Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Turn a Squidoo How-To Lens Into an EHow Article
Do you have a lens that explains how to do something? If so, it will be simple to use that same information to create an article on the how-to site called eHow.
Since you've already done the research and you've written about what you learned, the time-consuming part of the job is already done. Just take that information and rewrite it with an introduction and step-by-step instructions in the required format of an eHow article.
Writing an eHow article is very simple as the form for the article is presented to you in fill-in-the-blank stages. First you'll choose a name for the article (keep your keywords in mind), choose a picture for the article, then you'll list the items that are needed for the project (if that applies). Next, divide the project into logical steps and write those short steps in the boxes that eHow provides on its form. You can add a picture with each step, too, if you want.
Next, add a bulleted list of tips and warnings; again the form makes it easy. At the end you can add resources to provide more information for the reader. It's fine to include your original lens link as a resource.
That's all there is to it! EHow is free to join and they pay you based on the click-outs to ads that your article generates. Of course, hopefully you will also be paid in visits to your Squidoo lens resulting from clicks on your link.
You can join eHow here. Check out this article that I wrote based on a section included in this lens to see what the how-to format looks like, then take a look at your own lenses. I'm guessing you'll find a few topics that can be translated into a money-making article on eHow. Lather, rinse and repeat to create another residual income stream on a platform that's fun and easy to use.
Since you've already done the research and you've written about what you learned, the time-consuming part of the job is already done. Just take that information and rewrite it with an introduction and step-by-step instructions in the required format of an eHow article.
Writing an eHow article is very simple as the form for the article is presented to you in fill-in-the-blank stages. First you'll choose a name for the article (keep your keywords in mind), choose a picture for the article, then you'll list the items that are needed for the project (if that applies). Next, divide the project into logical steps and write those short steps in the boxes that eHow provides on its form. You can add a picture with each step, too, if you want.
Next, add a bulleted list of tips and warnings; again the form makes it easy. At the end you can add resources to provide more information for the reader. It's fine to include your original lens link as a resource.
That's all there is to it! EHow is free to join and they pay you based on the click-outs to ads that your article generates. Of course, hopefully you will also be paid in visits to your Squidoo lens resulting from clicks on your link.
You can join eHow here. Check out this article that I wrote based on a section included in this lens to see what the how-to format looks like, then take a look at your own lenses. I'm guessing you'll find a few topics that can be translated into a money-making article on eHow. Lather, rinse and repeat to create another residual income stream on a platform that's fun and easy to use.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A Lensography by Any Other Name . . .
One of my newest lenses, Essentials for Survival, is being developed as a lensography for my survival series of lenses, of which I have two so far. I don't mention the word "lensography" at all, but each new lens will be incorporated here to support the topic, as well as to support the blog of the same name.
I've never done it this way before, but it's kind of nice to start the lensography early. It'll be easy to keep up, plus it makes my commitment to the niche more serious. I'm determined to keep it up!
Do you have a new niche? Does it have a lensography? Share it here!
I've never done it this way before, but it's kind of nice to start the lensography early. It'll be easy to keep up, plus it makes my commitment to the niche more serious. I'm determined to keep it up!
Do you have a new niche? Does it have a lensography? Share it here!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Keyword Research for Squidoo - Is It Really Key?
Whew! I've been spending a good deal of the afternoon doing keyword research for some new Squidoo lenses that I'm planning. It's a lot of work!
I've come to the conclusion, though, that even though it's worth the time to do keyword research, sometimes you just have to stop and make the lens already! I knew little to nothing about keyword research when I made some of my most successful lenses and they're still doing well. Of course there are the others that could use a makeover of the "tags" field . . .
There are plenty of resources on Squidoo that help teach how to do keyword research on Squidoo - check out this search if you don't believe me - but certainly it's far more fun to just put a lens together. I think the 80/20 rule applies here: Spend 80 percent of your time researching and 20 percent of your time actually making the lens. Then spend 80 percent of the rest of your time promoting the lens, but that's a subject for another day.
How do you feel about keyword research for Squidoo? Do you bother with it? How much time do you spend researching keywords? Is it worth it? Leave a comment; I'd love to know what you think.
