate with your target audience.
Create a compelling narrative – effective storytelling will capture a reader’s attention and make you more memorable.
Quantify your achievements with numbers.

How long should a professional bio be?

A professional bio should be approximately 5–7 sentences long, depending on where you intend to use it. A bio for a resume should be concise at 3–5 sentences, while bios for other platforms can be longer.

However, keep in mind that readers are looking for a short overview and won’t be likely to read more than a few paragraphs. If you plan on writing a longer bio, consider breaking up the text to make it easier to skim with bulleted lists or bolded text.

What tense should a professional bio be written in?

A professional bio can be written in present tense, past tense, or a combination of the two. Because professional bios usually describe an individual’s career progression, it’s fine to give an overview of your past accomplishments and then switch into discussing your current role or objectives.

Corissa Peterson

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) & Content Editor

A dedicated member of the Resume Genius team with a passion for the career space, Corissa is always looking for ways to create useful resources for job seekers, from writing job-specific resume samples to crafting in-depth articles on how to ace interviews. Corissa graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.A. in Philosophy and a certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies. Corissa’s articles have been published on Diversity Jobs, Recruiter.com, Teachstone, and Jobillico, among others, and her career advice has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, GOBankingRates, and UpJourney. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to write a professional bio (with examples and templates)

Rebecca Strehlow
13 min read

Get started by: Creating a website → | Getting a domain →

Which three words would you use to describe yourself? Most of us have been asked this question and many of us have fumbled through it awkwardly.

Coming up with a personal description can be daunting. But there are times when it’s essential - whether we’re updating our LinkedIn profiles, blogging for Medium or creating a business website of our own.

In this post, we’ll go over how to write a bio, step by step. To help guide you, we’ve also included a handy template, along with some professional bio examples for your inspiration. With these resources, you’ll find that writing a bio, as part of making a website , is much easier than you might think.

What is a short bio?

Before you learn how to write a bio, you should have a clear understanding of what it is and why you need it.

In the world of literature, a personal biography can span the length of an entire novel, like Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom or Malala Yousafzai’s I Am Malala . In the online world, however, a bio is a short paragraph in which you introduce yourself. Typically, some of the best business websites place bios on a designated About Us page in their website, as well as on their social media pages and other networking platforms.

What to include in a short bio

Depending on your audience and goals, your bio can highlight your personal interests, your professional achievements or a mix of both. Here are some of the elements a bio might include:

Job title or workplace

University degree and other qualifications

Hometown or city of residence

Personal or professional goals

Mission statement and values

Skills and expertise

Interests and hobbies

The goal of writing a bio is to provide people with a snapshot of who you are. This is important for a variety of reasons, whether it’s drawing people toward your personal website or promoting your blog, attracting clients and business partners to your brand, or highlighting your achievements for job interviews.

How to write a short bio

The most effective online bios are both professional and concise. Here’s how to write a short professional bio that suits your website or brand:

Introduce yourself

State your company or brand name

Explain your professional role

Include professional achievements

Discuss your passions and values

Mention your personal interests

01. Introduce yourself

Begin your bio by stating your first and last name. If you’re writing in the third person, these should be the first two words of the paragraph. This makes your name easy for your audience to identify and remember. Your bio is a huge part of your personal branding efforts, and should start with a strong intro to make a positive impact.

02. State your company or brand name

Think about whether you want your bio to represent yourself on a personal level, or whether you’d like it to come across as more professional. If you have a personal brand or business - for example, a blog, freelance business or eCommerce site - be sure to mention your brand name at the beginning of your bio. Don’t be afraid if the name sounds simple or redundant. It’s perfectly fine, for instance, to say Mary Smith is the founder and CEO of Smith Digital.

Likewise, feel free to mention the name of another company or brand that you work for if you’d like to associate it with your professional accomplishments - e.g., Mary Smith is a consultant at Google and the founder and CEO of Smith Digital.

03. Explain your professional role

Next, briefly explain your current position. This is relevant whether you’re the founder of a company, a high-level specialist or a beginner in your field, and it can be similar to the description you have on your resume. Your website visitors won’t necessarily know what your job involves, so elaborating on your primary responsibilities helps paint a picture of who you are and what you have to offer. This can also be used, if needed for employment and recruitment opportunities. If you're a freelancer a strong bio can make all the difference in how successful sourcing work can be.

Green image with peach squares that say "be concise" plus lavender circles that say "Know your audience" and "Bio".

04. Include professional achievements

In addition to explaining what your job entails, highlight milestones that make you stand out. Even if you haven’t won an award or gained external recognition, you can discuss ways in which you’ve contributed to your professional role and touch on new ideas or approaches that you bring to the table.

05. Discuss your passions and values

Once you describe what you do and how you contribute to your role, you’ll need to explain the why . This is one of the most important elements to focus on as you consider how to write a bio.

Think about the values and passions underlying your work, as well as your professional philosophy. What gets you up in the morning? What’s the driving force behind what you do?

You can also think of this part of your professional bio as a kind of mission statement. Perhaps your mission is to serve others, contribute to society, grow your expertise or learn new skills. Whatever your reasons, expanding upon these ideas can help your audience get a better understanding of what truly matters to you. Don't be afraid to deploy storytelling in this part of creating your bio. Explore your narrative and then convey it.

06. Mention your personal interests

The most effective short bios will not only focus on your professional experience, but will also touch on what you like to do in your spare time. Consider mentioning:

Your family

Your hometown

Your hobbies

Side projects you’re working on

Transitioning to a more casual discussion of who you are outside of work is a great way to conclude your bio. This will present you as a more well-rounded person while making you relatable for your audience.

Professional bio template

As you go through the steps on how to write a bio, this handy template will help you get started:

Sentence 1: [Name] is a [job title] who [job description].

E.g., Lisa Green is an English teacher who teaches beginning to advanced literature courses for 10th and 11th grade students at Bloomfield High School.

Sentence 2: [Name] believes that [why you do the work you do].

E.g., Lisa believes that written and analytical skills are not only a fundamental part of academic excellence, but are also the building blocks of critical thinking in high school and beyond.

Sentence 3: [Name/pronoun] has [mention your achievements].

E.g., In addition to managing the English curriculum for the school, she runs an after school program where she works one-on-one with students.

Sentence 4: [Name/pronoun] is a [mention any relevant awards, training or honors].

E.g., She has also been nominated Teacher of the Year for two consecutive years.

Sentence 5: [Name/pronoun] holds a [insert degree] in [field of study] from [university].

E.g., Lisa holds a BA in Creative Writing and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Michigan.

Once you’ve filled in this template, put it all together into a single paragraph to create an initial framework for your professional biography. Note that you can shorten or expand upon this bio according to your unique needs.

A professional bio template graphic that says [name] is a [job title] who [job description]. [Name] has [Academic Qualifications] from [University]...

Professional bio examples

Now that you know the basics of writing a professional bio, here are some short bio examples to inspire you. You can use these examples as additional templates for guidance as you craft your own personal biography.

Like the creators of these examples, you can place your bio on your personal or professional website and, later, revise the structure for other online platforms.

01. Bristol Guitar Making School

Professional bio examples: Bristol Guitar Making School

Of all the professional bio examples, Alex Bishop’s content exudes passion. Strategically placing the bio on the About page of his small business website , he highlights his skills and explains why he finds his work meaningful. In particular, we love his description of why he chose to pursue guitar making:

“My passion as a guitar maker comes from a life-long obsession with making things. From a young age I have always tried to manipulate objects and materials in order to create something entirely different. I find that working with wood is a way for me to connect with nature. The simple act of shaping wood to make something functional or beautiful brings me endless satisfaction.”

He also lists his accomplishments and awards, adding credibility to his business and building trust among prospective clients.

02. Alexandra Zsigmond

Professional bio examples: Alexandra Zsigmond

As someone who has served as art director for both The New York Times' opinion section and The New Yorker , it's no surprise that Alexandra Zsigmond's bio is thorough and detailed. Providing statistics or reflections on the things she achieved in her career is a clever way to demonstrate her value without saying so directly. As she explains:

"She has collaborated with a roster of over 1000 artists worldwide and art directed over 4000 editorial illustrations. She is known for greatly expanding the range of visual contributors to the Times, drawing equally from the worlds of contemporary illustration, fine art, animation, and comics."

03. Amanda Shields Interiors

Professional bio examples: Amanda Shields Interiors

Amanda Shields provides us with another effective bio example on her interior design website. Importantly, she spices up her bio by explaining how home decor aligns with her personal life and why it’s so close to her heart as a mother and entrepreneur:

"After working as a product designer for numerous retailers over the years, and after I had my first child, I decided to take the plunge and start my own home staging business…. Coincidentally, a month later I discovered I was pregnant with my second child. I loved the new challenges I faced as a new entrepreneur and mom and it didn't take long for me to discover that this was my calling…. I felt the need to expand my business and launch Amanda Shields Interiors as its own entity to focus specifically on residential interiors and design."

By placing this content on her website’s About page, she provides potential clients with insights into her expertise and professional experience. She expands upon the choices she made along her career path, strategically making note of her achievements and acquired skills along the way.

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Tips for writing a bio

As you write your bio using the professional template above, make sure to keep the following tips in mind:

Keep it concise: Your bio should be sufficiently explanatory but it should also be short and to the point. A good rule of thumb is to keep each element of your bio - from your job description to your mission statement and hobbies - to about 1-2 sentences. That way, you’ll end up with a brief paragraph that holds your readers’ attention without rambling on.

Consider your audience: The voice and tone you choose for your biography largely depends on your audience and personal goals. If you’re looking for a job and are writing primarily for recruiters, you’ll want to use a serious, professional tone. On the other hand, if you’re creating an Instagram bio , consider using more casual, conversational language that reflects your personality.

Add humor: Relatedly, consider adding humor when appropriate. This is especially valuable if you’ve founded your own business or created your own website , as it can give you a distinct brand identity while helping your audience build a stronger sense of connection with your brand.

Link to your website: When writing a bio for a platform other than your own website - a social media page, another company page, or a guest blog or publication - remember to include a link to your website. This will help you promote your website while highlighting your professionalism and authority.

Adapt for different platforms: You’ll most likely need to adapt the length and writing style of your biography to suit different platforms. For example, you may place a longer bio on your website’s About page and a shorter one on your LinkedIn page. In these cases, use the same main principles for writing a bio while scaling down the most important elements.

How to write a bio in four sentences or less

Really need to create a super short bio? We'd suggest following some of the tips above, just condensing them into less word for a short bio that still makes impact.

But if we really had to choose we'd say focus on - you, your professional role and company. That condenses everything that matters for bio into three sentences. Humor, creativity and uniqueness still all matter - just use fewer words to convey them.

Creating a bio for your website

As we’ve noted in the examples above, one of the most strategic places to put your bio is on your website - so be sure to consider it within your web design plans. Whether the goal of your site is to start and promote your business , showcase your design portfolio or display your resume, including a bio gives your audience a glimpse into the person behind your content. It can also kickstart your professional growth . Show the world what you do, how you do it and why it matters, and people will be drawn to your passion and inspired by your experience.

Bio for a website example:

Hi, I'm Alex Johnson, a passionate web developer with over 10 years of experience in creating dynamic and user-friendly websites. I specialize in front-end development, bringing innovative designs to life with clean and efficient code. When I'm not coding, you can find me exploring hiking trails, experimenting with new recipes, or buried in a good book. Let's build something amazing together.

Pro tip: You can add a bio to many different types of websites, so using templates can help you create yours faster. For example, if you're creating a portfolio website , explore portfolio website templates to help you get started.

Creating a bio for social media

Crafting a professional bio for social media is vital as it introduces you or your brand, and it builds credibility and trust. A well-written bio establishes your expertise, attracts the right audience, and fosters engagement. It helps maintain a consistent brand image, optimizes search and discovery, and opens doors to networking and career opportunities. A compelling bio delivers a concise, informative snapshot of who you are, what you do, and the value you bring, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and potential collaborators alike.

Bio for social media example:

🌟 Tech Enthusiast | 📚 Avid Reader | 🎨 Amateur Artist | 🌍 Explorer

Passionate about AI and its impact on our future. Sharing insights on tech trends, book recommendations, and my travel adventures. Lover of all things creative. Let's connect and inspire each other

You may need to edit your bio depending on which social media platform you plan to use it on. Some of the most popular ones include Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Focus on getting your bio right on the platforms you plan to focus your personal or brand social media marketing efforts on.

Writing a bio with AI

If you're looking to write your bio fast while creating your website, consider using an AI text generator to build your draft. You'll still need to make sure it goes through. an intensive editing process, so that it really captures the essence of who you are and your professional skills. A bio is about much more than just basic information, so don't forget to include the storytelling too. Build a website with Wix and you can make use of the in-built AI text generator within its Editor .

Why good bios are important for a professional

In a world where first impressions matter, a well-crafted bio can make a significant impact in establishing trust and credibility with potential clients, employers or collaborators. It also offers insight into your personality and values, helping to forge authentic connections with your audience. It acts as a powerful tool for personal branding, allowing you to differentiate yourself in a competitive landscape and leave a memorable impression.

A strong bio also serves as a gateway to opportunities, whether it's securing new clients, landing job interviews or establishing partnerships. It acts as a professional introduction, allowing you to showcase your expertise. A polished and impactful bio is essential for you to effectively communicate your professional identity and stand out in your field.

Writing a bio without experience

Writing a bio when you don't yet have experience can be challenging, but it's an opportunity to showcase your potential and aspirations.

Begin by highlighting your educational background, skills and any relevant coursework or projects you've completed. Focus on your passions, interests and personal qualities that make you unique. Consider including volunteer work, internships or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment and initiative. Emphasize your eagerness to learn and grow in your chosen field and express your future goals and aspirations. Don't be afraid to be honest about your current stage and your willingness to gain experience and develop professionally.

If you don't know what to write in your bio, start by brainstorming your key experiences, achievements, skills and personal attributes. Consider what sets you apart and what you want others to know about you. Look for inspiration from other bios or profiles in your field, and consider seeking feedback from friends, mentors or colleagues. Don't hesitate to highlight your passions, interests and goals, as well as any unique experiences or perspectives you bring to the table. Remember to keep it concise and engaging, and don't be afraid to revise and refine your bio until it accurately represents you.

How to write a bio FAQ

A short bio, short for biography, is a concise summary of a your life or professional background. It provides a brief overview of your key achievements, qualifications, experiences, and relevant details. Typically written in the third person, a short bio is often used in various contexts, such as professional profiles, social media accounts, introductions for speaking engagements, author descriptions, and other situations where a brief introduction is required. The length of a short bio can vary, but it's generally kept to a few sentences or a short paragraph to provide a snapshot of the person's background and expertise.

How do I write a bio about myself?

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24 Biography Templates and Examples (Word | PDF | Google Docs)

Biographies serve as a fascinating lens into the lives of individuals, ranging from influential family members and historical figures to renowned personalities. Whether you’re a student, an aspiring writer, or someone captivated by the art of telling a life story , grasping the essential elements of a biography is vital. Writing a biography goes beyond compiling facts; it involves crafting a narrative that educates and inspires your readers. This guide provides you with practical steps, style advice, and, importantly, biography templates to assist you in structuring your work effectively. With these resources, you can start to create biographies that not only inform but also captivate your audience. Are you ready to capture the essence of a life story in words? Let’s delve into the fundamentals of crafting a compelling and memorable biography.

Biography Templates & Examples

Aesthetic Biography Template

An Aesthetic Biography Template is a carefully designed layout that allows individuals to present their personal and professional information in an organized and visually appealing manner. The template provided in the previous response offers a structured format for users to showcase their educational background, work experience, skills, and personal interests. This format is particularly useful for creating a compelling narrative of one's life and achievements, making it ideal for applications, personal websites, or professional profiles. The inclusion of sample data guides users on how to effectively fill out each section, ensuring clarity and coherence in presenting their unique story.

