One thing about buying books from Amazon is they let us “search inside the book” before we make a purchase. Often we will see the table of contents, get to read the first page or two, the back cover and they even have a “surprise me” option which takes the potential purchaser to an unknown page in the book. The process gives us enough information in order to make an informed decision to purchase or not.
The “About Me” page on a blog can be viewed as the same. When a new reader lands on our blog, they often want to know what they can expect, who the author is, and/or what the author’s credentials are. Even though the posts may be of the highest quality, if a visitor isn’t impressed with the author’s credentials, they may choose not to return.
An “About” page can either sell a blog, or sink it.
A good example of this would be a blogger claiming they’ll show their readers how to make money via blogging, but when we read their “About Me” page, we discover they are new to blogging and haven’t made a dime.
Today’s Lesson
For many bloggers, the “about me” page is often harder to write than a typical post. We don’t like to sound like we’re bragging, but on the other hand, it is imperative we sell ourselves and our work in order to grow our blog.
So, what can we include in an “about me” page to better inform our readers who we are?
1) Obviously, who we are.
This is where we want to tell our readers a little about us. The “about me” page is also a great place to share personal photographs. In the event we’re protecting our true identity, than our efforts need to be directed towards enticing a reader to want to stick around.
2) What our visitors can expect to read/see on our blog.
Whether we’re sharing articles on personal development, business, blogging, product reviews, photographs and/or a variety of topics, a statement explaining our blogging goals will tell our readers what they can expect to find when they visit.
3) Our credentials
If we’re an expert in a specific field, we can list our degrees, experience, etc.
If our blog will discuss business, we can tell our readers what our experience is. If we are a mommy/daddy blogger, we can explain we’re a working or stay at home parent with “x” number of children. If we’re young and have little to no experience in any given field, we need to let your readers know that, as well.
4) Why our blog is named what it is.
Many have asked me why I named this blog “Blogging Without A Blog”. In my “about” page, I’ve included the explanation.
5) Why we are blogging.
We can share a short story with our readers telling them what it was about blogging that attracted us, or how by blogging we feel we can help others.
6) Where else can we be found.
If we’re on Twitter, Stumble Upon or other social networking sites, we can include a link to our profile. If we have other blogs, this is the perfect place to link to our other sites so our readers can find more of our work. If we have authored books, a link to those books would not only help to show more of our talent, but could drive sales. If we offer an additional service, this is an ideal place to plug that, as well.
7) What is our posting schedule?
By posting our publishing schedule, we can alert our visitors how often they can expect to receive updates from us. This would also be a great time to suggest they subscribe via RSS feed or email and provide the appropriate links.
Having a good “About Me” page will not only tell our readers a little about us and what they can expect when they visit our blog, but by following the steps we’ve outlined for our readers, we can stay more focused on our blog’s purpose.
Today’s Assignment
Did you have a hard time writing your “About” page?
What information do you include?
When you land on a blog, do you look for and read the “About” page?
How important do you feel an “About Me” page is?
Care to Share?
~Barbara.
Hi there Barbara – funny that you post this, because I have just updated the About page on my blog. I think it depends very much on our blog’s topic what we put in – I would have preferred to be anonymous, but I felt that with my blog’s topic it needed a real person behind it. I haven’t regretted the decision to use my name. You’ve made some great suggestions for the About page – thanks!
Robin´s last blog post..Tomato Seeds And Delicious Fruit
When i land on a blog i usually check the about page.
Creating trust between tow parties it the bedrock for longer relationship, eh? Aren’t we all here to create long term relationship?
Creating trustful about page is first step toward creating the basic trust relationships. I hope mine reflects who i am and why I blog. If not – gimme your feedback 😉 . Feedback is the most effective way to improve
Alik Levin | PracticeThis.com´s last blog post..150 Ways To Break Into Your Blog (Hacking For Dummies)
Excellent points Barbara
and i agree with all of them. when i visit any blog for first time. i ask my self who is behind this blog, or what this blog is all about. what made him blog. and thing like that.
all these and many more question can be answered by one single About page.
Sunil Pathak´s last blog post..5 Internal Linking Best Practice For Better Indexing Of Your Content.
It’s been so long since I wrote my “about” page that it’s hard to remember how difficult it was. As I recall, it was a bit more difficult than I expected it to be, mostly because I wanted to keep it short and not go on and on like some I had seen.
I included some basic information on education and experience plus some information on the things and topics I post.
I will often look for the about page if it’s a blog that I’ve never been on.