I've come to the conclusion, though, that even though it's worth the time to do keyword research, sometimes you just have to stop and make the lens already! I knew little to nothing about keyword research when I made some of my most successful lenses and they're still doing well. Of course there are the others that could use a makeover of the "tags" field . . .
There are plenty of resources on Squidoo that help teach how to do keyword research on Squidoo - check out this search if you don't believe me - but certainly it's far more fun to just put a lens together. I think the 80/20 rule applies here: Spend 80 percent of your time researching and 20 percent of your time actually making the lens. Then spend 80 percent of the rest of your time promoting the lens, but that's a subject for another day.
How do you feel about keyword research for Squidoo? Do you bother with it? How much time do you spend researching keywords? Is it worth it? Leave a comment; I'd love to know what you think.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Facebook Fan Pages - Do You Have One?
In order to help separate personal and business on Facebook, many Squidoo lensmasters are creating Facebook fan pages. These fan pages are similar to a regular page; you can add photos, links, discussions, and more while keeping everything oriented to your Squidoo business.
To create a fan page for yourself, start here. Add your Squidoo avatar so people will recognize you, then add other pertinent links and information.
Once you've created your Squidoo-related fan page, feel free to post the link in a comment here. You can also post it to a plexo on this lens, kindly provided by lensmaster JenniferAkers.
Here's my link. I hope you'll become a fan!
To create a fan page for yourself, start here. Add your Squidoo avatar so people will recognize you, then add other pertinent links and information.
Once you've created your Squidoo-related fan page, feel free to post the link in a comment here. You can also post it to a plexo on this lens, kindly provided by lensmaster JenniferAkers.
Here's my link. I hope you'll become a fan!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Share a Tribute to Someone Special on Squidoo
Does a family member or close friend have a special occasion coming up? For a totally unique gift, one you and they can share with the world, make a tribute page on Squidoo!
Lensmaster SadieCope made this lens as a Christmas gift for her parents. The stories and memories that she shares are interesting to read and, I am positive, precious gifts to her lucky family.
Lensmaster tandemonimom made a special tribute lens for her grandmother's 100th birthday, definitely a noteworthy occasion. The outstanding pictures on this lens help tell Grannie's story, as well as that of the entire family tree. Making it even more special was the fact that this was tandemonimom's 100th lens on Squidoo!
One grandmother on Squidoo that most long-time lensmasters know well is lensmaster JaguarJulie's grandmother, Julia Nagy, who namesake Julie features on this special Superhero lens.
If you're not comfortable sharing your family stories with the world, consider starting with a four-legged family member. This very touching lens by lensmaster mukunda22 features some extra-special family pets.
If you're looking for a topic for your next lens, start by looking at home. Valentine's Day is coming up. Perhaps your beloved would appreciate a special tribute on Squidoo, guaranteed less fattening than any box of chocolates!
Lensmaster SadieCope made this lens as a Christmas gift for her parents. The stories and memories that she shares are interesting to read and, I am positive, precious gifts to her lucky family.
Lensmaster tandemonimom made a special tribute lens for her grandmother's 100th birthday, definitely a noteworthy occasion. The outstanding pictures on this lens help tell Grannie's story, as well as that of the entire family tree. Making it even more special was the fact that this was tandemonimom's 100th lens on Squidoo!
One grandmother on Squidoo that most long-time lensmasters know well is lensmaster JaguarJulie's grandmother, Julia Nagy, who namesake Julie features on this special Superhero lens.
If you're not comfortable sharing your family stories with the world, consider starting with a four-legged family member. This very touching lens by lensmaster mukunda22 features some extra-special family pets.
If you're looking for a topic for your next lens, start by looking at home. Valentine's Day is coming up. Perhaps your beloved would appreciate a special tribute on Squidoo, guaranteed less fattening than any box of chocolates!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Squidoo Lensmasters Helping Haiti
If you're a Squidoo lensmaster and you want to do something to help with the Haitian earthquake relief effort, here's a simple solution for you.
