What Does It Say About You?

 63 Comments on What Does It Say About You? 0 646

The “About Me” page of a blog is often the first thing a new visitor will read. After all, they want to know who is behind the words.

How to write an about page for a blog

They may want to know, can the words be trusted? Is the author an expert of some sort? Or, what makes the person who is writing the blog, tick?

Unfortunately, for some, the “About Me” page is the hardest page to write.

Today’s Lesson

For those who have trouble writing your about page, I’d suggest starting with the five “W”s.

  1. Who
    Here’s your chance to tell your readers who you are; a brief description of yourself. A place to show your personality. Your humor.
  2. What
    What can a reader expect to find on your blog? Now, or in the future.
  3. Why
    You could include a paragraph or two of why your started blogging. What you hope to accomplish with your blog.
  4. When
    If you want to let your readers know how often you’ll be updating your blog, you could include it in your about page
  5. Where
    Where else can readers find you? On Twitter? Facebook? Other blogs? Via a feed? Or updates via email? Don’t forget to include the links.

If you feel comfortable having your photo online, your about page is a great place to publish that, as well.

What I would advise NOT to include on your about page:

  1. Your full birthdate
    Publishing your birthdate online could lead to identity theft, as could publishing a post stating “I turned 40 today”.
  2. Your physical address
    Although some bloggers feel the need to publish an address where others can contact them, I’d suggest using a contact form or post office box instead. Publishing a physical address could lead to stalking.
  3. Childrens photographs.
    I’d also advise bloggers with children or grandchildren to be careful of the photographs they publish of children online. With so many sickos frequenting the internet, one never knows what could be done with those photos or where they could end up.

For those of you who are publishing blog posts under an alias, readers still want to know “something” about you and what they can expect to find when they visit your blog.

In the guest post by Greg Blensoe of “Positive Waves Baby”, Greg mentioned how he incorporates a page titled “100 things About Me” as a way to tell his readers a little more about himself.

Today’s Assignment

What do you like to see on “About Me” pages?

What’s on yours?

Care to share?

signature for blog post.

P.S. For earlier discussions on the about page, see the archived post “About me – The Most Important Page On Your Blog”

P.S.S. Just as I was putting the finishing touches on this post, professional blogger and social media consultant Vered, shared a link on Facebook to a post titled,”Consumer Reports: Half of Social Network Users are “Oversharing”; Endangering Privacy. It’s a great read which reiterates the necessity of self monitoring that which we share online.

63 thoughts on “What Does It Say About You?”

  1. I haven’t put ANYTHING on my “about page” for over two years.

    (Was I supposed to?) 🙂

    2. Man I thought I was bad. I guess I have another few months before I need to work on my “about page”. JK
      .-= Check out John´s awesome post: Baltimore Real Estate Real Estate =-.

    1. Thank you Brad,

      That’s a great tip about hiding our email if we’re sharing it on our blogs. Spammers are good at finding those, too, aren’t they?

  3. This is something that I thought about A LOT when I was creating my site. You have to think of it kind of like your advertisement for everything you do, your resume of value, your foot in the door with prospects. I talk to my reader in my about me page. I mention things I know “you” are having troubles with. I really want to connect with the reader. I wamt the reader to really have a sense and understand how I work and focus on each and every one of my clients needs and requests.
    Everyone has their own style, but the main thing to keep in mind is to include things that help build value in your services such as your academic history and achievements, certifications, and other items of interest.
    .-= Check out Heather Villa´s awesome post: “What Should I Do?” – Promotion =-.

    1. Hi Heather,

      That’s a good idea; to “talk” to your reading who hopefully will become clients.

      I also like how you suggested to add a list of our achievements and certifications. That’s a good way to show potential clients our credentials.

  4. Regarding other “About” pages that I’ve read, I am often dubious of blog authors whose purpose is to offer advice, guidance, or life-coaching yet do not have these credentials (or at least do not list them in their discussion of themselves). I tend to think: leave the advising and counseling to the professionals.

    If, on the other hand, this person has a vested interest in these topics, a passion for them, and wants to journal on them in blog posts, I see no reason why they shouldn’t do s; but I do think the reader needs to know that this person is “not an expert.”

    As for my own “About” page, I’m sure it could stand some work. I think I’ve got the basics covered, but some improvements could be made. All in good time … right now I’m just trying to start the process of getting switched over from blogger to Thesis and WordPress … and that’s MORE THAN enough. 🙂

    Thanks for the links at the end of this article too, Barbara. Will check them out.
    .-= Check out Chania Girl´s awesome post: When Enough is Enough =-.

