6 Tips for Writing a Great About Me Page

I'm wrapping up a cool website copywriting project in which I was asked to write an ABOUT and SERVICES page for a Bay Area therapist. While I had written this type of copy before, I had never had a client in the mental health field. While this did require some extra research, particularly for the Services section, I found that most of the things I learned from my past writing experiences still held true, and still will for future clients, no matter what their career or field.

So, here are 6 handy tips that yield great results, and are a good framework for all ABOUT pages.

1. Write in 3rd person.
There is some debate online as to whether first person is preferable online, vs third person. Generally, third person is considered more professional, while first person us more for blogging or informal communication. I have experience writing bios for a national web reputation firm, and they strictly required writing in 3rd person for SEO enhancement.


2. Be sure to include honors and distinctions, such as awards, publications, professional recognitions, speaking engagements, and academic achievements. These help distinguish your subject from other competitors in their field, and is particularly important in the mental health field when the client will be sharing confidential information with the therapist, as well as sensitive topics.

3. Always keep your audience in mind.
As is true with all good copywriting, you must keep in mind who your audience is, and write for them. If your audience includes potential clients who may not be familiar with your area, it's your role, or the writer's role, to keep the langage simple and explain any unfamiliar terms. Conversely, if you talk down to your audience, or overexplain concepts they already know, they may decide you're not a good fit for them and move on.

4. Solve problems and answer questions.
Your ABOUT ME page should serve as a subtle marketing piece that convinces readers they should hire you, without your coming out and saying as much. Do you provide great value for the service you offer? Then say so. Do you have over ten years of experience in a niche area? Then explain how, where, and when. Do you have a signature program or cornerstone project that can help clients overcome common challenges? Let them know.


5. Include storytelling.
Telling a brief narrative or story is a wonderful way to engage your audience without a "hard sell." Your story gives the audience a chance to identify with you and find common ground, and sends the subtle message that you can connect with them. You can also use your story to show how you are unique, as well as illustrate your passion for your business.


6. Keywords for your niche.
Of course it's important to remember that we write for people, not search engines. Still, SEO is an important component of online writing today. I typically draft my copy first, and then run a keyword check over at Google Adwords, where I look for middle to low competition words that still have a high search rate. Here is a solid article from FreelanceSwitch, " Four Tips on Improving Your SEO," that offers excellent tips.


How about you? Have you come across any great ABOUT ME pages, or want to show off your own? What did I leave out? Comment here!


-Carrie Jaffe-Pickett
writer, editor
@carriewriter

Now That Facebook is in the Neighborhood...

(photo: Austin Walsh)


My intention at first for this blog post was a quick how-to on Facebook advertising, motivated in part by my natural curiosity being a socialmediaist, and from my attendance on Thursday at the Facebook presentation on advertising at the Quadras Conference Center in Menlo Park.

I changed my mind. Here's why.

Facebook has been pushing advertising for small businesses quite a bit lately, and they want users to buy-in -- the idea being that those who know you already are more likely to be interested in what you have to offer. Makes perfect sense. The prospect of connecting with over 800 million potential customers isn't too shabby either.

If you want instructions on how to set up an add, Facebook does a good job walking you through it over here.

But what became quite apparent during the Q and A session, is a classic cart before the horse scenario. Judging from the audience comments, Facebook is still frustrating and confusing a lot of people. One commenter was concerned that the "Review" feature, which businesses need to get referrals, had disappeared entirely. Facebook's response? Well, it wasn't working right so we took it away. How about fixing it or having a better version at the ready so we don't have to wait a few years, in the middle of a sinking economy?

Another user complained that no one was seeing her status updates, and someone else chimed in, confused about the whole FAN page vs Personal page thing. Some uncomfortable skirming in seats, and a noticeable silence as audience members watched Facebook staffers try to jump through some rather sticky hoops.

I don't think this was the reception Facebook had in mind.

I've been doing social media consulting in Silicon Valley for 5 years, and Thursday's event confirms what I've been seeing all along. Comments like:
"I don't have time for Facebook" and "I just don't get it," are dowright common, even with Facebook right in our backyard.

