Knowing how to write an about page is kind of like learning to juggle flaming batons – it’s scary, it’s intimidating, and you know that if you make one wrong move you’re done for. Cheer up – I promise you writing a great about page is something anyone can do – yes even you!
We’ve All Been There
At one time or another we’ve all stared at the blank white space in front of us trying to decide how to write the about page to top all about pages, our opus, our masterpiece… or at least something that doesn’t totally suck.
What makes it so difficult, I think, is that most of us hate talking about ourselves.
- Should it be first person or third person?
- Should it be formal or casual?
- Should it be short or long?
- Should it be strictly business or should you add some personality?
And on and on and on. In fact, if you’re anything like me, you can get so wrapped up in what you should or shouldn’t say that it takes hours (or days) to write the page.
How to Write an About Page, Step by Step
Knowing how to write an about page is a knack that some people have and others have to learn. Either way, it’s doable for anyone. Just follow these tips.
- Engage Engage Engage
The first step is to engage your audience, just as if you were writing a blog post. If you are super casual don’t get all Downton Abbey on your about page. Start off with your reader’s pain point to get their attention and let them know you understand. This first, short paragraph should actually be about your reader.
- Synopsis
So hopefully you’ll have a ton of businesses flocking to your about page to find out more about you. Here’s the thing – they aren’t usually as concerned about clicking with you emotionally – they want the facts. So, I like to give a short, third person synopsis about who I am and what I’ve done. Give them enough information that they can tell pretty quickly whether you’re a good fit for their company.
- Let Your Audience Know You
Now here’s the kind of tough part – let your audience know you. Let them hear your voice, your heart, and your personality. If you’re comfortable with it give them a little about your background especially the things that show them that you understand their pain points. Tell them about the time your baby didn’t sleep for 4 days, your hair made medusa look like a super model, your kid exploded a diaper all over you – and your husband walked in the door with his boss just as the cat threw up.
Let’s face it, after that kind of honesty you’re totally approachable. - Add Images
So at the top you probably want some sort of professional headshot so that potential clients can get a look at the professional you. If you are comfortable with it add a few more images down through the page of you and your family that haven’t been staged. The more real, the better.
- Add Headings
People are still going to want to skim. Add H2 headings to make it easy.
- Contact Info
Make sure your contact info is easy to see. If a company wants to find you the first place they are going to go is your about page.
- End Strong
End strong with a repeat of WHY you are the best person ever for them to trust and how you TOTALLY get them, their lives, their needs. The ending should be as much all about your reader and the first paragraph on the page.
- End with a Call to Action
Email me, Join this group… whatever – tell your reader to do something to engage with you right away.
And that’s it. You’ve written a rockin’ about page that lets your reader know you and know that you understand their pain point as well as have solutions for them. You’ve given them a few images to let them know you are FOR REAL. You’ve let businesses know that you are a professional that won’t let them down. AND you’ve told everyone how to find you by making your email very obvious.
There are some great examples of about pages in this article from Finding Balance.Mom
Relax. Knowing how to write an about page that isn’t awful just takes a little thought. You can do it!
Marisa F. Stewart says
at 11:50 amLove this article!! Makes me want to tear mine up and start over doing it RIGHT! Brava!!
MARYE says
at 1:04 pm🙂 thanks!
Julie Menghini says
at 3:08 pmSuper awesome just like you!
MARYE says
at 3:52 pmThanks Julie!!
Deb says
at 12:23 amI love this it helps make the page real. Great direction, thank you!!
MARYE says
at 3:09 am🙂 thanks Deb