"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Thursday, November 7, 2013

How to Write a Bodacious "About Me" Page for Your Blog or Website!

One of the most important pages to attract and retain future fans and followers at your site, is the "About Me" page. Yet, I'm amazed at how often folks miss the mark.
Unfortunately, not enough attention is devoted to this crucial element of Blog construction.
Contrary to popular opinion, the "About Me" page is really not about you; it's about your readers.

Accordingly, it should be crafted to answer these key questions, if your ultimate goal is to "win friends and influence people."

WHO
  • Who are you? Give us a glimpse of the person behind the words. What makes you different or interesting?
WHO
  • Who is your target audience? Mine is writers and creative artists. (Although I'm pleased to say that I have folks from all walks of life and various professions here at Pen & Prosper).  
WHAT
  • What is your goal and your game plan? Is your Blog's objective to entertain? To inform? To create awareness of an important cause?
  • What makes your Blog different? What can readers expect to take away?
  • What is your "call to action?" In other words, what would you like for readers to do once they land on your spot? Join your mailing list? Buy your products? Join the conversation? Get the idea here?
WHY
  • If your blog is professional, what qualifies you to speak on the topic addressed? Why should we follow your advice, or follow your foot steps? For example, on my page I include my background experience in writing, which includes, (but is not limited to) :
  • Being a columnist
  • Being an award-winning Blogger
  • Having professional experience in various genres
  • Over a decade of being published and paid for work in online and print publications

Additionally, here are some other timely tips to make the most of your "About Me" Page.

  • Do a little research. Check out the (A.M.P.) of other bloggers you follow. What stood out for you? What motivated you to sign up or return? Assess and apply. Of course, you shouldn't copy their style and techniques exactly, as originality is important to your success.
  • Make sure to include an attractive or fun photo of you; which allows readers to connect even more and get a sense of who you are.
  • Consider adding your favorite quote, or even a complimentary quote from one of your blog readers.
  • Make sure to observe a good "sharing" balance. In other words, don't tell too much. Don't share too little.
  • Apply humor, when possible. It helps to stand out and be remembered.
  • Have a conversational tone.
  • Thank readers for their time and support.

Done correctly, your "About Me" Page can help readers get to know you better, and want to get to know you more.

Thoughts?

Image: Nikola Hartmann

  

10 comments:

  1. Ah! Classic who, what, when, where, why and how. To be honest I'd not given any thought to this angle. Thanks for the informative post.

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  2. Welcome. Thanks, James. How I love to get the male perspective here at Pen and Prosper. I appreciate your time and feedback. :-)

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  3. As usual, you sure do know your stuff!

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  4. I need to review my About Me page with this in mind. Thanks for your insight. :)

    Have a great weekend!

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    1. You're welcome, Karen. I look forward to the "new and improved" version. :-)

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    2. Jennifer Brown BanksNovember 9, 2013 at 2:32 PM

      B/T/W--If I can help in any way, please let me know.

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  5. Outstanding post however , I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this topic?
    I'd be very grateful if you could elaborate a little
    bit further. Kudos!

    my webpage: cloud accounting software comparison

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  6. I, also, need to review my 'About Me' page. Thank you for you for pointing out these things out.

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    Replies
    1. Well hello there, Quiet Spirit! You've certainly been "quiet" lately. :-) So glad to connect with you today. Hope all is well in your corner of the world. Thanks for stopping by and sharing.

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