No one's going to cook an omelette if they don't know how to make scrambled eggs first. Now that Facebook is in the neighborhood, they need to do a much better job de-mystifying Facebook for the folks around the corner, or their advertising push, at least around these parts, is going to end up like so many of the Facebook features launched and abandoned in the wink of an eye. Or in this case, a Status Update.

PS The folks at Patch.com did a nice write-up of the event, and below is a screen capture of my comments over to them, including a suggested "Facebookmobile" (not kidding), so we can clear up the basics and move on.





What do you think? Is FB rolling out too many features for its own good? Is it time for FB to hold a Menlo Park Town Hall?




-Carrie Jaffe-Pickett
writer, editor
@carriewriter

Buffer, Animoto, Twittelator

6. Buffer

A few months ago I discovered Buffer for Twitter scheduling, and I find it a fast and efficient way to schedule not only tweets, but Facebook status updates as well. A free Buffer account allows you to schedule as many as 10 updates a day, at customized intervals that you  customizein your settings. It also has an automatic link shortener, a bookmarklet feature for your toolbar so you can easily add to your lineup, and even some suggested quotes if you find yourself a little short on ideas. While Hootsuite and Tweetdeck are also good for scheduling, I like the simplicity of Buffer more for this purpose. You aren't distracted by your Twitter stream while trying to schedule your tweets, and I like the flexibility if being able able to change the frequency and pattern of your updates. You can also choose between bit.ly and j.mp for your preferred URL shorteners, and there is a cool referral feature where if someone were to start their new Buffer account using this link (this is my referral link if you want to send an extra post my way), they get a free extra post beyond the 10 included.

Below is a screenshot of the Buffer settings page, which enables users to select either a random buffering pattern, or specific times of the day for updates.

7. Animoto

Animoto  (affiliate) is probably one of the most important and dynamic tools I've discovered over the last 3 years. This cool photo to video program enables users to drag and drop photos into a screen, add text if needed, select music, and select spotlight features for images you want to highlight.  A video is then created while you wait, and a completed video can be remixed again and again. You can instantly upload to Facebook, YouTube, or just keep the video file on your desktop to have handy when you need it. I have found it super useful for client work, as I can edit or switch out images as needed and the movie remixes without having to begin all over again.

A free account includes 12 images, while a premium account is $30 a year and offers unlimited images and the option of HD quality. One of the challenges of creating original videos is finding good quality, royalty- free music, and I love how Animoto lets you select and preview from a wide variety of genres, including pop, folk, electronic, classical, jazz, and others. Users need to be mindful that when adding video clips to your lineup, there is a 10-second limit, so you will have to edit clips that exceed that length.  Also, there is limited space for text --a title and tagline are about all you'll have room for. Animoto also offers a great selection of images and video clips you can use to embellish your videos.

I previously wrote about Animoto here almost exactly a year ago, if you want to review the features more closely. Recent new features include an iPhone app, and a more streamlined image upload process.  For those interested in creating dynamic event highlights or previews, Animoto works great and is a lot more fun then your typical slideshow. For example, in my highlights for 2010 video, I really had fun creating the sequences, and even found a butterfly template that matched my logo.

8. Twittelator

Twittelator is one of my favorite iPad apps...it's super fast, and only $4.99. The app allows for easy updates to your Twitter account, with an optional toggle that enables your Facebook account as well. New mentions and direct messages are highlighted in a pop-up so you always see the latest activity, and Twitter List and Search features are also included. It's easy to access your photostream and image library to add graphics to your tweet, and if you need to take a new photo you can click right onto your camera. As of now there is no scheduling feature, but of course this would be great to have.

Stone Design, the folks behind Twittelator, not only invested a great amount of time in thinking through the user experience, they also focused a lot on little details. My favorite is the “slide to send” button, which works exactly like the “slide to unlock” control we all know from our iPhone/iPad lock screens. Prevents you from accidentally sending your tweet away by tapping “send” which, on a touch device, happens way more often than not. Last but not least, there is “automatic state saving” everywhere. As on the iPhone, applications on the iPad cannot run in the background. This means whenever you press the home button, Twittelator gets shut down immediately. Now, the next time you launch it, it magically fires up at the exact point where you left it before, whether you were in the middle of typing a tweet or browsing through your direct messages. Love it! Call me silly, but I'm also a fan of the fun emoticons you can add to the end of your tweets.

