Here's a quick Squidoo tip for today. It's a new month. Time to update your profile.
You can feature up to five lenses on your lensmaster profile page. Last month you might have featured Easter lenses. This month, change the lenses to reflect the calendar by choosing topics related to Mother's Day, Memorial Day, or summer vacations. Go to the "Profile" tab on your dashboard and look for "featured lenses" to update your choices.
While you're there, take a look at your default lensmaster bio. Is it up-to-date? If not, take this opportunity to freshen it up a bit, too. Not sure what to write? Click here to learn how to write a Squidoo bio.
Ahhh. Now your profile is fresh as a May flower. Doesn't that feel better?
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Which Holiday Are You Gearing Up For?
My Easter lenses performed rather well this year, overall much better than in years past. (I'll never understand Google, but this year I like the way it treated me.) Three of them should qualify for tier one earnings this month and had several sales, so I'm happy about that.
So, on to the next holiday. "And which holiday would that be?" Glad you asked!
It isn't too late to make a lens for Mother's Day (though likely it will perform better next year than this), but it isn't too early to make lenses for back to school or Halloween or Christmas either. Those are the three top selling seasons, so I hope you'll start planning lenses for one or all of them and get them published soon in order to let them "age" a bit. Don't forget occasions such as weddings or special birthdays, though. Those occasions occur year-round and it's a great idea to add them to your lens collection in order to keep lensrank and sales figures up all year long.
Making lenses for holidays and special occasions is a good idea, but always remember to make them with your unique spin. You're probably tired of reading it, but I will never tire of reminding you (and myself) that unique, useful, updated, passionate lenses perform best.
Happy holidays!
So, on to the next holiday. "And which holiday would that be?" Glad you asked!
It isn't too late to make a lens for Mother's Day (though likely it will perform better next year than this), but it isn't too early to make lenses for back to school or Halloween or Christmas either. Those are the three top selling seasons, so I hope you'll start planning lenses for one or all of them and get them published soon in order to let them "age" a bit. Don't forget occasions such as weddings or special birthdays, though. Those occasions occur year-round and it's a great idea to add them to your lens collection in order to keep lensrank and sales figures up all year long.
Making lenses for holidays and special occasions is a good idea, but always remember to make them with your unique spin. You're probably tired of reading it, but I will never tire of reminding you (and myself) that unique, useful, updated, passionate lenses perform best.
Happy holidays!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Choosing a Squidoo Theme - Which is More Readable?
Squidoo offers some awesome themes for our lenses and they're adding more and more. Specialty themes for holidays and seasons are great for certain lenses. I've discovered that on some of my lenses, though, especially those that are more "wordy" and educational, I really want to emphasize module titles - and sometimes it seems that the ads get in the way.
Recently I've been switching some of my lenses from a standard theme (such as Big Lucid) to the Highlighter theme. This makes it really easy for visitors who are scanning through to see the main parts of the lens. Also, at the top of the lens, it brings the eye to the module titles rather than to the ads. Earning money with ads is great, but I really do want people not to miss the contents of the lens because it blends in with the ads.
Here's an example. Look at these two pictures of the same lens, one with Big Lucid as the theme, the other with Highlighter.
Recently I've been switching some of my lenses from a standard theme (such as Big Lucid) to the Highlighter theme. This makes it really easy for visitors who are scanning through to see the main parts of the lens. Also, at the top of the lens, it brings the eye to the module titles rather than to the ads. Earning money with ads is great, but I really do want people not to miss the contents of the lens because it blends in with the ads.
Here's an example. Look at these two pictures of the same lens, one with Big Lucid as the theme, the other with Highlighter.
See what I mean? Do you agree that it's easier to see what I've written when it's highlighted and that the ads get in the way of my text otherwise?
I'd like to know what you think. Which themes are your favorites? Do you vary your choice of theme depending on the lens topic? Let me know in a comment below.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Spelling and Grammar Errors on Squidoo
Do you contact the lensmaster and point out the errors? Do you "like" the lens anyway and ignore those pesky apostrophes? Do you just grit your teeth and hit the "back" button?
Or do you even notice grammar and spelling mistakes?
This is an area I have a hard time with because I really don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but I'll admit that poor grammar and repeated misspellings drive me ABSOLUTELY CRAZY! (Sorry for shouting.)
What should I do? What do you do? I'd really like to know.
Photo by crazytales562 (a fellow grammar greek) via a Creative Commons license
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Interview's Up!
Kimberly has been interviewing "successful Squids" on the SquidBlog for the last couple of weeks. My interview is up today! {blush}
I hope folks can take something productive away from it, something they can apply in their own Squid lives.
