Ready to Join Squidoo?

Do you have a favorite item that you love, one that you don't hesitate to recommend to people?  Maybe a book, movie, or CD?  Then why not write and publish a review about that particular item?

Squidoo is the perfect place to share reviews and now it's easier than ever to put together a product or book or movie or music review page (we call them "lenses" on Squidoo) and publish it for the world to see. 

If you've thought about joining Squidoo, there's no time like the present to get started.  All you have to do is follow the instructions and links on this page and you can be up and making lenses in mere minutes.  There's a link to use to sign up, links to some sample review lenses, and even a short, easy-to-understand tutorial to show you how to make your very first lens. 

Besides helping people out by sharing your unique point of view on a product, you can also earn money writing on Squidoo, money for yourself or for charity. 

Did I mention that writing for Squidoo is fun?  And it's free?  In fact, everything you need to know about making great lenses on Squidoo can be found on the site and it's all absolutely free.  We even have a "university" for newbies on Squidoo, called RocketSquids.  Once you've gotten started, I'd be thrilled to send you a personal invitation to join RocketSquids.  Just let me know when you're ready.

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, there's no time like the present to get started.  I would absolutely love for you to join us and can't wait to read your first lens.  Ready?  Go!

Where to Find Answers to Your Squidoo Questions

I haven't been posting to this blog as often as I should, but that doesn't mean I'm not writing about how to Squidoo. 

Most of my writing these days is done for RocketSquids, the members-only "boot camp" on Squidoo that's designed for new lensmasters who want the inside track on how to make great lenses.  If you're new to Squidoo and want to get on the fast track to Giant Squid, then RocketSquids is the place to be.  You can read more and sign up at this link. 

I also contribute to the official Squidoo blog, SquidooHQ, with occasional tips posts and frequent interviews with up-and-coming new Squid talent.  If you haven't checked out HQ lately, you might be surprised at all the helpful resources that are offered there.  What's more, everything is free.  There's no reason for anyone ever to pay to learn how to succeed on Squidoo. Between RocketSquids and the Squidoo Learning Center, and of course the official forum, it's easy to find answers.

It didn't take long after I signed on to Squidoo over six years ago for the teacher in me to rise to the surface, offering help to other lensmasters through posts on this blog and more private messages than I can count.  I'm just thrilled to be able to help in an official capacity now. 

I love to answer Squidoo questions and offer help wherever it's needed.  So if you're stuck or just want a second opinion on a lens, feel free to let me know.  I'm still around.

Where to Find the Best Squidoo Tips

Want to learn more about Squidoo and how to make great lenses?  Then check out tips like these on the SquidooHQ blog.

All this time I should have been writing (and intended to write) tips like these right here on my own blog, but (no excuses) it seems I just didn't get here nearly as often as I intended.  Now, though, I'm writing tips (among other things) for the SQHQ blog on a regular basis and really enjoying both the writing and the feedback. 

The longer I'm on Squidoo, the more I discover that Squidoo (including the HQ blog) really is the best place to learn about Squidoo.

I'll keep writing here and I hope you'll keep reading.  Just don't overlook the source of all the excitement and information, and the best tips ever, Squidoo itself. 

Everyone's an Expert

Everyone's an expert (on something) and Squidoo was created as a platform for any one of those everyones to promote their cause, share their expertise, spread their influence.

If you're not entirely sure what all that means, take about 10 minutes and read Everyone's an Expert (On Something), the e-book by Seth Godin, the book that explains what Squidoo is really all about.

If you're serious about Squidoo, read this little book.  You'll learn about focusing and about why Squidoo isn't a blog.  You'll learn how to deliver what users (web surfers) want and how to get those same users to take action.  You'll re-learn, or maybe actually learn for the first time, how to be a lensmaster. 

Blast Off With RocketSquids

Heard of RocketMoms on Squidoo?  Then you know how successful lensmasters can be when they learn together and support each other.

Now, meet RocketSquids, the latest innovation by Squidoo, especially designed for new-ish lensmasters, those with at least a couple of lenses but fewer than 25.

If you fall into that Squid-demographic and want to learn from some of the best lensmasters on Squidoo how to do what they do, then join us!

Here's more information from MomWithAHook, one of the RocketSquids mentors.

Sales Lenses vs Product Review Lenses: What's the Difference and Why Should You Care?

I really like today's SquidBlog post, written by Robin about Brenda's recommendation of Katinka's lens about her favorite office chair.  But enough name dropping.  Let me get to the point.

Robin points out that to create a good, well-written "sales" lens, don't think sales.  Think product recommendation.

What do you as a consumer want to learn from a product review or recommendation?  You probably want to know a lot about the product, including details and specs, but you probably also want to know how a real person feels about that product.  I know that I am far more comfortable shopping based on personal recommendations than from "facts" that oftentimes sound as if they've been translated from a foreign language by a computer.

