One of the four must-have features of a website is the About page, but it’s overlooked by many writers. It can be uncomfortable to write about ourselves, and so we often slap together a short bio, upload a headshot, and go back to our projects. But a high percentage of first-time visitors to your site click on your About page, so consider the questions a newcomer would ask.
Who are you?
Introduce yourself in a few sentences and include a recent headshot. Don’t be afraid to add some interesting or unexpected facts (and pictures) about yourself.
What do you write about?
Describe your writing niche. Is it historical fiction? Technical articles? Devotions? If you’ve published a book(s), share a brief synopsis with a link to purchase or download.
Let visitors know what they can expect to find when they visit your site. Share a couple of “teasers” with links to your most popular posts. Linking within your site not only highlights some of your best writing, but it also helps boost SEO.
When can they expect updates?
Tell how often you post, even if it’s infrequently, and ask readers to subscribe. Direct them to your sidebar subscription section or include a link/code within the body of your text. If you have a newsletter, explain how it differs from your posts, how it benefits them, and ask them to subscribe.
Where can they find you?
Add links to your social media networks and invite visitors to connect with you there. You can insert these links in the body of your text, but also consider adding a widget or gadget to your sidebar so they’ll be visible from multiple pages.
Include a contact form or tell them how to contact you by email. To cut down on spam, thwart bots by breaking up the address: yourname {at} domain {dot} com
Why should they follow you?
With millions of blogs and personal websites on the Internet, remember that you offer a unique voice and message. How does your writing benefit your readers? Add a couple of testimonial quotes pulled from reader comments (get permission first) or ask a couple of fellow writers for a short endorsement.
Review and update your About page at least every six months, and monitor your site’s analytics to see how many hits this page receives. As Michael Hyatt advises, don’t think of this page as an obligation but as an opportunity.
YOUR TURN: What would you add to this list?
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