How To Create A Quality Lens

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Ranked #147 in Squidoo Tips, #19,012 overall

The word "quality" has come up a lot lately on Squidoo, particularly when it comes to the Giant Squid Program. In order to be accepted you need 50 quality lenses, but what constitutes a "quality" lens? Here's what I think defines quality and how you can get there!

Write what you know 

I'm not the first person on Squidoo who's said this and I won't be the last. I can't emphasize enough the importance of knowing your subject matter. Do you garden? Create a lens about your prized roses. Are you a Marine Biologist? Write about Dolphin language. Are you an artist? Showcase your work. Writing what you know will produce a quality lens because you care about your subject.

Don't force a lens 

This is a common mistake for new lensmasters. It's easy to fall into a habit of trying too hard to make lens happen. In the movie "American Beauty" Annette Bening's character says "I will sell this house today. I will sell this house today. I will sell this house today" working herself into a frenzy over an open house she is hosting. Needless to say she does not sell the house. Great lenses are magic, they are created when you stop "trying" to create the perfect lens.

Find your style 

Every lensmaster has their own style for creating lenses. Some write out their plans long hand, some create a Word doc. then copy the text into the modules, I write all my lenses straight from my head and edit as I go along in Squidoo. There is no wrong answer but finding your style will help you organize your thoughts and that will make the process easier as you make more lenses.

Don't focus on the numbers 

Setting a goal to make 2 lenses a day or 200 lenses a year doesn't work, I know I've tried. For some reason when you set a goal like that you set yourself up for failure. Kind of like a diet. Instead focus on the work. Having 50 quality lenses is better then having 300 poorly performing ones.

Don't spread yourself too thin 

Ideas are easy, lenses take work. It's really easy to create 20 lenses that end up as "Work In Progress" lenses for weeks. There's nothing more discouraging to see 20 unfinished lenses. Instead focus on finishing a lens before you start a new one. This will keep you motivated, organized and focused.

Finding the perfect length 

Deciding how long a lens should be can be a daunting task. Creating a lens that is the perfect length takes practice. Too short and you leave your reader wishing for more. Too long and you loose their interest. Here's some good guidelines:

-Keep your text modules about 2-5 paragraphs each with a nice headline.

-Don't display your entire Plexo on your lens. Only show 10-25 entries and let your reader hit the "see more" button.

-If your page takes more then 10 seconds to load it might be too long.

-Create a series of shorter lenses rather then one really long one.

-Use your own good judgment. If you think your lens is too long or too short it probably is.

Taking a line from Star Wars: Stay on target 

Very simply, if you make a lens that's entitled "Quick Mac & Cheese Recipes" don't talk about how to make a Quiche. You've got you reader ready for "Mac & Cheese" so give them want they want!

Proofread 

I am the first to confess that I am a horrible editor despite having a BA in English. My brain likes to move faster then my fingers! Having 1 or 2 typos will not kill a lens. Not spell checking, writing in all caps and having atrocious grammar will.

So...what do I look for in a quality lens? 

I want to see a lens that was created by a human being. I don't care if you're lens is about Panda Bears, Pajamas or Pudding Pops...I want to see a little bit of the Lensmasters personality and style in the content. Anonymous, generic, cold, spammy lenses won't win you any fans.

I love lenses that are original, funny, creative, informative, inspiring, unique, focused, quirky, fascinating and current. Does this mean that your going to hit a home run on every single lens? Heck no...but what I've found is that when you create 10 or 15 or 75 or 300 lenses they take on a style and and life of their own. You all of a sudden have a collection of lenses with different topics that define who you are and what you're all about. Create a Lensography and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about.

The bottom line is that if you care, people will take notice. Be true to yourself, treat your readers with respect and give them a reason to come back. I know I will!

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About Me 

Lensmaster bdkz has been a member since February 17 2007, has rated 6,568 lenses, favorited 312, and has created 358 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "Zazzle 101 ... How to make a profit on Zazzle". See all my lenses

My Bio

Bonnie is a Giant Squid Organizer and the RocketMoms Organizer here on Squidoo. Interested in being a Giant Squid? Click Here to find out how!

She is also a digital artist, blogger and writer from Cleveland, OH. She loves Sociology, Pop Culture, the news, people, genealogy, 80's music and observing human nature. She hates cooked broccoli, ignorance, people who speed, elevator music & crooked politicians.

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