How to write an effective biography for your financial website

A well-written bio can make all the difference! You only have one shot at making a good first impression that will stick with your customers and present yourself on websites or other publications!

A winning biography will give clients and prospects information about you that helps them to determine if you are a good match for their needs and will allow them to have an idea about your strengths and achievements. A good bio should always tell the following in an engaging way:

• who you are
• what your expertise is
• how you can help your clients and prospects

Your bio is an advertisement for your business and an opportunity to make you very real to your website visitors. It provides details that reveal your personality, so people can get a sense of what working with you will be like.

Although website bios are not limited by page length, it is a good idea to be selective about the details you include. Online readers tend to skim through content and it is recommended to format your bio with bullets, short paragraphs and bold important information.

The following series of questions can help you to construct a comprehensive bio. Feel free to respond to as many questions as you consider relevant, and include additional details that are important to you.

1. Your professional details

• Financial title i.e.: Investment Representative, Financial Planner etc.
• Number of years in the industry
• Have you had more than one role in the financial industry? Describe and give the number of years in each role i.e.: Financial Advisor, Associate, Regional or Division Director etc.
• Do you have other relevant experience? Describe and indicate how this relates to the work you do today and how it can enhance your ability to help clients.
• Why should clients choose you as their financial advisor?
• What do you most enjoy about helping clients?
• How do you keep in touch with clients and provide them with the information they need?

2. Your qualifications

• Education
• Published works
• Awards and professional distinctions i.e.: Rookie advisor award etc.
• Professional designation i.e.: CFP, CLU etc.

3. Your strengths and beliefs

• What makes you unique?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your beliefs about the profession?
• Do you work with a special market(s) i.e.: retirees, ethnic market, families, business owners etc.
• How do you help these markets?

4. Your community involvement

• Describe your community involvement and explain why it is important to you

5. Your personal details

• Marital and family status (if you wish)
• Hobbies and interest (can be really effective if you target a special market group)

It is acceptable to start your bio with first person references and midway change to the third person. Try to incorporate your own personal style and make your copy engaging. This will allow you to sell yourself through your bio and reach out to most of your readers.

Here is an example of a biography covering most of the aspects discussed above:

John Doe has been with the Financial Company Group. since 2006. He believes his previous five years as a sales manager selling health products to the medical industry were an ideal foundation for his work as a financial advisor.

Attention to detail, good listening skills and great empathy are symbols of his appreciation by his clients. He is effectively supported by a team of administration, group benefits and investment products specialists whose teamwork and professionalism help him build long-term relationships with his growing client base and provide excellent customer service.

John is a proud recipient of University XYZ’s MBA of Finance and was recently invited to join the Million Dollar Round Table. His focus is on doctors and health practitioners, golfers and winter sport professionals.

John is happily married to his lovely wife Jane and has two lovely daughters. Away from the business, he enjoys golfing, skiing and spending time with family and friend.

You may also be interested in this previous post:

• Writing your bio/profile for the web