Who am I? Why am I writing this Blog?
By alex miller • Aug 6th, 2007 • Category: Blogging
Build a better Blog in 31 Days
Day 5 Challenge: Conduct an About Page Audit
Well we’re up to Day 6, but I’m still catching up with the Day 5 challenge.
Day 5 is all about the blogger’s About Page. Most readers hit this page to see who you are before they decide whether they want to subscribe to your blog.
Tips:
- Rework your “About Page” regularly.
- Visit Darren Rowse’s post on some of the aspects to include in an About Me Page.
Include; your photo, blog objectives, introduce yourself, “How To” understand parts of your blog (like RSS, categories, comments, etc), point people to key articles in your blog and add your contact details! - Transparency: Be as transparent as possible, list your interests, “jobroll”, objectives and other online spaces. I like to visit blogger’s about page to see what I may have in common with them before I dig deeper or subscribe or even email if I like it that much!
- Engagement: There is just so much ‘content’ out there. So much to read. Research shows that Gen Y don’t read a great deal, they like a summary - “Just the facts maam”; unless of course you’re part of their social network, then bring it on, as long as it’s fun and interesting. I stop to read and respond when I see humour and personality.
- Highlighting Key Pages: I know I haven’t done this, so I can’t really comment, other than to quote Darren Rowse’s key points to how to propel readers deep into your blog:
“Is there an article that you’re particular proud of that sums up what you’re blog is about? Is there a sponsor you want to highlight? Is there a page with an income stream that you’d like to expose all your readers to? Are there some categories that you’d like to highlight?”
Please visit my About Page and come back here to comment (before I rework it using the abovementioned tips - even though I’m REALLY tempted). I look forward to receiving some constructive feedback.
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I really thought this task was going to be easy but it was probably the hardest, and most important task so far.
While I understand, and like About the Mill, I do wonder if an inexperienced reader would realise this is where you learn more about you? You have done exactly the same as me - before I changed it - talked about my job role before I gave the a glimpse of who I am. Also what is The Hub?
Also while us deeply into this get words like new and emerging technologies and pedagogy, I wonder if these are not good words to use for new to this area? Personally I would not use the word my other spaces. Interested to hear what others have to say regarding musics, books etc. I am reading Wikinomics at the moment - you should also read the World is Flat.
Really liked your picture at the top.
Hope this has been of some help.
Sue
Really good help Sue, thanks for being honest. I can’t wait to change the page. I just want to see who else looks and what they think before I do.
Thanks again for taking the time. Alex
This is slightly off-topic, I just wanted to say I love your Now Listening widget. I think I’m going to have to start using LastFM again!
Thanks Kate - I love it too, I put the LastFM gadgets in all my spaces…. Are you referring to the one on the “About the Mill” page or on this sidebar? My Airport Express & AirFoil allow me to stream music from LastFM through my home stereo, do you use them?
Hi Alex
Great to have you on board for the challenge. I am still days behind but hope to catch up over next couple of days. I know that this task of updating my About page will be a big one as mine is almost empty.
I also love the theme, colours of your blog looks great
Thanks Frances. I’m reading your blog right now! Some good stuff! Bring on the chocolate! Shame I’m on a diet….
Did you know you can move the pods around on the sidebar of this theme? Something to add to my About Page!
Now I really the blog and theme what a great thing that the reader can move it all around
Hey Alex,
It’s great to finally be at your site after seeing your name and image floating around the 31 Days Challenge.
My stupid American-centered questions is — where are you? In the UK or Australia? As we get more global, I’m realizing how important it is to clarify little things like that which are completely obvious to those in the know.
What blogging tool are you using? I really like look of the sidebar.
Blog on!
Cammy
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