“Twitter is not a technology. It’s a conversation. And it’s happening with or without you.” – @charleneli

My focus for today is simple – after several requests for help on this very topic, I am writing this blog to help those who are using Twitter learn how to strategically write their Twitter Profile Bios.

So much work is being put into social media by professionals looking to build their networks, highlight their personal brand and/or to build traffic to their website/blog, yet the majority of social media profile bios I see are either 160 characters of fluffy personal tidbits OR a full-on elevator pitch with a call-to-action. If we’re going to maximize the use of that limited space, it’s important to approach it strategically, while still remaining human enough to relate to others on social media.

Here are some of my best twitter profile bio tips for professionals:

• You have a limited amount of characters: be smart about how you use them and be sure to include a call to action.

• Make sure that you link your website to your profile; not only will that help for SEO reasons, it helps people learn more about what you’re involved with;

• Make sure that your location is clear, not cutesy.  If you live in Dallas, TX, put that – don’t put “On a Plane” or “Selling Homes” or anything like that.  If you want people to find you, help them find you;

  • Side note: if you don’t have a website, share the link to your LinkedIn profile

• Highlight the things that set you apart professionally:  Do you speak another language? Make it known. If you have special certifications/skills/services, highlight the important ones (even if they’re all important, choose one or two) – the idea is not to stuff everything into 160 characters

• Remember who may be looking for you and use keywords/hashtags that they may use in searching.  Don’t know what a hashtag is?  Read Mashable’s Beginner’s Guide to the Hashtag.

Here’s are a few good Twitter Bio examples:

 Twitter:

• Dallas communication pro’s that live & breathe #PR, #EventPlanning & #SMM. Visit http://www.KPLC.us to see how @KPL_Comm can make you, your brands or events sparkle!
• #DallasPR professional with a love for building engaging, well-loved brands through #PR & #SocialMedia. Blogs at http://www.KarlaLarraga.com + founder of @KPL_Comm.
• Elite Concierge provides service amenities for luxury living at your #multifamily community. Give your residents an enviable lifestyle, call 123-456-7890 today!
• #Houston Realtor with over 10 years experience in the #Cypress Area. Looking to buy/sell? Let me help! Call me at 123-456-7890 & visit my website for more info.
• #DFWRealEstate buyer’s agent looking to help YOU find your dream home. Let’s get in touch! ABR Designation. E-mail me at Realtor@gmail.com or call 123-456-7890.
• Questions about #SanAntonioRealEstate? I will help you find the answers you’re looking for. Se habla Español. E-mail Realtor@gmail.com or call 123-456-7890!

At the end of the day you want to let people know WHO you are, WHAT you do, and HOW you do it.  The buck doesn’t stop with a perfect social media profile bio – make sure that the relationships you build and the content you put out is in alignment. People do business with people they like, know and trust – the same applies to social media.

Hope this helps y’all out.  Are there any other social media topics you’d like for me to help clarify?  Share in the comments below! – K

P.S. I wrote a blog today for Champions about a few tips for a great twitter profile bio that inspired this post – I used a few of the examples from the original blog up above, but you can read the full original on the Champions blog, here.