As I am visiting (or oil rig hopping as Alex calls it – a subject for a future post) other blogs to see what some of Alex Jeffreys other students have written I notice that some haven’t got an About Page. It may be just that they just have not had the time yet and that they will add one soon.Alex has said just get your blog going and that is what many are doing.

But, I have come across other blogs that don’t have an About Page. I don’t know about you but I feel cheated. I’m nosey and if I like the blog and the blog posts I am curious about the person behind it.

Some students, I notice, are writing about themselves as their first post. I nearly did that too as Alex said tell your story. But when I thought about it I realized that this post would eventually disappear off the first page (unless you make it static), So I decided to put my story on my About Page and start my blog with another topic. I think it’s a big mistake not to have an About Page or Who Is Page as some people call it.

When blogs first began they were online diaries or web logs so they were all about the person. But since everyone on the Internet has jumped on them now to promote their online and offline businesses they are not the same.

Connect with your reader

An About Page is a great way to connect with your readers and to build a relationship with them.  Relationship marketing is not just about how you relate to your list when you email them although this helps you to make money on the web.

Of course you don’t have to reveal everything about yourself but it’s a good way to let readers know a bit about your background, why you started your blog and why they should listen to you. If readers can identify with you then they are much more likely to take an interest in what you write and visit your blog again and again and take your advice or buy your products.

Don’t go over the top with your Who is either. I have seen some where the blogger just pours his or her heart out with a real sob story  that takes forever to read.  Sometimes it’s embarrassing.   Do you know what I mean? I don’t want to read this either.  It’s best to keep it short and sweet.

It’s a good idea to add a picture of yourself too. People will remember you better if they have a mental image of you.

Link to other sites and pages

You can use your About page to link to other websites you may have or to articles you have written and are proud of. As your blog develops you can go back and add links in your About Page to drive readers to particular posts that you would like them to read.

How can you help your readers?

I’m sure you have heard the phrase ” what’s in it for me” or seen the acronym WIIFM. People are looking for information on the internet. Your About Page can tell them exactly what your blog is about and how you can help them.

So to sum it up, when I visit a blog I want to know, Who are you? What’s your story? What is your blog about? Why should I keep reading it? What’s in it for me? And what should I do next?

What’s your take on About Pages? How have you written yours?