That wraps up "8 Days Social Media Tools & Tips." Have you tried Twittelator, Buffer, or Animoto? 

 Share your comments here.

 

 

visit www.carriefreelance.com

8 Days of Social Media Tips #5: Avoid Guilt Trips

I've read a million blog posts where writers share their deep-seated guilt over not having published for a while, not to mention maybe taking a break from their e-newsletters or e-mail. Nobody really wants to hear about it, and you shouldn't feel like you have to apologize to your readers for that. Just jump back in and move on. If you have to take a break from social media, just let your followers know you'll be out for a while and will reconnect soon. Or, take advantage of some of the great advance scheduling tools out there, such as Buffer, Hootsuite, Tweetdeck, and others.

There are other aspects of social media you might feel guilty about. What about the prospect of unfriending someone on Facebook, or not following back someone on Twitter who is following you? If you are experiencing these feelings, chances are there's a good reason, so follow your instincts.

With social media, there is always a new program or app or website to learn, as innovation is happening constantly. Do you feel guilty if you don't tackle new programs the second they launch? Don't. Why not set yourself a reasonable goal of learning one new application or technology a week, a day, or a month? That way, you can maintain a realistic schedule while also taking the time you need to learn things right.

What about you? Are their aspects of keeping up with social media that make you feel guilty?

visit www.carriefreelance.com

8 Days of Social Media Tips #4 Remember the "4 G's"

And...were back! After a mad rush of holiday frenzy coupled with a lingering head cold (a-choo!), I'm happy to return to this series. Tip #4 is actually 3 tips in one, involving the 3 "G's" in social media.

Here they are.

1. GENUINE: 

One of the most important aspects of social media, blogging, and well...yes...life, is to be genuine. Are you being true to yourself when you post comments, links, updates, and tweets? Are you posting resources you have actually reviewed and considered, and not just what looks good on the surface or because someone else said so? Have you shared with your readers what they need to know about you, and why? You need to be genuine and up front in all your online activities, whether it be selling a product, delivering a promise on deadline, or providing the result you set out to. I know some bloggers who have over time shared quite personal stories their readers might not have expected, but for me, this did make me feel more connected to them. 

2. GENEROUS:

Be generous with your knowlege, resources, and time, and it will always come back to you in a good way. Do you know the answer to a question someone had online? Don't be shy... jump in and answer it. Offer helpful links and resources that show you will go out of your to help someone. If you read a really great blog post, retweet it and write your thoughts in the comments. If there is an entrepreneur, business owner, or office employee who deserves a shout out, go ahead and highlight their post, website, or product, to your readers and followers.

 

3. GRATEFUL:

It may sound corny, but you should always be grateful for your social media community-- your clients, your subscribers, FANS, and followers. They are what make your business thrive. During the holiday period - like right now-is a good time to show your gratitude by offering special discounts, a free giveaway, or exclusive content your subscribers and followers won't find elsewhere. I know that I love any kind of "best of" compilation which saves me time reading and researching online, and I will definitely download an ebook that covers a unique topic or has a fresh point of view.

4. GOOD/GREAT:

Sometimes it's hard to create anything new or even write, when you feel pressure to produce fantastic content all the time. So focus on producing at least GOOD content most of the time, and yes, the occasional GREAT blog post, download, video, photo, or ebook.  Something good gets you points for consistency, and something great can be your cornerstone piece, gets you noticed, and will be shared.  You can do it!

8 Days of Social Media Tips - #3 Webdoc

#3 - Cool Social Sharing with Webdoc

 

I first learned about Webdoc in June in New York, when they were exhibiting at the #140 Conference.  I got a personal demo from the founder and CEO of this Swiss company, and was totally impressed with the site, which allows users to create and easily share their own website, using photos, documents, video, links, music  -- all aspects of multimedia. 

 

Here's a blurb from the homepage: 

 

Webdoc lets you create, share and discover rich interactive posts and engage spontaneously with friends or audience around your interests, passions, events and promotion - when a status update just isn’t enough to tell your story and you don’t want to start a blog.

My Take: Webdoc is a user friendly and fun interface that basically like an About Me page on steroids. I'm planning on setting up mine as an online portfolio in the new year, and will show it off then. What I really like about it is that users can create super simple as well as more complex pages, with equal impact. 

Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments.