Comments on: 10 tips to improve your about page

By: Robin Parduez

Robin Parduez — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:48:35 +0000

Some nice points David. I totally agree that location and a photo are good to include. An about page should have an element of personality as its make-or-break if a potential client likes what they see and read on the page.

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:42:42 +0000

I like using good copy on the about page. It gives a bigger insight into the “culture” of the agency or business. So many sites are cut and dry. It’s nice sometimes to get creative :)

By: Ashwin Patel

Ashwin Patel — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:53:16 +0000

Ahhh, there’s no delete last post button!

Just reading what I had written before… really didn’t explain myself fully about my views on writing about yourself in the 3rd person… I’ve been in the industry for just over 2 years now and just launched my online site. I’ve been debating for a while whether to use 1st or 3rd person tense…

Maybe it’s me lacking in confidence to be bold, honest and personal and say ‘this is me’, but I just thought that as I’m fresh to the industry and do not currently have a large body of work are people/ clients going to take me seriously? I know this all depends on content and what’s actually written in the copy but non-designer clients – are they going to get this casual approach in introducing yourself as ‘I’? Could it potentially make fresh designers who don’t have that established client list and huge body of work seem a little school boyish? Just a thought.

I do love profile / about copy in 1st person, I just sometimes feel that designer sites are beginning to have the same personality and a ‘designer profile copy cliche’ is starting to emerge? But then again it’s the same with written in 3rd person…

Very much over thought I know, but I really can’t decide on this one!

I really shouldn’t comment on this anyway as my profile page by all means is no example and needs attention!

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:41:09 +0000

Great post, David. I need to get some decent pictures on my about page(s).

By: Ashwin Patel

Ashwin Patel — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:18:42 +0000

Great tips David, I must admit I’ve fallen for a few of those traps… I think I’ve looked at my profile copy 100 times now and its still not right! I need to change my profile into 1st person but have found it very difficult talking about myself without going down the cliche route, of ‘Hi, I’m Ashwin and I’m a graphic designer…’ I almost thought talking about yourself in 3rd almost makes you seem more credible and official? But then I suppose the work and content should really do all of that for you….

I will be looking at it again!

By: Nick Everitt

Nick Everitt — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 23:56:35 +0000

Great article David, really gives me quite a few things to think about for my blog and website, I have ticked some of the boxes on your list for my About Me pages but there’s definitely more I shall be implementing after reading this article.

By: David Airey

David Airey — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 14:37:40 +0000

Thanks for the continued comments, folks.

For those of you who visited my blog in the past day or two, you’ll have noticed some changes. If you see any kinks, I’d appreciate you letting me know. Hopefully everything looks good across different browsers (I mainly use Firefox on Mac).

Nathan, why not show signing? Subtitles or a voice over would make it more accessible, and it’d be a great way to build rapport with your readers.

Andrew, in your situation I’d probably write in the first person, yet describe how you have a network of contacts you outsource particular jobs to.

By: Nathan Rattray

Nathan Rattray — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 14:25:14 +0000

Hello David,

Great tips there. One question I’m concerns with is no 9 – ‘Experiment with video’. As don’t really have the vocal as I use BSL (British Sign Language) cos I was born deaf. Am currently on my 3rd year at Uni and wanna go freelance when graduated. Would like to set up own website. It is good idea to set up a video of me while use my signing, i can put the subtitles and audio on for hearing to follow me etc? Hope you’d have time to reply to this question. It’s ok if not. Love your book ‘Logo Design Love’ by the way. Keep up the brilliant work David :)

By: AP

AP — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:28:55 +0000

Thanks for tips. Now i know what must i do.

By: mari

mari — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:52:59 +0000

David, I couldn’t agree more with you about having a good “About” page. People want to know who you are or who they might be working with especially in this day of online everything. It’s one of the first and crucial steps toward building trust and a good working relationship. Also, there are times when people read your about page, discover something interesting about you that isn’t in your portfolio or that may not be obvious – how you grew up, where you went to school, some outside interest, for example – and that’s how they make a connection. Example: someone came across my page and noticed that my father was a diplomat. This person was also a diplomat brat. We started talking through email and now she’s one of my regular clients, and has referred me to many others. One’s “About” page needn’t be too lengthy or too detailed, but enough to give a reader/visitor a good sense of where you are from, what brought you to this point, and what you’re doing.