    1. WooHoo Chania Girl, WordPress AND Thesis? How exciting. I wish you well with the switch.

      I know what you’re saying how some will “offer advice”, but yet don’t show they have the knowledge to do so. Although some non-experts seem to know better than those who are accredited, it reminds me of “reader beware”.

      P.S. If you have any questions about WordPress, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d be more than happy to share what I know.

      1. Thank you so much, Barbara. You’ve been such a source of support and encouragement since I began this blogging journey: thank you. 🙂
        .-= Check out Chania Girl´s awesome post: When Enough is Enough =-.

  5. Hi Barbara.
    You inspired me to redo my About Page tonight. Ugh. It REALLY needed some work. Lots of new informal and fun bits of trivia there now. And a little bit of attitude. 😀 So, thank you.

    My blog is pretty much a personal blog, though I occasionally write about my two businesses. Have closed the Welcome Page and included a couple of links on my About Page to send people to either business. Moving more into the playful side of things with the blog these days.
    .-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: 9 Animal Totem Cards for Your Muse =-.

    1. You’re welcome Davina,

      After I read your comment I came by and checked out your revised about page. You did fabulous. And… I love the photo you’re sharing. You look so sweet. 🙂

  6. You know, my About page is something I’ve always had a problem with…always! I can’t seem to say what I want to say so it just ends up in a constant state of change as I update this or update that. It’s in a constant state of flux.

    I suppose that’s ok…
    .-= Check out Ricardo Bueno´s awesome post: One Blog Post A Day Challenge =-.

    1. Hi Ricardo,

      About pages aren’t the easiest to write, so I understand your dilemma. I’m guessing in time it will all come together. No worries. 🙂

  7. I believe that my About Me page answers all of the W questions.

    http://scrapsofmygeeklife.com/profile/

    I try to keep it updated with any new projects I’m involved in. It took me a long time to get a profile page up because I think, in my head, I made it harder than it needed to be.
    .-= Check out Michele McGraw´s awesome post: 9 Resources to Help You Write Your Media Kit =-.

  8. Great post on About Pages! I recently updated mine a little bit and I think that’s a key point to remember when having an About Page — be sure to go back and check to make sure that it’s still conveying the message you want to convey. Sometimes blogs change direction, even slightly, and it’s essential to keep that About Page updated!

    1. Thank you Dani,

      That’s a good point. As our blogs, or the direction of them change, our about page often needs to be tweaked to accommodate those changes.

  9. Hi Barbara,

    I really like your “5 Ws” suggestion for what could be included on an About page. This would give readers a very good introduction to both the person and the blog. It provides an opportunity to establish a connection with the reader.

    You also make a really good point that many things should not be included on your About page. Great advice!

    And thanks for mentioning my “100 things about me” page. While I know this is probably not for everyone, I think those who are inspired to do this might really enjoy it.
    .-= Check out Greg Blencoe´s awesome post: My personal 30-day money challenge starts next Monday on May 10th =-.

    1. You’re welcome Greg,

      Yes. The five Ws do make it a little easier since we often don’t know what to include. I can even see someone literally using each w (maybe bolded) and then writing a paragraph or two.

  10. These are great tips. I change my About page periodically, when (if!) I find some extra time. It’s good to keep it current.
    .-= Check out vered | professional blogger´s awesome post: Why I Refuse to Own a Smartphone =-.

    1. Thank you Vered,

      Yes. We do need to periodically make changes to our about page. As we grow as bloggers, it’s a good idea for that to be reflected in our about page.

  11. Hi barbara
    Writing an About Me page sounds really simple, until you start writing it.
    I’ve had a few goes and never been happy with the results.
    I’m with Greg on this – if I follow the 5W’s it should give me a framework to act as a guide.
    As soon as I find the time… I’ll hit the 5W’s.
    .-= Check out Keith Davis´s awesome post: Flying in formation =-.

    1. Hi Keith,

      That’s true. It does sound easier than it is. I don’t know if that comes down to the fact a lot of us don’t like to do self promotion, or if it’s something else. However, it is important to let our readers know more about us and what they can expect to find if they continue to read our work.

  12. > what makes the person who is writing the blog, tick
    You hit a key right there. Why you do what you do, makes all the difference in the world. People connect at the values.

    Lately, I find myself sending people to my “Why Do You Do What You Do Post” when they want to figure out my drive or know where my energy comes from or what mission I’m on. The beauty is, they can do the same exercise for themselves and lead their lives from the inside out. It’s the Golden Circle in a nutshell.
    .-= Check out J.D. Meier´s awesome post: Motivation, Skills, and Feedback =-.

    1. Thank you J.D.,

      I agree. We do connect better with others when we know why they’re blogging.