Short Biography Template

A Short Biography template is a structured format for summarizing an individual's personal, educational, and professional background. It offers a concise yet informative way to present one's achievements, skills, and experiences. The template provided above is designed to capture a wide range of details, from basic personal information to career highlights and skills. It is versatile and can be tailored to suit different situations, whether for a professional profile, a speaker introduction, or a personal website. The inclusion of sample data in the brackets makes it user-friendly, allowing for easy customization. This template serves as a useful starting point for anyone looking to create a clear and engaging biography.

Professional Biography Template

A Professional Bio Template is a structured format designed to aid individuals in crafting a succinct and engaging biography that highlights their career achievements, skills, and personal qualities. This template helps users efficiently organize and present their professional story, ensuring that key elements like career milestones, skills, and personal interests are effectively communicated. This assists in creating a compelling bio that resonates with various audiences, such as potential employers or networking contacts, enhancing their professional presence and impact.

Personal Biography Template

A personal biography template is a structured outline designed to guide individuals in documenting their life stories, achievements, and experiences. It provides a framework to organize personal details in a coherent and engaging manner. This template, created in our prior response, can assist users by simplifying the process of writing their biography. It offers a clear structure, ensuring that key aspects of one's life are highlighted effectively. This can be particularly useful for creating professional bios, personal introductions, or for preserving personal history.

You can explore more free biography templates and examples in the collection at Highfile . This resource offers a diverse range of templates suitable for various needs, whether for professional, personal, or academic purposes.

What Is a Biography?

A biography is an in-depth narrative of someone’s life, written by another person. It encompasses more than just basic facts like birthplace and education. A biography delves into the subject’s personal experiences, significant life events, and the influences that shaped their character and achievements. It’s not just a timeline of events; a biography weaves these details into a compelling story, offering insights into the individual’s motivations and impacts. The aim is to present a well-rounded portrait that is both informative and engaging, allowing readers to understand and empathize with the subject’s journey. A biography, in essence, is a vivid window into another person’s life experience, capturing their unique contributions and the essence of their existence.

Fun Fact: Did you know that one of the earliest biographies ever recorded was about an ancient Egyptian official named Ptahhotep around 2400 BC? This ancient biography was not written in a book but carved on the walls of his tomb, depicting his life and achievements. This highlights how the art of biography writing has been significant throughout human history, evolving from ancient carvings to modern digital formats!

Essential Elements of a Biography Template

Crafting a professional biography involves creating a concise yet comprehensive summary of your career objectives, current position, and notable achievements. This type of bio is ideally suited for professional networking platforms like LinkedIn or AngelList, where a more detailed and career-focused narrative is expected compared to the brief bios often seen on other social media sites.

Key Components to Include in Your Professional Biography:

Your Name : Clearly state your full name at the beginning.
Personal Brand or Company Affiliation : Mention your business or the brand you represent.
Professional Tagline or Current Role : Include your current job title or a tagline that encapsulates your professional essence.
Career Aspirations : Briefly outline your career goals or what you aim to achieve professionally.
Unique Personal Fact : Share an interesting personal detail that sets you apart.
Top Achievements : Highlight two or three significant accomplishments relevant to your professional trajectory.

While primarily professional in tone, don’t hesitate to weave in personal elements like a favorite book or hobby. This adds a human touch, making your bio more relatable and engaging. Remember, a well-rounded biography balances professional accomplishments with personal insights, creating a holistic view of you as both a professional and an individual.

How to Write a Biography

Writing a compelling biography requires a structured approach. Follow these steps to create an engaging and informative biography:

Choose a Subject : Select a person whose life story is interesting and impactful. Consider whether their contributions or experiences have the potential to inspire or connect with your audience.
Obtain Permission : If your subject is alive, obtaining their consent is crucial, as it involves discussing personal details. For deceased or public figures, ensure all information is factual to avoid legal issues.
Conduct Thorough Research : Gather information from primary sources like interviews, letters, and personal accounts for an authentic portrayal. Complement these with secondary sources like documentaries and articles for additional context.
Formulate a Thesis : In the opening section, clearly state what the reader will learn from the biography. This thesis sets the stage for the narrative to unfold.
Organize Chronologically : Structure the biography in a timeline format, presenting events in the order they occurred. This helps in maintaining a clear narrative flow.
Incorporate Flashbacks : Skillfully use flashbacks to provide context or highlight significant past events, enriching the narrative without overloading it with background details.
Inject Personal Insight : While sticking to factual information, don’t shy away from adding your own perspective on the subject’s achievements and their societal impact. This adds depth and personal touch to the biography.

A good biography balances factual accuracy with narrative flair, bringing the subject’s story to life in a way that resonates with the readers.

Tips on Writing a Biography

Crafting a biography requires a blend of accuracy, creativity, and attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to guide you in writing an effective biography:

Write in Third Person : Use the third person perspective for a professional and objective tone.
Inject Humor Appropriately : While maintaining professionalism, subtle humor can make the biography more engaging and relatable.
Be Mindful of Length : Keep an eye on the word count. A biography should be comprehensive yet concise enough to hold the reader’s interest.
Narrate a Story, Not Just Facts : Instead of listing events, weave them into a compelling narrative to make the biography more interesting and readable.
Include Relevant Links : Provide links to your work, projects, or publications to offer readers additional context and evidence of your achievements.
Provide Contact Information : Make it easy for readers to reach you by including up-to-date contact details.
Edit Thoroughly : Ensure your biography is free of errors and well-polished. Comprehensive editing enhances readability and professionalism.
Keep it Concise : Aim for brevity while ensuring all critical information is included. A succinct biography is often more impactful and memorable.

Important Note: Before diving into our FAQs, it’s crucial to remember that while a biography aims to be factual and accurate, it also requires a respectful approach, especially when dealing with sensitive aspects of a person’s life. As a biographer, your responsibility extends beyond mere storytelling; it involves ethical considerations, such as respecting privacy and presenting information in a manner that is fair and considerate to the subject and their family. Keep this in mind as you explore the frequently asked questions and embark on your journey of writing a biography.

For online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter, a three-sentence bio should be concise yet informative. It should briefly introduce you, focusing on key aspects: Your Name : Start with your full name. Your Current Role : Mention your profession or the role you’re known for. A Notable Achievement or Personal Touch : Include a significant accomplishment or a unique personal detail (like a hobby or goal). This format ensures your bio is succinct but covers essential details.

A personal biography is a brief narrative focusing on your professional life, used for job searches or on professional platforms like LinkedIn. It’s slightly more detailed than a social media bio and should include: Your Name Personal Brand or Company : If applicable. Professional Tagline or Current Role Two or Three Key Achievements : Choose the most relevant and impressive ones. While primarily professional, feel free to add a personal detail like a hobby or favorite book to give a glimpse of your personality.

In a work-related bio, focus on aspects directly relevant to your professional life. This might be more detailed, including your career journey, key skills, and notable projects or roles you’ve held. Personal anecdotes or interests can be included if they relate to your professional persona or add value to your professional story. Remember, the context dictates the bio’s content and tone. Tailor it to suit the platform and the audience you are addressing.

When choosing a subject, consider individuals whose life stories are not only interesting but also have the potential to inspire or educate others. Look for unique experiences, significant achievements, or challenges they’ve overcome. Public figures, historical personalities, or even unsung heroes in your community can make excellent subjects.

Begin with an engaging opening that captures the essence of your subject’s life. This could be a pivotal moment, a significant achievement, or an anecdote that reflects their character. Starting with something compelling draws readers in and sets the tone for the biography.

Effective research methods include conducting interviews with people who know the subject well, reviewing primary documents like letters or diaries, and consulting reputable secondary sources for historical context. Online archives, libraries, and specialized databases are also valuable resources.

To maintain objectivity, present facts without bias, and avoid letting personal opinions color the narrative. Acknowledge different perspectives on the subject’s life, especially in controversial or unclear aspects. Being fair and balanced is key to a trustworthy biography.

Yes, you can write a biography about a family member. However, it’s important to balance personal insights with objective storytelling. Ensure you have enough distance to present their story truthfully and respect their privacy and perspective.

Approach sensitive topics with care and respect. Verify the accuracy of such information and consider its relevance to the overall story. Be mindful of the impact this could have on the subject and their family, especially if they are still living.

The length of a biography depends on the depth of the subject’s life story and the intended audience. Some biographies are short, focusing on key events, while others are comprehensive, covering the subject’s life in detail. Tailor the length to suit the story’s complexity and readers’ expectations.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a biography requires a thoughtful blend of accuracy and creativity to captivate and engage your readers. By focusing on these essential elements and following the outlined steps, you can transform a simple life story into a compelling narrative that holds the reader’s interest from start to finish. Whether you’ve always wanted to write a biography or are just beginning to explore this genre, this guide provides a solid foundation to embark on your biographical writing journey. Remember, a well-written biography not only informs but also inspires, offering a deeper understanding of the subject’s life and legacy.

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How to Write a Short Professional Bio (With Templates and Examples)

Learn how to write a bio for you or your business to help you to make a good impression online.

First impressions count, even online. That’s why your professional bio is one of the most crucial marketing materials you’ll ever write.

Whether it’s on Twitter, LinkedIn, your online portfolio, or your employer’s website, your professional bio is the first thing people will read to understand who you are and what you do.

What you highlight will affect how readers perceive you—as a job applicant, public speaker, author, or entrepreneur.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to write a bio for a freelance business website, portfolio, or an employer’s website.

I’ll share some helpful professional bio templates and bio examples that’ll make the process even easier. Plus, I’ll quickly discuss what to do when using your bio with a resume.

Benefits and Uses of a Short Professional Bio

Short professional bios are gaining more popularity, not only because people’s attention spans are getting shorter but also because more platforms are favoring the shorter format.

Twitter, for instance, has a 160-character limit on user bios. Author bylines on many websites are limited to two to three sentences as well, while LinkedIn doesn’t show your whole summary unless the user clicks “ show more. ”

Bios, in general, don’t have a strict word count as it depends on the medium or platform used. In general, however, a ‘micro bio’ is usually two to three short sentences, similar to those in Twitter and website bylines, while a short bio may have about 100 words or three to five short paragraphs.

Where to Use a Short Professional Bio

‘About the author’ section at the back of your book
LinkedIn summary
Author byline in your website or guest posts
Speaker One Sheet
‘Meet our Team’ or ‘About us’ page of your employer’s website

The options listed above are where you can use a short professional bio as it’s written. But you can also repurpose or customize your bio for in-person events, such as:

As an elevator speech on networking events
When someone introduces you as a speaker for an event

The Challenge

Short professional bios are hard to write because of their importance and word-count limitations.

Writing about what makes you worthy of other people’s attention while making sure you don’t sound pompous is like crossing a tightrope.

Short professional bios are hard to write because of their word-count limitations.

While there are many ways to write a bio, from professional to light and humorous, the good ones all follow a similar format that’s easy to follow if you’ve got all the needed information.

Read the step-by-step instructions and follow along using the short bio template below.

Professional Bio Template A: Corporate Bio for Employees and Applicants

[Name] is a [your professional title] who helps [your target audience] to [the problems or goals of your target audience].

Before starting a [business or freelance work], [Name] worked [number] of years as a [relevant job title 1] and a [relevant job title 2]. After a successful career helping [sub-niche or branch of your target market 1] (e.g. fitness trainers, residential leasing agents, make-up artists, aspiring authors) and [sub-niche of your target market 2], [Name] now [appropriate action verb] (e.g. trains, coaches, advises) them on how to [specific tasks you do for your target market].

[Name] enjoys [hobby 1] and [hobby 2].

[Name] is available for [your type of work or output] and private consultations. You can reach [Name] at [phone number] or [email address].

Here’s what this professional bio template looks like when filled in:

“Lorie Smith is a Loan Officer at XYZ Bank, where Lorie processes loan applications from start to finish, including mortgage refinancing and educating clients about their different financing options. Lorie has worked with reputable real estate agencies, including ReMax, Century 21, and Coldwell Banker, among others. Lorie helps homeowners and new buyers secure a loan that suits their budget and goals. You can expect 100% transparency, no horror stories, and nasty surprises when working with Lorie. Lorie is a cat-lover and CMAS diver from Michigan. Please email [email protected] or go to ExampleDomain.com to contact Lorie.”

Professional Bio Template B: For Speakers, Freelancers, and Entrepreneurs

Here’s an example of the corporate bio template in use:

Kate Hendricks is a Freelance Writer and Social Media Manager who helps finance professionals and Fin-tech startups build an audience and get more paying clients online. Before starting a writing business, Kate spent six years as a Bank Teller and Virtual Assistant for financial companies in the U.S. and U.K. After a successful career helping small banks and real estate agencies, Katie now helps them write marketing copy for their products and services. Kate enjoys trying new sports (archery, anyone?) and managing a small property rental business. Kate’s available for marketing and writing projects, as well as private consultations. You can reach Kate at [email protected] .

This premium Keynote portfolio template is a good example of how to present your short bio.

How to Write a Bio

Now we’ll go into detail on how to write a short bio. The two templates above serve only as a framework, so feel free to add or delete some sentences as you see fit.

Use the step-by-step instructions below as a general guideline for customizing the short bio templates above, or write one from scratch.

Step 1. Gather Information and Inspiration

Answer the questions below to gather the information you’ll need to customize your professional bio.

Who will read your bio? This depends on when and how it will be used. A bio for a freelance designer’s website should be different than the one used in your employer’s website, even if you’ve got the same job function in both cases. Your employer won’t appreciate you for soliciting work using their website. Write one bio per target audience.
What does your audience need to know? For employees or job applicants, recruiters will need to know your professional experience, skills, and academic background. For entrepreneurs, this refers to the products or services you offer and how they make your customers’ lives easier. To effectively communicate with your target audience, you can leverage a keyword research tool to uncover the specific language they use when searching for information related to your industry.
What do you want your audience to know? This isn’t directly about your skills, products, or services. It’s about the underlying feelings you evoke in the people working with you. For instance, an accountant’s clients will want to work with someone trustworthy. Trainers, meanwhile, are sought after for their patience and creativity in interacting with students.
What’s in it for your readers? Specify the problem or goal your audience can accomplish with your help.
What’s your story? Tell a story about how you came into your current work to show readers what sets you apart from other professionals. You can also write about your core values or why you’re in that business.
What do you want them to do? State how you prefer readers to contact you.

Gathering all this information before you start writing prevents writer’s block. But if that doesn’t work, try searching for bios of people in your industry to get some ideas.

Gathering all your information to prevent writer's block.

Take note of the phrases or words you like, so you can use them later (with some editing) in your own bio.

Step 2. Start With Your Name

Write your name at the start or first sentence of your bio so people will immediately realize what they’re reading.

Step 3. Explain Your Business or Occupation

Just like a cover letter or resume, your business or occupation should be mentioned early on to get the reader’s attention—or give them a chance to stop reading in case you’re not the one they’re looking for.

Your job or business should be clearly explained in the first two sentences of your short professional bio. Don’t leave this to later paragraphs because it might cause some readers to lose interest.

Some professional bios replace job titles with value proposition statements, which explain the problems you solve for your target market and why people should choose you over your competitors. While it’s attention-grabbing, it may be confusing for some of your readers.

For instance, your value proposition might be to increase website traffic organically, but it’s not clear whether you can do that because you’re a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist or a Content Marketer. Both occupations can increase a website’s traffic, but the reader might be looking for a particular skill set—SEO, blogging, or something else.

Use a value proposition if you want to stand out, but don’t forget to mention your job title.

Here are some tips to help: How to Define Your Core Brand Values (And Why You Should)

Step 4. Add Personal Interests and Other Humanizing Details

This is a subtle way to show the reader that you’re a real person. If you’ve got something in common with your reader or a fascinating hobby, that may prompt more readers to contact you.

Avoid humor, unless you’re absolutely sure that whoever reads your professional bio will appreciate it. This will depend on the media or platform where your bio is published, as well as its intended audience.

Avoid sounding too cynical of yourself, as it may come off as fake.

Intimate or embarrassing details about yourself should be kept secret, no matter how funny or attention-grabbing it is, as you never know how people might react.

When not traveling, Mark enjoys practicing for marathons, going on hikes, and planning for the next adventure with the wife and kids.

Wondering how to define your personal values? Get more insights from this tutorial .

