Tip #1 - Find Yourself 

No this is not some deep philosophical journey! What this means is that you need to find out why you have decided to become a lensmaster. There's no wrong answer, but figuring out your purpose will help you set realistic goals and achieve them. What do you want? A Career? Extra income? A place to write? To raise money for charity? Showcase a hobby? Find your purpose and your passion!

My purpose is to earn an income. I am a SAHM who wants a career. I'm not looking for a get-rich-quick recipe. I want to invest myself in a company that I can grow with. I believe that Squidoo is that place.

Finding my purpose has taken a year. When I first started Squidoo in Feb. 2007 I had no clue as to what I was doing. My lenses had an amateur feel and I created my share of duds! However this did not discourage me. I knew that I had the skills to succeed I just needed to educate myself. When I want to learn something new I'm like a sponge, I read, research and drive people bananas asking question! This brings us to Tip #2. Knowledge Is Key!

Tip #2 - Knowledge Is Key 

Knowing what you're doing is a good thing! Would you attempt to install your own furnace? Heck No! You might blow yourself up. However if you wanted to make a career out of installing furnaces you would get HVAC Certification. Then not only would you have a career, you could also install your own furnace. Your career investment pays off because you invest time and energy into your venture.

Now what's funny about the internet is that people think that they can just create a website, or sell on ebay or create a lens and start making oodles of money. Wrong! People that are successful on Squidoo are knowledgeable. They know how to use Squidoo and they never stop learning.

Tip #3 - Don't Give Up...Success Takes Time 

I'm always inspired by people who persevere. I always root for the underdog. I think that people can succeed if given the right tools and encouragement. Here's where Tip #3 comes into play. Don't give up! Create a lens, wait a few days, read, learn, update your lens. Create another lens. You're 10th lens is going to be much better then your 1st lens. My philosophy is that a lens is never finished but a constant work in progress.

If you truly believe that you have a good lens keep going. I myself almost gave up back in April of 2007. I had made 30 lenses and about $5.00. I was getting discouraged. Then in May my Star Wars Fan Site lens got picked as "Lens of the Day". I was thrilled and got more inspired. I started improving my old lenses and making new ones. I found my niche (everything Pop Culture) and went full speed ahead. By August 2007 my payday was $97.80.

I have since grown my niche to include How-to lenses like Zazzle 101...How to Make a Profit on Zazzle, a lens which has now been on the Top 100 list for over 90 days.

When I first started with Squidoo I never would have imagined getting where I am now, I never gave up!

Tip #4 - No Man Is An Island 

About the time that I made "Lens of the Day" I also discovered the SquidU Forum. I started talking to other Lensmasters and got involved in the community. I got encouragement and found lots of helpful tips from experienced Lensmasters.

Networking is a key part of becoming a successful business person. People who work in corporate American attend Rotary, Chamber of Commerce meetings, and network. Squidoo is no exception. The Lensmasters on the SquidU Forum are happy to answer questions and mentor newbies. So get involved!

There are also plenty of sites outside of Squidoo that will help you too. Join Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Digg, LinkedIn, etc. There are a ton of Lensmasters hanging out at these places with groups and networks to join.

Tip #5 - Be Realistic 

I think that the most important tip I can give is that you have to be a realist to be a successful Lensmaster. The reality of Squidoo is that it's hard work...there's no such thing as a free lunch.

I have an interesting story. Years ago when I was selling on ebay all my friends and relatives were whining about how I was so lucky that I sold on ebay and made money. So I taught them how to sell. Well then they complained about how much work ebay was. The reality was that they didn't really want to do the work they just wanted the money. They thought ebay was a get-rich-quick miracle and that they would be rolling in dough. Most of them quit.

Squidoo is no different. You get out of Squidoo what you put into it. I work about 30+ hours per week updating lens, answering e-mails, reviewing lenses, reading, learning, blogging, etc. I treat this as my career and work really, really hard. That being said I do believe that it is possible to start making $1,000+ per month on Squidoo and that's my goal!

This bring us full circle back to Tip #1 Find Yourself. Then figure out what you want to accomplish, learn, network, work hard and be realistic!

Bouns Tip - Spam Stinks 

Back in the 80's Spam was just a weird little tasty treat in a can. Today Spam takes on a whole new meaning. Defining Spam is not always easy. Spam is often in the eye of the beholder...One man's trash in another man's treasure!

