About page - how personal should you be?

[Former_Member]

I've been trying to figure out how to write the About page for weeks. I've started drafts, only to trash them and start over.

How personal should you be on your about page? How honest?

The story of how I started making jewelry is basically that, I was struggling to cope with my anxiety and I wanted to make something for myself and I was drawn to gemstones for that grounding earth connection and their healing energies. I found it helped me and gave me something to do, so I made more...

But is that really something I should put on my about page?

[Former_Member]

Ouh, I`ve been wondering the same. And finally i just wrote it and published.

I dont know what people think when they see it. Is it trivial? It is not so personal, I hope.

Maybe other can post their about pages and tell us what they think....

[ShopMissElla]

I just did mine yesterday, kept it short and sweet. I like to know a little background but if it's super long I may be put off reading it at all. Yours is great Vanya, I love that you've put your packaging in too. You just need a profile pic but I love your slideshow.

I think a little background is good as long as it's all positive which yours most certainly is Kate!

[Former_Member]

I put some, not much, I'll probably change it at some point, but it works for now.

[Former_Member]

I was just going to say Vanya that you need a profile pic - but Ella beat me to it.

Kate - what would you think, as a buyer, if you read what you're planning to put in your about page? If you're ok with it, and you think your buyers are ok with it - then fine. If you suspect some people might be put off buying (and I can' think why they would be) then don't.

People have different ideas about how personal they wish their etsy experience to be. For me, as someone who does not like dogs one bit, I am put off when I see about pages all about pets, with pets maybe shedding hair all over the product - but others love that (I know, I've been in enough forum threads about it!!)

You can't please all the people all the time

[Former_Member]

It should be as personal as you feel comfortable with; it's meant to reflect *you* after all.
I think a photo is a good idea to show that you're a 'real person' but above that I don't think it's something to sweat blood over.

[HopeAndGracePens]

You want readers to establish a connection. Too short or clinical isn't enough. Too much information (or personal information) may turn people off. Mentioning a "grouding influence" is great, mentioning anxiety or depression may be too much. Like someone said above, keep it positive. I tried to put a little humor in mine (not sure it worked) http://www.etsy.com/people/HopeAndGracePens#

[ShopMissElla]

Yes Heather I was worried about that with putting my cats on. I did put that they aren't allowed near the sewing room or clothes (or even upstairs!) but I am in two minds over whether it's wise. Having said that most of my customers are unsurprisingly cat lovers...

[LauraCColeCo]

Ive seen VERY successful shops that have NOTHING there. Just their name and where they live. I dont read anyones story when I am shopping. Its not really going to change my decision from buying (unless they said their items come from a drug infested home- it doesnt matter to me, personally) so im not sure if they get read alot.

I have some things but it doesnt talk about my husband, kids, dog, and extra activities like some people write. Whatever feels right to you, youll know.

From my experience, having my own photo as my avatar (on my profile) instead of an item or shop avatar, slowed down sales. I tested it many times and everytime I took down the personal photo (I dont think im hideous or anything, HAHA), sales flooded back in where they were stagnant before. Maybe it was a weird coincidence, multiple times, lol but whatever works best for you :).

[Former_Member]

" I did put that they aren't allowed near the sewing room or clothes (or even upstairs!)"

Even doing this (and this highly allergic person thanks you) you still should note that you have a cat home. Some of us buyers appreciate the warning.

[Former_Member]

bowposh totally agree about personal photos as avatar (though I know many think the opposite) but I think it's different in the about page. you'll notice a distinct lack of me though!

[Former_Member]

I put my goals for my shop in my about page, and incorporate a bit of myself in it.

[ShopMissElla]

ahhh Heather I love your profile pic on your about page!

[LoopsAndLines]

Bryce Piper, I like the action photos and your story in your AP.

I check for APs before purchasing. I want to avoid resellers and this is one tool for me.

I agree, inspirational and positive stories are good.

[MariaHelenaDesign]

As a buyer I don't read the About pages, I'm more interested in the products, so I guess that's why I've kept mine short and simple.

As an Etsian I read them out of curiosity whenever I come across a thread like this, but other than that, I hate to admit I've almost completely forgotten them!

[Former_Member]

That's what I've been thinking Maria, that it's only threads like this that get them read - so Lisa, good to hear from you. I have to confess I thought I'd seen a reseller recently, and after checking the about page and work in progress I was embarrassed at my cynicism.

[Former_Member]

I guess my concern is sometimes it feels like there is still a stigma around these kinda of issues... so I worry that even though I focus on the positive and the good and the healing/recovery aspect... that people will focus on the bad...

I mean, I go into my story a little on certain listings, like when I make hope/awareness bracelets.