Step 5. Contact Details and Call to Action

End with your contact information and a simple call to action asking people to get in touch with you. Phone numbers are totally optional, but email is a must.

Feel free to replace your phone number with a link to your website.

Short bio examples that follow the above guidelines:

Here’s a premium creative portfolio template with space to add your short bio and social media logos:

Here’s the bio of a Full-stack Engineer :

From the about page of Ryan Parman, full stack engineer and product developer

And the micro-bio of an author for his author page on Amazon:

Tips for Writing a Concise Yet Appealing Professional Bio

Even with the guidelines and templates above, writing a professional bio can be quite an undertaking. I know it was for me when I first wrote the about page of my website.

Use the writing tips below to write an authentic yet confident-sounding bio that you can be proud of.

1. Get Real

Realize that a professional bio is meant to make you look like a confident and skilled person. You’re not bragging. Just write about who you are and what you can do.

You’re doing a service by telling others what you can do for them. If they need someone with your skills and they find your bio, that’s a win-win. That person will look at you as a solution, not a braggart.

2. Show, Don’t Tell

The same concept applies when writing resumes. Use action verbs and always include quantifiable or specific accomplishments when possible.

Instead of claiming you’re a genius developer, write about the groundbreaking programs you created.

3. Short Bios Are Like Movie Trailers

Movie trailers only show the exciting and intriguing scenes of a movie, right? The same goes for a professional bio, especially the short and micro formats.

You may have tons of accomplishments in different areas of your career or business, so it’s important to pick the ones that will make your readers “ ooh ” as they read it. Perhaps you’ve been awarded top designer in your company two years in a row, and your work has been featured in a local magazine for artists, as well as several podcasts with a small audience.

Present your short bio in different slides of a premium PowerPoint portfolio template . Give sequence to your story.

Leave out the podcasts without brand recognition, and if you really have to, ditch the company award as well. This doesn’t mean that the other accolades aren’t worthy; it’s just that you need to conserve space for other information.

Using Your Short Bio With a Resume

If you have to submit your professional bio to a website, you may also be asked for a resume.

If this happens to you, your resume needs to be as professional as your short bio. The best way to make sure that your resume makes the right impression is to use a resume template.

Write and Revise

Professional bios are meant to be updated every now and then. Don’t worry if the first one you write after reading this tutorial isn’t as perfect as you hoped it would be. You can always revise your current corporate bio or write a new one next time someone requests it.

How to Write a Biography in 8 Steps (The Non-Boring Way!)

Compelling biographies help us better connect with others while fostering empathy and understanding. Discover the steps to write one that captivates your audience!

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Have you ever been captivated by someone’s life story? From the ancient tales of great conquerors to the modern accounts of influential figures, biographies have enchanted readers and viewers for centuries.

The stories of real people’s lives not only entertain and educate but also provide a unique window into the human experience. In fact, according to research 1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8796048/ , human stories like biographies can help us better connect with others while fostering empathy and understanding.

In this article, let’s dive into how to write a compelling biography, from the research phase to delivery.

What Are the Key Elements of a Biography?

The key elements of a well-written biography bring characters to life. They include thorough research, relevant interviews, clear structure, captivating prose, compelling themes, and a balance between objectivity and empathy.

Thorough research: Helps create an accurate portrayal of your subject
Relevant interviews: Insights help provide a deeper understanding of your subject
Clear structure: Helps you outline your ideas for a compelling narrative
Captivating prose: Provides descriptive language to paint a picture of your subject
Compelling themes: Showcases the motivations and desires behind your subject
A balance between objectivity and empathy: Keeps biases in check and allows your subject to shine for who they are

As you develop your biography, remember that these stories hold an enduring appeal because they offer people an opportunity to explore the depths of the human psyche, unravel extraordinary accomplishments, and discover the vulnerabilities and triumphs of individuals who have left their mark on the world.

Here are the topics a biography typically covers:

Early life and background : Provide context about the subject’s upbringing, family, and cultural influences.
Achievements and milestones: Highlight notable accomplishments, contributions, and significant events throughout their life.
Challenges and struggles: Explore the obstacles they faced, the lessons learned, and how they overcame adversity.
Personal characteristics: Describe their personality traits, values, beliefs, and motivations that shaped their actions and decisions.
Impact and legacy: Discuss the lasting influence and contributions of the subject, both during their lifetime and beyond.

Ready to start crafting your biography? Find greater success with this helpful goal-setting resource!

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Do you set the same goals over and over again? If you’re not achieving your goals – it’s not your fault! Let me show you the science-based goal-setting framework to help you achieve your biggest goals.

Let’s look at the six key elements of a well-written biography more closely and the steps you can follow to develop your own.

How to Write a Biography in 8 Steps Using Key Elements

Choose your presentation format.

Presenting your biography can take on various forms, the most traditional being written form. The basis for this article assumes you’re writing a conventional biography; however, this foundation can also help you create a multimedia presentation or website as well.

Consider these various formats to present your biography:

Traditional Written Biographies: This classic approach provides a comprehensive account of a person’s life through the written word. Traditional biographies can be published in print or ebooks , allowing readers to engage deeply with the subject’s story.
Multimedia Presentations: In the digital age, multimedia presentations offer a dynamic way to present biographies. Incorporate audio, video, photographs, and interactive elements to enhance the audience’s experience.
Online Platforms: Online platforms, such as blogs or dedicated biography websites, provide accessible avenues for sharing biographies. They allow for easy updates, reader engagement, and the incorporation of multimedia elements.

Choose your subject and conduct research

To create a vivid and accurate portrayal of a person’s life, conduct extensive research. Dive into archives, read letters, examine diaries, explore photographs, and immerse yourself in the historical and cultural context surrounding your subject. This will help you unearth the small details that breathe life into your biography.

Whether you’re writing a biography about a historical figure, contemporary icon, or everyday individual, you’ll want to consider the different factors to focus on. Here are some examples of three types of individuals and the kind of research that will be most helpful.

Historical Figures: When writing about historical figures, immerse yourself in their era. Understand the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped their lives. I recommend visiting your local library and connecting with a research librarian for support. Otherwise, other tools for historical research include Google Scholar. Analyze primary sources and multiple perspectives to present a well-rounded account.
Contemporary Icons: Biographies of modern icons offer a chance to delve into their ongoing impact. Conduct interviews or gather insights from their close associates to understand their present-day influence. Stay current with the latest developments, and be prepared to update your work as the subject’s story unfolds.
Everyday Individuals: Biographies need not be reserved for the famous. Every day individuals possess stories that can be just as compelling. Uncover the extraordinary within the ordinary, highlighting the struggles, triumphs, and personal growth of individuals who might otherwise remain unsung.
Yourself! Want to write a biography on yourself? Autobiographies are a great way to explore who you are. Get ready to do some serious self-reflection with the steps below.

Pro Tip: Compile your research digitally using helpful cloud filings systems like Google Drive , OneDrive , or Dropbox . Organize your files by category, including information about their youth, family, achievements, and life lessons. You may also choose to write down research references or collect paper clippings on note cards, categorizing your physical files of research along the way.

Develop compelling themes and motifs

Identify overarching themes or motifs that emerge from the subject’s life. These could be resilience, ambition, love, or societal change. Weave these elements into the narrative, highlighting their significance and impact on the person’s journey. Here are some examples:

Overcoming Adversity: These biographies feature perseverance, resilience, and determination. Examples include Helen Keller, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Yousafzai.
Pursuit of Excellence: These biographies highlight people who have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals. Examples include Steve Jobs, Serena Williams, and Michael Jordan.
Quest for Knowledge: These biographies focus on the curiosity that led to significant contributions to our world. Examples include Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Charles Darwin.
Personal Transformation: These biographies explore a change in beliefs, values, or priorities. Examples include Malcolm X, Oprah Winfrey, and Maya Angelou.
Legacy and Impact: These biographies examine a body of work that made a lasting contribution to society. Examples include Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi.

Conduct relevant interviews

Whenever possible, seek firsthand accounts from those who knew or interacted with the subject. Conduct interviews with family members, friends, colleagues, or experts in the field. Their insights and anecdotes can provide a deeper understanding of the person’s character and experiences.

When conducting interviews for a biography, consider the following tips to ensure a productive and insightful conversation:

Familiarize yourself with the interviewee’s background and accomplishments.
Develop a list of well-thought-out questions that cover key aspects of their lives and experiences, including questions about your subject’s youth, family, achievements, and life transitions or struggles.
Begin the interview by establishing a comfortable and friendly atmosphere to put the interviewee at ease.
Show genuine interest in their story and listen actively to their responses.
Ask open-ended questions encouraging detailed and reflective responses.
Avoid yes/no questions and ask for their insights, memories, and personal perspectives.
Some topics you might consider for your questions include early life, achievements, challenges, motivations, values, relationships, lessons learned, and advice.
Pay close attention to the interviewee’s answers, body language, and tone of voice.
Ask follow-up questions to clarify or delve deeper into specific topics.
Show empathy and understanding, creating a safe space for the interviewee to share personal or sensitive information.
Remain flexible during the interview, allowing the conversation to flow naturally.
Be prepared to deviate from your prepared questions if unexpected but relevant topics arise.
Respect the interviewee’s boundaries and be mindful of any topics they may not wish to discuss.
Take thorough and organized notes during the interview to capture important details.
Consider recording the interview (with permission) to ensure accurate quotes and references.
Ask for permission to follow up with additional questions or for clarification.
Doing a biography on yourself? Ask yourself deep questions to harvest new stories and anecdotes.

Remember, the goal of the interview is to gather valuable information and personal perspectives that will contribute to the authenticity and depth of your biography. Approach the interview process with sensitivity, respect, and genuine curiosity about the interviewee’s life and experiences.

Develop a clear structure

Outline your biography, ensuring a logical and engaging narrative flow. Consider the chronological order, significant milestones, and turning points in the subject’s life. Organize your gathered information to capture the essence of their journey while maintaining a compelling rhythm throughout.

A good outline for a biography can vary depending on the specific subject and the desired structure of the narrative. However, here’s a general outline that can serve as a starting point:

A. Introduction

a) Hook or engaging opening to capture the reader’s attention

b) Background information (birthplace, date, family, etc.)

c) A brief overview of the subject’s significance or why they are worth exploring

B. Early Life and Background

a) Childhood and upbringing

b) Influences, such as family, education, or cultural factors

c) Formative experiences or events that shaped the subject’s character or interests

C. Major Achievements and Milestones

a) A chronological exploration of the subject’s notable accomplishments, contributions, or milestones

b) Focus on key moments or achievements that highlight their impact or significance.

c) Provide context and details to paint a vivid picture of their achievements

D. Challenges and Obstacles

a) Discussion of the challenges, setbacks, or adversities the subject encountered

b) How they overcame obstacles or grew through difficult experiences

c) Insights into their resilience, determination, or problem-solving abilities

E. Personal Life and Relationships

a) Exploration of the subject’s relationships, such as family, friends, or romantic partners

b) Insights into their personal joys, struggles, or transformative experiences

c) How their personal life intersected with their professional or public achievements

F. Legacy and Impact

a) Examination of the subject’s lasting influence, contributions, or impact on society

b) Discuss how their work or actions continue to resonate or shape the world today

c) Reflection on their legacy and the lessons we can learn from their life story

G. Conclusion

a) Summarize the key aspects of the subject’s life and their significance

b) Provide a final reflection or insight on their overall journey or impact

c) Leave the reader with a lasting impression or call to action

Pro Tip: Looking for help drafting an outline to get you started? Use free tools like ChatGPT to jumpstart your outline by putting in a prompt request like, “Write an outline for a biography about X, including any relevant details on the subject that should be included.”

Craft captivating prose

Employ descriptive language to transport readers into the subject’s world. Paint vivid portraits of their physical appearance, mannerisms, and surroundings. Use sensory details to evoke emotions and create a strong connection between the reader and the subject.

Here are some examples:

“She was a force of nature, with a fierce determination and an unwavering commitment to justice.” (Ruth Bader Ginsburg)
“His piercing blue eyes seemed to look right through you, and his voice had a commanding presence that demanded attention.” (Winston Churchill)
“She moved with a grace and elegance that belied her inner strength and resilience.” (Audrey Hepburn)
“His rugged features and piercing gaze made him a natural leading man, but it was his depth and vulnerability that set him apart.” (Marlon Brando)
“She had a contagious energy and a magnetic personality that drew people to her like a moth to a flame.” (Princess Diana)
“His quiet intensity and unwavering dedication to his craft made him one of the greatest artists of his time.” (Leonardo da Vinci)

Action Step: While writing descriptive prose takes some practice, it’s an art you can master with little creative writing skills. To help you write descriptive prose, practice closing your eyes and imagining your subject.

What expression is on their face?
How are they dressed?
What does their body language express?
How do they smell?
How do they make you feel?
How do they make others feel?
What’s in their surroundings?
What are they doing with their hands?
What do you imagine they’re thinking about?

With questions like these, you’ll start to use descriptive language to bring your subject to life.

Build a balance of objectivity and empathy

Strive for an objective portrayal while infusing empathy and understanding into your writing. Remain aware of biases and preconceived notions, giving your subject the space to shine in their unique light.

To check yourself, filter your writing and interviewing with these tips:

Verify Information: Cross-reference information from various sources to ensure accuracy. Use tools like Fact Check Explorer to fact-check claims, dates, and events to avoid errors or inaccuracies that could skew the narrative.
Multiple Perspectives: Seek out different viewpoints on the subject. This includes interviewing or reaching out to people with significant interactions or relationships with the subject. Incorporating diverse perspectives can counterbalance biases and provide a broader understanding.
Empathetic Listening: During interviews or conversations, practice active listening and empathize with the interviewee’s experiences and emotions. This allows you to understand the subject’s perspective and incorporate their insights and feelings into the narrative.
Contextualize Emotions: When sharing the subject’s emotional experiences or personal struggles, provide sufficient context and background. This helps readers understand the motivations and circumstances behind their actions and allows for empathetic understanding without veering into excessive sentimentality.
Credible Interpretation: While interpreting the subject’s thoughts, motives, or intentions, be clear about what is factual and what is speculative. Clearly distinguish between evidence-based information and your interpretations to maintain objectivity.
Respect Boundaries: Be mindful of the subject’s privacy and any requests they may have regarding sensitive or personal information. Respecting their boundaries shows empathy and allows for a respectful portrayal while maintaining the necessary level of objectivity.
Acknowledge Limitations: Recognize that achieving complete objectivity in a biography is challenging. Biases can inadvertently seep into the narrative. However, by being aware of your biases and consciously presenting a fair and balanced account, you can mitigate their influence.

Respect truth, privacy, and sensitivity

Remember, writing biographies carries ethical responsibilities. It’s important to maintain accuracy through credible research and gain consent while being sensitive to controversial or difficult topics. Here are some considerations:

Accuracy: Maintain a commitment to truth and accuracy. Verify facts and corroborate information from multiple sources to ensure the reliability of your narrative. Cite your sources and be transparent about any uncertainties or gaps in knowledge.
Privacy and Consent: Respect the privacy of living individuals mentioned in your biography. Seek consent when sharing personal details or sensitive information. Balance the subject’s right to privacy with the importance of honesty and transparency.
Sensitivity: Approach sensitive or controversial topics with care and empathy. Consider the potential impact of your words on the subject’s loved ones or affected communities—present differing perspectives without sensationalism or bias.

Writing a Biography FAQs

The length of a biography can vary greatly, depending on the subject and the depth of exploration. Some biographies span a few hundred pages, while others extend to multiple volumes. Focus on capturing the subject’s life’s essence rather than strictly adhering to a predetermined length.

Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a biography include the following: Lack of thorough research or reliance on a single source. Inaccurate or misleading information. Excessive personal bias or projection onto the subject. Neglecting to verify facts or failing to cite sources. Poor organization or a disjointed narrative flow. Neglecting to balance objectivity with empathy. Overloading the biography with irrelevant details or digressions. Failing to respect privacy or ethical considerations.

While chronological order is commonly used in biographies, it is not required. Some biographers employ a thematic approach or explore specific periods or events in the subject’s life. Experiment with different structures to find the most engaging way to tell your subject’s story.

