Forget SEO: The art of storytelling in profiles that actually get read

When was the last time you truly enjoyed reading someone’s professional profile? Be honest—it’s rare, isn’t it? Most of us have scrolled through profiles that sound more like a thesaurus exploded in the SEO department.

Keyword stuffing, robotic phrases, and an obvious obsession with “visibility” often take centre stage.

When did profiles stop being about people? We’ve all seen them—the over-polished, keyword-stuffed blurbs that seem designed to impress algorithms rather than connect with actual humans. Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys reading those. They might be “optimised,” but they’re also boring. A profile should do more than just make you searchable. It should make you memorable. And there’s no better way to do that than with storytelling.

Think of a profile as your personal narrative. It’s not just a list of accomplishments—it’s your story, told with clarity and a touch of personality. This is where most people go wrong. They cram their profiles with buzzwords like “results-oriented,” “proven track record,” or “dynamic leader.” But do those words tell anyone who you really are? Not a chance.

Imagine opening a profile that starts like this: “I’ve always believed that systems, like people, deserve second chances. That’s why I turned a fintech platform on the verge of collapse into one that served thousands seamlessly.” That’s a hook. It pulls you in, makes you curious, and leaves you wanting to know more. Compare that to the dry, lifeless opener: “Senior Software Developer with six years of experience in fintech and service delivery.” Which one do you think sticks with someone longer?

Profiles that embrace storytelling are profiles that resonate. They feel real. They reflect the quirks, struggles, and triumphs that make you uniquely you. Instead of focusing on keywords, focus on moments. Why did you choose this career? What challenges have shaped you? What’s the why behind your work? These are the questions that turn a dull biography into a conversation.

Of course, some people will argue that profiles need to be optimised for search engines. And sure, a few well-placed keywords can help. But the truth is, the best profiles are written for people first. They’re not just a string of bullet points—they’re a journey. They guide the reader through your background, skills, and aspirations, while giving a glimpse of your personality.

The secret to a good profile is to show, not tell. Don’t just say you’re good at something—prove it with a story. Instead of, “I led a team that improved efficiency,” try, “By introducing automation, I helped my team reduce testing time by 20%, freeing us up to tackle complex challenges with greater creativity.” See the difference? The first is a claim. The second is evidence.

And let’s not forget the human touch. A profile shouldn’t sound like a robot wrote it. Inject a bit of warmth, humour, or even vulnerability. Let’s say you’re a software engineer. Instead of saying, “I develop scalable solutions,” you might write, “I like my code clean, my beverage hot, and my systems scalable.” It’s a small touch, but it shows personality.

The best profiles also leave a lasting impression. They don’t just end with, “Looking forward to connecting.” They close with purpose. Maybe you share your vision for the future: “I’m passionate about building products that users trust, and I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation.” A strong ending ties everything together, reminding the reader why your story matters.

The bottom line is this: profiles should be written for people, not algorithms. A profile that tells a compelling story will always outshine one crammed with keywords. It will make readers pause, reflect, and most importantly, remember you.

So, forget the SEO nonsense. Write a profile that speaks to who you are, what you’ve done, and where you’re headed. Because at the end of the day, storytelling isn’t just a nice touch—it’s what makes your profile worth reading.