If you read it, I hope you'll leave a comment to let me know what you found that was helpful. Thanks!
I hope folks can take something productive away from it, something they can apply in their own Squid lives.
If you read it, I hope you'll leave a comment to let me know what you found that was helpful. Thanks!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Progress Bar on Squidoo - Pros and Cons?
Have you seen the new progress bar on Squidoo? In case you haven't, go look at one of your own lenses now. On the right, just below your bio, is a green bar showing "lens progress" with a percentage posted next to it. Click on "see your progress" below the bar for details. There you'll see a list with 11 items, with the completed ones checked off.
New lensmasters that I know really like the progress bar. As they make a new lens, they are prompted to complete each one of the steps (write more in your intro, add an intro photo, pick a topic and subtopic, add a social module, etc.). It's very encouraging for these young Squids to achieve some immediate gratification as well as to be able to gauge their progress.
The last two items on the list, "Get at least 20 SquidLikes" and "Get SquidLiked By a Giant Squid," have generated some controversy among experienced Squids. While the first nine items on the progress list are items that lensmasters directly control, completion of the last two items requires other registered Squidoo users to visit and "like" the lens, with at least one of those "likes" being from a Giant Squid. While there are ways to promote a lens within the Squidoo community, most lenses are written with a different audience in mind. Most lensmasters would be much happier with 20 visits to the lens from strangers rather than having 20 fellow Squidizens visit and like the lens. In fact, many people couldn't care less how many SquidLikes a lens gets in its lifetime - as long as it gets search engine traffic from shoppers.
While a number of people have voiced their concerns (some rather loudly) about these last two "requirements," at least one person has suggested that the first nine items on the list should comprise 100% completeness while the last two be added on as a bonus. That seems like a good idea. Obviously having traffic from shoppers is very important, but it's also true that participation in the social aspects of Squidoo figures into lensrank calculation. So, having those peer "likes" has potential monetary benefit, too.
I've been around Squidoo long enough to know that almost all changes create controversy and, occasionally, chaos among the troops and some lensmasters can be very vocal about their disapproval. "This too shall pass" is usually the way I handle situations like this one, but I'll admit that I was glad, and somewhat relieved, to hear the positive feedback from those in my small group of young Squids about the progress bar.
My plan is to take those last two items on the progress list and use them as an object lesson for teaching promotion of lenses in general and participation in the Squidoo community in particular. If others will stop worrying and simply adhere to TOS and not beg, bribe, or otherwise plead for their 20 "likes" but use good promotion and social media practices instead, I think they'll be far better off. Which I'm pretty sure was the reason for the progress bar in the first place.
New lensmasters that I know really like the progress bar. As they make a new lens, they are prompted to complete each one of the steps (write more in your intro, add an intro photo, pick a topic and subtopic, add a social module, etc.). It's very encouraging for these young Squids to achieve some immediate gratification as well as to be able to gauge their progress.
The last two items on the list, "Get at least 20 SquidLikes" and "Get SquidLiked By a Giant Squid," have generated some controversy among experienced Squids. While the first nine items on the progress list are items that lensmasters directly control, completion of the last two items requires other registered Squidoo users to visit and "like" the lens, with at least one of those "likes" being from a Giant Squid. While there are ways to promote a lens within the Squidoo community, most lenses are written with a different audience in mind. Most lensmasters would be much happier with 20 visits to the lens from strangers rather than having 20 fellow Squidizens visit and like the lens. In fact, many people couldn't care less how many SquidLikes a lens gets in its lifetime - as long as it gets search engine traffic from shoppers.
While a number of people have voiced their concerns (some rather loudly) about these last two "requirements," at least one person has suggested that the first nine items on the list should comprise 100% completeness while the last two be added on as a bonus. That seems like a good idea. Obviously having traffic from shoppers is very important, but it's also true that participation in the social aspects of Squidoo figures into lensrank calculation. So, having those peer "likes" has potential monetary benefit, too.
I've been around Squidoo long enough to know that almost all changes create controversy and, occasionally, chaos among the troops and some lensmasters can be very vocal about their disapproval. "This too shall pass" is usually the way I handle situations like this one, but I'll admit that I was glad, and somewhat relieved, to hear the positive feedback from those in my small group of young Squids about the progress bar.
My plan is to take those last two items on the progress list and use them as an object lesson for teaching promotion of lenses in general and participation in the Squidoo community in particular. If others will stop worrying and simply adhere to TOS and not beg, bribe, or otherwise plead for their 20 "likes" but use good promotion and social media practices instead, I think they'll be far better off. Which I'm pretty sure was the reason for the progress bar in the first place.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Poke the Box for a Buck!
