If you are a blogger interested in working with brands, you should have some sort of blogger bio  to provide information about your background, accomplishments and interests.  Here’s an example of an effective blogger bio layout and  24 must haves in an amazing blogger bio.  I would recommend having a few on hand, but most likely, you’ll be sending your blogger bio via email as a follow-up to brand / PR reps you meet.  You can also use the left hand section of the bio for the “about me” section of your blog.

 Blogger Bio Example

screen shot of blogger bio

 

 

24 Blogger Bio Must Haves

1.  Headshot
Your headshot should be professional and should send a message about your blog / brand.  I chose one that looked like a head shot on an actor’s bio since my bio highlights my media project, Everything Healthy TV.  If your blog is about your family, have a picture of you and your family.  If your blog is about cooking, show professional shot of you in action . Don’t be afraid to have your personality shine through.  The image on your blogger bio is your first chance to make an impression.

2.  Name and Title
This is an obvious one.  Let them know who you are and what you do.  This is also a great place for your contact information.  My contact information is all the way at the bottom of the bio since there wasn’t room at the top.

3.  Logo
If you have a logo for your blog, show it off!  It adds a level of professionalism and legitimacy to your blog.  Don’t have a logo yet?  There are plenty of ways to get an amazing logo at a reasonable price ($250 – $300.)  I used 99 designs for both of my logos and Nap Warden has created several fantastic logos for bloggers around the country.  

4.  Short Bio
This is your chance to tell them who you are and what you have accomplished.  Make sure to make this relevant to your blog and also drop in highlights that position you as a leader in your field.

5.  Highlights
Most people just scan documents today.  This is not limited to your bio, its EVERYTHING.  We all only have a few seconds to get people’s attention, so this section’s purpose is to showcase what’s most impressive about you and your blog.  Kind of your elevator pitch in bullet format, on paper.  Since I have two very different areas I work on and wanted to keep the bio to one page, I chose to focus on EHTV.

6.  Featured Videos
Video is the new black.  It helps boost SEO and brands love to see content.  If you have videos, select a few of your favorites to showcase yourself in front of the camera.

7.  Honors, Awards and Mentions
Show how you stand out from the crowd by including any awards, honors and mentions . This can include anything you’d like.  If you were one of a small group of bloggers selected as a brand ambassador or for a brand project or trip, list that too.  Anywhere where you were awarded or rewarded for your hard work counts.  Just be clear about whether it’s an award, contest, etc.  Also, make sure the honors, awards and mentions are relevant to your blog. If you’re a health and fitness blogger, ditch the mention of the Twinkie contest you nailed!  My award is an Emmy Nomination which is very relevant to my Healthy TV media network.

8.  Areas of Interest
Help PR and Brand reps find a place for you in their campaigns by letting them know your areas of interest.

9.  Key Information and Stats
This just might be the most important part of your bio.  The bottom line is  that stats are very important to brands big and small.  There are a few stats that aren’t on my bio (because my traffic is heavier on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube than my blog) that you should consider including if your numbers are worth noting.  Remember to focus on what you have to offer.   Other stats to consider listing are site traffic, page views, average number of comments on your blog post and page ranking.

The next several stats are so basic that most don’t need explanation.  More detail is provided where needed.

10.  Twitter Handle

11. Klout Score
Ok, I know Klout (and other ranking scores) can be controversial, but love it or hate it, brands ARE looking at this as a metric to decide who they work with.  As someone who works with brands to help connect them with bloggers, I like to look at the whole picture when recommending bloggers for a project, but I do look at Klout score and if someone I’m considering has theirs blocked, and I don’t know them personally, I will pass them over.  My guess is that I’m not the only one who feels this way

12.  Link to Twitter Followers

13.  Link to Facebook Fan Page
This can be your personal page if it’s where you have a dialogue and share with your audience / fans.

14.  Number of Fans

15. Link to Youtube Channel

16.  Number of Videos

17.  Number of Video Views

18.  E-Mail List
This is relevant for me, since I have a big list that I email on a consistent basis.  For you, traffic numbers might be more important to highlight.

19.  Average e-mail Open Rate (if you post your list size)

20.  Demographics
This is an important part of any bio.  Every brand is looking to reach a different demographic.

21. Brand Projects / Sponsors
List the names of brands you have worked with in the past or are currently working with (obviously exclude a brand if you have signed a non-compete.)  It also might be helpful to create a case study of a particular project you worked on.  Make sure if you do this that you have permission to create and publish the case study. 

22.  Notes
I use this space to note facts that don’t fit on the Key Information and Stats above.  I have a large, engaged Facebook base on my personal account.

23.  Sponsorship Opportunities

Use this space to let brands know what types of opportunities you are interested in.

24.  Contact Information

Remember to let them know how to contact you!!  PLEASE include a phone number.  Remember, this is about making it easy for brands to find you.  Most will email, but some might call.  Give yourself every chance to be the one a brand contacts about an opportunity.