Make a new lens or simply change the charity settings on an existing lens so that 100 percent of the proceeds from the lens go to the Squidoo-approved charity, Hope for Haiti. Then, add your Help for Haiti lens to the plexo on the RocketMoms Help for Haiti lens. You don't have to be a RocketMom to participate, but the lens you add must be set to designate all proceeds to this particular charity. Make sure you add a donation module to the lens so people will know its purpose and to provide a way to make direct donations to this fine charity as well.
Charity is at the heart of Squidoo, and helping others in need is in the heart of many of our lensmasters, so this is a perfect match. Pass the word and let's see if we can get the total number of Hope for Haiti lenses above 100. Every little bit helps and the people of Haiti right now need all the help they can get.
Make a new lens or simply change the charity settings on an existing lens so that 100 percent of the proceeds from the lens go to the Squidoo-approved charity, Hope for Haiti. Then, add your Help for Haiti lens to the plexo on the RocketMoms Help for Haiti lens. You don't have to be a RocketMom to participate, but the lens you add must be set to designate all proceeds to this particular charity. Make sure you add a donation module to the lens so people will know its purpose and to provide a way to make direct donations to this fine charity as well.
Charity is at the heart of Squidoo, and helping others in need is in the heart of many of our lensmasters, so this is a perfect match. Pass the word and let's see if we can get the total number of Hope for Haiti lenses above 100. Every little bit helps and the people of Haiti right now need all the help they can get.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Kindle Is Number One!
Cool news My Kindle lens reached the number one spot on Squidoo this week. Hooray! That's a fabulous milestone, one that's getting harder and harder to achieve. The lens has always done well on its own, with decent traffic, clickouts, and sales, but I know that a recent angel blessing helped push it toward the top and to that angel I am very appreciative!
I've gotten a lot of comments on the Kindle lens recently from people who received a Kindle for Christmas, as well as those who really, really want one. It's nice to hear from satisfied Kindle customers, both present and future. I really enjoy my own Kindle and use it every day, reading far more than I did before I got it.
If you have a Kindle, make sure to check the bestsellers list regularly in the Kindle store and look for free books. Yesterday I downloaded a free daily devotional, a perfect addition to my daily Kindle reading. (Here's a link
, but it's free for a limited time only so be sure to check the price before making your purchase.)Here's to a year of good reading in 2010, Kindle style, and here's to more #1 lenses in the future for us all!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Focus and Promote: My 2010 Goals for Squidoo
It seems everyone is writing about goals, which seems to be a less dangerous subject than resolutions, so I figured I'd throw in my52cents' worth.
I'm really looking forward to the potential that lies within Squidoo in the coming year. I'm determined to put quality over quantity when it comes to lensmaking, focusing on profit, a necessity for me this year more than ever. I have a little sign on my computer that says "Focus and Promote," something I got from Paul Duxbury. When I narrow down my goals to something simple, that phrase, which also summarizes my two weak points, is the result.
In 2010, I plan to focus my lenses in profitable subject areas. That means that I will likely divest myself of some of my older lenses, mostly those in which I've lost interest. It'll be tough getting rid of my little offspring, but I believe the time has come to find them new homes with lensmasters who can nurture them better than I. If you're interested, watch for lenses for sale in the coming weeks and months.
In 2010, I must learn to promote. Of course I know the basics, but I must draw up a plan and discipline myself to stick with it. As well as some of my lenses produced during the Christmas sales season with virtually no promotion on my part, it pains me to think of the sales I missed because I hadn't spent time promoting them in the preceding months. There's no reason I can't have a Christmas month (or close to it) every month, and that is the goal. Blog posts, articles, and forum participation must become priorities this year if I'm serious about improving my bottom line.
In all of the focusing and promoting, a huge and very important part will be contributing to the Squidoo community. I hope you will stick with me here on the blog and that I'll be able to provide you with information and tips that will help you reach your 2010 goals as well.
Happy New Year to all, and to all a focused and profitable year with Squidoo and all the possibilities that spring from it!
I'm really looking forward to the potential that lies within Squidoo in the coming year. I'm determined to put quality over quantity when it comes to lensmaking, focusing on profit, a necessity for me this year more than ever. I have a little sign on my computer that says "Focus and Promote," something I got from Paul Duxbury. When I narrow down my goals to something simple, that phrase, which also summarizes my two weak points, is the result.
