This post is the final post in a 3-part series about how to write (or rewrite) your About Page. You can find Part I right here and Part II right here.
If you’re a bit of a renegade, and you enjoy making lists, and the idea of rewriting your About Page makes you suddenly feel very tired… perk up! Because you’re going to dig this fun and final approach to writing your About Page.
I call it the Laundry List.
Unlike those long, dense About Pages which consist of 5-10 paragraphs about whom you serve, what you offer and why you rock, the Laundry List is simply… a list. A short, concise, easy-to-read list.
A list that reveals something about you, your business, your background.
Or why you do what you do.
Or a list that focuses on what you believe. About your field of expertise or what’s possible for your potential clients. Or even the world at large.
Or it can simply list your favorite things, pet peeves and personal quirks.
Hands down, this type of About Page has become one of my favorites, because:
- It’s inviting, easy and quick to read.
- It’s fun to write.
- It’s revealing,
- It’s different.
But what I love most about the Laundry List About Page? It gives you the opportunity to create more of a personal connection (rather than a professional one) with your website visitors. (tweet that, why don’t ya?)
For instance, you could write a list called “11 Things I Would Never Reveal on a First Date” and then create a fun list of revealing (or scary) facts about you. Like:
- In third grade, I tried to bribe my teacher with a nickel to get out of a math test. It didn’t work.
- Anytime I eat a hamburger, most of it ends up on my lap.
- I was born with a third ear. At least, that’s what my father told me.
Or, on the opposite side of the spectrum, you could create a list titled “I Believe” and then list 3-7 things you believe strongly. About life, love, the work you do, or your industry.
For example, “I Believe…”
- We all have a wild, raw, untamed voice inside of us, one that longs to be liberated, expressed and heard.
- Your clients don’t want any more content, information or copy. They want connection, support and the experience of being seen, heard and understood.
- The heart and soul of all results-oriented marketing is clear, compelling, communication that creates emotional connection with those you’re meant to serve.
Another Laundry List option is one that the brilliant Alexandra Franzen uses often:
“I want to live in a world where…”
- There are no parking meters.
- Every bank, hotel, government building, restaurant and wine bar features live music.
- Animals are treated like royalty. Except better.
Tack It On
Hey, even if you choose a more traditional About Page, you can tack on a Laundry List. Just to snazz it up a bit. And give it a more personal touch.
For instance, let’s say you already have a more traditional About Page that does a great job of communicating your mission or telling your Compelling Story. If you wanted to make it more personal and fun, you could tack on a list like, “10 Things Most People Don’t Know About Me.”
Or you could tack on a list that gives a short chronology of the events, milestones, and achievements that led you to this place in your career. You could title it “How I Got Here” or “The Menu of My Career.” This list could be a mini resume, except with more whimsy and personal facts.
- Became an entrepreneur at age 5 when I turned my grandparent’s garage into a theater, put on a one-girl show and charged the neighbors $5 to get in.
- Discovered my true genius in 6th grade when I was asked to dress up as a black cat and sing a sad song in the school play.
- Got my dream job at age 24 when I was hired to do PR for a well-known Mendocino County winery.
If you do a chronological list like this, be sure to include some of the big flops, failures and mistakes you made. Like:
In 2005, I closed my business, Unconditional Confidence, which was a labor of love and a total financial flop. Lesson learned: never start a business that asks people to face their worst fears.
The secret to a great Laundry List About Page is detail, creativity and a willingness to share more than just your put-together professional persona. For instance, don’t just state:
I’m utterly addicted to chai lattes and ginger muffins.
Instead, add more specifics:
I’m utterly addicted to Starbuck’s Chai Lattes and warm ginger muffins soaked in melted butter.
By adding a bit more detail, you not only make your list more interesting. You reveal more of your personality and style.
The cool thing about a Laundry List About Page is you’re only limited by your creativity. Just make sure your list is a true expression of you and that it relates to your business in some way. If you’re a fashion designer, you may want to create a list like “7 Dresses I Wish I’d Designed” or “5 Moments That Transformed My Design Esthetic.” But you wouldn’t want to create a list like, “My 10 All Time Favorite Desserts.”
See what I mean?
Do you have any list ideas? Share them below in the comments section. I’d love to hear what you’ve come up with.