Spam is not always about content but the way in which content is presented. Creating a lens about affiliate marketing, shopping, or working from home can spark a Spam label for some because these subjects are often times associated with spam. However don't be too quick to judge! I've seen some great lenses about working from home, it's all about presentation.

My advice is be true to yourself. Most of us know spam when we see it. If you think that you might be a little spammy ask a friend or fellow Lensmaster for advice.

Another aspect of Spam involves bugging the heck out of people to look at your lenses. Don't post 10 entries about the same lens in the Forum, don't compliment another Lensmaster in their guestbook then leave an HTML link to your own lens, don't e-mail other Lensmasters and beg for star ratings, Squid Angel Blessings or traffic.

Spam is never going to go away but you can stop it from rearing its ugly head by being aware of what it is!

SquidDon't! by Megan Casey 

SquidDon't!

It's simple: given our pedigree, our point of view and our dyed-in-the-wool, we-will-never-change-our-mind conviction on this issue, spam is not okay at Squidoo. This page outlines our thinking on the issue. It supplements our terms of service. Don't...

Tip #1 - Create A Profile 

Tip #2 - Learn From The Best Of The Best 

Lenses by Squidoo HQ 

Do Squidoo: A much requested guide to creating a successful Squidoo lens

Are you seeking information on how to use Squidoo effectively?  Excellent, because this lens is made just for you! Find the answers to:  - How do I do ...? - Why won't ... work? - How can I ...? - Why do you ...? - Where is the ...? Finally d...

Ideas for Awesome Lenses

...or 10 or 100! It's pretty easy, non-techy, and of course, free. Right? Right. Sure, to make your lens a real knockout it takes some time, but chances are you've already learned the basics and are looking to do more. Congrats. That's the best pl...

Why Build a Lens?

Squidoo is a website hosting hundreds of thousands of handbuilt webpages (just to be difficult, we call them "lenses"). Each lens is one person's look at something online. Your take on football or business or the best thai food in town. Lenses are f...

How We Engineered Squidoo

Founded in mid 2005, Squidoo launched in early 2006 and quickly gained traction as a platform for sharing ideas online. On Squidoo, everyday experts (yes, that means you) can handcraft individual web pages (just to be difficult, we call them lenses)...

The 9 Free Things Every Site (or Lens!) Should Do

Rule #1: If you have a site or Squidoo lens, you want more traffic. Rule #2: You don't have enough money to buy as much traffic as you need. Rule #3: You've already made your site/lens as compelling as you know how to. So, what now? Read on for the (...

Tip #3 - Blog 

Tip #4 - Squidcast 

Squidcasting is a completely free way to promote your lenses. Simply hit "Cast" on your Dashboard next to the lens you are promoting and let your fans know what's happening!

Tip #5 - Use HTML To Improve Your Lens 

Basic HTML for Squidoo

You can use basic HTML in a few of the lens modules. Mostly used to create hyperlinks (they are the "live links" to other sites). Though there are also other uses for HTML. If you find yourself in need of quick tutorial on how to do it, her...

Advanced HTML for Squidoo

The techniques shown here aren't much more advanced then what's in the Basic HTML tutorial. The code being used isn't any more special. But the results and presentation can appear to be more sophisticated. Hence it being the Advanced HTML tutorial. F...

Tip # 6 - Try A BRAND New Look 

Squidoo Co-Branding

Squidoo Co-Branding is taking an already successful format and marketing it into different brands. Like SquidBids, SquidVids and SquidWho. Here is a list that I compiled for you to wade through the Co-Branding waters! Squidoo also uses the term "Fro...

Tip #7 - Giving Is Good 

One of the core values of Squidoo is giving to charity. So I created: 50 Ways You Can "Change The World" Using Squidoo!

I'm not sure how many people know this but every lens generates 5% to charity. Here's how:

From Squidoo's Just the FAQ "We pay 50% to you, our lensmasters, or to the charities you select. We pay 5% to our charity fund and we keep 45% to cover our costs. We don't make any deductions or take any long-term reserves. In fact, we never have."

So go ahead, give a little! Learn more from Editor-in-Chief Megan Casey's lens Make A Lens, Make A Difference!

