Whenever I go to a new website or a blog, the About Me page is one of the first things I look for. I like knowing who the person is behind the blog posts, the product I’m dealing with or the information I’m getting. It’s akin to knowing who the person is behind the counter if this was a real life shop.
The About Me page allows for a personal connection and it makes me remember that there’s actually a real person behind this website.
However, writing an engaging About Me page can be a bit of a challenge. You don’t want it to sound like an autobiographical novel but you don’t want it to sound like you’re trying too hard at the same time. We know when we read a good About Me page don’t we? It’s equal parts concise, engaging, and it should represent your personality quite well. Seems impossible, right?
No. When you try to think about it, writing an About Me page is simple enough as in answering these guide questions that will cover all the subjects you want to talk about.
Who is your audience?
This is probably the first question you should think about before starting to write. Much like your business would identify the target customers, your website/blog should also identify the target readers. The answer to this question would indicate the tone of your mini-biography. This is important because this will tell the readers that they are in the right place.
For example, you start your About Me with: “ABC Website is dedicated to giving information about the latest teacher training courses and lesson ideas.”
Now when your busy teacher reader spots this line, she would immediately feel like she found a treasure trove of life-saving tips and tricks!
What do you offer?
Okay, it is YOUR blog. YOU are the author. Always remember, though, that if you want to be engaging and if you want your readership to grow, or even monetize your content, you need to seriously consider what it is exactly you’re offering to your readers.
Most of us don’t read just because. We read so that we can get something out of it: entertainment, information, tips, insight, knowledge – we expect that we walk away with something.
Take time out to figure out what you offer your readers, then explicitly say that in your About page, because it lets your audience know what they can expect to gain from you and your content.
What inspired you to start the blog/business?
This one provides a good backstory and a personal facet to your About Me page. Were you frustrated about the lack of vegan restaurant listing in your area? Were you looking for a platform to showcase your creative side?
Share the reason why you are putting yourself out there. We are sure all readers can relate to that.
How would you describe your personality (or brand)?
Remember why I look at the About Me page first? Because I want to know more of the person behind the counter. Key word: person. This is your chance to let you know that your blog/business is being run by a real person, and not just a faceless name.
How do you do this? Start by writing down several words that you think describe your personality. Put that list beside you as you write your About Me page. That serves as your touchstone to make sure you are truly being authentic when you write about you.
Afterwards, read it aloud. I know, it sounds silly, but it works. Reading things aloud can help you determine if that sentence is something that you’d actually say in person or if it’s something that you just wrote because it sounds cool.
How do you look?
No, we don’t mean describe how you look like as in a Craigslist Personals ad – put a face with your name! This is probably optional in all honesty but it helps, not to mention important, to the readers to know who is the real person behind all these words that they are reading. Not only it espouses honesty, it also brings out trust.
Final thoughts
Yes, the About page is a tough one to write but no one else can do it better than you. You want something that sums up your personality, brand and content but you don’t want it too formal or too long. It is a challenge, but it should be done.
So grab a piece of paper, answer these questions honestly and get to work, because I assure you, things just got easier.
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