I think an about page is relatively important. For me, it may make the difference on whether I subscribe to the blogs feed or not.
Thanks for this post! It gave me a good reason to take another look at my about page and do a little needed editing and updating. 😉
Mike Goad´s last blog post..Eyes of the Great Depression 026
And don’t forget to include links to posts where you’re featured on other sites!
I also add a bit of human-interest stuff as well like my 2 Mooses and the TwitterBudgies that share my office with me.
Great post!
Barbara
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s last blog post..TUTORIAL – 7 Of The MOST Fascinating Ways To Monetize Your Sidebar Part 1
Barbara – I agree with you here. The about me page on a blog is the first place I stop when I investigate whether to follow someone on Twitter, too (assuming of course that they have a URL listed in their profile – no URL no follow!).
Kevin Sandridge´s last blog post..Using GoToMeeting For Web Meetings
If I’m a usual reader of a blog, you better believe I’ve read the About page. If I’m new to a blog, I typically will only read the About page if either the article enticed me to subscribe to the RSS feed or they provide some service or product I’m interested in.
I expect to see very quickly what this site or blog is about in the About page – front and center (that is why I clicked it).
Another good thing to put in your About page is a quick description of why you’re different – or what sets you apart from reading another blog on the same topic as yours.
How important are About pages? 100% important. Must have.
Hey Barbara,
I’m still tweaking my about page, but I definitely agree it’s important. I went without one for a while and the whole time I felt like something was missing. It provides clarity to the reader about the blog and what they can gain from reading it and also gives more info to people who may want to connect with you directly.
Broderick Allen´s last blog post..Personal Growth Videos
I would say I check the About page about half the time. It is, by far, the most read page on Writer Dad. I’ve been meaning to rewrite it for a while. Now I think I will!
Writer Dad´s last blog post..How to NEVER run out of ideas
Hi Barbara.
I check the About page EVERY time. And I follow the same principle as Kevin does regarding Twitter. No URL, no follow… unless there is some interesting conversation in their history.
I enjoyed writing my About page. I’d like to update it and the welcome page soon… if I could only find the time.
Davina´s last blog post..Morning Muse — Flock of Thoughts
I always read the about page. It was hard writing mine because I wasn’t sure what to put. I usually read a few posts and definitely the about page. I want to learn more about the person behind the blog.
I love the “about me” page. I enjoy reading about the blog author and what motivated them to begin blogging. I also like the personal connection.
In regards to my “about me” page…I don’t know if I like it so much, but it’s hard to write about yourself. Maybe you can critique it for me ;).
Regardless, I feel it’s important to have and it lets the readers know about you. I say to have fun with it…don’t be stiff and boring!
Caroline´s last blog post..I have a secret…
Hi Barbara, thanks for the reminder that I really want to update my about me page. It is hard to write about yourself! It seems like tons of people check it out, much more than I would have thought, so I’d like to polish mine.
Tracy´s last blog post..A List of 10 Randoms and a Blog Reader Appreciation Day Prize
Really good reminder and points!
When I first made my About Me, somebody asked me how come I didn’t list any of my books or any of the things I do. My answer was, it’s about the blog. What I didn’t realize at the time was that part of what made the blog compelling for them was the fact that I did things like run teams, write books, lead projects … etc. I gradually added some in and then I finally did a vision, mission, and values to share a bit more of me. I still haven’t nailed it, but it’s more of a work in progress and I’m fine with that.
J.D. Meier´s last blog post..The Five Small Business Success Formulas
ALWAYS check the about page! A well written one can really make a difference in how I view a blog. A poorly written one, or one that’s too full of ego (without the substance to back it up) can turn me off for good. I want to know whose voice I’m reading, you know?
That said, it’s hard for me to do about pages, in all my blogs – hardest part about setting up a site for me. I do it differently in each site, depending on the site’s focus, of course. I”ll stress different facts at theinspiredsolo.com than I will at my personal writing blog which is different from my new blog at thetramadoldiaries.com, which is associated w/ the book I’m writing. It’s hard for me to know I got the tone just right, and I’ll continually tinker with it.
Sherrie Sisk´s last blog post..Free Insight From an Agent on the All-Important 1st Graf
Another great post. I wish I had read something like this when I started http://www.bloggerdad.com – which reminds me, I ought to revisit that About Me page and run off against your checklist.
Other than the most recent post, the ABOUT ME page is ALWAYS my second stop on a blog. I want to get a feel for who I am dealing with. It’s kind of like meeting someone and the whole first impressions mean everything thing.
