I don’t normally write about blogging practices or ways to make your blog better. But, I made these changes at the suggestion of a “pen-pal”, Michael Hyatt (www.michaelhyatt.com). Michael writes a fantastic blog about leadership and publishing (from a Christian perspective). And, some other pen-pals suggested I share them with everyone. So…I will tell you how to engage your readers more effectively by changing your “About” pages. The key action items to consider (not once- but often) are:
- Your blog is personal. That means your ABOUT page should be written in the first person, also. You should use the same writing style as you employ on your blog. It insures the reader can learn about you in “your” voice.
- Start writing your bio using the READER’s priorities. We typically prepare our bio’s in an upside down fashion: who we are, our personal interests, and then, what things will interest the reader. Reverse that order. Not only should you invert the order, but your personal “bio” should be two sentences at MOST.
- Tell the reader what your blog is about. What is your theme? What is your mission?
- Set the reader’s expectations by telling them how often you post. Not your dreams, but for real!
- Invite the readers to subscribe to your blog. This process will let them receive your content WHEN you post, right then! Make it easy for the reader to do so.
- You should tell the reader about your top posts. You can use Google Analytics to determine these facts. If you have a search or archive section, steer them there, too!
- Make a full biography available to the reader- education, work history, books written, current interests, family, etc. This should be an optional download.
- Tell the reader how can they contact you. You can- and should- tell them what NOT to contact you about, as well. The contact points should include your Twitter, Facebook, and eMail information, at a minimum.
That’s the advice. Now, when can I expect you new “About Me” page to be ready. I want to learn about you, too!
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Hi Roy,
I’ve written my About/Bio page several times and never was really sure about what to put on there. I think it’s in shambles right now 🙁 I thought the best thing to do was to tell them what they would like and trust about me.
Great information. Thank you for sharing this information.
Tammy
Tammy Matthews recently posted..Is Limiting Self-Worth Stopping You From Doing What You Love To Do
Tammy:
One of the truelifesuccesssecrets is that practice makes perfect!
Thanks for sharing.
Roy
Roy,
These are great points. It’s been awhile since I checked out my about page and most likely do have to update. I’m sure many of the things you listed I do not have.
Thanks.
Leona:
My bio was old enough, the cobwebs were falling down! Thanks for your comment.
Roy
I did create an About Me page a few days back after seeing your feed on the Club wall. Then I also started visiting blogs and checking out their About Me pages. The one by Neil Patel was the longest I ever read (http://www.quicksprout.com/about/) but considering that he had done loads for the 25 years as yet.
The personal bio thing is very interesting. Time to make huge changes.
Hajra:
I noticed! And, now I know more, too.
Thanks for your comment.
Roy
Hi Roy – Great post! Good for you for stepping out of your usual subjects to tackle this one. Well done! I need to write a more succinct about me page. I’ll get around to it. The one I have works and I have so much client work right now…. 🙂
Lisbeth Tanz recently posted..Is Your Blog Bump Showing
Lisbeth-
I look forward to perusing your new about pages. Thanks for your comments.
Roy
Duly noted and will work on mine. I love this outline. I’ve searched all over about how to put an about page together. This post is the best and clearest one so far. Thanks Roy!
Sherrie:
Don’t feel obligated just because of me! I only did mine when I was castigated for providing information as if this were a scientific or technology meeting!
Take care.
Roy
You have really put the guilties on me, Roy. I don’t really have an ABOUT page. I have thought about it many times but just have not done it. You have provided some very good guidelines here.
I like the idea to start with the READERS priorities. I guess most people are not that interested in where I went to elementary school, are they?
I also like the idea of making my personal bio brief (2 sentences) and then adding an optional download with more information.
Janette Fuller recently posted..The Death Of Osama Bin Laden
Janette:
I thought you were just trying to hide among the tumbleweeds :-).
We look forward to finding out more about you!
Roy
Refreshing to see you entering the realm of blogging practices, Roy!
I know this is not your customary type of post, but you’ve shared value-packed information that’s helpful to bloggers. “Diversification” can be a good thing. 🙂
The “About Me” page is a tab I oftentimes click on someone’s blog or website. Let’s face it … curious minds want to know. And I’ve seen every conceivable format and style of About Me pages you can imagine. The ones I enjoy the most include a splash of humor and a short list of personal facts and interests.
If you get a hankering sometime again, would love to see you write more on good blogging practices.
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..5 Monster Size Marketing Mistakes
Thanks for your comments, Melanie.
I think I am pretty diversified already (peripatetic?) with my efforts in dialysis, microbiology, brain disorders, management, finance, technology, and water. But, what the heck, I do have ten fingers…
I always read the about pages, too!
Roy
I totally needed this push to update my “About Me” page again. I noticed in Google Analytics that people click on my “About the Author” page way more than the “About the Blog” page (where I also write about me and my reasons for blogging in the first person). What are your thoughts on using the first person on my “About the Author” page even though it’s about my freelance work? I use the same description in my LinkedIn profile and I originally thought it seemed more professional if I spoke about myself in the third person. =P
Thanks for posting this, Roy! =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..A Kreativ Blogger in the Central Andes
Another great post. I believe writing your “About Me” topic is one way of telling your readers why they can feel confident listening to what you have to say and letting them know you’re accessible to them and value them, and your reader loyalty will get a welcome boost. Thanks for sharing..
Lynne
Lynne Quintana recently posted..The Psychology Of Coaching Tips Observing A Street Bum
Thanks for adding your comments, Lynne. It helps round out the thoughts- and make it clearer for all the readers!
I really appreciate your additions!
Roy
My about me page definitely needs an overhaul so this post is very timely Roy – thank you. Also I do believe there is a plugin which will extract the most popular posts for you automatically from wordpress. I’m a big believer in saving time wherever I can!
Maureen Hunter recently posted..Where Are My Loved Ones Now?
Thanks so much, Maureen. I’m glad I gave you some useful tips!