In 2010, I plan to focus my lenses in profitable subject areas. That means that I will likely divest myself of some of my older lenses, mostly those in which I've lost interest. It'll be tough getting rid of my little offspring, but I believe the time has come to find them new homes with lensmasters who can nurture them better than I. If you're interested, watch for lenses for sale in the coming weeks and months.
In 2010, I must learn to promote. Of course I know the basics, but I must draw up a plan and discipline myself to stick with it. As well as some of my lenses produced during the Christmas sales season with virtually no promotion on my part, it pains me to think of the sales I missed because I hadn't spent time promoting them in the preceding months. There's no reason I can't have a Christmas month (or close to it) every month, and that is the goal. Blog posts, articles, and forum participation must become priorities this year if I'm serious about improving my bottom line.
In all of the focusing and promoting, a huge and very important part will be contributing to the Squidoo community. I hope you will stick with me here on the blog and that I'll be able to provide you with information and tips that will help you reach your 2010 goals as well.
Happy New Year to all, and to all a focused and profitable year with Squidoo and all the possibilities that spring from it!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Squidoo Step by Step Guidebook
Is "Earn more money on Squidoo" on your list of new year resolutions? If so, boy are you in luck.
A group of generous professional Squidoo lensmasters has teamed up to produce an ebook, the Squidoo Step by Step Guidebook, to give you all the information you need to know to help make Squidoo lenses and to make them in such a way that you will get traffic and you will make more money on Squidoo.
Whether you need a checklist to learn to build your very first Squidoo lens or if you're looking for keyword and lens promotion tips for your existing lenses, this amazingly concise little book fits the bill. Honestly, I am impressed and I don't impress easily.
Find out where to download this f-r-ee ebook and learn about the associated Ning group that supports it on the Squidoo Step by Step lens. Here's to Squid-prosperity to all in the coming year!
A group of generous professional Squidoo lensmasters has teamed up to produce an ebook, the Squidoo Step by Step Guidebook, to give you all the information you need to know to help make Squidoo lenses and to make them in such a way that you will get traffic and you will make more money on Squidoo.
Whether you need a checklist to learn to build your very first Squidoo lens or if you're looking for keyword and lens promotion tips for your existing lenses, this amazingly concise little book fits the bill. Honestly, I am impressed and I don't impress easily.
Find out where to download this f-r-ee ebook and learn about the associated Ning group that supports it on the Squidoo Step by Step lens. Here's to Squid-prosperity to all in the coming year!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Cancer Warrior and More
Pardon my being sidetracked lately, but a lot is going on in my personal life. I'll pick up here as my mind and body allow. Thanks to every single person who is supporting me in my new role as Cancer Warrior. I couldn't do it without you.
In the meantime, there's so much going on at Squidoo! I hope you've subscribed to the SquidBlog and Lens of the Day blog and are keeping up, especially, with Squidoo's Thanksgiving Cookoff for Charity. Great lenses are being created and lots of money is being donated to deserving charities. It's an exciting time of the year. Enjoy!
In the meantime, there's so much going on at Squidoo! I hope you've subscribed to the SquidBlog and Lens of the Day blog and are keeping up, especially, with Squidoo's Thanksgiving Cookoff for Charity. Great lenses are being created and lots of money is being donated to deserving charities. It's an exciting time of the year. Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Hot Dog! What a Lens!
Did you see today's Lens of the Day? It's Hotdog Halloween Costumes for the Whole Family by lensmaster luvmyludwig (Crystal). I think it's a brilliant sales lens, very well done with great content and keyword placement. Notice the black boxes dividing the sections and how Crystal included the best keywords shoppers are using to to find hotdog costumes for every member of the family. I checked "hotdog halloween costume" and the lens is on page 1 of Google!
I also like what Crystal included with the hot dog costumes. The ketchup and mustard costumes, the hot dog candy, a couple of videos, and a short link list plus just a few other things that fit her topic well but with the most important items at the top. I've seen so many lenses recently with a great main topic but that veer off into some other items that just don't fit. This lens is such a great example of what to include and what to leave off.
That's what I think. What do you think?