Thanks for this post. I wrote my About page a while back and I’m now on the fence about whether it uses too many long words (a common concern of mine about my posts). I used to be a lawyer, and I think this has me get self-conscious about coming across as cold and intellectual. But then again no one’s ever said that about the page. 🙂
This is a good point. The About page is the place where people look to find out how to contact you or to find out who/what the website is about. It is important to make it personal (if it’s a blog) or professional (if it’s a business). You reminded me to fix mine! Thanks, regards!
Polish beer´s last blog post..Beer News @ All Beer Blog
I have always struggled with my “about me” page and recently just stuck one of my banner captions in there just to be done with it. Once again you have given me something to think about. Thank you Barbara. I will work on that during the next week
melanie´s last blog post..Trash Talk
Yes! It was hard to write an About page. Like you say, it’s a careful balance between self promotion and providing basic info, and “bragging.”
Vered – MomGrind´s last blog post..Cabo San Lucas
I always read the about me page and several times. I think sometimes it is the best part of many of the blogs I visit.
I have changed my about me page several times, but think I will hold firm for right now with mine, because I am feeling a big inner change happening within me – but not so defined yet.
I do the writing but not the IT work on my blog and I have to wait on my IT person’s study schedule – often.
Very nice list to work from – thank you once again.
Patricia´s last blog post..A Different Journey
I wrote my “about me” page a long time ago; I think I need a revisit. I remember this one time when someone wrote to me to say that my “about me” page should not be about my credentials because credentials is about what I can do and not about who I am. Hmmm…that got me thinking…but I haven’t gotten round to changing anything on my “about me” page yet.
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..Confessions Of A Shopaholic Ego
I did have a tough time writing my about page… and admit that it is a work in progress. Don’t hesitate to take a look and give me your honest opinion!
As for other blogs, yes, one of the first things I check out is the about page and yes, I do look for or desire the information you have mentioned.
Thanks for the post,
Darren
Darren Sproat´s last blog post..On Growing a Dream
Barbara,
I’m surprised by the amount of blogs I visit that have a generic or weak about page. It is such a great opportunity for a blog site, no matter what kind of blog.
If folks have any doubt about the importance of the site, just pull up your Google Analytics for a month and look at home many times it is viewed. It will be more than you think.
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog post..Vanity Plate E-Book
This is a super helpful check-list, Barbara. Thanks!
My “about me” page was pretty limited, until Chuck Westbrook interviewed me for his undervalued blog project (now at http://bloghiker.com/). Just having Chuck ask me the right questions got me thinking about all of these things in a really clear, focused way. I ended up essentially using the interview as my new “about” page, when I redesigned my blog.
Maybe people who need to rework their “about” page could ask a friend or someone to interview them (or could use a question-answer format as they write). It’s helpful, because it gets you thinking about audience.
Kristin T. (@kt_writes)´s last blog post..Facing the messiest room in my home/self
I see we already have a bunch of folks above keen to rule #2; for those that aren’t – Keep It Updated.
I’d say every 6 months or so is a good marker; delete or add anything that may have changed over time..it’s bound to be that way.
I guess I should double check mine… 😉
Dennis Edell´s last blog post..Scamming Top Commenter Lists With Threaded Comments
Geez even though I have a few different blogs I always neglect the “about” page – so I will have to put some of these tips into action. I’ve heard that Google likes to see an “about me” page, improves your rank too.
SueC´s last blog post..Blogging For Money – It can be done
I’ve been to sites that still have the default WordPress About page “this is an example of a WordPress page …” Seems like something fishy is going on there.
I thought the About page was really hard to write. I actually wrote part of mine and help with part of it. I don’t think it’s out of date yet but I could probably add to it. I frequently check About pages but not always – it depends on why I am visiting the blog.
Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..(Anti) Social Personal Developments
Hi… My about me page leaves a lot to the imagination and as yet I am not sure what I want to share about me.
I recently posted a photograph of myself within a post, as I felt that it was time to share a face behind the blog and it is possibly time I considered a little more “about me”
I’ve been busy of late surfing blogland and as a result have neglected my blog a little. Anyway there is so much to enjoy and explore and yes I often go directly to the “about me” page on other blogs, but mostly I read a post and if it is of interest… then I check out the “about me.”
best wishes always Ribbon
hi barbara, i’m not a big fan of writing my about me page, but i got around to doing one last year. i never know what to say and for a while i kept changing it.
i don’t pay too much attention to the about me page until i get to know a blogger. i will read a blog for weeks and if i like what i’m reading, then i will read the about me page, if there is one.
just in passing, i don’t care about the about me page, but if i’m a regular, then it kind of needs to be there.