The purpose of writing a biography is to capture and share an individual’s life story. Biographies provide insights into a person’s experiences, achievements, and challenges, offering readers inspiration, knowledge, and understanding. They preserve the legacy of individuals, contribute to historical records, and celebrate the diversity of human lives.

When choosing a subject for your biography, consider someone who inspires you, interests you, or has significantly impacted society. It could be a historical figure, a contemporary icon, or even an everyday individual with a remarkable story. Choose a subject with sufficient available information, access to primary sources or interviews, and a narrative that resonates with you and potential readers.

Key elements to include in a biography are: Early life and background: Provide context about the subject’s upbringing, family, and cultural influences. Achievements and milestones: Highlight notable accomplishments, contributions, and significant events throughout their life. Challenges and struggles: Explore the obstacles they faced, the lessons learned, and how they overcame adversity. Personal characteristics: Describe their personality traits, values, beliefs, and motivations that shaped their actions and decisions. Impact and legacy: Discuss the lasting influence and contributions of the subject, both during their lifetime and beyond.

Including personal anecdotes can add depth and humanize the subject of your biography. However, be selective and ensure that the stories are relevant, contribute to understanding the person’s character or experiences, and align with the overall narrative. Balancing personal anecdotes with factual information is critical to maintaining accuracy and credibility.

Conducting research for a biography involves exploring a variety of sources. Start with primary sources such as personal papers, letters, journals, and interviews with the subject or people who knew them. Secondary sources such as books, articles, and academic papers provide additional context and perspectives. Online databases, archives, libraries, and museums are valuable resources for finding relevant information.

Consult a wide range of sources to ensure a comprehensive and accurate biography. Primary sources, such as personal documents, letters, diaries, and interviews, offer firsthand accounts and unique insights. Secondary sources provide broader context and analysis, including books, articles, scholarly works, and historical records. Remember to evaluate the credibility and reliability of your sources critically.

Organize the information in your biography logically and engagingly. Consider using a chronological structure, starting with the subject’s early life and progressing through significant events and milestones. Alternatively, adopt a thematic approach, grouping related information based on themes or significant aspects of their life. Use clear headings, subheadings, and transitions to guide readers through the narrative flow.

Writing Biographies Key Takeaways

In summary, take note of these ideas and tips before you start writing your biography:

Biographies hold enduring appeal, offering a glimpse into the human experience across time.
Thorough research, interviews, and captivating prose are essential for crafting compelling biographies.
Ethical considerations, such as accuracy, privacy, and sensitivity, are crucial when writing about real people’s lives.
Choose subjects that genuinely inspire and resonate with you.
Immerse yourself in the subject’s world to understand their motivations and challenges.
Develop strong research skills and utilize a wide range of sources.
Craft a compelling narrative that engages readers from the very first page.
Seek feedback from trusted sources to refine your writing and storytelling abilities.
Continuously explore new biographies to broaden your understanding of different styles and approaches.
Embrace the unique voice and perspective you bring to the storytelling process.

Writing a biography book? Check out this helpful article, How to Write a Book: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Start Writing !

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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Posted on Jun 30, 2023

How to Write a Biography: A 7-Step Guide [+Template]

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Dario Villirilli

Editor-in-Chief of the Reedsy blog, Dario is a graduate of Mälardalen University. As a freelance writer, he has written for many esteemed outlets aimed at writers. A traveler at heart, he can be found roaming the world and working from his laptop.

From time to time, nonfiction authors become so captivated by a particular figure from either the present or the past, that they feel compelled to write an entire book about their life. Whether casting them as heroes or villains, there is an interesting quality in their humanity that compels these authors to revisit their life paths and write their story.

However, portraying someone’s life on paper in a comprehensive and engaging way requires solid preparation. If you’re looking to write a biography yourself, in this post we’ll share a step-by-step blueprint that you can follow.

How to write a biography:

1. Seek permission when possible

2. research your subject thoroughly, 3. do interviews and visit locations, 4. organize your findings, 5. identify a central thesis, 6. write it using narrative elements, 7. get feedback and polish the text.

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Biography Outline Template

Craft a satisfying story arc for your biography with our free template.

While you technically don’t need permission to write about public figures (or deceased ones), that doesn't guarantee their legal team won't pursue legal action against you. Author Kitty Kelley was sued by Frank Sinatra before she even started to write His Way , a biography that paints Ol Blue Eyes in a controversial light. (Kelley ended up winning the lawsuit, however).

Whenever feasible, advise the subject’s representatives of your intentions. If all goes according to plan, you’ll get a green light to proceed, or potentially an offer to collaborate. It's a matter of common sense; if someone were to write a book about you, you would likely want to know about it well prior to publication. So, make a sincere effort to reach out to their PR staff to negotiate an agreement or at least a mutual understanding of the scope of your project.

At the same time, make sure that you still retain editorial control over the project, and not end up writing a puff piece that treats its protagonist like a saint or hero. No biography can ever be entirely objective, but you should always strive for a portrayal that closely aligns with facts and reality.

If you can’t get an answer from your subject, or you’re asked not to proceed forward, you can still accept the potential repercussions and write an unauthorized biography . The “rebellious act” of publishing without consent indeed makes for great marketing, though it’ll likely bring more headaches with it too.

✋ Please note that, like other nonfiction books, if you intend to release your biography with a publishing house , you can put together a book proposal to send to them before you even write the book. If they like it enough, they might pay you an advance to write it.

Book Proposal Template

Craft a professional pitch for your nonfiction book with our handy template.

Once you’ve settled (or not) the permission part, it’s time to dive deep into your character’s story.

Deep and thorough research skills are the cornerstone of every biographer worth their salt. To paint a vivid and accurate portrait of someone's life, you’ll have to gather qualitative information from a wide range of reliable sources.

Start with the information already available, from books on your subject to archival documents, then collect new ones firsthand by interviewing people or traveling to locations.

Browse the web and library archives

Illustration of a biographer going into research mode.

Put your researcher hat on and start consuming any piece on your subject you can find, from their Wikipedia page to news articles, interviews, TV and radio appearances, YouTube videos, podcasts, books, magazines, and any other media outlets they may have been featured in.

Establish a system to orderly collect the information you find 一 even seemingly insignificant details can prove valuable during the writing process, so be sure to save them.

Depending on their era, you may find most of the information readily available online, or you may need to search through university libraries for older references.

For his landmark biography of Alexander Hamilton, Ron Chernow spent untold hours at Columbia University’s library , reading through the Hamilton family papers, visiting the New York Historical Society, as well as interviewing the archivist of the New York Stock Exchange, and so on. The research process took years, but it certainly paid off. Chernow discovered that Hamilton created the first five securities originally traded on Wall Street. This finding, among others, revealed his significant contributions to shaping the current American financial and political systems, a legacy previously often overshadowed by other founding fathers. Today Alexander Hamilton is one of the best-selling biographies of all time, and it has become a cultural phenomenon with its own dedicated musical.

Besides reading documents about your subject, research can help you understand the world that your subject lived in.

Try to understand their time and social environment

Many biographies show how their protagonists have had a profound impact on society through their philosophical, artistic, or scientific contributions. But at the same time, it’s worth it as a biographer to make an effort to understand how their societal and historical context influenced their life’s path and work.

An interesting example is Stephen Greenblatt’s Will in the World . Finding himself limited by a lack of verified detail surrounding William Shakespeare's personal life, Greenblatt, instead, employs literary interpretation and imaginative reenactments to transport readers back to the Elizabethan era. The result is a vivid (though speculative) depiction of the playwright's life, enriching our understanding of his world.

Painting of William Shakespeare in colors

Many readers enjoy biographies that transport them to a time and place, so exploring a historical period through the lens of a character can be entertaining in its own right. The Diary of Samuel Pepys became a classic not because people were enthralled by his life as an administrator, but rather from his meticulous and vivid documentation of everyday existence during the Restoration period.

Once you’ve gotten your hands on as many secondary sources as you can find, you’ll want to go hunting for stories first-hand from people who are (or were) close to your subject.

With all the material you’ve been through, by now you should already have a pretty good picture of your protagonist. But you’ll surely have some curiosities and missing dots in their character development to figure out, which you can only get by interviewing primary sources.

Interview friends and associates

This part is more relevant if your subject is contemporary, and you can actually meet up or call with relatives, friends, colleagues, business partners, neighbors, or any other person related to them.

In writing the popular biography of Steve Jobs, Walter Isaacson interviewed more than one hundred people, including Jobs’s family, colleagues, former college mates, business rivals, and the man himself.

🔍 Read other biographies to get a sense of what makes a great one. Check out our list of the 30 best biographies of all time , or take our 30-second quiz below for tips on which one you should read next.

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When you conduct your interviews, make sure to record them with high quality audio you can revisit later. Then use tools like Otter.ai or Descript to transcribe them 一 it’ll save you countless hours.

You can approach the interview with a specific set of questions, or follow your curiosity blindly, trying to uncover revealing stories and anecdotes about your subject. Whatever your method, author and biography editor Tom Bromley suggests that every interviewer arrives prepared, "Show that you’ve done your work. This will help to put the interviewee at ease, and get their best answers.”

Bromley also places emphasis on the order in which you conduct interviews. “You may want to interview different members of the family or friends first, to get their perspective on something, and then go directly to the main interviewee. You'll be able to use that knowledge to ask sharper, more specific questions.”

Finally, consider how much time you have with each interviewee. If you only have a 30-minute phone call with an important person, make it count by asking directly the most pressing questions you have. And, if you find a reliable source who is also particularly willing to help, conduct several interviews and ask them, if appropriate, to write a foreword as part of the book’s front matter .

Sometimes an important part of the process is packing your bags, getting on a plane, and personally visiting significant places in your character’s journey.

Visit significant places in their life

A place, whether that’s a city, a rural house, or a bodhi tree, can carry a particular energy that you can only truly experience by being there. In putting the pieces together about someone’s life, it may be useful to go visit where they grew up, or where other significant events of their lives happened. It will be easier to imagine what they experienced, and better tell their story.

In researching The Lost City of Z , author David Grann embarked on a trek through the Amazon, retracing the steps of British explorer Percy Fawcett. This led Grann to develop new theories about the circumstances surrounding the explorer's disappearance.

Still from the movie The Lost City of Z in which the explorer is surrounded by an Amazon native tribe

Hopefully, you won’t have to deal with jaguars and anacondas to better understand your subject’s environment, but try to walk into their shoes as much as possible.

Once you’ve researched your character enough, it’s time to put together all the puzzle pieces you collected so far.

Take the bulk of notes, media, and other documents you’ve collected, and start to give them some order and structure. A simple way to do this is by creating a timeline.

Create a chronological timeline

It helps to organize your notes chronologically 一 from childhood to the senior years, line up the most significant events of your subject’s life, including dates, places, names and other relevant bits.

You should be able to divide their life into distinct periods, each with their unique events and significance. Based on that, you can start drafting an outline of the narrative you want to create.

Draft a story outline

Since a biography entails writing about a person’s entire life, it will have a beginning, a middle, and an end. You can pick where you want to end the story, depending on how consequential the last years of your subject were. But the nature of the work will give you a starting character arc to work with.

To outline the story then, you could turn to the popular Three-Act Structure , which divides the narrative in three main parts. In a nutshell, you’ll want to make sure to have the following:

Act 1. Setup : Introduce the protagonist's background and the turning points that set them on a path to achieve a goal.
Act 2. Confrontation : Describe the challenges they encounter, both internal and external, and how they rise to them. Then..
Act 3. Resolution : Reach a climactic point in their story in which they succeed (or fail), showing how they (and the world around them) have changed as a result.

Only one question remains before you begin writing: what will be the main focus of your biography?

Think about why you’re so drawn to your subject to dedicate years of your life to recounting their own. What aspect of their life do you want to highlight? Is it their evil nature, artistic genius, or visionary mindset? And what evidence have you got to back that up? Find a central thesis or focus to weave as the main thread throughout your narrative.

Cover of Hitler and Stalin by Alan Bullock

Or find a unique angle

If you don’t have a particular theme to explore, finding a distinct angle on your subject’s story can also help you distinguish your work from other biographies or existing works on the same subject.

Plenty of biographies have been published about The Beatles 一 many of which have different focuses and approaches:

Philip Norman's Shout is sometimes regarded as leaning more towards a pro-Lennon and anti-McCartney stance, offering insights into the band's inner dynamics.
Ian McDonald's Revolution in the Head closely examines their music track by track, shifting the focus back to McCartney as a primary creative force.
Craig Brown's One Two Three Four aims to capture their story through anecdotes, fan letters, diary entries, and interviews.
Mark Lewisohn's monumental three-volume biography, Tune In , stands as a testament to over a decade of meticulous research, chronicling every intricate detail of the Beatles' journey.

Finally, consider that biographies are often more than recounting the life of a person. Similar to how Dickens’ Great Expectations is not solely about a boy named Pip (but an examination and critique of Britain’s fickle, unforgiving class system), a biography should strive to illuminate a broader truth — be it social, political, or human — beyond the immediate subject of the book.

Once you’ve identified your main focus or angle, it’s time to write a great story.

Illustration of a writer mixing storytelling ingredients

While biographies are often highly informative, they do not have to be dry and purely expository in nature . You can play with storytelling elements to make it an engaging read.

You could do that by thoroughly detailing the setting of the story , depicting the people involved in the story as fully-fledged characters , or using rising action and building to a climax when describing a particularly significant milestone of the subject’s life.

One common way to make a biography interesting to read is starting on a strong foot…

Hook the reader from the start

Just because you're honoring your character's whole life doesn't mean you have to begin when they said their first word. Starting from the middle or end of their life can be more captivating as it introduces conflicts and stakes that shaped their journey.

When he wrote about Christopher McCandless in Into the Wild , author Jon Krakauer didn’t open his subject’s childhood and abusive family environment. Instead, the book begins with McCandless hitchhiking his way into the wilderness, and subsequently being discovered dead in an abandoned bus. By starting in the middle of the action in medias res, Krakauer hooks the reader’s interest, before tracing back the causes and motivations that led McCandless to die alone in that bus in the first place.

Chris McCandless self-portrait in front of the now iconic bus

You can bend the timeline to improve the reader’s reading experience throughout the rest of the story too…

Play with flashback

While biographies tend to follow a chronological narrative, you can use flashbacks to tell brief stories or anecdotes when appropriate. For example, if you were telling the story of footballer Lionel Messi, before the climax of winning the World Cup with Argentina, you could recall when he was just 13 years old, giving an interview to a local newspaper, expressing his lifelong dream of playing for the national team.

Used sparsely and intentionally, flashbacks can add more context to the story and keep the narrative interesting. Just like including dialogue does…

Reimagine conversations

Recreating conversations that your subject had with people around them is another effective way to color the story. Dialogue helps the reader imagine the story like a movie, providing a deeper sensory experience.

One thing is trying to articulate the root of Steve Jobs’ obsession with product design, another would be to quote his father , teaching him how to build a fence when he was young: “You've got to make the back of the fence just as good looking as the front of the fence. Even though nobody will see it, you will know. And that will show that you're dedicated to making something perfect.”

Unlike memoirs and autobiographies, in which the author tells the story from their personal viewpoint and enjoys greater freedom to recall conversations, biographies require a commitment to facts. So, when recreating dialogue, try to quote directly from reliable sources like personal diaries, emails, and text messages. You could also use your interview scripts as an alternative to dialogue. As Tom Bromley suggests, “If you talk with a good amount of people, you can try to tell the story from their perspective, interweaving different segments and quoting the interviewees directly.”

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These are just some of the story elements you can use to make your biography more compelling. Once you’ve finished your manuscript, it’s a good idea to ask for feedback.

If you’re going to publish your own biography, you’ll have to polish it to professional standards. After leaving your work to rest for a while, look at it with fresh eyes and edit your own manuscript eliminating passive voice, filler words, and redundant adverbs.