I agree with Brenda and Robin.  Katinka did a fabulous job presenting the product in her lens, covering both the technical aspects and the psychological or emotional aspects in a way that not only makes for a quality lens but is very likely to convert readers to customers.  Read the blog post, then visit the lens if you're interested in learning how to write a product recommendation or review lens that people will actually want to read.

Hooked By a Renaissance Woman

Have you seen today's Lens of the Day?  Take a look.

This is a wonderful example of a unique, useful lens.  Full of original content, personal stories, and passion.  And a hook.

The author can easily expand this lens if she wants to, updating it with more questions and answers (as Kimberly explained in her LOTD blog write-up).  I hope that's all she adds.

Notice that there's only one sales module in the body of the lens, a nice selection of books that follow her story.  She does have a couple of items on the right sidebar.  They're applicable to her topic but had she placed them in the body of the lens, I think they would have detracted greatly from her simple living topic. 

When I read this lens, I found myself wanting to know more about the author, so I clicked on her bio.  That took me to another of her Renaissance lenses that also included some well-presented, wisely-chosen books.  Not too much, but just enough.  Again, simple and uncluttered, complementing her lifestyle.  Very nicely done.

I can imagine this series expanding with the addition of how-to lenses on self-discovery, self-sufficiency, and survival topics. I don't know what her plans are, but I suspect that as she writes more lenses, those topics will be her choices since they seem to be her life.  I hope so.  I'm hooked and I want to read more. 

Do you have a passion or a hobby or a lifestyle or even a business to share?  Make a lens.  Make it unique.  Keep it simple.  Hook someone on you so they'll want more.

Lensmasters, This is a Great Lens

"Gentlemen, this is a football."   It is said that at the beginning of every season, legendary football coach Vince Lombardi would open the first team meeting with that statement.  Of course his players knew what a football was, but the point was to remind them of the importance of never losing sight of the basics.  It's a lesson that applies to many aspects of life, including making lenses on Squidoo.

When you're planning your next Squidoo lens, stop for a minute and think of the basics of good lenscrafting. Will your lens contain useful, up-to-date information?  Will you make the lens unique by injecting into the lens your experiences and your passion for the subject?  If not, it might be a good idea to go back to the drawing board and re-think your plan.

The difference between a mediocre lens and a good lens should be obvious.  The difference between a good lens and a great lens is rooted in the basics of excellent lenscrafting.   Remember those basics so that when it's time to click the "Publish" button  you'll be able to proudly say to yourself, "Lensmaster, this is a great lens!"

P.S.  If you need to review the basics of crafting great lenses on Squidoo, take a look right here.

Speaking of Squidoo Video Tutorials

Yesterday I posted a video tutorial that I made about lensrolling on Squidoo. Today, I'd like to point you to The Official Squidoo Channel on YouTube.

Topics covered by the Squid Staff so far include how to send a Squidcast, how to sign up for Squidoo, how to use the Zazzle module, an explanation and demonstration of Squidoo sidebar widgets, and more.  

If you're among those who like to learn by watching video demonstrations, then you might want to subscribe to Squidoo's YouTube channel.  Consider subscribing to my channel, too, so you don't miss my "learn to Squidoo" video tutorials as they're added.  Even if you don't want to subscribe, I strongly recommend that you open an account on YouTube to claim your online brand name - before somebody else does (it happens).  Then let me know when you make your first video to use on a lens on Squidoo!

How and Why to Lensroll Lenses on Squidoo

This video shows you, step by step, how to lensroll a lens on Squidoo.



For more information, check out this lens.

Which way do you prefer learning, from a video or from reading an explanation on a lens?  Please let me know in a comment below!

How to Sell Expensive Items on Squidoo

Someone asked me yesterday how to write a lens about an item that is higher priced but still affordable so they could increase their income from Squidoo.  Thought I'd share my answer here.

The simple answer is that you write about expensive items the exact same way you write about lower priced items. You provide the UUU (useful, updated, unique) content but choose a higher priced item that people actually buy.  To find one, go to Amazon.com and look at the bestsellers in the categories that you like writing about. Find a higher priced item that appeals to you, research it, and make a lens about it.

A fact I try to remember is this: Just because I can't afford it doesn't mean nobody can afford it. If it's a bestseller on Amazon, that means people are buying it - so somebody can afford it! I couldn't afford a Kindle when they first came out, but it appealed to me so I researched it, wrote about it, provided what at that time was very unique information about it, and I sold enough of them through my lenses that I could afford to buy one for myself!  No reason you can't choose any other popular item and do the same thing.

