Think It Through
It’s tempting to start by looking at other people’s work for inspiration—and we’ll get to that. But before you dive into design blogs or Pinterest, find a quiet place to reflect and write about your goals.
Give yourself at least two minutes with each of these exercises. (You may want to grab tea or coffee, a favorite notebook, and a timer.)
Next, make a list of different kinds of information you might include. We’re still exploring here, so don’t worry about finding the “perfect” words just yet. (I like to use sticky notes to gather ideas so I can arrange them visually afterwards.)
Start with the basics. About pages don’t have to be cutesy or clever. A simple bio with concrete facts goes a long way. Tell us who you are, where you’re from (if it matters to you), where you live, and what you do. And if you have a photo or video of yourself you want to share, make a note to include that.
Share your experience. What are you most proud of? This isn’t your CV, so don’t worry about outlining every job you’ve ever had. Summarize your biggest accomplishments, and feel free to link to publications, talks, interviews, events, or recent clients. If you’re a freelancer, you may want to include a short list of skills or services you offer.
Instead of copying them, look at the language they use. Did they write in the first or third person? How do they describe themselves? Do they use formal titles, casual wording, or a combination of the two? (I love how Eileen Ruberto calls herself a designer, researcher, and information wrangler.) How do the words make you feel? See what you can learn from their choices and the way they talk to readers.
Once you have a rough draft, take it to the next level:
Make it sound like you. Use simple words you’d say to a friend or neighbor. Skip the industry jargon, unless your clients are looking for common keywords like responsive web design or mindfulness coaching.
Be honest. This is the perfect place to show your true colors. Don’t say you love collaborating if you’d rather work alone. Tell the truth, and if something’s hard to express, think about how you’d explain it in person. It’s better to be upfront than to have to reveal these details at your first client meeting.
Keep it short and sweet. Check over your main points. Is the most important information at the top? Don’t overcomplicate things with hefty phrasing. Try to limit your sentences to one main idea with 20 words or fewer.