      Thank you for letting me know about the post you’re sending readers to. I’ve missed reading that one, so I’ll be heading over to read it. It sounds fascinating.

  13. Very wise as usual. We need to all give very serious consideration to what we share online for safety reasons. Two famous incidents come to mind involving death threats on bloggers.

    The first was Kathy Sierra who cancelled public appearances and stopped blogging for a while due to the blogger death threats she received.

    TechCrunch Blogger Michael Arrington also had a highly publicized death threat against blogger story.

    The number of people and especially women who have been plagued by stalkers is very high. I question whether it is really necessary for bloggers to provide their physical locations or even their photographs online.

    While images may make you appear more friendly they also greatly increase the risks. You should definitely be cautious about giving out your birthdate because with your name AND birthday your identify is much easier to profile and track.

    I wonder how many know that many people search white pages directories online now provide the names and ages of children living at a particular address? It is not difficult to find out what school children attend or the hours of that school. Photos of your children, their schedule, their school and their home address are now all easily available for many children.

    How many are falling for the profiling major sites like Yahoo are doing that continually ask for the names of family members, where you grew up, what schools you attended, what your hobbies are and much more under the guise of being able to retrieve your password?

    All that is needed to retrieve your password is your email address so don’t fall for that. I highly recommend answering as generally as you can. For example, select where do you spend you summers and answer in the mountains or on horseback or select where did you grow up and answer in the United States or at your grandmother’s house. Create your own very general question when they offer that option.

    Really think about whether anyone needs to have that kind of personal information on you BEFORE your answer ends up living forever in a database accessible to who knows whom. Imagine how much more efficiently a stalker can find you with all that information.

    I’m sure the S.S. would have been much more efficient at rounding people up if they had all this information back then. Don’t think it could happen? It is happening all over the world regularly and it can where you are too.
    .-= Check out Gail @ WOMM´s awesome post: Affiliate Tips Tuesday: Holiday Promotions =-.

    1. Thank you Gail,

      I remember those death threats. Although I don’t know how they came about, it should open our eyes of what can happen.

      I like the advice you shared, “Really think about whether anyone needs to have that kind of personal information…” I see that as being responsible not only with blogging but any of our online activities.

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  15. Hi Barbara – Now I’m back in the real world of blogging, one of my first goals is to change my “about page”. I suck at writing them. I will have another go using your guidelines.

    I love reading other people’s pages – especially if they have a bit of info about themselves, pics, how they got involved in the topic and some recommended reading.

    1. Hi Catherine,

      It’s great having you back in blogosphere. You’ve been missed.

      Like you, I also enjoy reading about pages. It adds a personal touch and the blog becomes more than just words on a page.

  16. HI Barbara,
    My about page seems to have the technicalities covered…but now that the blogs a year old..I think I should update it so what….hmm
    And your tips are just awesome. They seem to be the perfect road mad to write a rocking about page.
    As for the ‘donts’ i have to agree….i am a bit freaky scared of stalkers…so have kept the address etc to a minimum. I do offer counseling services through my blog….so a personal touch needs to be maintained…but i have my guard up. I am pretty informed about the problems we can face with online stalkers etc.
    But you will see a spiffy new about page on my blog soon 😉
    Much Love to you,
    Z~

    1. Hi Zeenat,

      I’m looking forward to reading your new about page. 🙂

      That’s very smart of you to be cautious with your contact information. Even though you do offer counseling services, I’m sure there’s ways to have safeguards in place to protect yourself from potential stalkers.

  17. I don’t even have an “about me” page. (*hangs head in shame*). I really need to get to work on it. thanks for the tips.. I just love the 5 W’s idea.. a great place to start!

    1. You’re welcome Abel,

      I’m happy to hear the 5 W’s will help you to write your about page. Although they can be difficult, I do think they’re very important to have on our blogs.

  18. Unfortunately I yet not have a great about me page I think, just added something about blog. I will work on it, in this weekend.
    .-= Check out Arafat Hossain Piyada´s awesome post: 4 Working tools to check PageRank of all inner pages of websites or domains =-.

  19. Hi Arafat,

    One thing about our about page, they actually end up being a work in progress. As discussed in previous comments, as we change or our blog changes direction, so does our about page.

    Have fun working on yours. Hopefully the hints provided in the post and comments will be beneficial.

  20. My first irk is finding no about page, my second and almost bigger irk is finding one obviously out of date.

    One should definitely revisit their own About page every few months or so. As you and your business changes/evolves, etc., then the page should most certainly be updated
    .-= Check out Dennis Edell | Direct Sales Marketing´s awesome post: Would You Like to Read a TRUE Make Money Online Blog? Part 1 =-.