Keep your lens very oriented to that one particular item, make the information worthwhile (useful), put your own spin on it (unique) and people will find your lens. The method isn't foolproof, but you have nothing to lose by choosing an expensive item to promote. If it doesn't work, try it again.  If it does work, by all means try it again and watch your income grow! 

Do you sell expensive items on Squidoo?  I'd love to hear about your experience in a comment below. 

Two Thousand Squidoo Goals for 2011

Someone earned $2000 this payout on Squidoo.  Now, that's a noteworthy accomplishment.  In her topic of the day on the SquidU forum, Kimberly asked how earning $2000 a month would change your life, and she asked what you're going to do to make it happen.  That got me to thinking about goals for 2011.

I've already decided that I need to do more to give back to the Squidoo community.  There's a rule of life, called the law of reciprocity, that the more you (unselfishly) give, the more you get in return.  In terms of income, it's tempting for me to make lots of lenses to promote affiliate products, but there's really very little sharing in that.  Logically, it seems that the more I use my own affiliate links, the more money I should make.  And it's true that I've made a lot more this year than last with personal affiliate earnings.  But I have to wonder what I'm missing as I more frequently bypass the modules that are designed for sharing revenue with Squidoo.

I've always told new lensmasters that Squidoo provides their fabulous platform to us for free and that it's my opinion that we should honor that by donating a portion of our lenses' earnings to charity, through Squidoo.  I also believe that we should use at least an occasional revenue sharing module on each lens even when we use our own associate links (Amazon being the prime example).    I was really happy when the right-margin module option was added to our lenses; that's such a quick and easy way to spotlight an Amazon item or two (or three) and, frankly, it's an easy way to honor the revenue sharing relationship.  While I'm doing all these things, though, I still feel that there's something I'm missing.

Could I give more?  Could you?  We each have to answer that question for ourselves, but I know I'm going to be thinking hard about it that law of reciprocity and acting accordingly.  Whether I'll get to the $2000 mark or not, time will tell.  But I know I'm going to feel better about myself for trying.

How about you?  Any thoughts about your 2011 goals that you'd like to share?

P.S.  The law of reciprocity applies to more than money.  Giving of your time and talents pays off in great rewards, too.  Just something else to think about.

Social Squidoo: More than Just a Fan Club

Lensmaster ideadesigns became my 900th fan on Squidoo the other day and left a comment to let me know.  I was honored and truly appreciated the kind comment. 

Do you join fan clubs on Squidoo?  I hope you do.  And I hope you leave comments on lots of lenses, too.  Sincere comments.  Did you know that now you can leave comments on profile pages?  I love that new feature, great for a general comment to the lensmaster as opposed to a lens-specific comment.  Comments are wonderful tools for building social relationships on Squidoo.

Have you looked at your profile page lately?  If you haven't, take a look at the new design.  It includes your bio and lens list on the left with a comment area below and a "trophy cabinet" on the upper right followed by a few profile stats  - including the number of lenses you've rated and how many you've favorited. Do you look at those numbers on other people's profiles?  I do.  It's a great way to gauge how active that lensmaster is within the Squidoo community.

The importance of the social element of Squidoo is something that some lensmasters overlook.  In fact, the profile page provides a great opportunity to make a good impression, so its contents (specifically the bio) should be well thought out and written in a way that complements and promotes your online brand and reputation. Try to give your readers a glimpse of the real you, the person behind the lenses.  Don't lose out on the opportunity to start a great relationship with each visitor who takes the time to read your profile page.

Relationships are important in social networking, so open up to others, leave a few comments and join a few new fan clubs every day on Squidoo.  The investment in time could be a great investment in the future of your online business, even well beyond Squidoo.

What I Learned From My Purple Star Lenses

Today I completed an exercise of going back through all of my purple star lenses, adding each of them to a new lens, a purple star lensography of sorts. After I was finished, I realized that I had learned something very important about myself and about crafting lenses.

What I learned isn't anything new. In fact, it's something that many of us offer as good advice to new lensmasters on a regular basis. That advice? Make lenses from your heart.

Another way of stating it is to write lenses on topics you're passionate about, things that mean something to you. The reason that is good advice is that the end result is meaningful and, almost always, of a higher quality than when you write about something to which you have no personal connection.

Of my 14 purple star lenses, almost all of them are what I would judge as very good to excellent lenses. There are a couple that, frankly, I'd place in the "good" category; I'm not so sure they quite measure up to "very good." And it turns out that the best of the best are on topics that I felt passionate about or had a strong personal connection to at the time they were written. The just "good" lenses, not so much.

Of course I know that I'm not able to judge my own lenses totally objectively, but after three-plus years on Squidoo I know an excellent lens when I see one, even if it is my own. I know how to recognize a "good" lens, too.