Then "Convert A Lens" for Charity and join bdkz's Squidoo Charity Challenge!

bdkz's Squidoo Charity Challenge for May 2008

Welcome to May's "Convert A Lens" For Charity Challenge! This month's we are featuring two charities, The Children's Defense Fund and Save the Children.

bdkz's Squidoo Charity Challenge Blog 

Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

Charity Challenge Winners for April 2008 

Heaven

(under construction...) I was contemplating what Heaven would be like and came up with the following scenario. I have no idea if this is true or any way shape or form close to the real thing. I just thought, if I was God, and I want to create a perfe...

Diana Princess of Wales

I was one of the thousands of people, who were stunned and in shock 10 years ago by the tragic death of Princess Diana and then a few days later the death of Mother Teresa. As I watched the enormous worldwide outpouring of grief for the deaths of the...

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Born out of a mother's love for her children and a desire to protect her children, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation has played an important part in the research, the eradication and the prevention of Pediatric AIDS in the United States...

The Coveted Stanley Cup - Who Will Win It In 2008?

The Stanley Cup is the championship trophy awarded every year to the best team of the NHL - the National Hockey League. Who will win the Stanley Cup in 2008? Show the other fans how well you know the NHL hockey and leave your Stanley Cup predictions...

Singing Dogs Video Showcase

Hi, my name is Bugsy and I just love to watch "Americanine Idol". Especially, when ole pal Simon bullies around some wet poodles. That always makes me wanna pee on the carpet. But my Mommy would not like that one bit, and my Bavarian Chef Daddy says...

Tip #8 - Stop By SquidU 

SquidU Lensmaster Lounge: Help for Newbies

The SquidU Lensmaster Lounge is a great place to learn new Squidoo techniques, ask questions, and get to know your fellow Lensmasters. But what if you've never used an online discussion forum before? Are you trying to get links to work? Wonder how to...

SquidU is for "You"

For a new Squidlet Squidoo can be a scary ocean of despair. But never fear, help is here! SquidU is your lifeboat. So grab a tentacle and climb aboard. After a few laps in the SquidU pool you'll be ready to graduate as a full fledged Squid!...

Tip #9 - Integrate Your Business With Squidoo! 

Lenses that promote a business! 

John Casey's page about San Diego, CA

I'm a commercial real estate broker here in San Diego, CA. My goal with this page is to share my personal take on living and working in San Diego, and to give you a place to sound off on your favorite places around town, too. So first, here's a littl...

Meatball Sundae

A meatball sundae is the unfortunate result of mixing two good ideas. The meatballs are the foundation, the things we need (and sometimes want). These are the commodities that so many businesses are built on. The sundae toppings (hot fudge and the like...

Digital Art by D & D Art Studio

My Original Digital Computer Art & Photography encompasses many different themes, styles and colors. I design Logo Wear, Kaleidoscopes, Found Object Art, Fractal Art and Stained Glass Window Art to complement your home and office. You ca...

Odyssey Marine Exploration

I am an investor in Odyssey Marine because I believe this company is very well positioned to capitalize on the technological advances that have made it possible to find and recover the billions of dollars of sunken treasure scattered on the ocean flo...

How to Run a Successful CafePress Shop (and make lots of money!)

CafePress is THE online place to become your very own entrepreneur quickly and easily.  All you need is a computer, Internet connection, and a graphics program, and you are on your way to making major money!  Get all the CafePress goodness...

Tip #10 - Create a Squid Stats Lens 

bdkz's Squidoo Stats

On the 10th of each month I do a "snapshot" of my Squidoo dashoboard stats. It gives me an idea of how I am doing each month. Even though I am not averaging the month out, which would take forever, it does give me an idea of how I am doing. It's nice...

Tip #11 - Create a Lensography 

Here's My Lensography: Who the heck Is bdkz?

So You Want To Make A Lensography!

If the term Lensography were in the dictionary (which I think it should be) this would be the definition: 1. A lens created about a Lensmaster. 2. A compilation of ones lenses. 3. A definitive guide to who a Lensmaster is, the ultimate "Who of Squid...

Who The Heck Is bdkz?

Who is bdkz? That's a tough question to answer but here's a start! I'm a Giant Squid Organizer a Top 100 Giant Squid and a Squid Angel. I have created over 300 lenses, been "Lens of the Day" twice and have had 9 of my lens in the Top 100.

Tip #12 - 5 Little Things That Make A Big Difference! 

