Your About Me page is prime real estate on your website. It‘s often the first stop for new visitors eager to learn more about the person behind the blog or brand. But many About pages are either overly vague or stuffed with irrelevant facts that fail to forge a true connection.
So what separates an average About page from one that instantly hooks readers and has them scrambling to hit the "Follow" button? I examined 15 of the best About page examples from top bloggers, entrepreneurs and companies to identify the common ingredients they share.
Whether you‘re a solopreneur selling services, an ecommerce brand, or a content creator building an audience, apply these About page best practices to craft a page that converts.
About Page Example #1: Marie Forleo
Marie Forleo is a powerhouse entrepreneur, author, and host of the award-winning show MarieTV. Her About page demonstrates several key principles:
Strong Opening Hook
Marie‘s About page kicks off with a bang: "Named by Oprah as a thought leader for the next generation and one of Inc.‘s 500 fastest growing companies…"
This opening line accomplishes three things:
- Establishes massive credibility by mentioning Oprah and the Inc. 500
- Creates intrigue – what exactly does her fast-growing company do?
- Positions Marie as an authority by calling her a "thought leader"
According to a study by Nielsen Norman Group, you have 10-20 seconds to capture a user‘s attention before they leave your page. A magnetic first impression like Marie‘s can stop visitors in their tracks.
Engaging Storytelling
After the bold intro, Marie dives into her personal journey from "aspiring dancer/choreographer" to founder of a socially conscious education company. She‘s not afraid to mention early struggles like "waiting tables, bartending, and being a nanny" – details that make her success feel earned and relatable.
Sharing your authentic story helps readers see themselves in your journey. In fact, a Harvard Business Review study found that articles that elicited an emotional response got more shares.
Clear Unique Value Proposition
Marie makes it clear how she‘s different: "Unlike many other business programs, B-School‘s curriculum is based on timeless wisdom that WORKS, not trendy tactics that don‘t last."
She also specifies the tangible outcomes her company helps people achieve, like building an online audience, creating products, and launching a nonprofit. Being specific about the value you provide and how you‘re unique helps visitors quickly self-qualify.
Strategic Calls-to-Action
Marie‘s page features several prominent calls-to-action, including downloading a free audio training and following her on social media. Having a clear next step can dramatically boost your About page conversion rates.
One case study from Content Verve found that adding a single call-to-action to the end of a blog post increased clicks by 304%. Consider what action you most want visitors to take after reading your About page.
About Page Example #2: James Clear
James Clear is a personal development expert known for his bestselling book Atomic Habits. Let‘s break down why his About page is so effective:
Vulnerability and Personal Challenges
James opens up about a severe sports injury that ended his athletic career. He gets vulnerable about the depression and self-doubt he faced during his recovery.
This personal story endears him to the reader and provides context for how he became passionate about habits and human behavior. Being open about your own struggles makes you more human and trustworthy.
Demonstrating Expertise
Throughout the page, James highlights his professional accomplishments and areas of expertise. A few examples:
- "Over 1 million people subscribe to my weekly email newsletter"
- "Hundreds of my articles have been published in publications like TIME, Entrepreneur, the New York Times, and on CBS This Morning"
- "Over 10 million visits to my website each year"
- "My book Atomic Habits is a #1 New York Times bestseller and has sold over 7 million copies worldwide"
Impressive stats like these cement James as an authority in his field. If you have remarkable achievements or social proof, your About page is the perfect place to showcase them.
Interesting Personal Facts
James mixes in colorful personal details like "I eat the same thing for breakfast each morning" and "I love coffee and I drink it black with no cream or sugar."
These quirky tidbits make him more memorable and well-rounded. Small personal facts can help you bond with readers who share similar interests or qualities.
Aspirational Mission Statement
James sums up his guiding purpose with an inspiring mission statement: "Let‘s push the limits of what you think is possible. Let‘s break free of average and pursue meaningful change. Let‘s build habits that shape a more fulfilling life."
