5 Ways to Create a Memorable “About Us” Page

One of my home business mentor clients and I were discussing the website she’s planning for her new business. We spent a good deal of time discussing the “about” page, or rather what should be included and/or excluded when writing one. I happen to think the “about” page of a website or blog is pretty important. Often when browsing around an website or blog that I find interesting, I’ll click on the “about” page to learn more about the company or individual behind the site. It disappoints me to find generic, bland content with no real information. It’s anticlimactic – no matter how great the website appears. I’m curious by nature, so quite naturally I want more.
As Muslimahs, we may naturally lean toward being more conservative when it comes to creating an “about” page for a business website. In an effort to avoid drawing too much, or the wrong type of attention, the information we provide is very “vanilla.” It’s just not very interesting at all. Every page of your website has a purpose: to get your reader’s attention, build trust and authority. Your “about” page can accomplish this if you keep these tips in mind:

Share your story

You won’t have to try so hard to create interesting content if you focus instead on telling readers the story of how your business got started and/or why you sell the products/services that you do. Did you decide to start your baby clothing business after giving birth to triplets? Did your 20th wedding anniversary inspire you to start helping sisters plan nikahs, walimahs, aqiqahs, etc? Sharing your story with your readers can capture their interest in you, your business and the products/services you offer.

Share your credentials

Your credentials can help position you as an expert and/or authority in your niche or profession. For instance, if you develop customized Islamic homeschooling curriculums for parents, your having a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Childhood Education could be e important to someone thinking of paying for your products. If you provide online fitness and diet assistance/tips, being a certified trainer is information you need to include in your “about” page. Be sure to share information about any awards or professional accolades you’ve received in your area of expertise as well.

Tell them what to expect from you

This is not the place to list all of the products or services you sell. Save that information for another page on your website. The “about” page is a good place to let your readers know what to expect from you and what makes you different from similar businesses. For example, share your company’s values – e.g. your commitment to green living or your desire to improve women’s health. When you let others know what’s important to you, it adds a human element to your business, and that helps make it easier for others to relate to you and trust you.

Include images

Most online marketing experts recommend adding a photo of yourself on your about page as yet another strategy for establishing trust in your business. I can’t argue with that logic, but I choose not to include a photo of myself on my website for various reasons (no judgment at all toward those who do so).

If like me you don’t want to post a photo of yourself on your website, you can still make your “about” page more interesting by adding photos or images related to your business and/or the products/services you sell. It provides visual interest and can complement the story you share.

Tell them where you hang out

Share links to your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Google+ accounts and invite readers to interact with you. It’s a great way to show that you’re personable and it allows you to get to know your customers.