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 as a Giant Squid you need 50 quality lenses, but what constitutes a "quality" lens? Here's what we (Bonnie & Robin) think defines quality and how you can get there! Really, it's not that hard.
Photo appears courtesy of KB35 via Creative Commons.
In order to be accepted as a Giant Squid you need 50 quality lenses, but what constitutes a "quality" lens? Here's what we (Bonnie & Robin) think defines quality and how you can get there! Really, it's not that hard.
Photo appears courtesy of KB35 via Creative Commons.
Write what you know
We're not the first people on Squidoo who've said this and we won't be the last. We 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. 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.
-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
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 we look for in a quality lens?
We want to see a lens that was created by a human being. We don't care if you're lens is about Panda Bears, Pajamas or Pudding Pops...We 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.
We 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 we're 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!
We 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 we're 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!
More Resources To Help You Build A Quality Lens!
What's YOUR best tip for building a quality lens?
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CharlieHash
Feb 5, 2012 @ 12:53 pm | delete
- Thanks for the information. And special thanks for opening my eyes on "Don't focus on the numbers." I was doing that mistakes until I saw this lens. Thanks, Now as per your suggesstion {of course because you are experienced lens master} I will accomplished one lens before starting next one.
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manlalakbay
Jan 30, 2012 @ 9:29 pm | delete
- My best tip is to learn from the master of Squidoo. And then apply what they do. :)
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Nimsrules Jan 19, 2012 @ 5:00 am | delete
- I'm glad that I stumbled across this lens. Am gonna follow these tips to make my next high quality lens.
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kiwinana71
Dec 30, 2011 @ 9:02 pm | delete
- Know something about the lens you are writing about and do lot's of research, which I am but still not happy with what I am publishing, as I cannot even get them to tier 2, no matter what I do. I must be missing something, but I do not know what. That is why I am following through on all these links for 2011 SquidooHQ Wrap up.
Happy Holidays, hope 2012 is a great year to whoever reads this.
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FlaminCatDesigns
Dec 30, 2011 @ 8:09 pm | delete
- I'm still struggling with getting the proper length but I do think I am now developing a style. I have only been here since July. I love reading tips. The best tip I can give some one is to read what they wrote before they published it. I try to catch my typos, sometimes I still miss them (I think I have stared at them too long at times).
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About Me
This SquidooHQ page written by
bdkz
bdkz
Bonnie is a Community Organizer here on Squidoo.
She manages the Giant Squid VIP Writers program, organizes the Squidoo charity program and is editor...
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