Your social media bio is often the second or third thing people see (right after your content and profile photo).

It tells them who you are and what you do, but it goes deeper than that.

In a lot of ways, it's like a post hook or sales page headline.

If it catches interest, people will consider staying on your page, following, clicking your website link, etc.

If it doesn't, they'll probably leave.

So how can you make it as good as possible?

I have 6 elements of great bios below + a bonus tip for LinkedIn users only.

Quick Note

You don't need all these elements in one bio. In fact, you probably shouldn't have all of them.

There's just not enough room, and if there is, it'll feel like you're "stuffing" your bio instead of having it feel organic.

Don't do that.

Now let's get started...

1. Clarity

Goal #1 of any kind of copywriting is being clear.

If people can't understand you, then you lose instantly.

So use simple words, use short sentences, and don't try to be too clever about it.

Example that does this well:

2. Prospect Appeal

Who is your ideal customer?

If you don't sell anything, who is your ideal follower?

What do they want?

Answer those questions, then write a bio that promises readers what they want most.

Example that does this well:

3. Specificity

If you work with a specific audience, consider calling them out.

For example, rather than writing "fitness trainer", you might write "fitness trainer for the elderly".

As I was telling you last week, specificity sells.

Example that does this well:

4. Proof

Saying that you do something is okay.

Saying that you're good at is a bit better.

Proving that you're good at it is best.

If you have proof of expertise and results, put it into your bio. That can be how much revenue you've driven, how many people you've helped, a credential you have, or anything else that makes you more trustworthy.

Example that does this well:

5. Call To Action

Some people will get curious and act on their own, but many won't unless you give them a little push.

Consider ending your bio that way.

Ask people to follow, join your newsletter, join your community, buy your product, or anything else.

Ideally, you should make it sound beneficial to your reader rather than making the CTA all about whatever you're asking for.

Example that does this well:

6. Personality/Uniqueness

Sometimes, it makes sense to add some personality or write in a unique way.

Bios are often too small to properly convey these, but if you execute properly, you might be able to do it.

A quick pop culture reference or joke can do the job.

So can a unique way of wording things.

Just don't try to be so clever that you sacrifice clarity.

Example that does this well:

Bonus LinkedIn Tip

Unlike other platforms, LinkedIn shows a small piece of your bio when you post or comment.

That means more people will click on your profile and on that "Visit my website" button (if you use it) if the first 8 or so words are appealing.

Consider this when writing yours.

Example that does this well:

Final Social Media Bio Thoughts

Your profile is like a second website.

The bio is like the headline of the site.

Make sure you at least do a pretty good job of it.

That'll get you more followers, clicks, customers, clients, jobs, and anything else you want out of social media.