I also like what Crystal included with the hot dog costumes. The ketchup and mustard costumes, the hot dog candy, a couple of videos, and a short link list plus just a few other things that fit her topic well but with the most important items at the top. I've seen so many lenses recently with a great main topic but that veer off into some other items that just don't fit. This lens is such a great example of what to include and what to leave off.
That's what I think. What do you think?
Friday, October 23, 2009
Learn Squidoo in a Week
This is the "Try-It Week" for RocketMoms that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago; today is the last day.
On the RocketMoms forum, Bonnie (bdkz) presented a written lesson a day, along with supportive lenses. (Like me, Bonnie doesn't like to reinvent the wheel.) Today she published a lens that includes the five lessons with their associated homework lenses. The only thing you don't get on the lens is the great group discussions that followed on the forum.
Here's the Try RocketMoms lens. It's an outstanding teaching/learning tool. Whether you're a Squidoo newbie or you've been around for awhile, I would like to encourage you to browse the lens and then go back and visit, study, and apply the homework lenses. I guarantee you will learn some things you didn't know, well worth setting aside part of five days to really learn Squidoo.
On the RocketMoms forum, Bonnie (bdkz) presented a written lesson a day, along with supportive lenses. (Like me, Bonnie doesn't like to reinvent the wheel.) Today she published a lens that includes the five lessons with their associated homework lenses. The only thing you don't get on the lens is the great group discussions that followed on the forum.
Here's the Try RocketMoms lens. It's an outstanding teaching/learning tool. Whether you're a Squidoo newbie or you've been around for awhile, I would like to encourage you to browse the lens and then go back and visit, study, and apply the homework lenses. I guarantee you will learn some things you didn't know, well worth setting aside part of five days to really learn Squidoo.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
What You See is What You Get
A couple of important items to share.
The new Squidoo WYSIWYG editor is here. You'll find it in the intro module of your lenses. Very cool. Try it and see if you like it.
I hope you're following Gil on Twitter. Good way to help keep up with news, changes, and resolution of problems. Better yet, download the SquidUtils toolbar, which follows Gil automatically. It's the only way to see at a glance when there's Squidoo news and when lensrank has been updated. The toolbar also provides quick links to your lenses and access to tools you didn't even know you needed, helping you to become a more efficient lensmaster. Once you've used the SquidUtils toolbar, you'll never want to be without it.
That's all for now. Carry on.
The new Squidoo WYSIWYG editor is here. You'll find it in the intro module of your lenses. Very cool. Try it and see if you like it.
I hope you're following Gil on Twitter. Good way to help keep up with news, changes, and resolution of problems. Better yet, download the SquidUtils toolbar, which follows Gil automatically. It's the only way to see at a glance when there's Squidoo news and when lensrank has been updated. The toolbar also provides quick links to your lenses and access to tools you didn't even know you needed, helping you to become a more efficient lensmaster. Once you've used the SquidUtils toolbar, you'll never want to be without it.
That's all for now. Carry on.
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Journal of the Traveling Squid Goes Hollywood
I wrote before about the JaguarJulie-led project, The Journal of the Traveling Squid and the two journals and Giant Squid t-shirts that are circling the globe, fueled by lensmasters and creativity, propelled by goodwill. The U.S. journal has now reached Hollywood!
Lensmaster Kim Giancaterino took the journal on a fabulous tour, fully documented with great pictures and commentary in her new, purple star-awarded lens, The Journal of the Traveling Squid Goes Hollywood. From Grauman's Chinese Theater to the famous Hollywood sign, the giant t-shirt has been there; the proof is in the pictures.
When it comes time to auction off the Traveling Squid package for charity, surely the fact that Cary Grant's hand prints touched the t-shirt will add to its value, don't you think?
Hooray for Hollywood!
Lensmaster Kim Giancaterino took the journal on a fabulous tour, fully documented with great pictures and commentary in her new, purple star-awarded lens, The Journal of the Traveling Squid Goes Hollywood. From Grauman's Chinese Theater to the famous Hollywood sign, the giant t-shirt has been there; the proof is in the pictures.
When it comes time to auction off the Traveling Squid package for charity, surely the fact that Cary Grant's hand prints touched the t-shirt will add to its value, don't you think?
Hooray for Hollywood!
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