Top 10 tips for your About page

People like to do business with people. For a small business getting your About page right can help you build a level of trust and assurance with your visitors (potential customers) – and portray to them exactly whom they will be dealing with.

If you are feeling a bit shy, or unsure how much you want to put yourself out there – here are some of my top tips:
 

1. Write your About page like you are talking to a potential client

Your About page is not your CV or your memoirs – it is a place where you can talk to the reader and let them know what you can do to help them, the problems you can solve, or the information you can share with them.
 

2. Have professional photos taken

A photographer who is talented will know exactly how to capture your inner and outer beauty, and portray your personality to your audience. They can also touch them up to make them still look like you – but the best possible version of you. It makes SUCH a difference when you can present yourself professionally, and it demonstrates to potential clients that you value yourself and your brand.

I know that when you are starting out, it is another expense that you really don’t feel you can afford. I was the same – I had a picture of me cropped out of a group photo at a function for the first couple of years. Once I got professional head shots done, it gave me an instant confidence boost, knowing that not only my website, but my social media and other online networking profiles looked more professional.

…and once you get photos done – please make sure you keep them reasonably current. I know we all like the ones where we look younger, but if your customers will not recognise you when you turn up for a meeting, it might be time to get some new ones.
 

3. Let people know your name

You don’t need to start out “Hi, I’m Leah…”, but for the sake of credibility, you do need to let people know who you are. Hiding behind a business name makes things look a little bit dodgy.
 

4. Introduce the team!

If you do not work alone – introduce the team! Have a team photo on your About page, or perhaps give each team member the opportunity to have a photo and short profile – especially those who interact with your customers and suppliers.

Doing this shows that you have scale. It also gives an opportunity to highlight the extra expertise and experience that these individuals bring to the table.

By all means, give a bit more background about yourself as the founder or owner of the business – but if potential customers know who else is in the team, they will be more comfortable talking to them, and therefore makes delegation on your part easier.
 

5. Share your contact details

Chances are that if someone is visiting your website and reading your About page, they may want to get in touch with you. If your contact details (email address, phone number, social media links) are not easily seen across your website in your header or footer – it is a good idea to have them on your About page (as well as your Contact page). This means one less click for potential clients or other fabulous contacts.

Always put a phone number on your website. Even if most clients contact you by email, knowing that they can call you and speak to someone if there is ever an issue is a huge reassurance and helps add to the credibility of your business.
 

6. Let them know why you love your job

Knowing that you are dealing with someone who is enthusiastic about what they do makes it so much more appealing to do business with them. Share the aspects of your job that get you out of bed in the morning – you may start getting more of the work that you love coming in as a result!
 

7. What else do you love?

Finding a potential business contact who has something in common with you makes things very appealing. Aside from being a great conversation starter, it also gives an insight into your personality – and you will be more likely to attract customers that you will love to deal with.

This section should be brief, but don’t be afraid to be yourself!

Last year I did a website for a client who had seen that I was a Playcentre Mum – so was she. Instant shared ground and understanding that we would probably have similar values and priorities.
 

8. Experience and Qualifications

From qualifications to life experience – let them know why they should invest their money in you, your products or your services. What has been your journey? What do you bring to the deal?

Even if you are new in business or making a career change, there will be a back-story you can share about how you got to this point, and experience or knowledge to promote.
 

9. Keep it brief

I know! Trying to incorporate all of the above, and keep it short will take a few drafts, but people are time-poor and they don’t need to read your life story. Make it the highlights, and keep point 1. in mind – keep it about how you help that reader.
 

10. Make sure you keep it up to date

It isn’t often a page of a website that you read yourself after your website is published, but it is good to check in occasionally to make sure that it is still how you want to present yourself. Businesses and people evolve – so please check at least every 6 months and have a read.

 
 
I hope this inspires you to have a good look at your About page – and if you have any About page tips of your own to add to the list, please comment below!