Natural´s last blog post..My Two Left Feet
Hi Robin – You’re welcome. I agree. When we start a blog and begin thinking of what to put in our “about” page, we often question how much we should share, and if we should use our real name. Like you, I haven’t regretted using mine either.
Hi Alik – Yes, what we share on our about page can build trust. Like you said, blogging is about creating long term relationships and that’s a great start.
Hi Sunil – Thank you. That’s right. Our about page can answer our readers questions making them more apt to stick around.
Hi Mike – You’re welcome. You’ve raised a good point of how about pages should also be updated. The longer we blog, the more we find our voice and that often takes us in a different direction.
Hi Barbara – That’s a fabulous idea. I forgot about that. I also like you idea of sharing human interest stories. Thank you.
Hi Kevin – That’s true. When we find someone new on Twitter (who has a URL) checking out their about page is a great idea.
Hi John- Another great idea. With so many of us writing about the same “stuff”, explaining to our readers how what we do sets us apart may be just what they need to be enticed to subscribe.
Hi Broderick – That’s true. When we don’t have one, it does feel like “something” is missing. Then, knowing our visitors are going to be looking for it, starts to put the pressure on.
Hi Writer Dad – When you rewrite you about page, you can now tell your readers you’re blogging on an additional blog, as well. 🙂
Hi Davina – I hear you about needing to find the time to keep everything updated. It’s tough, isn’t it?
Hi Caroline – I checked out your about page and really love how you shared the story of how you came to blogging. I felt like I was on the journey with you. You’re right, we should have fun with our about page, too. Show our readers our lighter side.
Hi Silly Girl – Me too. Learning more about the person behind the blog can make all the difference in the world.
Hi J.D. – Thank you. Exactly. Readers do want to know who we are, where we came from and what our accomplishments are. And yes, about pages are a work in progress – changing as we and our blogs change.
Hi Sherrie – I agree. The about me pages that display big egos can be a turn off.
With more than one blog it does get difficult as each blog has different readers. We have to second guess who our audience is.
Hi David – Thank you. That’s true. An about me page does tie in with the first impression we have of a blog. All the more reason to spend time trying to show our true personality.
Hi Tracy – You’re welcome. Yes, many of our visitors do read our about pages. Answering these comments reminds me I need to change mine on my second blog.
Hi Chris – You’re welcome. When the time comes for you to rewrite your about page, just relax and have fun with it. Pretend you’re talking to all of us here at BWAB. 🙂
Hi Polish Beer – Thank you. That’s right. Blog about pages should be more personal, whereas business blogs/websites should show professionalism.
Hi Melanie – You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy the assignment and have fun with your about page. I’ll be watching for it.
Hi Vered – It is a careful balance, isn’t it? We definitely don’t want to come across as egotistical, but do want our readers to know we’re proud of what we publish.
Hi Patricia – You’re welcome. I agree, about me pages can be very enjoyable to read and often become the best part of a blog. All the more reason to show our true personalities.
Hi Evelyn – What an interesting remark that person made. The way I see it is our credentials are the result of who we are and what we accomplished with the talents we have.
Hi Darren – You’re welcome. I think many about pages are a work in progress, mine included. They change as we change.
I just read you about page. I really like how you included a photo of your beautiful daughter, and then addressed all aspects of your life. You sound like a great guy. I’ll be over later to read more of your work.
Hi George – That’s a great point. Our stats don’t lie. About pages are viewed A LOT.
Hi Kristin – You’re welcome. ANOTHER fabulous idea. By having a friend interview us and ask us about our blogging experience, etc, we would have tons of information to draw from to include on our about page.
Hi Dennis – Haha! I’m sure we’re all checking our about pages to see if they need updating. Me included. 🙂
Hi SueC – If an about page improves our rank, that alone is a good reason to have a good one on our site(s).
Hi Kim – I agree, the default about page does make me wonder about the blog. If it’s new, I understand, but if it’s not, hmmmmm.
Getting help with our about page is actually a good idea. Especially if it’s someone who knows us well.
Hi Ribbon- Hey, I didn’t know you shared a photo of yourself. I’ll have to come by and see it. I agree, it is difficult figuring out what to include in our about page. I get lots of good ideas by reading others.
