Internet E Club

One of the ways you can make your blog more engaging for readers is to consider adding a feature that some bloggers are increasingly avoiding using – an About page. One of the most viewed pages on a blog are About. People reading the blog are a little curious about what the blog is about and who is writing it.

Why have an About Page?

There are a number of advantages of About pages that bloggers should consider.

• Transparency: This is one of those words of the moment around the blogging community – everyone is calling for bloggers to be as transparent as possible, to name their interests, income sources, objectives etc – an about page can play a part in this.
• Engagement: Some bloggers prefer to write in a more impersonal style. But blending a bit of humour, personality and emotion from time to time in blogging and an About page can really help create a more personal connection with your readers. Sure not everyone appreciate the ‘gush’ – but plenty of your readers will appreciate a little more information on the person they’re reading.
• Highlighting Key Pages: An About page has the ability to propel your readers deep within your site to your key posts. Is there an article that you’re particular proud of that sums up what you’re blog is about? Is there a sponsor you want to highlight? Is there a page with an income stream that you’d like to expose all your readers to? Are there some categories that you’d like to highlight? Your About page will get read – and its an opportunity to introduce your readers (particularly first timers) to your key pages.

Key Features for Your About Page

So what should an About Page include? This is really a matter of personal preference and something we’d like to hear your opinions on but here are a few things to consider:

• Photo: People like to see some sort of picture of the person they are reading. It definitely adds value.
• Blog objectives: Succinctly sum up the point of your blog. What is it about? What will readers gain from it?
• Introduce Yourself: You probably want to keep your introduction down to a short one – but particularly talk about your experience with the topic you’re writing about. Why should they listen to you? What is your context and background?
• Introduce Blogging: Depending on your topic you might want to introduce the idea of a blog (or at least link to an article/post about it). Many first time blog readers don’t understand things like categories, comments, RSS etc. Also point them at some good starting points in your blog – key articles etc.
• Contact Details: Consider giving your readers a way of getting in touch with you. Again its about transparency and interactivity.

How do you create an About Page?

The simplest way to do it is to write a normal post on your blog titled ‘About (insert your name, or your blog’s name here)’. You might want to change the date of your post to an older one if you have that capability. Then simply link to your own post from your sidebar or menu where ever you want to place it.

Other Factors

• Privacy: Its common sense really but its worth saying. Most good bloggers have boundaries around privacy – its worth thinking it through and sticking to them.
• Keep it Short: Again – common sense here. Yes people want to know about you – but only to a point. Don’t ramble.
• Keep it Relevant: Don’t take the opportunity to tell readers about your whole life if your blog is on a niche topic.
• Make it Prominent: Don’t hide your About Page away. Put it high on your side bar, menu or in your header. People won’t use it if they don’t see it.

By no means is this a definitive guide to everything you’ll find on a good About Page.