We are basically all stalkers to one degree or another. We love to see behind the scenes, know some inside goss and maybe even try the same perfume that you wear on the daily. That's not creepy right? It's engagement!
Statistically speaking, your about me page is one of the most important pages on your website. The about me page is one of the first places I go when I visit a new website - I want to know about you. Who are you, where do you live, what's your background. That need for a personal connection is more than just mere curiosity. It's about me identifying you and becoming comfortable with where your messages, services and blog posts come from - on a human level.
I must admit, I get more than just a little frustrated when I visit a new site and it's looking smashing, so I seek out that connection and bam - no content on the about page. Just the fact that your reader searched further to find out more about you makes them deserving of a bit more effort on your part! Just think of how many other places your readers could be hanging out on the web and they choose to be hanging out on your about page to get to know you!
So here are a few ideas on how you can create a stellar 'about' page on your website!
1. PHOTOGRAPHS
Believe it or not, people want to see your face. Ever heard the saying "I want to put a face to the name" - well that's what is happening here. Help your readers to put a real live human face to your name and brand. When we look into the eye of our fellow humans, chemicals are released in our brain and that connection between you and your reader can start taking hold!
You can choose to put up one larger image of yourself or perhaps a series of smaller ones that feature not only yourself but your loved ones and the things that interest you.
2. LET ME GET TO KNOW YOU
I want to know about who you are, your background, your education and how you got to where you are today. I also like to know other things like your hobbies, interests and what makes you unique. Here is a great resource with questions for you to answer that will help you to write your about page!
3. SHOWCASE KEY BLOG POSTS TO DIRECT YOUR READER
It's a good idea to give your readers a reason to stay. I love seeing some carefully selected blog posts one about pages that direct readers to the items that you think they should see! It can be presented as a text list or as a series of buttons.
4. STAND OUT AND DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT!
I love to see people pushing the boundaries with their about pages by doing something different. Some ideas include:
Create an infographic including a timeline of your life.Danielle LaPorte does this well. Illustrate yourself or show yourself in different ways. I love how Krystle from Paper Fort does this. Share pictures of your workspace, home or family members. Lauren over at Elle & Company does a beautiful job of this. Make a short video to verbally introduce yourself. The video on Lara Casey's site is a perfect example!
5. A CALL TO ACTION
Your about page is a great place to ask your readers to take action. This might be joining a mailing list, connect with you via social media or follow on to your product &/or service page.
SOME GREAT ABOUT PAGES THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT!
I love the simplicity of this about page - the images showcasing Ashley's favourite things and activities is such a great glimpse into who she is!
Jess's about page gives a look at her philosophy behind her business, her outlook on life and a little look at her family and where she lives.
This is a really lovely example of welcoming readers into your life with approachable images and breakout text.
A really simple example of a how a beautiful image and text can be combined.
This is a very 'word' based about page, but I love the use of break out text and flow.
Angela gives us a look at some of her favourite things, really giving the reader a feel for who she is!
(Photo Credit - HAIR/MUA: Rene Spears)
