Is Your Squarespace About Page Secretly Sabotaging You?
Your about page is a big deal. It’s often the second most-visited page on your site, and it’s where people decide if they like you, trust you, and want to do business with you. But here’s the thing: many about pages unintentionally turn visitors off instead of drawing them in. Let’s explore how your about page might be sabotaging your success — and how to fix it.
Mistake #1: Talking Only About Yourself
We get it — it’s called the about page. But here’s a harsh truth: your visitors don’t care about your entire life story. What they really want to know is how you can help them. It’s not about you; it’s about what you bring to the table for them.
How to Fix It
Start with your audience. Acknowledge their pain points or goals. For example, instead of saying, “I’ve been a graphic designer for 10 years,” you might say, “I help businesses stand out with custom, eye-catching designs that connect with their audience.”
Frame your experience and accomplishments in a way that shows value. For instance, “Over the past decade, I’ve worked with startups and Fortune 500 companies alike, helping them achieve measurable growth through great design.”
Mistake #2: Bad Photos
Blurry selfies, awkward team photos, or generic stock images? Big no. Your visuals set the tone for your professionalism and personality. If they’re subpar, visitors may question the quality of your work.
How to Fix It
Invest in quality photography: Hire a professional photographer to capture authentic, on-brand images. If that’s not an option, make sure your photos are high-resolution and well-lit.
Show your personality: Your photos should reflect who you are. If you’re quirky and fun, let that shine. If you’re polished and professional, go for clean, sharp images.
Team photos matter: If you have a team, include their photos and short bios. It humanizes your brand and makes your company feel approachable.
Mistake #3: Walls of Text
Nobody visits your about page hoping to read a novel. Long, unbroken paragraphs can overwhelm your audience and lead them to hit the back button.
How to Fix It
Break it up: Use headings, bullet points, and shorter paragraphs to make your content skimmable.
Highlight key points: Use bold text or callouts to emphasize the most important information.
Add visuals: Images, icons, or even a timeline can make your story more engaging.
Mistake #4: Forgetting a Call to Action
What’s the point of your about page if it doesn’t lead visitors to the next step? Too many about pages leave people hanging, unsure of what to do next.
How to Fix It
Include a clear call to action (CTA): Whether it’s encouraging visitors to contact you, check out your portfolio, or sign up for your newsletter, make sure your CTA stands out.
Use action-oriented language: Instead of saying, “Feel free to get in touch,” try, “Let’s create something amazing together. Contact me today!”
Mistake #5: Being Too Formal (or Too Casual)
Finding the right tone can be tricky. Too formal, and you come off as stiff and unapproachable. Too casual, and you risk not being taken seriously.
How to Fix It
Know your audience: Speak in a way that resonates with your ideal clients. If your brand is fun and creative, let that shine through. If you’re targeting corporate clients, keep it professional but friendly.
Read it out loud: If it sounds awkward or unnatural, tweak it until it feels like a conversation.
Mistake #6: Ignoring SEO
Your about page isn’t just for humans; it’s for search engines too. Overlooking SEO can mean missing out on valuable traffic.
How to Fix It
Use keywords strategically: Incorporate relevant keywords into your headings and text, but don’t overdo it.
Optimize images: Add alt text to your photos that includes keywords and describes the content.
Write a meta description: Summarize your about page in 160 characters or less to entice people to click when they find you in search results.
Bonus Tips for About Page Perfection
Tell a Story: People love stories. Share how you got started, what inspires you, or a pivotal moment in your career. Make it relatable and engaging.
Include Social Proof: Add testimonials, awards, or impressive stats to build credibility.
Make it Visual: Use Squarespace’s design tools to create an aesthetically pleasing layout. Incorporate videos, infographics, or timelines to break up text and add interest.
Keep It Updated: Your about page isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation. Regularly revisit and update it to reflect your latest achievements, offerings, or team members.
The Bottom Line
Your Squarespace about page is a golden opportunity to connect with your audience, build trust, and guide visitors toward action. Don’t let it sabotage your success with common mistakes. Take the time to refine your content, invest in visuals, and make it all about your audience — with a dash of you, of course. When done right, your about page can become one of the most powerful tools in your online arsenal.