Illustration of an editor reviewing a manuscript

Then, have a professional editor give you a general assessment. They’ll look at the structure and shape of your manuscript and tell you which parts need to be expanded on or cut. As someone who edited and commissioned several biographies, Tom Bromley points out that a professional “will look at the sources used and assess whether they back up the points made, or if more are needed. They would also look for context, and whether or not more background information is needed for the reader to understand the story fully. And they might check your facts, too.”

In addition to structural editing, you may want to have someone copy-edit and proofread your work.

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Importantly, make sure to include a bibliography with a list of all the interviews, documents, and sources used in the writing process. You’ll have to compile it according to a manual of style, but you can easily create one by using tools like EasyBib . Once the text is nicely polished and typeset in your writing applications , you can prepare for the publication process.

In conclusion, by mixing storytelling elements with diligent research, you’ll be able to breathe life into a powerful biography that immerses readers in another individual’s life experience. Whether that’ll spark inspiration or controversy, remember you could have an important role in shaping their legacy 一 and that’s something not to take lightly.

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How To Write A Hairstylist Bio: 8 Tips & Examples

A guide to writing a professional hair stylist bio, including why they’re important, tips, and hair stylist bio examples to inspire your own.

No credit card required.

A well-crafted bio can do a lot for your business. In an ever-growing industry where everyone is looking to make their mark, we’re here to guide you through writing a short-but-sweet bio that can show off what you can do. Read on for a collection of hairstylist bio ideas to help inspire your own.

As a hairstylist , you have so many tools at your disposal to share your talent and give clients what they want. Before that happens, however, you’ll need to first get those clients through the door. Having a website, a resume, and a list of all of your certifications is obviously helpful, but a place where you can really sell yourself is your bio. This article will explore several types of hairstylist bio examples, as well as why they’re necessary, and tips for writing one.

What Is A Hairstylist Bio And Why Is It Necessary?

Simply put, a hairstylist bio is a blurb about you and your business. This short but informative summary can give potential clients a rundown of what makes you special: your skills, your professional experience, and any other useful information that can highlight your uniqueness and sell your services. A good bio is your chance to make a first impression and build trust amongst potentially interested parties. Bios usually appear in places like social media pages, salon websites, personal websites, portfolios, or marketing materials.

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How To Write A Great Hairstylist Bio

We get it, writing isn’t everyone’s favorite thing to do—which is why we’ve compiled this guide of tips to help get you through the process of creating your own bio.

1. Include Professional Experience

Your professional experience is what will help draw clients to you. Not only should you include highlights of your past work and how long you’ve been in the business, but you should also include any certifications, accolades, awards, or other impressive accomplishments. It’s also helpful to include any training programs you’ve completed so potential clients can not only see the level of your skill but dedication to your craft.

2. Show Your Specialties And Areas of Expertise

Emphasize any areas of expertise that can help clients find what they’re looking for. Brag about your skill with highlights, talk about your color mastery, or mention any type of haircuts you excel at. If you’re a boss at extensions, keratin treatments, styling, braiding, or curly hair, mention that as well. Anything you can include that will help draw clients to your business and let them know what to expect from your services.

3. Find Your Target Audience

Adjust your tone to help attract the type of clientele you’re looking for. Do you offer a fun, casual experience? Or are you looking to exude luxury for premium clients? Align your messaging to match the vibe you’re trying to put out to ensure those who visit your social media or website have an understanding of the type of experience you can provide.

4. Keep It Short But Informative

The trick with a great bio is to include enough information to establish expectations for clients, while also keeping it concise enough that it doesn’t feel like homework. An engaging and compelling bio that is to the point will work so much more effectively than a long essay that overloads the reader with too much information.

5. Make It Personal

Include an anecdote to give your words a personal touch. With so many salons and stylists vying for attention on the ever-expansive internet, you want clients to feel like they can get to know you and your business (or at least your vision) through your bio. Adding a headshot or a photo of you in action can also help personalize your bio and let potential clients see you’re a real person.

6. Optimize for SEO

Search engine optimization can help your website rank higher on browser searches and make it easier for clients to find you. Incorporate keywords related to hairstyling, hair coloring, and any other of your specialties, as well as your location.

7. Include a Strong CTA

A strong call-to-action will give interested parties the next steps and bring them closer to your business. Whether it’s visiting your website, following you on social media, or booking an appointment, a clear CTA can help light a fire behind those mouse clicks, and get your potential clients through the door.

GlossGenius offers a robust booking system that can make scheduling a breeze. Sign up for a free trial today to see how we can help you secure more appointments and boost your business.

8. Choose Your Perspective Wisely

Most bios are written in either first or third-person, and each can affect your tone differently. First-person perspective facilitates a more inviting tone, forming more of a personal connection with the reader. However, a third-person perspective can give a bio a more professional air that can entice clients looking for premium services.

Hairstylist Bio Examples

Whether you’re looking for hairstylist bio examples for website use or the right blurb for your social media, we’ve got you covered. Explore our list below for several different hairstylist bio examples to help you write your own.

Website Hairstylist Bio Examples

This hairstylist bio example can be used on your professional website, whether you secure your own domain or publish on GlossGenius. GlossGenius’ Custom Website Builder has everything you need to establish your page and help your business shine!

“My name is [Stylist Name], and I’ve been a professional hairstylist for over 8 years. Graduating from the Paul Mitchell school in 2015, I’ve been able to channel my passion for quality hair care and service through my various jobs in the industry. Starting as a hair washer in a boutique salon, I worked my way through the ranks, becoming an assistant colorist, then colorist, then Junior Styler, and eventually earning my own chair.

In 2022, I was featured in a social media campaign for Vogue highlighting [Celebrity’s] daring new Winter hairstyle. Not long after, I ventured out to start my own salon—which now brings you to me! I’m always looking for new clients, so if you’re ready for a style you can love with a professional dedicated to your satisfaction, book an appointment today and let’s get to work!”

Instagram Hairstylist Bio Examples

Instagram bios are much shorter than a standard bio, so you have to be extra particular about the words you use. Below are some hairstylist bio ideas for Instagram.

“Au Revoir Salon

Keratin, Curly Hair, and Cuts

Looking good is our business!

Book an appointment today

123 Salon St., Los Angeles, CA 90210”

“[Stylist Name], NY-based Hairstylist

Highlights, lowlights, special occasion styling.

Let’s get cute together! Book online: [link]

909 Fashion Dr., New York, NY 10007”

Salon Bio Examples

A salon bio is a blurb about the salon as a whole, rather than one specific individual (however, you can always mention specific stylists by name). Below is an example of a salon bio.

“Luxurique Boutique began as a dream 5 years ago, when founder [Name] decided to pursue his passion of quality hair care. In addition to cuts, styling, and coloring, LB offers premium services like hair relaxation, scalp massage, and tea service. Whether you’re looking to go pixie bold or bring out your layers with a butterfly cut, let LB help you achieve your ultimate look.

Our stylists have been working professionally for over 3 years, with each focused on eco-friendly (and vegan!) products. We pride ourselves on sustainability and a commitment to improving the environment, along with each client who visits our salon. Give us a call, reach out on social media, or click the link on our website to learn more about our services and book your first appointment today.”

Fun Hairstylist Bio Examples

A ‘fun’ hairstylist bio doesn’t take itself too seriously—it should be able to properly convey the right information while engaging readers with a cheeky vibe. Keep reading for a fun hairstylist bio example you can adapt for your own purposes.

“Hey there! I’m [Stylist Name] from Bounce Salon, and I think you’re gorgeous. But if you’re ready for a change, or even just a refresher, I’m the stylist you need. I have over 10 years of experience in the business, having graduated from the Long Island Beauty School in 2012, and quickly pursuing my own independent salon shortly after. That risk paid off (along with my business loans! Well, almost), and now I’m able to provide high quality services to you with my fully trained and wildly talented staff.

We specialize in a number of bomb services: hair color, blowouts, styling, braiding, layered cuts, short hair, gossip, and sometimes one of our employees even brings her dog in. What more could you want! If any of this sounds like your vibe, check us out. Book an appointment through our Instagram, TikTok, or website to start collab-ing on your hot new look. We promise you won’t regret it!”

New Hairstylist Bio Examples

New hairstylists may not have the years of experience to back up their bios, but they can still pack a punch into their blurb.

“Hi, I’m [Stylist Name], and I’m a freelance hairstylist fresh out of cosmetology school—but don’t let that scare you. I’ve been honing my craft ever since I decided to pursue hairstyling as my career, and have worked hard to make sure I’m at the top of my game. My lack of experience has only driven me further to succeed, as my focus is building the right skillset and client base to eventually start my own salon.

When you book an appointment with me, you and I work together every step of the way to ensure you end up with the look of your dreams. I provide quality, affordable haircuts, and can work on heads of all ages. If you’re looking for someone like me, I’m looking for you too! Contact me on my website to set up your appointment today, or reach out through social media or my email (address) if you have any other questions. Thank you!”

Elevate Your Hairstylist Career With GlossGenius

Your bio is an important part of selling yourself and your salon services. Attracting new clients through your passion and expertise makes it that much easier to grow your business and expand your brand. Along with the quality of care you provide, the right bio can also help set you on a path to success.

GlossGenius offers new hairstylists and salon moguls alike the chance to take their business to the next level. With GlossGenius, you can handle your business like a pro. Take advantage of our Client Management services to ensure your customers are always satisfied, and check out features like Online Booking , Inventory Management , Marketing , Finances , and Point Of Sale to help drive and manage your daily operations.

Sign up and try GlossGenius for 14 days free!

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JSmol Viewer

Comparative studies on nanocellulose as a bio-based consolidating agent for ancient wood.

1. Introduction

2. materials and methods, 2.1. materials.

Aqueous suspension of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), used as synthesized;
Paraloid B-72 and Regalrez 1126 were dissolved in 10% acetone and in 15% white spirit, respectively, and applied.

2.2. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Characterization

2.3. fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ftir), 2.4. conductometry and ph evaluation, 2.5. optical microscopy, 2.6. colorimetric analysis, 3. results and discussion, 3.1. cnc characterizations, 3.2. characterization of treated degraded wood samples, 4. conclusions, author contributions, institutional review board statement, informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Click here to enlarge figure

Sample	Before	After 19 h	After 1 Month
A1	1.343 g	1.356 g	1.342 g
A2	1.021 g	1.031 g	1.020 g
A3	1.301 g	1.312 g	1.298 g
B1	1.280 g	1.406 g	1.392 g
B2	1.305 g	1.408 g	1.396 g
B3	0.974 g	1.061 g	1.050 g
C1	0.989 g	1.073 g	1.061 g
C2	1.376 g	1.529 g	1.509 g
C3	1.673 g	1.791 g	1.773 g

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	64.82	9.30	24.03
SCE	64.71	9.34	24.12	SCI	−0.84	0.32	0.90
SCI	63.98	9.04	24.21	SCE	−0.85	0.33	0.91
SCE	63.86	9.08	24.32

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	64.82	9.30	24.03
SCE	64.71	9.34	24.12	SCI	−13.58	6.68	15.14
SCI	51.24	14.07	28.71	SCE	−13.74	6.81	15.34
SCE	50.97	14.17	28.92

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	64.82	9.30	24.03
SCE	64.71	9.34	24.12	SCI	−12.90	4.13	13.54
SCI	51.92	13.08	25.70	SCE	−13.00	4.17	13.66
SCE	51.71	13.15	25.81

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	63.06	9.41	23.30
SCE	62.99	9.43	23.38	SCI	−1.29	0.57	1.41
SCI	61.77	9.06	23.75	SCE	−1.31	0.58	1.43
SCE	61.68	9.09	23.84

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	63.06	9.41	23.30
SCE	62.99	9.43	23.38	SCI	−11.18	4.62	12.10
SCI	51.88	12.96	26.25	SCE	−11.29	4.66	12.21
SCE	51.70	13.01	26.36

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	63.06	9.41	23.30
SCE	62.99	9.43	23.38	SCI	−10.66	4.92	11.74
SCI	52.40	12.99	26.68	SCE	−10.69	4.94	11.78
SCE	52.30	13.03	26.75

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	64.82	9.30	24.03
SCE	64.71	9.34	24.12	SCI	−1.76	0.74	1.91
SCI	63.06	9.41	23.30	SCE	−1.72	0.75	1.88
SCE	62.99	9.43	23.38

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	63.98	9.04	24.21
SCE	63.86	9.08	24.32	SCI	−2.21	0.47	2.26
SCI	61.77	9.06	23.75	SCE	−2.18	0.48	2.23
SCE	61.68	9.09	23.84

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	51.24	14.07	28.71
SCE	50.97	14.17	28.92	SCI	0.64	2.69	2.77
SCI	51.88	12.96	26.25	SCE	0.73	2.81	2.91
SCE	51.70	13.01	26.36

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	51.92	13.08	25.70
SCE	51.71	13.15	25.81	SCI	0.48	0.99	1.10
SCI	52.40	12.99	26.68	SCE	0.59	0.95	1.12
SCE	52.30	13.03	26.75

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	63.06	9.41	23.30
SCE	62.99	9.43	23.38	SCI	1.88	1.64	2.50
SCI	64.94	9.56	24.93	SCE	2.06	1.86	2.77
SCE	65.05	9.64	25.22

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	61.77	9.06	23.75
SCE	61.68	9.09	23.84	SCI	0.63	0.23	0.67
SCI	62.40	8.99	23.53	SCE	0.53	0.28	0.60
SCE	62.21	9.02	23.58

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	51.88	12.96	26.25
SCE	51.70	13.01	26.36	SCI	−0.42	5.54	5.56
SCI	51.46	15.43	31.21	SCE	−0.38	5.54	5.55
SCE	51.32	15.47	31.32

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	52.40	12.99	26.68
SCE	52.30	13.03	26.75	SCI	1.25	4.47	4.65
SCI	53.65	15.42	30.43	SCE	1.26	4.45	4.63
SCE	53.55	15.46	30.49

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	62.40	8.99	23.53
SCE	62.21	9.02	23.58	SCI	0.34	2.88	2.90
SCI	62.75	9.81	26.29	SCE	0.38	2.96	2.98
SCE	62.59	9.85	26.42

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	51.46	15.43	31.21
SCE	51.32	15.47	31.32	SCI	−2.35	1.23	2.65
SCI	49.11	15.55	29.99	SCE	−2.25	1.08	2.49
SCE	49.07	15.64	30.25

	L* (D65)	a* (D65)	b* (D65)
SCI	53.65	15.42	30.43
SCE	53.55	15.46	30.49	SCI	−2.48	1.85	3.09
SCI	51.17	14.57	28.80	SCE	−2.44	1.90	3.09
SCE	51.12	14.58	28.80

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Share and Cite

Fornari, A.; Rocco, D.; Mattiello, L.; Bortolami, M.; Rossi, M.; Bergamonti, L.; Graiff, C.; Bani, S.; Morresi, F.; Pandolfi, F. Comparative Studies on Nanocellulose as a Bio-Based Consolidating Agent for Ancient Wood. Appl. Sci. 2024 , 14 , 7964. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177964

Fornari A, Rocco D, Mattiello L, Bortolami M, Rossi M, Bergamonti L, Graiff C, Bani S, Morresi F, Pandolfi F. Comparative Studies on Nanocellulose as a Bio-Based Consolidating Agent for Ancient Wood. Applied Sciences . 2024; 14(17):7964. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177964

Fornari, Anastasia, Daniele Rocco, Leonardo Mattiello, Martina Bortolami, Marco Rossi, Laura Bergamonti, Claudia Graiff, Stefania Bani, Fabio Morresi, and Fabiana Pandolfi. 2024. "Comparative Studies on Nanocellulose as a Bio-Based Consolidating Agent for Ancient Wood" Applied Sciences 14, no. 17: 7964. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177964

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Methodology
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Published: 07 September 2024

Highly accurate and sensitive absolute quantification of bacterial strains in human fecal samples

Fuyong Li 1 , 2 ,
Junhong Liu 2 ,
María X. Maldonado-Gómez 3 ,
Steven A. Frese 4 ,
Michael G. Gänzle 2 &
Jens Walter 2 , 5 , 6

Microbiome volume 12 , Article number: 168 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

Metrics details

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches have revolutionized gut microbiome research and can provide strain-level resolution, but these techniques have limitations in that they are only semi-quantitative, suffer from high detection limits, and generate data that is compositional. The present study aimed to systematically compare quantitative PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for the absolute quantification of Limosilactobacillus reuteri strains in human fecal samples and to develop an optimized protocol for the absolute quantification of bacterial strains in fecal samples.