  21. I’ve included all the things you said to include, and the things you said not to inlcude. Also, I have listed my social security number, and all my weaknesses for online sickos to exploit.

    I’m accommodating that way. 😛
    .-= Check out Tony Single´s awesome post: Internet is the Great Satan =-.

  22. Hi Barbara! Great tips/advice as usual! My one yr anniversary blogging was Jan. and I am sure going to re-do my all about me page now – I’ve never paid much attention to them on other blogs frankly – maybe I should have – haha – if people are checking out mine!! DUH. And they ARE! Mercy sakes, time for a make-over! Thanks for this!
    hugs
    suZen
    .-= Check out suzen´s awesome post: Spiritual Partnership – A book review =-.

  23. Now you have me wondering about my About Me pages. I have to go look at them and see if they are good enough! Thanks for the suggestions. I know my work on is more of a bio. It may need some tweaking. My personal blog needs a lot of tweaking in a lot of areas. I just have to find the time to do it!
    .-= Check out Debbie Yost´s awesome post: Teamwork =-.

    1. You’re welcome Debbie,

      That’s true. It does take time to write or revise our about pages. Hopefully you’ll find some free time in your busy schedule to work on yours.

  24. Hi Barbara .. Your advice is excellent and there are some great pointers in here and the previous post .. which we can incorporate into our About pages.

    I like JD’s ideas .. worth remembering.

    Also you and Chania Girl .. I’ll be be emailing for help soon I expect!! re the changeover from Blogger to WP .. I’ll definitely be asking for some tips and guides.

    Great ideas and post – thanks so much .. Hilary
    .-= Check out Hilary´s awesome post: The Okavango Delta – the perfect place to Safari or holiday? = Yes for me! Part 3/3 – Sights and sounds .. =-.

    1. Thank you Hilary,

      How exciting that will be when you switch over to WordPress. You know where to find me, so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. In the meantime, happy blogging.

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  26. I always use the about page to check out a blog to see if it is real or a splog. It is a really helpful part of the blog.
    .-= Check out Linda´s awesome post: Green Dome Sweet Home =-.

    1. Hi Linda,

      I like your idea of checking the about page to verify if what we land on is a blog. Often it’s a sure sign it’s not if an about page isn’t included.

    1. Hi John,

      I agree. About pages do help to build credibility and trust. We get to learn more about the author and I don’t know about you, but an about page is often the determining factor if I will follow a blog or not.

  28. Oh another fun and good post Barbara,
    I just paid Davina to rewrite and edit my about page – it was just miles and miles too long….We used the same 3 point outline and we just made it neat and tidy..

    I like it so much better.

    When I first wrote it I was thinking resume and being intense, this gave me an opportunity to lighten up! and get it said in a shorter space.
    .-= Check out Patricia´s awesome post: Equal Rites ~Terry Pratchett =-.

    1. Hi Patricia,

      I checked out your new about page and it’s fabulous. You and Davina did a great job. Short, sweet and it tells us all about you.

  29. Hi Barbara,

    It can be a lot harder than folks would think to put together an effective “about” page. Just the right pic, just the right amount of personal info – it’s hard to judge.

    There can be no argument that a good about page is crucial to your blogging success, that’s for sure.

    George
    .-= Check out George Angus´s awesome post: How To Become A Better Writer In 30 Minutes A Day =-.

    1. Hi George,

      That’s true. About pages can be VERY difficult to write. But one good thing is we can change them as we go along. I think for any new blogger it’s important to put something on the about page, and then keep tweaking it until they feel it’s a true refection of them and their blog.

      And….as our blogs change and grow, keep tweaking. I see it as a work in progress. 🙂

  30. Sounds like my about page ‘somehow’ comply with your description and specifications 🙂

    As for the photos, well, it’s really really hard for anybody to get some photo privacy of late. You never know how your friends’ friend could misuse it (for example, via facebook)
    .-= Check out Ajith Edassery´s awesome post: How HTML5 can change your Blog and Blogging? =-.

    1. Hi Ajith,

      That’s a good point about photos. Even though we may control that which we share online, if our friends are tagging us in photos on Facebook or other social networking sites, we begin to feel we’re losing control.

  31. Forgot to thank you for the link. Bad bad online manners. 🙂

    Happy Mother’s Day!
    .-= Check out vered | professional blogger´s awesome post: Coping With Motherhood =-.

  33. If, on the other hand, this person has a vested interest in these topics, a passion for them, and wants to journal on them in blog posts, I see no reason why they shouldn’t do s; but I do think the reader needs to know that this person is “not an expert.”

  34. Hi Daniel,

    Good point. If we’re not “an expert”, we should explicitly say we’re not. We certainly don’t want to mislead our readers into believing something that’s not true.

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