My point, which I'm not sure I'm stating very clearly, is that if quality matters to you, if you want to make a truly great lens, then put the money motive on the back burner and choose a subject that is really, truly close to your heart. If just "good" is good enough (and sometimes it is good enough), then settle for a subject that will meet some other goal or objective, such as increasing your earnings.

As for me, from now on I'm going to weigh more carefully my passions and my motives when I choose a topic for a lens and do my best to make each lens purple star-worthy by injecting into it a little piece of my heart.

What's Your Best Tip for a Newbie on Squidoo?

I'm very happy that two of my local friends are now lensmasters on Squidoo.  It's fun to know other "squids" in real life!

Today, both are coming to the house and we're going to be talking about building a business online with an emphasis on how to Squidoo.  (Gotta love "Squidoo" as a verb.)  There are some things that I want to make sure they know as they start out, but I want to know what other lensmasters think is important for a new lensmaster to know.

I'd love if you'd leave a comment here giving your one best piece of advice for a new lensmaster on Squidoo.  I'll make sure to pass your Squidoo tips along to my friends and I'll report back later to let you know how they're doing.

Thanks!

What the Lens of the Day is Lacking

If you're a Squidoo lensmaster, you're probably familiar with the Lens of the Day (LOTD) award. Each weekday (or so) an outstanding lens is chosen to receive the LOTD honor. The lens is featured on the official Squidoo Lens of the Day blog as well as on the left sidebar of each lensmaster's dashboard.

So, what is the Lens of the Day program lacking? For one thing, nominations! Did you know that lenses chosen for the honor are nominated by lensmasters? In fact, it's okay to nominate your own lens although, in the spirit of Squidoo, supporting other lensmasters by nominating their great lenses is looked upon very favorably (and doing so makes you feel good, too). So why does Kimberly sometimes have a difficult time finding lenses deserving of the honor? Two reasons. First, she receives only a few nominations a day. And second, many of the nominated lenses are rejected for either important ommissions or commissions of a serious Squidoo no-no.

You might be surprised to learn what many lensmasters leave off of an otherwise excellent lens. No, it isn't a guesbook. That's not required, although it's certainly missed when it isn't on a lens. Want to guess again? Never mind, I'll tell you. It's a lensmaster picture (or avatar) and bio. Quite surprising, eh? It was to me. As explained in my Squidoo Somebody lens, it's easy to upload an avatar and write a default biography that will appear on all of your Squidoo lenses. Surprising how many lensmasters apparently don't bother. Going one step further by customizing the bio to complement the lens's topic may carry a bit of weight in the selection process, too.

To learn more about what constitutes a LOTD-worthy lens, read and heed Megan's lens, The Secret Life of Lens of the Day. Upload your avatar and bio, create lenses with useful, unique, and updated content, delete unusued lens modules, rename default module titles, write from the heart, and you may be the next proud lensmaster to receive a Lens of the Day honor. While you're at it, don't hesitate to nominate great lenses that meet LOTD criteria. Go ahead. Make someone's day.

How to Research Keywords - Learn How Live!

Finding the best keywords is a very hot topic on Squidoo and elsewhere around the web. You've probably read plenty of advice about how to research keywords, but you may still have questions. If so, tune in to Giant Squid Open Mike with Joan, Kate and friends as two of Squidoo's top lensmasters do a keyword research project live on the air. You'll be able to follow along on your own computer and ask questions in real-time.

The program will be broadcast live on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at 5 p.m. Eastern time. In case you miss it, the show will be recorded and available to listen to, free, in the podcast archives.

Before you make your next lens, select a new domain name, or write your next blog post or article, be sure to listen to this very special edition of Giant Squid Open Mike to learn everything you need to know about how to do keyword research. This 45-minute broadcast could change your keyword research method - and your bottom line - forever.

UPDATE: Here's a direct link to the archived program. Don't miss it!

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!

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.

Think You Might Want to Be a RocketMom?

You might have heard of RocketMoms, the invitation-only group of the smartest moms on Squidoo. The small-group mentoring atmosphere of RocketMoms has surpassed even the wildest expectations and the first three sessions of RocketMoms have produced hundreds of quality Squidoo lenses.

If you've thought that maybe you'd like to participate, but you weren't sure, here's some good news. RocketMoms will have a Try-It Week October 19-23, which will be an intensive teaching and lensmaking week for those who want to see exactly how the group works. If you like what you see, you'll be welcome to stick around for the next session of RocketMoms, a special six-week holiday lensbuilding session that promises to be superific and fantastical! (Feel free to substitute your favorite made-up super-adjectives.)

You'll need an invitation to participate in the Try-It Week. If you're interested, leave a comment here on this post with your name and email address and I'll see to it that you get the information you need. Comments are moderated and will not be published so your email will be safe and secure, I promise.

Remember, Try-It Week starts October 19 so you'll need to let me know right away. I hope to hear from you today. It's going to be a blast!