Well, HEADS UP! The price of the Kindle version of the book is now $1 (that's one dollar - one buck) if you preorder before March 1st when the price goes back up.
If you didn't order your copy yet, do it today before you forget! If you don't have Kindle, no problem! Just get one of the free Kindle reading apps here. I'm sure you have one of the platforms for which they're available, including the one you're reading this on right now.
Go, do it! Poke The Box.
How to Start a Blog
I think most readers of this blog already have a blog of their own, but in case you don't, here's a page I just found that gives a good overview of how to start a blog on blogger.
The "How to create a blog with blogger" video that you'll find linked on that page is 2 minutes long and, while ever so slightly out of date, is a very good overview.
If you don't have a blog yet, I'd highly recommend you get one started. A blog is a good place to post your new Squidoo lenses in order to provide a backlink. I don't necessarily recommend a blog just to post your lenses. Instead, start a personal blog or a business blog and add posts occasionally (once or twice a week is good) to share interesting, related information about what you like personally or what you do professionally, including your new lens links. Consider the purpose of your blog before you give it a name and consider a name that reflects your "brand." In fact, if you're going to use your name online, might as well grab the URL for your name and use that for your blog.
Not sure what else to write about? Holidays like today (President's Day in the U.S.) are a great excuse for a blog post. For example, here's my post for today on my personal blog.
Checking out other people's blog is a really good way to get ideas for your own. Do you have a blog? Feel free to leave the link on a comment below so we can take a look. If you don't, click here to learn how to start a blog today!
The "How to create a blog with blogger" video that you'll find linked on that page is 2 minutes long and, while ever so slightly out of date, is a very good overview.
If you don't have a blog yet, I'd highly recommend you get one started. A blog is a good place to post your new Squidoo lenses in order to provide a backlink. I don't necessarily recommend a blog just to post your lenses. Instead, start a personal blog or a business blog and add posts occasionally (once or twice a week is good) to share interesting, related information about what you like personally or what you do professionally, including your new lens links. Consider the purpose of your blog before you give it a name and consider a name that reflects your "brand." In fact, if you're going to use your name online, might as well grab the URL for your name and use that for your blog.
Not sure what else to write about? Holidays like today (President's Day in the U.S.) are a great excuse for a blog post. For example, here's my post for today on my personal blog.
Checking out other people's blog is a really good way to get ideas for your own. Do you have a blog? Feel free to leave the link on a comment below so we can take a look. If you don't, click here to learn how to start a blog today!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Will You Poke the Box?
Most of you probably know that Seth Godin is the founder of Squidoo. He also is the author of a dozen bestselling books. His new one, Poke The Box, will be out March 1st.
Last night I saw the book's complete cover for the first time. It's different, but so is Seth.
What I love is the description on the flap of the book cover, starting with, "When is the last time you did something for the first time?"
Well, do you remember when you did?
The description just gets better from there. I would encourage you to read it. Read how Seth defines our position in the world. Maybe it's just me, but I find those words intriguing and very inspiring. In fact, I've read that whole section several times and keep going back to it, wondering about my position in the world and what uniqueness I have yet to contribute.
If you like what you read on the cover, consider ordering the book. You can find it here. (The Kindle edition is currently the best price and remember, you don't have to have a Kindle to read Kindle books. You can download one of the free reading apps for PC, Mac, or most smart phones and read it in any (or all) of those places. The free reading apps are here.)
And if you do buy the book, come back in early March after you read it and let me know what you've decided to instigate or provoke. There's going to be a lot of that going on, so you'd might as well be part of it!
Last night I saw the book's complete cover for the first time. It's different, but so is Seth.
What I love is the description on the flap of the book cover, starting with, "When is the last time you did something for the first time?"
Well, do you remember when you did?
The description just gets better from there. I would encourage you to read it. Read how Seth defines our position in the world. Maybe it's just me, but I find those words intriguing and very inspiring. In fact, I've read that whole section several times and keep going back to it, wondering about my position in the world and what uniqueness I have yet to contribute.
If you like what you read on the cover, consider ordering the book. You can find it here. (The Kindle edition is currently the best price and remember, you don't have to have a Kindle to read Kindle books. You can download one of the free reading apps for PC, Mac, or most smart phones and read it in any (or all) of those places. The free reading apps are here.)
And if you do buy the book, come back in early March after you read it and let me know what you've decided to instigate or provoke. There's going to be a lot of that going on, so you'd might as well be part of it!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
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!
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!
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