Despite much blogging advice to the contrary, many bloggers prefer to operate in complete oblivion. Just refer to them as the anonymous Admin.  If you’re looking for an ‘About Me’ page within the site’s navigation of thousands and thousands of blogs online — forget it. Since much of what we do online surrounds credibility, trust, reputation, and transparency, I’m not sure how you can achieve any success without reaching out to your blog’s traffic on a personal, humanistic level. Do you?

By the time you finish reading this instruction on creating an ‘About Me’ page for your blog, those that have clicked on your page will value you as the dynamic “go-to person” in your industry and will look forward to returning to your blog as the hub of intelligent discussion.

I’ll provide you with an analysis of why you need an ‘About Me’ page and what you should —  and should not do when you create it. I’ve read other articles that addressed the topic of creating an ‘About Me’ page, but you should find this post more direct and more complete.If you know another blogger without an ‘About Me’ page, do them a favor and refer them here.

Why Your Blog Requires An Effective About Me page

a) Your days of anonymity are over!

The internet is about making a connection. A human one. There comes a time when you have to stop hiding behind your blog title. eg.  “Master Blogger”… “The Puppy Power Blog”… “Digital Designs Unlimited.”

Share with  your audience what your name is and who you are. (e.g. You may know me better as Source Blogger, but my name is Jeffrey Baril. What is yours?)

b) Creating a business

All blogs run on some level as a small business, whether they want to admit to it or not. Yours does too. Since the business model of blogging is based on networking and creating relationships, the About Me page is crucial.

c) Why can’t you readers just love me for my content? I’m not a “people person”!

Content is essential, but so is reaching your audience. In order to establish an element of trust, they’re going to have to get to know you – before they subscribe to you, interact with you and your blog’s community… and buy from you.

No transparency means no credibility. period. Some of us have learned this the hard way.

d) Who the hell are you? Why should I listen to?

Harsh, isn’t it? Welcome to the mind of the reader – bombarded with millions of blogs all competing for this reader’s attention, loyalty, pageviews, subscriptions, follows… and yes, dollars! Your online credibility and reputation is so important here. Become a reliable source of information and a “voice” in your field… for them.

e) Stop relying on your readers to determine who you are and what your blog’s topic is.

The About Me page is typically the most overlooked element of a blog. By the time your blog is created, you should have a strong basis regarding what you intend to blog about and who your intended audience is. Make it clear.

*Continuously linking to your home page, assuming the reader will naturally delve into your content and “discover you through your content” is a poor approach. The About Me page puts all this in perspective.

What should and shouldn’t be on the About Me page.

a) What it should be

i.) Create your page with large/er font. (As you should be doing with your blog.) Small font is a deterrent. Isn’t it?

ii.) Include some photos and/or video! That would make your page stand out!

iii.) Your About Me page must be very explicit in explaining your background and expertise and how it will benefit the individual reading your About Me page and reading your blog. You may also want to briefly share what led you to launch your blog and why.

iv.) Personalize your page. After all, it is about you. Since many readers have little tolerance for reading too much personal information about bloggers, this may be your only opportunity. Tread lightly here though.

v.) Your contact information. Win readers over with your prompt response to their issues and concerns. There is no better place than to excel in customer service than your own blog!

For both WordPress and Blogger there are contact forms that you can provide a direct link through in your site’s navigation. I would hesitate to offer your direct e-mail address.

b) What it shouldn’t be

i.) Your About Me page is not your advertising page or privacy policy page. Information regarding pricing, your Alexa Rank and Google PageRank are not needed here.

ii.) Do not embellish. Be accurate and honest. Certain professionals in your industry may read your blog. You won’t be able to fool them.

iii.) Your About Me page should not be one big paragraph. Use subheadings to break up and highlight your thoughts. I recommend no more than four subheaders to coincide with 4 brief paragraphs!

iv.) Spam. Remove the overuse of links or articles you want to maneuver them to. And no banner or text link ads!

Sure, provide links to your home page or other ridiculously important areas of your blog. (See vi.)

v.) It shouldn’t be boring. Excite me. Make me want to get to know you and to follow your blog. Very subtly, integrate me, you, and your blog together as a team.

vi.) Your “Greatest Hits”: You have a ‘Popular Posts’ widget in your sidebar, let the reader determine what your best articles are — not you.

vii.) Lastly, show confidence that you can benefit the reader by becoming a subscriber. People don’t follow blogs – they follow people.

Your Turn

Why does your blog not have an About Me page? Do you think it’s important to establish your identity with readers of your blog… or not?

It’s time for you to construct your blog’s About Me page. Stop putting it off for another day.

I’d love to see your page when it’s done!