Internet Marketing Strategies, Resources, Tips & Advice

There are some very key clues you can get from reading an individual's 'about' page. 

For example, is the person genuine?  Are they interested in selling me something or are they going to offer me real help?  Are they qualified to help me?   What experience got them to where they are?  Will they keep me interested or bore me to tears?

About 80% of the about pages are dull and uninteresting.  That's probably because our instincts are to get down to business and sound professional. There's noting wrong with sounding professional but we often sacrifice letting our readers know who we are by getting caught up in the technical, professional mumbo jumbo.  

Here's a good example.  Mary Jane is an article ghostwriter and writes a bio that looks like this …."Mary Jane is a freelance writer who writes for the daily Chronicle and has publishes several books on article writing. In addition Mary Jane is  an accomplished ghostwriter and is available for hire to write articles on topics such as marketing, finance and general business … blah, blah, blah" …z z -z -z -z -z -z.   Are you asleep yet?  

First of all I don't recommend writing in the third person.  The internet lends itself to a much more casual, personal environment.  People want to be intrigued, they want to read things that grab their attention, they don't always want the cold hard facts, yes they are important but keep them to a minimum, otherwise you risk boring your reader.

Second of all, your readers want to feel comfortable with YOU, they want to know that you are genuine real person and that you are in business for the long haul, not just some fly by night sensation.  They want to know how you got where you are and what your goals are, but more importantly they want to know that you're worth investing their time listening to you.

Here are a few tips for writing a captivating 'about' page so that it not only gets read but leaves your viewer with a clear sense of who you are and why they should listen to you.  Remember, your main goal is to make a lasting first impression and this is your best chance to do that.

1 What makes you stand out from the rest?
Everyone's life is unique and everyone has a personal story to tell.  The key is not to drone on with boring details. Make it interesting. Your life may seem dull but there are interesting ways you can present it.  For example, instead of presenting your likes and dislikes as 'Your Favorite Things', present them as 'Your addictions' or 'Things I'm Nuts About'.  If you have a passion, express it passionately.  Common stories can become unique simply by the way you describe them, so describe with color, excitement and creativity.

2.  What have you done?
 List only your major accomplishments and things that are the most impressive but keep it short, don't list every company and every position you've had.  You want to make an impression, not bore them. I don't recommend copying your resume into your bio either, demonstrate what makes you stand out from the rest by listing major accomplishments and accolades only. 

 Imagine you are sitting in an interview and you've been asked to tell the interviewer a little about yourself.  Will you be reading off your resume?  No, you're going to talk about what you like, what you don't like, your hobbies, what brought you to where you are now, etc.

3.  What roadblocks or struggles have you over come?
Have you had any major struggles and if so how do they relate to your business and how did you overcome them?  These can be personal or professional.  The personal accomplishments are good because they demonstrate your character.  Also, people like to hear about struggles and how they were conquered. No matter how small, if it helped you achieve success put it out there.

4.  Don't try to paint a pretty and perfect picture
Don't sugar coat your bio by making it look as if life and career is easy and wonderful.  We all know it's not that way.  Accomplishments can be tough but put a positive spin on things and show your creativity and tenacity by reinforcing how problems can be resolved and how accomplishments can be made. 
 
5. Make it Easy to read
Write as if you are speaking to a friend.  You want your reader to feel you are speaking directly to her.  Make comments that she can relate to.  Convey comforting thoughts.  Help her create a clear picture in her mind. 

Additionally, speak in the first person, use short paragraphs, don't use big, complicated words, stick to the point, don't lecture or drone on. 

6. Smile while you write
This is a trick I learned in college and it really does make a difference in what comes out on paper.  Try it! Get a thought in your head and write it down, now go back and write it again only this time write it while you smile.
 
7.  Demonstrate who you are, not what you are
Show people who you are.  If you have a jovial personality let that shine through, if you're tough and you are a "call 'em as you see 'em" personality then let that shine through.  If you're a supportive and caring person let that become apparent.  

Accomplishments like raising children, surviving an illness, personal loss, etc. are things that tell us who you are and what you are made of.  They may seem minor accomplishments to you but are often times very inspiring to others. The important thing is that the person reading your bio will know more about "who" you are than "what" you are.

8. Include your picture
We all like to put a name with a face.  Your picture adds dimension to who you are.  A warm smile, a casual pose, it all lends itself to letting us see more of who you are.  I personally like candid shots.  A casual, relaxed pose is always more genuine.  Keep your picture to either the neck up or the waist up. 

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