This aspirational language paints a picture of the transformation James hopes to guide readers through. Consider ending your About page with an uplifting vision or promise.
About Page Example #3: Nerd Fitness
Nerd Fitness is a popular blog and online community that helps people get fit using a gaming-inspired approach. Here‘s what we can learn from their About page:
Unique Angle
Right away, Nerd Fitness establishes how they‘re different from most fitness sites: "We help nerds, misfits, and mutants lose weight, get strong, and get healthy permanently!"
This unique framing sets them apart from more generic fitness content. Ask yourself how you can position your blog or brand in a distinctive way. What‘s your special sauce?
Clear Target Audience
Nerd Fitness knows exactly who they serve: "people with desk jobs that love nerd culture, games, books, and movies, but also know they need to make healthier choices in their day-to-day lives."
Throughout the page, they speak directly to this target persona, with references to Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and video games. Having a crystal clear picture of your ideal reader allows you to craft a more relevant About page.
Specific Community Stats
Nerd Fitness shares several powerful statistics about their community, like:
- "We‘ve helped over 50,000 students lose weight, get strong, and level up their lives."
- "Each month, over 1.2 million people visit NerdFitness.com for the articles, community, and inspiration."
Numbers like these act as compelling social proof. They demonstrate that the site has a thriving, successful community – something many visitors want to be part of.
Prominent Email Opt-In
Nerd Fitness goes all-in on email list building. Their About page features multiple prominent forms to download a free guide and join their email list.
With the right nurturing strategy, your email list can become one of your most valuable assets. In fact, email marketing ROI is estimated at $36 for every $1 spent. Make joining your list a key call-to-action on your About page.
More About Page Examples to Learn From
Here are a few more great examples with quick takeaways:
Example 4: Sprouted Kitchen
- Beautiful, warmly lit photos of the site creators lend a friendly, inviting vibe
- Casual, conversational writing style makes you feel like you‘re listening to a friend
- Short fun facts section adds a playful touch
Example 5: Cup of Jo
- Charming illustration of the site creator makes the page feel custom
- Weaves in impressive features and accomplishments without feeling braggy
- Frequently asked questions section addresses common reader inquiries
Example 6: By Regina
- Bulleted highlights of site and community make the key facts highly scannable
- Inspirational quote graphics break up the text and drive home key messages
- Includes "nice to meet you" video for more personal connection
Example 7: Backlinko
- Clean, minimalist design keeps focus on the key information
- Impressive client logos boost credibility
- Clear unique selling proposition on what makes the blog‘s advice different
By now you‘ve seen many inspiring examples of About pages from top blogs, personal brands and businesses. Let‘s distill what we‘ve learned into a step-by-step process for creating your own incredible About Me page.
Your About Me Page Checklist: 9 Essential Elements
1. Captivating Opener
Begin with a powerful first sentence that immediately grabs attention and makes people eager to learn more. Some effective options:
- A thought-provoking question
- A bold claim or impressive statistic
- A vulnerable personal story
2. Your Unique Story
Give readers a sense of your personality and journey. What key experiences or struggles shaped who you are today? How did you become passionate about your blog or business topic?
Don‘t overthink this – jot down a rough draft, then refine it. The goal is for readers to feel like they‘re getting to know the real you.
3. Your Mission and Purpose
Paint a picture of the transformation you help people achieve. What problems do you solve and why does it matter to you?
Having a clear mission builds deeper connection and loyalty. In one survey, 64% of consumers said shared values are the main reason they trust a brand.
4. Impressive Achievements
Weave in any noteworthy milestones, awards, features or accomplishments. This could include:
- Major media mentions or interviews
- Prestigious clients or companies you‘ve worked with
- Significant business or traffic growth numbers
- Successful product launches or bestselling books
If you‘re earlier in your journey, that‘s okay. Focus on conveying your experience and expertise in your topic.
