I'm really trying to get a freelance career going, and I'm hitting a minor roadblock. I've always had a little trouble writing online profiles, but now it's important: I need to market myself well. I'm wondering if there's anything that absolutely should be included in one of these pages. I'm probably going to use it both for article-writing sites (like Freelancer.com) and for my own blog/portfolio. So far I plan to include a list of experience, skills/qualifications, and some topics I can write well about. Is there anything else I need?
Don't have an "about me" page seperate from your homepage. Put it right there, where they can see it. Most do not go to an "about me" page. Just imagine that you are sitting in front of a potential client, and he asks about you, and what you can do for him. What would you say? Put that down on paper (your site). Be brief and to the point. After that, show them what you know by giving free tips, samples. As a copywriter, I show them several free tips that has them going: "Yup, he knows what he is talking about." One of them is telling webmasters to change their font to Georgia, and spread the letters out more. That way it is easier to read. The easier it is to read, the longer they stay. The longer they stay, the higher the odds go up in getting a repeat visitor and or a sale. Do the same! Many times giving away free stuff, info., helps you get what you want in life. Then show them your previous articles you have written for sites. If you have written articles for a low-bottom article dumper, like, say, Ezine, do NOT put that in! Vey few pros, if any at all, do not use article dumpers. Potential clients are not impressed with that. Hell, it really isn't that big of a deal if you don't have anything to show them. If they like your site, they like your free samples, tips on what you can do for them, quite often that is enough. Don't forget to put in at least two good pictures of yourself. If you have a sense of humor, use it! Most people like that. You want to come across as a likeable, humorous guy, who can also help webmasters with their site.
Most of this is sound advice, but I have to point out a few important mistakes Because every page on your web site is a possible entrance to your site, I would advice you to do both. Have the information on the main page, but also on the about page. Use a slightly different wording in order to keep it unique enough to receive some Google love in terms of placement and ranking. Any page on a web site should be perceived as "real estate" and commercial "real estate", unused represents dead capital, so do both, and maximize your chances of attracting the eyeballs on it. Not from the website but certainly from the search engine listings. Bad advice there bro! An about page may not get many hits compared to the index, but every extra visitor is exactly that an extra visitor, who might be your next client.
I always visit the about page. I want to know who is behind the site, product or service offering. I want to know why they do what they do and why they feel qualified to do it. When it comes to the home page, within a second or two it should be obvious to the visitor what you are offering i.e. are you a content writer, a book editor or copywriter. It should be sales oriented and short. The about me page is where you can go into details about your training, professional experience and skill set. Here's two blog entries I've written on how to write about me pages. They are geared towards professional crafters but most of the points are valid for writers as well. Writing About Me Webpages Why You Need an About Me Page
Always try to include as many samples as possible as well as testimonials from any previous employers you might've had.
Edwardsjanet reminded me of something: Even if you get positive comments from, say, a message board, use them also! Put in the link to that source. If you had a simple positive comment from, say, a coworker, use that also. "That's a pretty good idea." Form it to read: "...that's a pretty good idea...." And make sure the best ones are on the homepage. Get their attention, interest going, right then and there.
I use professional writers for my website all the time. What I don't like to see is a long resume, rather a summary page with relevant info. If I have to spend 10 minutes to learn about the person, I usually move on.
As long as you have the important keys to the About Me page like; who you are, your expertises (and tell something your experiences in your expertise) and your contact details. however,t he about page of a personal blog would be quite different than that of an ecommerce store.Just remember who your visitors are and what they want/need to know about you or your company.
So do stalkers and other idiots. I still prefer a contact form on a site over my details. You won't believe some of the crap I receive on the email address in my signature
My advice will be not very long) Don't write much, try to accomodate all useful information in not very long article because peole wont to know the most important things about you, not more, and you have to understand it clearly!
Thank, everyone. It all sounds like good advice. I've got the first draft of a page, now I just have to put it all together.
Don't forget to include your photo if you are handsome or your looks convey some good feature like trustworthiness, confidence, smartness, professionalism or something like that. If your looks convey some trait that is associated with the field that you are writing for/about, all the better. For example, you are a handsome young man and you happen to specialize in writing dating articles.