If you’re like me, you probably have a song from The Who or the intro sequence of CSI running through your head after reading the title of today’s post. As I continue the Blog Tips mini-series, it’s time we talk about the “about” page. You’ve probably noticed by now that I don’t have one on tlamarca.com yet, but I will soon. Writing this post is all the more reason for me to get on the ball and git ‘r dun…
About pages might be the hardest thing to write because it’s all about yourself. You want to tell people about yourself, but at the same time not come across as an egocentric megalomaniac.
Who You Are
This probably goes without saying, but the about page should talk about who you are. If you’re blog has multiple writers, the about page should talk about those writers. If you are the only writer for your blog, the about page should be about you. It’s not about your family, house, or cat. Sure, you might mention something about your family and how they inspire you, but the about page has to ultimately be about you and how you relate to your readers.
What Your Blog Is
This is another point that seems obvious as I write it, but might not cross your mind as you write your about page. Most people who read your about page are looking for a reason to keep coming back. If you want to build a following of readers, there’s got to be some sort of focus to your blog. The best place to let your readers know where your blog is heading is on the about page.
How To Connect With You
It’s no secret that social media has become a huge force in communication around the world. Businesses leverage social media as free/cheap advertising as well as to gather information about their customers. Politics around the world have become a higher focus for the average person in America due to the use of Twitter and Facebook. Many people have started communicating more through social media than phone calls, emails, and text messages lately and the trend is continuing in that direction. If your goal is to build community and have discussion around your blog, why not give people the opportunity to interact with you more directly through social media. This is not a necessity for the about page, but it doesn’t hurt to have some way for your readers to contact you.
Examples
I hope to have a good example of an about page on this blog soon, but until then you can check out these about pages for inspiration:
Journeymen Podcast
TentBlogger
Pete Wilson (Plan B)
Joshua Harris
Problogger