5. What Makes You Unique
Get crystal clear on your unique value proposition. How do you stand out from others in your niche? Do you have a one-of-a-kind methodology, philosophy or approach?
The more specific and differentiated your positioning, the more memorable you‘ll be.
6. Your Personal Life
Don‘t be afraid to get personal! Share some fun facts, hobbies, quirks or "behind the scenes" details.
You might mention your love for rescue dogs, your favorite way to drink coffee, or a secret talent. The goal is to seem multi-faceted and relatable.
7. Social Proof
If you have glowing testimonials or reader success stories, your About page is the perfect place to showcase them.
According to a BrightLocal survey, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses. Social proof is incredibly powerful for building trust.
8. Quality Visuals
Include high-quality photos of yourself to help readers put a face to the name. Depending on your brand, these could be professional headshots, action shots, or more candid photos.
Use visuals strategically to break up text and illustrate your story. Custom graphics, videos, or charts can also boost engagement and shareability.
9. Clear Calls-to-Action
End with a clear next step for readers, whether it‘s joining your email list, reading your best content, following you on social media, or contacting you.
Make your calls-to-action specific, prominent, and irresistible. You might offer a valuable free resource or even run a contest to incentivize people to take action.
Common About Page Mistakes to Avoid
While implementing these About page best practices, be sure to steer clear of these common mistakes:
1. Making It All About You
Yes, it‘s called an About Me page – but don‘t lose sight of your reader. Frame everything through the lens of how it will help them.
Before including any story or detail, ask yourself: "Will this help my readers know, like, and trust me more? Will it show them how I can improve their lives?"
2. Being Afraid to Sell Yourself
While you don‘t want to be egotistical, your About page is no time for excessive modesty. Confidently own your accomplishments and expertise.
Remember, if you don‘t toot your own horn, no one else will! Sharing your wins doesn‘t make you a braggart – it simply lets people know what you‘re capable of.
3. Writing a Novel
Avoid overwhelmingly long blocks of text. Keep your language concise and break up sections with subheadings, bulleted lists, and visuals.
Tip: Read your About page out loud. If anything sounds rambling or makes you lose interest, cut or refine it. Attention spans are short, so make every word count!
4. Getting Too Clever
Avoid industry jargon or metaphors that will confuse people. Aim to write at a 6th-8th grade reading level for maximum clarity.
Remember, the goal is to connect with people, not to impress them. Overly clever copy can feel inauthentic and forced.
5. Blending In
Don‘t just mimic what everyone else in your space is doing. Look for ways to put your own unique spin on your About page.
What design elements, stories or ideas can you use to stand out and stay true to your distinct personality? Small details can make you infinitely more memorable.
About Page Resources and Tools
Need some help crafting your perfect About page? Here are some handy tools and resources:
- Jasper.ai – An AI writing assistant that can help you generate compelling About page copy and story ideas.
- Canva – An easy-to-use graphic design tool for creating professional visuals and layouts.
- Hemingway Editor – A free app that helps you simplify your writing and increase readability.
- SurveyMonkey – A tool for gathering reader feedback and understanding what they want to see on your About page.
- Hotjar – Analyze user behavior on your About page to see what‘s working and where people are dropping off.
Your About Page: First Impression and Beyond
In a crowded digital landscape, your About Me page is a precious opportunity to define your personal brand and forge a lasting connection with potential fans and customers.
The web is teeming with forgettable About pages. But by studying the shining examples in this post and following the essential best practices, you can craft a page that sets you apart and earns the trust and loyalty of your ideal audience.
Remember, your About page isn‘t set-it-and-forget-it – it‘s a living document. As you grow and evolve, revisit it regularly to keep it up to date.
At its core, a great About page is about building relationships. So don‘t hesitate to let your guard down, get creative, and let your personality shine through. Your people will find you.
Now go forth and create an About page that does justice to your incredible story and value. The digital world needs what only you have to offer!
