When I discover a blog for the first time, it’s rare that I will look at the posts on the home page. Instead, I will usually click straight onto the About page, as this will hopefully tell me about the author and the general theme of the blog itself. If I’m pressed for time, I’ll often make a quick decision based upon what I see there as to whether I wish to delve further. They are also a place where I will go if I want to ask a blogger a question that isn’t related to any of their posts.
Today I noticed that a number of people had clicked on my About page and came to the realisation that it is in need of some serious updating, particularly as the rest of my blog has undergone a huge transformation recently, and I have gained a number of new followers.
In order for me to do this, I had to think about what to include, and with the process came a whole list of ideas of things that I look for when snooping around other peoples efforts. So, before I update my own, I thought I would add to my ‘Blogging Advice’ series and discuss tips for creating a great About page…
Esssentially, the About page is what will draw in potential readers and make them want to find out more. While it is important to remember that there are no right or wrongs in any area of blogging, in my opinion there are three main questions that need to be answered:
Who am I?
This is fairly self explanatory – who are you? Give the reader a little insight into yourself. This shouldn’t be your life story and doesn’t need to include a description of your daily routine and bowel movements, but an interesting short and snappy biography will establish an immediate connection.
Why am I here?
Why did you start your blog? What brought you here? You’d be surprised how many people will have had similar experiences and can relate to your journey.
What is my blog about?
Each blogger, and therefore each blog, is unique, but with millions of blogs out there you have to be able to stand out from the crowd. What makes you unique? Why should anyone read your blog? Some have themes and focus on a niche. Others chop and change on a daily basis, depending on the mood of the author. Regardless, it’s important to make a big fat statement that explains what the reader should expect from you and your musings. What do you stand for? What do you believe in? For example, if your passion and predominant focus of the blog is to talk about your new found love of crocheting exciting hats for your pet cat, then say so.
However, it doesn’t stop there. Once the reader knows who you are and what you do, there are lots of things that you could include that may inspire them to check out even more:
- A picture or two. Some may want to see you and your cat sporting a rather fetching hat.
- Links to a few of your favourite and/or your most popular posts. Give readers a reason to stay on your blog.
- Published a book? Include a link to your Amazon page.
- Also have a vlog? Include a video.
- Have a newsletter? Include an opt in.
- Links to your social media sites.
- Testimonials. Of course, you shouldn’t include a list of everyone who has retweeted you during #SundayBlogShare (yes, a shameless plug there) or a note from your mother or husband authenticating how great your blog is, but if you have been featured somewhere or have worked in collaboration with others, then be sure to put in the relevant logo.
- Humour, where appropriate. If someone makes me laugh, (or brings me cake for that matter), they’ve immediately got me on board.
Ultimately, the About page is a guide to you and what you have to offer. Keep it short, keep it snappy, keep it interesting and make it look good.
Right, I’m off to update my own!!
What about you? Have you got any tips for creating a great About page?
You can also find me on Twitter and Tumblr @suzie81blog and don’t forget to hop on over to my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/suzie81speaks , my Pinterest page http://www.pinterest.com/suzie81speaks and my Instagram page http://www.instagram.com/suzie81speaks
Suzie Speaks 
One of my favorite thing about your blog posts, Suzie, is that they’re still relevant months after you’ve written them. This is all great advice. Off to update my About page now!
Thank you – I hope you find it useful!
As someone who literally started her blog this morning, I’m glass i happened upon this page. I was so lost as to where to begin.
No problem at all – I’m so pleased you found it useful! Get a Twitter and Facebook account going too!
Glass? How about glad! Crazy autocorrect!
Haha! Don’t worry, I gathered!
Great tips, I didn’t even think to include another photo or two, but I agree I want to know the person that I’m reading about. And I have a youtube and haven’t even included a link there. Thanks for the reminder.
Very welcome – really pleased it was useful!
Excellent advice! You’ve got me thinking of revamping mine now. 🙂
Thank you!
Great tips here and the right time for me. I’m going to update my About page soon and you gave me some great ideas to make it better 🙂
Thank you so much for the comment, and please forgive the late reply… I’m still trying to catch up! What are you changing in your About page?
I would like to shorten it, and make it mor eto the point. I mean more about my blog and why I have one.
I want to add links. Maybe a call to action for my book 🙂
You gave me lots of ideas!
I’m only just hearing about these call to action things – how do you plan to go about it?
I may have to go add a link to my Twitter account…
Yes! Twitter accounts for a third of my traffic…
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This is wonderful advice. As a brand new blogger, I’m always looking for tips. Thanks so much for posting this and sharing! 🙂
Thanks so much – I’m so pleased you like it!
Reblogged this on Teachezwell Blog and commented:
When I read Suzi’s blogging and organizational tips, it feels like January 1 again, with an opportunity to start afresh. I am still pondering her suggestions for my “About Me” page. After one year of folks reading About Me, I discovered a dreadful typo. It’s past time for an update (feels a bit like December 31). Hope you enjoy her tips! And her About page is marvelous.
Thanks my lovely!
You’re welcome!
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I’ve tried to update mine lately, now I’m thinking it needs a little bit more 🙂
Thanks lovely – let me know how you get on with it!
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Whoop! I’m on track….I don’t have a link to my favourite post on my about page…I’ll consider…but I like that I have links to all my social media accounts there though…it’s easier to refer to. Lovely read as always
Thanks lovely!
Really useful post Suzie thank you!!
Thanks Rachael!
Excellent post. I am off to look at my About page right now! Thanks
Ooh great!
You know I read this and then went to check mine, right? I read somewhere that your About Page should be an elevator pitch type thing. I’m surprised the number of people that comment on my stuff without reading my About. For instance, I’ve got people who didn’t know I used a wheelchair, but it’s on my About page, dudes. I updated it recently, but the wheels have always been there. Going to add my social profiles. I also use an author bio plug-in thing where my bio is at the end of every post, between the prose and the comments.
This is all really useful stuff Lorna!
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