Using strain-specific PCR primers for L. reuteri 17938, ddPCR showed slightly better reproducibility, but qPCR was almost as reproducible and showed comparable sensitivity (limit of detection [LOD] around 10 4 cells/g feces) and linearity ( R 2 > 0.98) when kit-based DNA isolation methods were used. qPCR further had a wider dynamic range and is cheaper and faster. Based on these findings, we conclude that qPCR has advantages over ddPCR for the absolute quantification of bacterial strains in fecal samples. We provide an optimized and easy-to-follow step-by-step protocol for the design of strain-specific qPCR assays, starting from primer design from genome sequences to the calibration of the PCR system. Validation of this protocol to design PCR assays for two L. reuteri strains, PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T , resulted in a highly accurate qPCR with a detection limit in spiked fecal samples of around 10 3 cells/g feces. Applying our strain-specific qPCR assays to fecal samples collected from human subjects who received live L. reuteri PB-W1 or DSM 20016 T during a human trial demonstrated a highly accurate quantification and sensitive detection of these two strains, with a much lower LOD and a broader dynamic range compared to NGS approaches (16S rRNA gene sequencing and whole metagenome sequencing).

Conclusions

Based on our analyses, we consider qPCR with kit-based DNA extraction approaches the best approach to accurately quantify gut bacteria at the strain level in fecal samples. The provided step-by-step protocol will allow scientists to design highly sensitive strain-specific PCR systems for the accurate quantification of bacterial strains of not only L. reuteri but also other bacterial taxa in a broad range of applications and sample types.

Video Abstract

Introduction

The human gut microbiota is a complex microbial community dominated by bacteria [ 1 , 2 ] which plays an important role in host physiology and health, including the development of the immune system [ 3 ], colonization resistance against pathogens [ 4 ], nutrition utilization [ 5 ], and neural development [ 6 ]. Altered microbiota configurations (often termed dysbiosis) have been associated with not only intestinal diseases (e.g., colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease) [ 7 , 8 ] but also a complex range of chronic diseases (e.g., obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies) [ 9 , 10 ]. Therefore, characterizing the gut microbial composition is a crucial step to explore its role in host physiology and to develop strategies aiming at microbiome modulation to improve health. As many microbial functional capacities are strain specific [ 11 ] due to strain-level genomic variations [ 12 , 13 ], determining and quantifying individual strains are essential to establish connections between a certain group of gut microorganisms and host physiological status.

The vast majority of microbiome studies rely on next-generation sequencing (NGS; e.g., 16S rRNA gene sequencing and whole metagenome sequencing [WMS]) to characterize microbial communities, which has revolutionized the field over the last two decades. WMS not only allows a community-wide analysis but also can achieve strain-level resolution [ 14 ]. However, NGS data has limitations in that it is compositional (and thus only semi-quantitative) and suffers from a limited dynamic range and low sensitivity. Many studies have implicated alterations in the absolute abundance of specific species or strains, sometimes at very low levels, in effects of host physiology [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ], demonstrating the importance of quantitative and sensitive detection methods. The inclusion of quantitative methods such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) [ 19 ] and flow cytometry [ 20 ] can be used to make NGS data more quantitative, but the data remains compositional, and detection limits are high. Therefore, there is a clear need for quantitative techniques that allow the accurate and sensitive detection and absolute quantification of specific microbial species or strains, such as studies that use probiotics or live biotherapeutics, which track target microbes with lower abundance (e.g., after vertical transmission, fecal microbiota transplantation, or translocation to host tissues), as well as confirming the presence of bacterial species or strains in low-biomass samples.

qPCR has been widely used to quantify members of the gastrointestinal microbiota (e.g., Bifidobacterium longum , Bifidobacterium adolescentis , Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis , Limosilactobacillus reuteri , Lacticaseibacillus casei , and Limosilactobacillus fermentum ) at the strain level [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. However, qPCR has several limitations: (i) it is potentially affected by PCR efficiency and relies on external standards [ 26 ], and (ii) it is susceptible to inhibitors existing in the environmental or fecal samples [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Compared to qPCR, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is regarded as a more accurate and sensitive approach that does not require a calibration curve. ddPCR is based on individual amplification of targets in thousands of nanoliter-scale PCR reactions [ 30 ]. It has been applied to detect trace nucleic acid targets from clinical samples (e.g., blood and tissue) [ 30 , 31 , 32 ] and to quantify microorganisms from environmental and animal samples [ 33 , 34 , 35 ]. However, the performance of qPCR and ddPCR in terms of detection and quantification for target microorganisms from human fecal samples has not been systematically evaluated and compared. In addition, detailed and standardized protocols for strain-specific PCR primer design and accompanying validation workflows that are easily applicable have not been published to date.

The overall objective of this study was to design an optimized PCR-based approach for the quantitative detection of bacterial strains in human fecal samples in terms of sensitivity (limit of detection [LOD]), accuracy, reproducibility, time, and cost. To achieve this, we systematically compared qPCR and ddPCR in combination with three well-established DNA extraction methods for the strain-specific quantification of an L. reuteri strain in human fecal samples. Based on these comparisons and information from previous studies [ 21 , 22 , 23 ], we developed an easy-to-follow, step-by-step protocol for strain-specific qPCR assays that includes the identification of strain-specific marker genes and designing and validating the primers. We applied this protocol in designing strain-specific qPCR assays for two L. reuteri strains, PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T , and validated the PCR assays using spiked fecal samples as well as samples collected from human subjects who received live L. reuteri PB-W1 or DSM 20016 T as a part of a human trial, allowing direct comparisons between qPCR and NGS approaches.

Materials and methods

Growth conditions of bacteria.

L. reuteri strains were grown on MRS agar plates (BD Difco Microbiology, Houston, TX, USA) for 48 h in an anaerobic chamber at 37 °C. Single colonies were picked and transferred to MRS broth (BD Difco Microbiology) and subcultured twice (24 h for the first subculture and 8 h for the second subculture to ensure bacterial cells are in the late exponential phase or early stationary phase and therefore highly active and alive) [ 36 , 37 ]. Bacteria were harvested and used to spike human fecal samples (see the section below). Cell numbers in 8-h cultures were determined by quantitative plating on MRS agar plates.

Fecal samples spiked with L. reuteri DSM 17938

Human fecal samples were collected from nine healthy individuals at the University of Alberta Human Nutrition Research Unit (Edmonton, Canada). All procedures were approved by the Health Research Ethics Board — Biomedical Panel of the University of Alberta (protocol no. Pro00077565). The absence of L. reuteri DSM 17938 was confirmed using qPCR as described previously [ 38 ], and all samples were L. reuteri DSM 17938 negative (Table S 1 ). To evaluate and compare the performance of qPCR and ddPCR, three L. reuteri -negative fecal samples were selected, and aliquots of each sample were spiked with known quantities of L. reuteri DSM 17938: serial dilutions of the 8-h subcultured L. reuteri DSM 17938 with cell numbers were prepared with ice-cold phosphate buffered saline (PBS: NaCl 8 g, KCl 0.2 g, Na 2 HPO 4 1.44 g, KH 2 PO 4 0.24 g, Milli-Q Water 1 L, pH 7.0), resulting in fecal aliquots with L. reuteri DSM 17938 of 9.3 × 10 7 , 9.3 × 10 6 , 9.3 × 10 5 , 9.3 × 10 4 , 4.7 × 10 4 , 2.3 × 10 4 , 1.2 × 10 4 , and 5.9 × 10 3 cells/g (Fig. S 1 ). These spiked aliquots were stored at − 80 °C until DNA isolation.

DNA extraction from fecal samples

Three well-established protocols for isolating total DNA from human fecal samples were tested and compared in this study: a phenol–chloroform-based method [ 39 ], a modified method based on the QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA, USA) [ 22 , 40 ], and an optimized kit-based method based on the protocol Q described previously [ 41 ]. The purity of DNA was determined spectrophotometrically. Detailed procedures of these DNA isolation methods, including recipes for solutions and equipment used, are provided in Supplementary File 2.

Phenol–chloroform-based method (PC)

One gram of stool sample was weighted and diluted tenfold in ice-cold PBS buffer. Samples were vortexed vigorously, and 1 ml of the solution (i.e., 0.1 g of raw sample) was centrifuged (8000 × g for 5 min at 4 °C) and washed for three times with ice-cold PBS buffer. After centrifugation, cell pellets were resuspended in 750-µl lysis buffer and incubated at 37 °C for 20 min. After 85 µl of 10% SDS solution and 30-µl proteinase K (20 mg/ml) were added, the mixtures were incubated at 60 °C for another 30 min. Then 500 µl of phenol–chloroform-isoamyl alcohol (25:24:1) was added, and the DNA isolation was conducted following the procedures as described before [ 39 ].

QIAamp fast DNA stool mini kit-based method (QK)

This method was adapted from our previous publications [ 22 , 40 ] with minor modifications. Fecal samples were washed with ice-cold PBS as described above for the method PC. Cell pellets were resuspended in 100 µl of lysis buffer and incubated at 37 °C for 30 min. Then 1 ml of buffer InhibitEX was added, and samples were homogenized thoroughly by vortexing and bead beating. After that, DNA was extracted with the use of QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit (Qiagen).

Protocol Q-based method (PQ)

We followed the procedures of protocol Q developed previously [ 41 ] but further optimized it through adding two pre-treatment steps. Specifically, prior to conducting the original protocol Q, fecal samples were washed in ice-cold PBS as described for the method PC and incubated with 100 µl of lysis buffer at 37 °C for 30 min.

Quantification of L. reuteri DSM 17938 in fecal samples using ddPCR

Cell numbers of L. reuteri DSM 17938 were determined for the spiked fecal aliquots using the strain-specific primers developed previously [ 38 ]. This primer pair (1694f: 5′-TTAAGGATGCAAACCCGAAC-3′ and 1694r: 5′-CCTTGTCACCTGGAACCACT-3′) targets a chromosome-located surface protein gene that has a single copy on the genome, and the length of the target region is 177 bp [ 38 ]. ddPCR was performed using EvaGreen intercalating DNA dye to detect positive droplets. Each ddPCR reaction contained 1 μl of DNA (given the high original concentration, DNA extracted using PC and PQ was treated with a tenfold and threefold dilution, respectively), 12.5 μl of 2 × EvaGreen Supermix (Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Hercules, CA, USA), 200-nM primer each, and ddH 2 O to bring the per-reaction volume to 25 μl in each well of a 96-well plate. The plate was put into a QX200 Auto Droplet Generator (Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.), and EvaGreen droplet generation oil (Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.) was added according to the manufacturer’s manual. PCR reactions were conducted in a Bio-Rad C1000 Touch Thermal Cycler (Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.) as follows: (Step 1) 95 °C for 5 min, (Step 2) 95 °C for 30 s, (Step 3) 62 °C for 1 min, (Step 4) repeat steps 2 and 3 for 39 cycles, (Step 5) 4 °C for 5 min, (Step 6) 90 °C for 5 min, and (Step 7) hold at 4 °C. After the reaction, the plate was placed in the block of a Bio-Rad QX200 Droplet Reader (Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.). Droplets were read one at a time, and data were analyzed using QuantaSoft Analysis Pro 1.0 (Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.).

Quantification of L. reuteri DSM 17938 in fecal samples using qPCR

L. reuteri DSM 17938 was quantified by qPCR in the same samples and with the same primers as used for ddPCR [ 38 ]. The standard curve was constructed based on serial dilutions of L. reuteri DSM 17938 genomic DNA. The original copy number of the standard material was calculated based on the DNA concentration determined spectrophotometrically using a NanoDrop (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). This generated a standard curve ranging from 4 × 10 5 to 4 gene copies per microliter (µl), which covered a dynamic range of 4 × 10 8 to 4 × 10 3 copy numbers of L. reuteri per gram of fecal samples and showed excellent linearity ( R 2 > 0.99) and acceptable efficiency ( E = 89%; Fig. S 2 ). The 20 µl of PCR mixture consisted of 1 µl of DNA, 10 µl of SensiFAST SYBR Hi-ROX Mix (FroggaBio, Vaughan, ON, Canada), 0.6 µl of each primer (10 µM), and 8.4 µl of nuclease-free water. The PCR program was composed of an initial denaturation step for 3 min at 95 °C, followed by 40 cycles of denaturation for 5 s at 95 °C, annealing and extension for 30 s at 62 °C, and fluorescent signal acquisition. PCR was performed using a HT 7900 machine (Thermo Fisher Scientific). After 40 cycles of PCR amplification, melting curves were evaluated to verify the correct product. The reaction program for melting curve analysis included a denaturation for 15 s at 95 °C, lowered to 60 °C for 1 min, and increased to 95 °C for 15 s with continuous fluorescence readings. The melting curve analysis showed one specific peak at around 87.5 °C (Fig. S 3 ), confirming the good quality of the amplification, and there is nonspecific amplification or primer dimers.

Comparison between ddPCR and qPCR

For both approaches, data for gene copies per reaction were transformed to absolute copy numbers per gram feces following the formula ( C × V T )/( V U × M ), where C is gene copies measured per reaction, V T is the elution volume of extracted DNA, V U is the volume of DNA used, and M is the amount of fecal sample used in DNA extraction. To systematically compare the two assays, parameters representing reproducibility, linearity, sensitivity, and accuracy, as well as the required time and costs, were evaluated. Specifically, the coefficient of variation (CV; the ratio between the standard deviation and the mean of three samples at each spiking concentration) was calculated to determine the reproducibility. Linearity measures how well the copy numbers evaluated by PCR assays related to the actual spiked cell series, which was assessed by calculating the R 2 of the linear regression model with spiked cell numbers as the dependent variable and copy numbers of PCR as the independent variable. To evaluate the sensitivity, the limit of detection (LOD; i.e., the lowest cell number at which target bacteria can differentially detected over the background noise) was determined. More specifically, the LOD was defined as the lowest amount of spiked cells that could be detected in more than 95% of replicates ( n = 9 for each spiked concentration, including both technical and experimental replicates in this study) [ 42 ]. For qPCR, as we observed the noise amplification from background (blank fecal samples without spiked L. reuteri ) after 35 cycles, a threshold Cq value > 35 was considered undetected. For ddPCR, single well thresholding was used to distinguish positive and negative reactions through grouping droplets based on software’s default setting. The accuracy of the two PCR assays was evaluated by determining the recovery rate, calculated as the ratio between the copy numbers per gram of feces measured from PCR and the cell numbers spiked [ 43 ]. Costs for both assays were compared on the basis of being performed on 96-well plates. Each 96-well plate accommodates 25 samples (in triplicate, excluding 6 serial dilutions as standards and 1 non-template-negative control) for qPCR and 30 samples (in triplicate, excluding 1 positive control and 1 negative control) for ddPCR. Cost for labor was not considered in this estimation.

Design and in silico evaluation of strain-specific primers

Strain-specific primers were designed based on gene sequences identified to be unique to particular strains using the Single Genes tool in IMG/MER phylogenetic profiler function from Joint Genome Institute (JGI; https://jgi.doe.gov/ ). The general workflow for developing and evaluating the strain-specific primers in silico is summarized in Fig. 1 , and the in-detail protocol is summarized in Supplementary File 3. Validation of this protocol was performed using two L. reuteri strains, PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T . L. reuteri strain PB-W1 was isolated from a fecal sample of a rural Papua New Guinean [ 44 ]. DSM 20016 T is the type strain of L. reuteri that clusters in the phylogenetic lineage II of the species [ 13 , 45 , 46 ], which was recently described as subspecies L. reuteri subsp. reuteri [ 47 ]. Due to the high genetic homogeneity of lineage II [ 46 ], strain-specific genes could not be identified for the strains within this lineage, and thus, lineage-specific primers were designed. As the prevalence of L. reuteri in the human gastrointestinal tract in industrialized societies is low [ 46 , 48 , 49 ], lineage-specific primers were considered specific enough for the detection of DSM 20016 T in human fecal samples. Primer sets were designed by the Primer3Plus program [ 50 ]. The quality of primers was evaluated in silico using OligoAnalyzer (Integrated DNA Technologies, Coralville, IA, USA). The specificities of designed primers were verified in silico using Primer BLAST. Sequences and amplicon size of the primers that resulted from this process are listed in Table 1 .