1. Check your links. Make sure you have working links. Nothing worse then someone finding a broken link on your lens.
2. Edit your Modules. This is a big one especially with the Guestbook. The default Modules say "New" as in "New Guestbook" or New Amazon Spotlight". Make sure you rename the Modules to reflect something relevant to your lens.
3. Spell Check. I am very guilty of spelling errors, I always have to double and triple check myself. Same goes for typos.
4. Add a Table of Contents. I have found this to be a really neat addition to a lens. People love it!
5. Allow people to contact you. Change your settings in your profile to allow people to contact you. It's very helpful to people who would like to ask you a question. Also make sure you have a Guestbook. People love to leave comments!

C'mon...I Know You Want A Badge! 

Check out these Cool Badges that you can earn for being a Giant Squid, Squid Angel or Citizen. Then there's the groovy gold star and the mysterious purple star that everyone is just dying to see! Learn what you can earn for being a good Squid!

The Giant Squid Program 

Giant Squid are Lensmasters who have created 50 or more quality lens. A Top 100 Giant Squid has created over 100 quality lenses.

Giant Squids were chosen in Sept. 2007 & May 2008 and are rewarded with special privileges. If you would like to be a Giant Squid create at least 50 quality lenses.

For more information on becoing a Giant Squid Click Here.

Meet the Giant Squids! 

The Giant Squids are an extremely fine group of Lensmasters, they are friendly, helpful, funny, smart, cool, interesting, inquisitive, caring, and just an all around great group.

I thought that it would be fitting to create a Giant Squid Directory for this wonderful group of people.

So meet the Giant Squids!

The Squid Angel Program 

Squid Angels are here to give a little encouragement and boost to your lens rank that they feel are worthy of a blessing. However beware, if you have created a Spammy lens they might just ding you and cause a loss in lens rank.

Stop by the Angels Forum to submit your lens!

Confessions of a Squid Angel

Being a Squid Angel is a responsibility I take very seriously. Over the past few weeks I've discovered some wonderful lenses and lensmasters, a most desirable job perk. I wish it were possible to visit every lens, but there are simply too many. The S...

What I Look For In A Lens! by a Squid Angel

First off, it is an honor to be one of the first Squid Angels on Squidoo and I take this responsibility very seriously. There are a great many lens makers here on Squidoo that are keen on improving their lenses; to increase traffic, lens rank and pos...

Squid Angel

SquidAngel Blessing | If you have found your way here you have probably been 'Blessed By A Squid Angel!' What just happened? Read on to find out more about Squid Blessings and more about SemperFidelis. Perhaps some randomness, as well!

Diary of a Squid Angel

On March 5, Squidoo announced the selection of a new group of Squid Angels. I was editing a bunch of lenses that day and upon refreshing a page, the lovely yellow Angel badge popped up on my title bar. And that's how I learned of my Angel status. Sin...

SquidAngels Headquarters

Welcome to SquidAngels Headquarters A place to meet Squidoo's team of angels.

You Can Learn A Lot From Seth Godin 

Meatball Sundae: Is Your Marketing out of Sync?

by Seth Godin

Amazon Price: $16.29 (as of 05/09/2008)
List Price: $23.95

Just For Fun! 

Attention Lensmasters: Join The Freshest Squidoo Poll Ever

Are you ready for some fun! Then join The Freshest Squidoo Poll EVER! I get to ask the questions...you get to see what your fellow Lensmasters think about Squidoo.

50 Ways To Use Twitter 

Twitter is an amazingly powerful tool for promoting your Squidoo Lens, Blog, Business and more. So check out these cool ways to educate, inform, enlighten and amuse people. Just remember, you've only got 140 Characters so stay on your topic!

50 Ways To Use Twitter

Follow Me On Twitter 

Follow bdkz

Last...But Certainly Not Least... 

50 Awesome Squidoo How-To Lenses From A-Z

Here's a handy little directory of the best Squidoo How-To Lenses from A-Z.

Find out how to: Build a lens, improve your lens, add photos, use HTML, Twitter, Squidcast, sell a lens, make a lensograpy, make a profile, find out what it takes to be a Giant Squid, Squid Angel or get Lens of the Day...and a whole lot more!

50 Awesome Squidoo How-To Lenses From A-Z

Guestbook 

pyle_mountain Great lens! