How to write a Killer About Page
For your viewing pleasure, here is the non-interactive version of the above course:
New visitors to your website always check the About Page.
It’s true: if they like what they’ve seen on your homepage or landing page, they want to know more about the person behind the page and they click on About.
It’s a big mistake to overlook the content here. Don’t just slap a bio and some resume points together. This is your chance to connect emotionally with your target audience. Don’t waste it.
What does a good “About Us” page look like?
Here are a handful of good about pages on the interwebs:
Good About Page #1: Derek Halpern
Derek dives right into his readers problems and lets you know you’re in the right place.
Better yet, he draws you deeper into about page and offers to help you out RIGHT AWAY by joining his mailing list. Notice how he hardly even talks about himself.
Click Here to Check out Derek’s About Page on SocialTriggers.com
Read it? Okay whats next?
Break out a pen and paper (or computer..) jot down a few quick notes on the following:
What elements stuck out about Derek’s about page?
What ideas could you use for your about page?
Good About Page #2: Pat Flynn
Compared to Derek, Pat isn’t much of a copy writer. However he is a GREAT story teller.
He draws you into his story by quickly telling you who he is, why he does what he does, and how you can get to where is he is today.
Follow up questions
What elements stuck out about Pat’s about page?
What ideas could you use for your about page?
Good About Page #3 : Natalie Sisson
Natalie from SuitCaseEntrepreneur.com About Page does an amazing job of mixing story telling and copy writing. She brings you right into her personal story while communicating her marketing message. More importantly, she defines a strong mission that gives readers a strong reason to become part of her brand.
She states ‘Now I’m on a mission to help 100,000+ entrepreneurs create true freedom in life by 2020.’ Doesn’t her messaging make you want to pack up your suitcase and join her cause?
Follow Up Questions
What elements stuck out about Natalie’s about page?
What ideas could you use for your about page?
Good About Page #4: Ramit Sethi
Ramit quickly tells you how he does things. Within the first few sentences (more like bullet points) he lets you know he is a smart dude who does smart things.
Why he does what he does, and why you should listen to him.
Follow Up Questions
What elements stuck out about Ramit ‘s about page?
What ideas could you use for your about page?
Good About Page #5: Michael Hyatt
Unlike the other examples, Michael uses a video on his about page.
You very quickly get the sense he is someone who has been where you have been and can help you ‘get out’.
Since he has a lot of existing content, he also uses it as a portal to help you dig deeper into his blog and get to know his marketing message better.
Follow Up Questions
What elements stuck out about Michael’s about page?
What ideas could you use for your about page?
Alright! That’s enough review! Let’s get to crafting your About page!
Your Mission Statement
What’s your mission?
The About Page should embody the mission of your site/blog/business. You don’t have to blare your mission statement across the top of the page, but you do need to understand what you’re trying to do and weave this into your personal narrative in the About Page copy.
This exercise will help you find your mission.
Ready to define your mission statement?
Open up word or break out a pen & paper, its time to start crafting your about page by answering the following questions!
What do you do with this site and how can you do it better than others?
How can you help your users/clients/visitors/audience?
What do you stand for? What’s all this for?
Why?
Time To Create Your Mission Statement
Now you can actually write your Mission Statement. You’ve got 5 minutes. Start the clock and get writing!
Who, What, Where, Why, and How
Related to the mission exercise is answering who, what, where, why and how. These questions must be answered on your About Page.
In this exercise, write for your ideal readers and write in the first person. Strive for impressive and like everyman all at once. Think along the lines of “Just like you…”, “Does this sound familiar…” “Like most people, I…”
Your reader needs to immediately understand how you can help and why you want to.
Ready to define your 4 Ws and an H? Take 5 mins and get written!!
Here are follow up questions to help you dig deeper!
Who are you; Where are you from; How are you and your audience alike?
What brought you to do what you do?
How do you stand out?
How can you help your audience?
Why are you doing this? Why do you want to help your audience?
Time To Get Writing!
Now you’re ready for a draft of your About Page.
A few notes: to keep it readable, especially if you don’t consider yourself an especially strong writer, keep the language simple, use bullet points, create sub headings or short paragraphs to break up the text.
Get writing and remember to drop a link to your about page in the comments!
Ranjan Jena says:
Thanks Hayden, for writing this post on, how to create a beautiful “About Us” page
Isaiah Coe says:
Great post Hayden, I think I have re-write my about me page.
Keep up with the good content :)
Jaime says:
Hi Hayden,
I don’t know if it is just me, but I don’t see the image that should get me to the interactive version.
Jaime
Hayden says:
Thanks Jaime, should be fixed now!
Sophy says:
Natalie Sisson is good for my site! Thank you share this great post.