A flow chart of main steps for designing and validating strain-specific primers

Experimental validation of strain-specific qPCR systems

The specificity of primer pairs was established by qPCR with genomic DNA from each of 19 human-origin L. reuteri strains (Table 2 ) and then further assessed against the background DNA of the nine fecal samples (Table S 1 ). The absence of L. reuteri in these fecal samples was confirmed by plating on L. reuteri selective isolation medium (LRIM), as described previously [ 12 ]. To evaluate the performance of primers in quantifying L. reuteri from human stools, three fecal samples without detectable L. reuteri were selected and spiked with PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T , respectively, following the same procedure as described for DSM 17938 (Fig. S 1 ) with specific bacterial concentrations (2.2 × 10 8 , 2.2 × 10 7 , 2.2 × 10 6 , 2.2 × 10 5 , 8.9 × 10 4 , 3.5 × 10 4 , 1.4 × 10 4 , 5.6 × 10 3 , 2.2 × 10 3 , 9.1 × 10 2 cells/g feces for PB-W1 and 1.0 × 10 8 , 1.0 × 10 7 , 1.0 × 10 6 , 1.0 × 10 5 , 1.0 × 10 4 , 4.1 × 10 3 , 1.6 × 10 3 , 6.5 × 10 2 cells/g feces for DSM 20016 T ). After extracting DNA using the method PQ, cell numbers of L. reuteri PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T were determined using qPCR with the respective primer pairs. The 20 µl of PCR mixture consisted of 1 µl of DNA, 10 µl of SensiFAST SYBR Hi-ROX Mix (FroggaBio), 0.8 µl of each primer (at a concentration of 0.8 μM), and 8.2 µl of nuclease-free water. The PCR cycling was composed of an initial denaturation for 3 min at 95 °C, followed by 40 cycles of denaturation at 95 °C for 5 s, annealing at 63 °C for 10 s, and extension at 72 °C for 15 s. Standard curves for L. reuteri PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T were generated with serial dilutions of genomic DNA of PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T from standardized cultures from which cell numbers were determined by quantitative plating.

Validation of strain-specific qPCR assays in human subjects who received live L. reuteri

To further validate the specificity and accuracy of our strain-specific qPCR assays, we conducted an analysis using a subset of fecal samples obtained from a recently completed human clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03501082). These samples were collected at seven different time points over a period of 21 days during the control phase with no dietary intervention, including baseline and days 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, and 21. On day 4 of the trial, a single dose of approximately 2.25 × 10 10 viable cells of either L. reuteri strain PB-W1 or DSM 20016 T was administrated to 8 and 11 participants, respectively. The respective strain-specific qPCR assay was used in the two groups as described above; selective culture and NGS approaches (i.e., 16S rRNA gene sequencing and whole metagenome sequencing [WMS]) were also applied.

Microbial genomic DNA of each fecal sample was extracted using method QK, and the absolute abundance of PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T was estimated as described above. To determine the viable cells of L. reuteri in the fecal samples, we performed quantitative culture on the LRIM under the anaerobic condition at 45 °C for 48 h, which has been validated to be sufficiently specific for the quantification of L. reuteri [ 12 ]. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed for all the fecal samples, targeting the V5–V6 region using the primer pair 784F (5′-RGGATTAGATACCC-3′) and 1064R (5′-CGACRRCCATGCANCACCT-3′). This protocol has been shown to efficiently detect L. reuteri in human fecal samples, with sufficient taxonomic resolution in the V5–V6 region [ 48 ]. Amplicons were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq PE300 platform (2 × 300 bp paired-end sequencing) at the University of Minnesota Genomics Center (Minneapolis, MN, USA). Baseline and day 8 (4 days after probiotic administration) samples were subjected to WMS using the Illumina NovaSeq6000 S4 PE150 platform (2 × 150 bp paired-end sequencing) at the Génome Québec Innovation Centre (Montréal, QC, Canada). The relative abundance of L. reuteri at the species level in the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and WMS datasets was determined using QIIME2 (based on the SILVA database, version 138) [ 51 ] and MetaPhlAn 4.0 [ 52 ], respectively. After denoising, merging paired-end reads, and eliminating chimeras, an average of 31,060 ± 1316 (mean ± SEM) 16S rRNA gene reads per sample were retained for subsequent analysis. For the WMS dataset, an average of 30.2 ± 2.0 (mean ± SEM) million read pairs per sample remained for our analysis after quality control, removing sequences identified as bacteriophage phiX174, and filtering out human DNA reads.

Statistical analysis

All the statistical analyses (e.g., descriptive statistics, R 2 , and linear regression) of this study were conducted using R 3.4.2 [ 53 ].

Comparison of three DNA extraction methods

The DNA concentrations varied substantially among three protocols. PC generated the highest DNA concentration (1525 ± 290 ng/μl; mean ± SD), followed by PQ (694 ± 76 ng/μl) and QK (259 ± 41 ng/μl) (Table S 2 ). All DNA solutions showed adequate A 260/280 nm values (range, 1.95–2.12), with PQ slightly higher, indicating a more efficient removal of protein from DNA (Table S 2 ). Meanwhile, A 260/230 nm value, indicating contaminations of phenol, carbohydrate, or humic acid, showed excellent values for the kit-based DNA isolation methods (2.10 ± 0.15 for PQ and 1.99 ± 0.15 for QK), while PC did not perform well (1.74 ± 0.16) (Table S 2 ). Overall, although all three DNA isolation protocols produced nucleic acids with acceptable quantity for downstream PCR-based methods, DNA isolated with the kit-based protocols (QK and PQ) showed higher quality.

Comparison between qPCR and ddPCR

Performance of qPCR and ddPCR in detecting and quantifying L. reuteri strain DSM 17938 in fecal samples, in aspects of reproducibility, linearity, sensitivity, and accuracy, was evaluated and compared based on DNA isolated from human stools of three subjects spiked with established cell numbers of DSM 17938.

Reproducibility

The coefficient of variation (CV) among three aliquots at each spiking concentration was calculated as a measure of the reproducibility, and a CV ≤ 25% has been suggested previously as the threshold of acceptable reproducibility [ 54 ]. ddPCR had a higher reproducibility as its CV values were consistently lower than qPCR for DNA isolation methods QK and PC (QK: 0.30–5.91% of ddPCR vs. 1.77–5.61% of qPCR; PC: 0.59–3.01% of ddPCR vs. 1.58–6.85% of qPCR; Table 3 ), which is consistent with the literature [ 55 , 56 , 57 ]. However, when the DNA isolation method PQ was applied, CVs were comparable between ddPCR and qPCR (range of CV 1.07–5.41% for ddPCR vs. range of CV 0.60–3.67% for qPCR) (Table 3 ). With lower cell numbers of L. reuteri spiked into the stool aliquots, the CV values of ddPCR and qPCR increased, meaning their precision decreased. However, CV values among three fecal aliquots at each spiking cell density of L. reuteri were all lower than 25%, demonstrating a high reproducibility across the tested dynamic range for both ddPCR and qPCR.

Linearity is a measure of how well the copy numbers of the target strain estimated by PCR relate to the actual spiked cell serial dilution. Both qPCR ( R 2 = 0.9801 and 0.9927 for QK and PQ, respectively) and ddPCR ( R 2 = 0.9926 and 0.9906 for QK and PQ, respectively) exhibited high linearities based on kit-based DNA isolation approaches (QK and PQ) (Fig. 2 ), which are all above the acceptable R 2 threshold of 0.98 [ 58 ]. This indicates that both qPCR and ddPCR accurately quantify L. reuteri from fecal samples if kit-based DNA isolation protocols are chosen. We also examined the consistency between qPCR and ddPCR based on the DNA isolated using PQ and confirmed that these two PCR techniques had a high level of agreement with each other ( y = 1.0607x–0.4746, R 2 = 0.9913; Fig. S4). The linearities of qPCR and ddPCR were both declined when PC was used ( R 2 = 0.95 and 0.97 for qPCR and ddPCR, respectively), which are lower than the acceptable R 2 threshold of 0.98.

Relationships between actual spiked cells/g of L. reuteri DSM 17938 and measured cells/g from qPCR and ddPCR assays, based on three different DNA extraction methods. Phenol–chloroform-based method (PC) combined with qPCR ( A ) and ddPCR ( B ). QIAamp fast stool DNA kit-based method (QK) combined with qPCR ( C ) and ddPCR ( D ). Protocol Q-based method combined with qPCR ( E ) and ddPCR ( F ). Spiked cells/g of L. reuteri DSM 17938 was estimated from quantitative culture on the MRS plate. Each bacterial concentration was conducted in biological triplicates

Sensitivity

The limit of detection (LOD) was determined to reflect the sensitivity of qPCR and ddPCR. By using the DNA extraction methods QK and PQ, L. reuteri DSM 17938 could still be detected at the input of 3.77 Log 10 cells/g feces in both qPCR and ddPCR analyses, with no differences between the two methods (Table 3 ). LOD of both PCR approaches was 4.67 Log 10 cells/g feces when the method PC was applied (Table 3 ). Therefore, the LOD were equal for both qPCR and ddPCR (Table 3 & Fig. 2 ), while the sensitivity mainly depended on the DNA isolation approach. Better performance of detection and quantification was observed when methods QK and PQ were used comparing with PC. Given that DNA isolated with PC performed consistently poorer in terms of linearity and sensitivity in both ddPCR and qPCR, this method was excluded from further analyses.

The accuracy of qPCR and ddPCR was evaluated by determining the recovery rate, which is defined as the percentage of cells detected out of the theoretical spiking concentration [ 43 ]. PQ resulted in higher accuracy for both qPCR and ddPCR compared to QK (Fig. 3 ), indicating a higher efficiency of PQ in the harvest of DNA from L. reuteri . When the sample contained a high density of L. reuteri (4.97–7.97 Log 10 cells/g), ddPCR and qPCR showed comparable accuracy, regardless of PQ or QK was used (Fig. 3 ). However, when L. reuteri was spiked at a low cell density (from 3.77 to 4.37 Log 10 cells/g), the choice of DNA isolation approach and PCR assay affected the accuracy of quantification. Specifically, within this L. reuteri spiking range, qPCR had a higher accuracy than ddPCR when QK was applied to isolate DNA, while both qPCR and ddPCR overestimated the cell numbers of L. reuteri when PQ was used (Fig. 3 ). Nevertheless, the discrepancy caused by this overestimation was < 0.34 Log 10 cells/g, and therefore, this bias may be negligible when quantifying gut bacteria in fecal samples.

The accuracy (represented by the recovery rate) of qPCR and ddPCR. DNA extracted from fecal samples (biological triplicates) spiked with L. reuteri DSM 17938 using QK ( A ) and PQ ( B ) were analyzed by qPCR and ddPCR. The recovery rate is defined as the ratio between the cell numbers per gram feces measured and the actual cell numbers spiked, as suggested previously [ 43 ]. Results were compared with 100% recovery which is indicated by the dotted line. QK, QIAamp Fast Stool DNA Kit-based method and PQ, protocol Q-based method

Assuming that all samples, standard materials, and controls are run in triplicate, as shown in Table 4 , the cost per sample for ddPCR was almost four times as high as that for qPCR (CAD $9.6 vs. CAD $2.5). The time spent conducting ddPCR (6.5 h) was also higher when compared to qPCR (2.5 h). Therefore, when additionally considering labor cost, the costs of ddPCR become much higher than qPCR.

Our systematic comparison of qPCR and ddPCR showed that both approaches, combined with kit-based DNA extraction methods (PQ and QK), allowed a highly reproducible, accurate, and sensitive quantification of a bacterial strain ( L. reuteri DSM 17938) in human fecal samples. ddPCR is slightly better in terms of reproducibility, but the performance of qPCR is comparable when appropriate DNA isolation methods were used and is much cheaper and faster. Therefore, after the outcomes mentioned above are all considered, we recommend the combination of the DNA extraction method PQ and qPCR as the optimal strategy to quantify L. reuteri in human stool, although method QK is almost as good and less time-consuming when compared to PQ.

A step-by-step protocol for highly accurate and sensitive quantification of bacterial strains in human fecal samples

Based on the findings obtained above and our previous studies that used qPCR [ 21 , 22 , 23 ], we developed a step-by-step protocol for the design of qPCR assays for the accurate quantification of bacterial strains in human fecal samples. The protocol starts from the design of strain-specific primers, followed by the in silico and experimental validation of the primer specificity. The protocol is available as Supplementary File 3.

Validation of the protocol of strain-specific qPCR assays

The protocol was validated using PCR assays developed for two L. reuteri strains (PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T ):

Design of strain-specific primers

Genome sequences of 31 L. reuteri strains available in public databases, representing six reported phylogenetic lineages, were obtained from JGI genome portal (Table S 3 ). Genome comparisons using the IMG/MER phylogenetic profiler function from JGI identified 96 genes that were unique in PB-W1, and 86 genes were specific to lineage II that contains DSM 20016 T . The competence factor transport accessory protein ( ComB ) gene (IMG gene ID 2880791457) was selected for PB-W1, and a gene encoding a transposase-like protein (IMG gene ID 2760858907) was selected for DSM 20016 T , as the basis for primer design, respectively. Primers were designed for each of these two genes using Primer3Plus [ 50 ], and primer pairs PLD-F + PLD-R (for PB-W1) and DHP-F + DHP-R (for DSM 20016 T ) were chosen (Table 1 ).

In silico evaluation of strain-specific primers

The technical characteristics of these two primer pairs were evaluated using OligoAnalyzer. The melting temperatures of hairpin structures were determined at 48.8 °C, 45.3 °C, 25.2 °C, and 37.2 °C, respectively, which were much lower than the annealing temperature (63 °C), making hairpins unlikely. The self-dimer and hetero-dimer analyses revealed that delta G values of these two primer pairs (> − 6.34 kcal/mole and − 6.53 kcal/mole, respectively) were higher than the OligoAnalyzer recommended threshold of − 9 kcal/mole for forming dimers, indicating that the designed primers are not likely to induce primer dimers. BLAST analysis against the entire NCBI NR database resulted in no hits from microbial genomes for primers PLD-F and PLD-R (primers for PB-W1), while hits for DHP-F and DHP-R (primers for DSM 20016 T ) were only from strains belonging to lineage II of L. reuteri . Thus, in silico analysis indicated sufficient specificity for both primer pairs.

Experimental validation of primer specificity in vitro

The specificity of designed primer sets was tested using qPCR against genomic DNA of the 2 target strains and 19 L. reuteri strains of human origin (Table 2 ). Most strains other than those for which the primers were designed showed no amplification (Table 2 ). The primer set for PB-W1 was highly specific for PB-W1 (Cq of qPCR = 10), while the Cq for all other strains were over 35. The primer set for DSM 20016 T amplified the genomic DNA of this strain with a Cq of 9.5; other strains of lineage II were not tested as they are identical at this target site, while strains not belonging to lineage II all showed Cq over 33. The difference of Cq between target and non-target strains was therefore at least 25 and 23.5 cycles for PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T , respectively (Table 2 ), which relates to a cell number difference of more than 10 7 cells/g feces. Therefore, with the same amount of DNA, non-target strains would only have a negligible impact on the quantification of target strains.

The primer specificity was further validated using qPCR against complex microbial communities of nine human fecal samples (Table S 1 ). No positive amplification was observed with the primer set for PB-W1, while three fecal samples showed positive readings when the primer set for DSM 20016 T was tested. For these three DSM 20016 T positive samples, two of them were merely present at low densities (3.90 and 4.15 Log 10 cells/g feces). The only stool sample showing high numbers (5.53 Log 10 cells/g feces) (Table S 1 ) contained culturable L. reuteri which could explain the positive PCR reading. Therefore, we concluded that our designed primer sets for PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T showed high specificity to detect and quantify target L. reuteri strains in fecal samples.

Evaluation of strain-specific qPCR assays using spiked fecal samples

The qPCR assays were evaluated with three human fecal samples negative for L. reuteri that were then spiked with known cell numbers of either PB-W1 (2.96 to 8.34 Log 10 cells/g feces) or DSM 20016 T (2.81 to 8.01 Log 10 cells/g feces), and DNA isolation was based on method PQ. The qPCR amplification efficiency was 94.2% for the PB-W1 assay and 93.7% for the DSM 20016 T assay, both laying in the recommended efficiency range of 90–110% [ 58 ]. The LOD was 2.96 and 2.81 Log 10 cells/g feces for the PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T assays, respectively (Table 5 & Fig. 4 ), thus outperforming the qPCR assay for L. reuteri DSM 17938 described above. Both qPCR assays showed remarkably high reproducibility (CV of PB-W1 assay ranged from 0.69 to 3.97%, and CV of DSM 20016 T assay ranged from 0.54 to 7.17%) and high linearities between the numbers of cells spiked and the copy numbers measured by qPCR ( R 2 > 99%; Table 5 & Fig. 4 ). To evaluate the accuracy of the qPCR assays, we compared the discrepancy between the copy numbers estimated by qPCR and the actual cell numbers spiked. The differences ranged from − 0.30 to − 0.15 Log 10 cells/g (equal to 50.1–70.8% of recovery rate) for PB-W1 and from − 0.51 to 0.15 Log 10 cells/g (equal to 30.9–141.3% of recovery rate) (Table 5 ), which is negligible when quantifying gut bacteria in human stools.

Linearity between the number of L. reuteri cells spiked to stool samples and the cell number measured using our designed qPCR assays for PB-W1 ( A ) and DSM 20016 T ( B ). The regression line was created between the spiking of 3.35 and 8.34 Log 10 cells/g feces for PB-W1 and between 2.81 and 8.01 Log 10 cells/g feces for DSM 20016 T , respectively, within which detection was reliable. As amplification products were still detectable but lacked reproducibility and linearity with an input of PB-W1 (2.96 Log 10 cells/g feces), it was shown in open round to highlight the difference. Each error bar displays the standard deviation (SD) from three replicates

Evaluation of strain-specific qPCR assays in fecal samples collected during a human trial

To validate our qPCR assays in a real-world setting and compare findings with those obtained with NGS approaches (i.e., 16S rRNA gene sequencing and whole metagenome sequencing [WMS]), we capitalized on fecal samples collected during the control phase (no dietary intervention) of a human trial that involved the administration of a single dose of L. reuteri PB-W1 or DSM 20016 T to different groups of individuals. Fecal samples before (baseline) and after the administration of the strains were included.

We first compared findings of qPCR, culture, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and WMS at baseline and 4 days after administration of the live L. reuteri cells (Fig. 5 A), as we had data of all four approaches available at these time points. All baseline samples except one were negative in qPCR assays, with the one positive sample for PB-W1 being just slightly about the detection limit (3.46 Log 10 cells/g). Four days after administration of the strains, L. reuteri becomes detectable in all subjects by qPCR and culture, with a broad dynamic range ranging from 3.35 to 7.74 Log 10 cells/g feces for qPCR and 3.00 to 6.56 Log 10 cells/g feces for culture. In contrast, L. reuteri was only detectable, at very low relative abundance, by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and WMG in one sample per group (Fig. 5 A).

A Quantification of L. reuteri in human fecal samples collected at baseline (BL; prior to L. reuteri administration) and after treatment (4 days after receiving a single dose of L. reuteri PB-W1 or DSM 20016 T ). Quantification was performed using strain-specific qPCR, selective culture, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and whole metagenome sequencing (WMS). The horizontal dotted lines denote the detection limits of qPCR and selective culture, at around three and two Log 10 cells/g feces, respectively. Values below the detection limit were plotted with a numerical value of one. B Parity plot comparing viable cell counts of L. reuteri matching the respective inocula in individuals receiving PB-W1 (open symbols) or DSM 20016 T (black symbols) to the absolute abundance of the two strains as determined by qPCR (circles) or to relative abundance of L. reuteri determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (squares). The diagonal line denotes unity, while the horizontal line denotes the detection limit of qPCR at around three Log 10 cells/g and the vertical line denotes the detection limit of selective culture at two Log 10 cells/g feces. The detection limit of 16S rRNA gene sequencing is not shown, as it differs from sample to sample depending on the total cell count and the number of reads per sample. The symbols represent samples obtained from 19 individuals who received either L. reuteri PB-W1 ( n = 8) or DSM 20016 T ( n = 11)

We then characterized findings from qPCR, culture, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for all samples from baseline to the end of the monitoring period (day 21). Cell numbers of L. reuteri ranged from 9.41 Log 10 cells/g to below the detection limit of 3 Log 10 cells/g for qPCR and from 8.33 Log 10 cells/g to below the detection limit of 2 Log 10 cells/g based on selective culture. Correlation between qPCR and selective culture data revealed a strong correlation (Spearman’s r = 0.88, p < 2.20e-16; Fig. 5 B), although qPCR showed consistently higher cell numbers (Fig. 5 B), likely due to qPCR detecting DNA from inactive and/or dead cells that are not cultivable. The relative abundance of L. reuteri , as determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, ranged from 0 to 1.42%, with most of the samples, especially those with cell numbers of < 10 6 as per qPCR, showing no detectable L. reuteri .

In this study, we systematically compared the performance of qPCR and ddPCR in combination with three DNA extraction methods (two kit-based methods [QK and PQ] and a phenol–chloroform-based method [PC]). Based on these findings, we provided an easy-to-follow, step-by-step protocol for strain-specific qPCR assay development and validated this protocol by designing two PCR assays for two L. reuteri strains. The qPCR assays not only enabled absolute quantification with high accuracy but also exhibited a much lower LOD and a broader dynamic range for detecting L. reuteri in human fecal samples, especially when compared to NGS approaches (i.e., 16S rRNA gene sequencing and WMS). These findings demonstrate the feasibility of our approach to achieve the accurate and sensitive absolute quantification of bacterial strains in human stools, and the protocol will provide a resource for scientists to design strain-specific qPCR for their own applications and target bacterial strains.

Among the three DNA extraction methods tested in this study, PQ is the most robust protocol for human stool samples with the highest yield and purity of DNA, and it is therefore compatible with not only sequencing-based approaches, for which it was developed [ 41 ], but also PCR-based quantification. However, PQ requires more than twice as much time as QK. Although slightly less robust, QK produced DNA with sufficient quality and purity that performed well with both PCR approaches, which makes QK a good compromise between the time required and DNA quality. PC harvested a higher amount of DNA than PQ and QK but with much lower quality and purity. This might be due to a large amount of DNA extracted from the background and the insufficient removal of co-extracted PCR inhibitors using phenol–chloroform extractions, while protocols using silica columns (QK and PQ) substantially enhanced the separation of DNA and potential PCR inhibitors [ 59 ].

Our findings demonstrate that ddPCR had higher reproducibility than qPCR, and it therefore could improve the inter-study comparability among different laboratories. However, we did not find higher sensitivity of ddPCR than qPCR. In addition, qPCR is more practical than ddPCR for most applications for several reasons: first, we found that qPCR exhibited equal sensitivity (LOD) as ddPCR for quantification of L. reuteri . Second, given that ddPCR cannot detect more than 5 Log 10 gene copies per reaction due to the limited number of droplets generated [ 30 ], qPCR has a broader dynamic range than ddPCR. This gives qPCR more flexibility when implemented in studies where samples of large microbial loads are detected. Specifically, with the method PQ, the Cq value of qPCR at the concentration of 7.97 Log 10 cells/g feces was around 18 (data not shown), and therefore, the upper limit of qPCR reaches 10 Log 10 cells/g feces. But ddPCR was nearly 80% saturated at the same amount of input and is thus theoretically unable to detect over eight Log 10 cells/g feces, leading to a two Log 10 difference between qPCR and ddPCR. Third, with respect to economic aspects, qPCR is less expensive and less time- and labor-intensive compared with ddPCR. Accordingly, we consider qPCR a superior approach to ddPCR for quantifying bacteria in human fecal samples.

Constructing an unbiased external standard curve is critical for achieving an accurate quantification using qPCR. We attempted two different strategies for the standard curve construction. To quantify L. reuteri DSM 17938, we made the standard curve by determining the amounts of nucleic acids in reference materials (genomic DNA of this strain) spectrophotometrically. We observed a higher number of gene copies determined via qPCR than ddPCR, which is consistent with other studies [ 29 , 60 ]. The reason is that spectrophotometers indistinguishably quantify compounds with absorbance at 260 nm, resulting in an overestimation of DNA in reference materials. Apart from this strategy, cell numbers quantified by plating, flow cytometry, or microscopy could also be used as the calibrator for qPCR [ 23 , 29 , 61 ]. When we developed the strain- and lineage-specific qPCR assays for PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T , we constructed the standard curves using serial dilutions of genomic DNA of standardized cultures with known cell counts of L. reuteri as determined by plating on MRS media. For this approach, only viable cells in reference materials are taken into consideration. Cells of L. reuteri used for calibration of the PCR assays were harvested at 8 h of growth, i.e., before the dead cells account for a relevant proportion of bacterial cells [ 36 ]. Standard curves constructed using both strategies showed high linearity ( R 2 > 0.99) and acceptable efficiency (89–115%), and no apparent difference was observed. Therefore, both strategies could be applied for qPCR quantification.

Our primary motivation for the development of an easy-to-follow, step-by-step protocol for strain-specific qPCR (Supplementary File 3) was to provide a resource that scientists can follow even if they are not experts in comparative genomics. The protocol starts from the design of strain-specific primers using software that are easy to apply, followed by an in-detail description of both in silico and experimental validation procedures to ensure the primer specificity. When combined with appropriate DNA extraction methods, this approach results in highly accurate qPCR systems with high sensitivity. Our validation of qPCR assays designed with this approach using human fecal samples demonstrated a much lower LOD and a wider dynamic range for detecting and quantifying target bacteria strains, especially when compared to NGS approaches. The protocol we described is based on our previous successful work that used qPCR to quantify various target bacterial strains from the microbial communities, including Bifidobacterium longum , Bifidobacterium adolescentis , Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis , L. reuteri , Lacticaseibacillus case , and Limosilactobacillus fermentum [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. This confirms the wide applicability of the protocol presented in this study: it can easily be adapted to other bacterial taxa and sample types, but it is important that appropriate modifications are made to the DNA extraction method, which has to be compatible with both the specific sample type and the bacterial isolate.

We describe a strain-specific qPCR assay with high reproducibility, linearity, and accuracy, which further outperformed ddPCR in terms of dynamic range, cost, and time. Considering all these factors, we suggest the combination of qPCR with kit-based DNA extraction methods as the best option to quantify gut microbial members in human fecal samples at the strain level. To our knowledge, our study is the first to successfully push the LOD of a target strain to around three Log 10 cells/g feces. The step-by-step protocol for strain-specific primer design and in silico and experimental validation described here will have a broad range of applications for scientists to detect and quantify various bacterial strains from a variety of circumstances (not only fecal samples but also other gut samples, such as biopsy and swab samples), including but not limited to evaluating the persistence of probiotics and live biotherapeutics, detecting pathogens or other disease-associated microbes, tracking bacterial strains during vertical transmission and fecal microbiota transplantation, and confirming and establishing the bacterial load in low-biomass samples.

Availability of data and materials

The original sequencing data of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and whole metagenome sequencing have been uploaded to the NCBI Sequence Read Archive (SRA), and the accession number is PRJNA1000186. All the other data and materials have been all described in the manuscript.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Junjie Li and Rodrigo Margain Quevedo for technical assistance and Dr. Xiaoxi Lin, Dr. Zhihong Zhang, Dr. Urmila Basu, and Naomi Hotte for advice and guidance.

This work was financially supported by the Campus Alberta Innovates Program (CAIP; Canada), the Weston Family Microbiome Initiative (the W. Garfield Weston Foundation ; Canada), the Irish Government’s National Development Plan from Science Foundation Ireland (Ireland), and the “Hundred Talents Program” Research Start-up Fund of Zhejiang University (Zhejiang University; China). FL was also supported by the Alberta Innovates Postgraduate Fellowship (Alberta Innovates; Canada).

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Department of Animal Science and Technology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China

Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada

Fuyong Li, Junhong Liu, Michael G. Gänzle & Jens Walter

One Bio Inc., Sacramento, CA, 95833, USA

María X. Maldonado-Gómez

Department of Nutrition, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA

Steven A. Frese

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada

Jens Walter

School of Microbiology, Department of Medicine, and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YT20, Ireland

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Contributions

FL and JW designed this study; FL and JL performed bacteria growth, artificial spiking of stool samples, DNA isolation, ddPCR, qPCR, identification of strain- and lineage-specific genes, primer design and validation, and statistical analyses; FL and JL collected fecal samples from the human clinical trial, and conducted qPCR, selective culture, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and whole metagenome sequencing; FL, JL, MXM, SF, MGG, and JW were responsible for protocol development and optimization, data interpretation, and manuscript writing.

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Correspondence to Fuyong Li or Jens Walter .

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The present study received research ethics approval from the Health Research Ethics Board — Biomedical Panel of the University of Alberta (no. Pro00077565), and fecal samples were collected from health human subjects with written informed consent at the University of Alberta Human Nutrition Research Unit (Edmonton, Canada).

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Supplementary Information

40168_2024_1881_moesm1_esm.docx.

Supplementary Material 1: Supplementary figures. Figure S1. Preparation of fecal samples spiked with known numbers of bacteria. L. reuteri DSM 17938 was grown on MRS agar for 48 hours in an anaerobic chamber at 37 °C. After that, single colonies were picked and transferred to MRS broth, and sub-cultured twice (24 hours for the first sub-culture, and 8 hours for the second sub-culture to ensure bacterial cells stay at the late exponential phase or early stationary phase). Cell numbers in cultures were determined by plating a ten-fold serial dilution on MRS agar. Then serial dilutions of bacteria with exact cell numbers were prepared by dilution, and mixed with 0.1 g stool aliquots. Figure S2. qPCR standards were established by a 10-fold serial dilution of genomic DNA of L. reuteri DSM 17938, and each dot represent the average Cq of six replicates from three independent runs. Figure S3. Melt curves for stool samples spiked with L. reuteri DSM 17938 in qPCR. (A-C), results obtained from spiked samples of three individuals and there was one specific peak at around 87.5℃, which indicated the amplification of target sequence for all reactions. Figure S4. Correlation between qPCR and ddPCR for fecal samples spiked with L. reuteri DSM 17938 when the method PQ was used. Solid line, regression line; dash line, y = x. All dots are results obtained in qPCR and ddPCR. Supplementary tables. Table S1. Screen the existence of L. reuteri DSM 17938 among nine human stools and test the specificities of the designed primers for L. reuteri PB-W1 and DSM 20016 T based on the fecal background DNA. Table S2. Quantities and qualities of DNA extracted using different DNA isolation methods. Table S3. L. reuteri genomes available in Joint Genome Institute (JGI) genome portal selected for the present study.

40168_2024_1881_MOESM2_ESM.docx

Supplementary Material 2. Procedures of the three DNA extraction methods tested in the present study. Phenol chloroform-based method (PC). QIAamp fast stool DNA kit-based method (QK). Protocol Q-based method (PQ).

40168_2024_1881_MOESM3_ESM.docx

Supplementary Material 3. A step-by-step protocol for the design of strain-specific qPCR assays for the strain-level detection and quantification of bacteria in fecal samples.

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Li, F., Liu, J., Maldonado-Gómez, M.X. et al. Highly accurate and sensitive absolute quantification of bacterial strains in human fecal samples. Microbiome 12 , 168 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-024-01881-2

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Received : 26 January 2023

Accepted : 26 July 2024

Published : 07 September 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-024-01881-2

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