Hi Natural – That’s true. Regular readers do want to know more about whose blog they’re frequenting. It helps us to better connect with each other.
Now c’mon Barbara, look at that last comment…wouldn’t that be a smidge easier if it was all threaded. 😉
Dennis Edell´s last blog post..Scamming Top Commenter Lists With Threaded Comments
My About Me page, like the rest of the blog tells a story, but in this case it tells the story of how I got rid of my own Someday, plus it tosses in some social proof stuff. 😉
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome´s last blog post..7 Little Somedays You Didn’t Know About Me
Just started a new blog and it took a while to write the about page. I found this more difficult to write primarily because I know that it is more visible more often than a post. A so-so post can get buried in the archives,but my about page will most likely be viewed every time a new visitor stops by. I always read the about page when I first visit a blog.
kathy´s last blog post..Dragon Slayer
About me pages are also extremely important on ecommerce sites. Improving that one page can have a dramatic affect on conversion rates because many visit that page AFTER they’ve decided what they want to buy and BEFORE they’ve decided if they trust your business.
Internet Strategist´s last blog post..Why You Can NOT Rely Solely on Organic Search Listings for Traffic and Revenue
Just last week I updated some of the facts on my About Me page. When I read someone else’s blog for the first time, I do check out their About Me page. I am always curious to know their background and location. Are they an expert in some field? Are they just writing from their personal experiences?
Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker´s last blog post..We Are Here—Survivors
I am reminded here to update mine! Thanks.
Luckily I have just written a few tidbits on my CD liner notes which should nicely fit on my About Me page.
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..Jannie’s Fine!!
Whoops, not sure if I just hit the Share It button or not – its been a long day already.
I just mentioned it’s good to be reminded of this and it’s time to update mine. Thanks.
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..Jannie’s Fine!!
I always read the About Me pages but find it – and any other type of profile about myself – very difficult to write. That means I also tend to neglect it – done and forgotten. Thanks for the well needed nudge.
My blog is work related so my About Me is too. I did make sure to write an introductory post for the first post on my blog since I always love to read those too. I hadn’t thought to combine these- the why, what and the who together on the About Me page but like the idea.
Liz – Centers and Squares´s last blog post..Triple-Decker House Style – Three-Family Houses in Cambridge
I spent a long time writing my About page and now realize I need to update it based on the new direction of my blog and services. I think for a book, the “About” never really changes, but for a dynamic blog, it is a great idea to review and potentially update your “About” page every 3-4 months.
Barbara, this is now on my to-do list.
Stacey / Create a Balance´s last blog post..7 Strategies for Putting Your Authentic Self First
Hi Dennis – Haha! You know I read your comment earlier (like two weeks ago) and got sidetracked. Yes. Threaded comments are what I need to add. Trust me it’s on my list. 🙂
Hi Alex – That’s great how you used your About page to share how you rid yourself of “someday”. It makes for a great testimonial to your clients, too.
Hi Kathy – Good point. About me pages do not get buried like a normal post does. All the more reason to put a little extra effort into it.
Hi Internet Strategist – I never thought of that. But yes, we do want to know we can trust who we buy from.
Hi Patricia – I hear you. The about pages can “sell” a blogger or sink them. Also, they have to be honest. If a blogger writes something on their about page but contradicts it in posts or comments on other sites, I begin to doubt their authenticity.
Hi Jannie – You’re welcome. I’m looking forward to seeing more info on your CD. You’re a star. 🙂
Hi Liz – That’s a great reminder of how, depending on what type of blog we have, often determines what we put in our about page. If it ‘s work related, it’s best to sound more professional.
Hi Stacey – Yes. Updating our about pages is crucial. Like you said, your blog and services are changing direction. Without updating your about page, readers and clients could easily become confused.
Thanks Barbara, just what I needed.
I’m in the process of writing my about me page and sidebar item… I’ve been dreading it.
It can sound as though you are bragging when you talk about yopurself! Heaven forbid we should do that.
I’ll just follow your guidelines.
.-= Check out Keith Davis´s awesome post: easy peasy! =-.
You’re welcome Keith,
You’re not alone in having trouble with writing your “about” page. It seems like a lot of bloggers don’t want to brag about their accomplishments, but on the other hand, we want our readers to know more about us and where we are coming from.
Unfortunately with the amount of blogs out there, if we don’t promote ourselves, we may never get found. Oh, what a fine line we walk.
Have fun with it. Let me know when you’re done and I’ll come by and check it out.