Tell Them What You're Going to Tell Them

Do you use the introduction module correctly when you make a Squidoo lens?

If you're not sure, consider this method. When designing your lens, take the approach of, "Tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you told them." This works well in a training environment or for public speakers, and it works well for a Squidoo lens, too.

Use your introduction module as, indeed, an actual introduction to what the lens is about, whether you're presenting information or selling a specific product. Entice your readers with a hint of what's to come. Grab their interest right away or they may not read beyond that first module.

The body of the lens, then, consists of the "meat" of the topic. Present your topic or product and include supporting documentation, polls, Flickr pictures, YouTube videos, related books from Amazon.com and anything else that expounds on the main topic.

Then, summarize the topic toward the end, possibly by reiterating the high points or even by using the guestbook module to ask for input from your readers; i.e., "What do you think about this?"

By telling your readers what to expect, then delivering on the promise and sealing it all with a good summary, you'll be able to hold their attention all the way to the end of the lens. That's the type of lens that keeps readers coming back to you for more.

(Need some examples? This lens and this one are two that generally follow the "Tell them what you're going to tell them" model.)