What is your most viewed page on your blog (besides your homepage, of course)? Odds are it’s your about page. When people first land on your blog, they probably check out your recent posts, then proceed to find out more about you. Therefore, having an intriguing about page is crucial. I’ve seen blogs where all the about page said was “coming soon.” Or even worse are the blogs that don’t even have one.
Now I completely understand why people might not have one — they’re ridiculously annoying to write. There’s just something about writing about oneself that is difficult. However, you’re missing out on a big opportunity if you don’t have a properly fleshed out about page. Granted, I’m far from an expert on the topic (in fact, I’m planning on redoing mine), but as a blog reader, I know what I like and don’t like. Below are some tips to keep in mind when writing your about page.
Photos Are a Must
People like putting a face to a name. While blogging is done from behind a screen at home, being anonymous is only going to get you so far. Your blog readers want to form a relationship with you. As they get to know you, they’ll learn your likes, dislikes, and personality quirks. Adding a photo to your about page strengthens that connection. You’re no longer some mysterious entity. You’re a real person, someone they want to be friends with.
Connect With Your Readers
Why do about pages exist in the first place? Simply put, they’re a place to introduce yourself to your readers. Your readers who have been with you since the beginning may know about your Gilmore Girls obsession. That reader that just stumbled across your blog 5 minutes ago? Probably not. Your about page is the place to tell your readers about yourself. Who are you? What do you do? What are your interests? The goal is to have them read it and say “me too” or “I need to be BFFs with this girl.” When you connect with your readers, they’re more likely to stick around and care what you have to say.
Make it Unique
About pages are a dime a dozen. They all follow a similar formula (for good reason). If you really want to make a lasting impression, make your about page unique. Do something different and memorable. Illustrate yourself surrounded by your favorite things. Create a quiz that people can take that tells them how much you have in common. Record a video of you introducing yourself. Design an infographic. Think outside the box. The method we use to tell others about ourselves is a great way to do just that.
Don’t Make it All About You
Yes, an about page should be about you, but it should also be so much more. Readers want to learn about you, but ultimately they want to know what’s in it for them. So tell them about your blog. Why did you start it? What topics do you cover? Does your blog have a manifesto? Who are you writing for? By telling your readers exactly what they can expect, they’ll know whether your blog is a good fit for them. If you’ve attracted your ideal reader, they should be saying “Yes! This blog is perfect!”
Make Your Readers Want to Stay
Now that your readers know all about you and your blog, what’s next? Will they go back to your blog? Will they click away? In order to make them stick around, give them a reason to! Share links to some of your popular posts. Or link to posts that tell more about you. Give them a next step. Even if it’s just telling them to say “hi” on Twitter or to signup for your newsletter, you want to engage them. The more contact they have with your blog, the greater the chance that they’ll hang around for the long run.
Keep it Updated
It’s ridiculously easy to set it and forget it when it comes to about pages (totally guilty myself). But the thing is, nothing is constant except for change. You’re going to change. Your blog is going to change. Your popular posts and goals are going to change. An awesome about page should change with you. It should reflect where you and your blog are at this point in time. After all, no one wants to read an outdated about page.
About the Author
Allyssa is a web designer from New Jersey who works with small business owners to create an online presence that elevates their brand to premium status.
wow! Thanks for some great tips :) Id love it if you could give me some tips on my about page :)
Your about page is great! It made me smile :)
I constantly am tweaking my About page — I have 2, not 1, because not only am I a blogger, I too am a maker and Etsy seller. Sometimes, these 2 sides do not mesh…
Good point! It’s all about knowing your audience and sharing certain things with each group!
I need to re-do mine when I get a chance- thanks for the tips!
I hope they come in handy!
Thank you so much for being a blogger that helps newbies like myself, you’re the real mvp
You’re welcome! :)
It took me for-ev-er to make my about page something I was even remotely proud of. It’s so hard to sum up who YOU are and what your blog is about. Another thing I always like reading is a FAQ page…they’re a fun way to learn more about the blogger!
I always save my about page for last because they are so hard to do. I like the idea about FAQs too. Odds are if someone asked it, others want to know the answer as well!
These are great tips! I did my about page as a Q&A with photos.
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Group Giveaway!
I like the Q+A idea! It’s probably easier (and more fun!) than just writing paragraphs about yourself!
I love this! About me pages are super important, first impressions are key :)
xxS
Exactly!
Wow! Amazing post!! I think you just inspired me to take another look at (and possibly tweak) my about page this weekend.
Thanks! I’m glad you found this post inspiring :)
This is such an awesome post! I need to revamp my about page and will take your tips into consideration. Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom. :)
Thanks Michelle!
Now I think my About page sucks!! haha You’re right – something about summarizing myself is weird and difficult to do. I should probably add more but it’s just one of those things that I have a hard time getting around to. I love that illustration about page – how original!
No – yours is great! Isn’t that illustration one awesome?! I wish I could come up with some super amazing, unique way of presenting my about page!
first, i love your blog design! Found you from GLossy Blonde! and 2nd..wow thank you so much for the inspiring tips! I need to def spruce mine up :)
Thanks Brittany! I’m so glad you found these tips helpful :)
This is so helpful (and I’m currently re-designing my site!)
Thank you!
No problem! I’m glad you found it helpful!
Thanks for the tips!! I’m going to be re-doing my about page soon (it’s long overdue!) and I will be keeping these things in mind! :)
Also, I love your blog design too! Elegant and cool!
Thank you!
I keep checking back here whenever I’m tweaking one of my about-pages (yes, that’s plural). I had them all figured out before the launch, and now the transition to a response lay-out has messed-up the page that shows the rest of the team. It’s definitely helpful to see other people’s about page designs (and a lot of fun, too!).
Alyssa, I LOVE all your design and your blog! Very cool indeed.
One quick designer-ey question, would you mind at all sharing what two fonts are you using in the graphic? They look so gorgeous!
See you on the blogosphere :)
Sofia
Thank you! I believe it’s Playfair Display italic. “About” is my own handwriting!
Love this a lot! It was really helpful. I’ve been in the process of changing my ‘About Me’ page for a while now and this post helped me with it a lot. Loved the examples too!
i just want to thank you for all the blogging tips!!! Nice work!
These tips were very helpful. Thanks! I have been struggling with my about page on my new blog. I love your blog! I see that I need to tweak my theme as well. lol
Uma boa página de “Sobre” é quando o(a) blogueiro (a) expõe de forma direta sobre si e o que o(a) relaciona. Com um capricho e atenção aos mínimos detalhes, até aqueles que para ele(a) não importa. De forma em que o leitor se sinta amigo(a) da pessoa e se inspire a voltar ao “Home”.
Ótimo post, me fez enxergar de outra forma a importância de o leitor conhecer o blogueiro(a). Obrigado, beijos!
Yeah, u r right, writing “about” pages for himself is very annoying ((
What great tips! Thanks for sharing this excellent content. I’m going to go work on my about page right now.
You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help :)
Really enjoyed reading this. Because I am currently tweaking my blog and I know my about page needs some help. Thanks for the tips. Blessings! ?
Thanks Erica!
Thank you so much for the useful tips. I was so inspired to include something unique and fun that represents me. I feel so much more confident with my about me page now.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you found these tips helpful!
I have not even started my blog yet, but I really appreciate the information. It gave me a great starting point! Thanks.
You’re welcome! Best of luck with your blog!
I’m just getting started with my blog and I so appreciate the tips and advice. I feel completely overwhelmed by this process! However my eagerness to write is powering me through. Looking forward to checking out more of your site!
I loved this post literally took hand written notes super helpful!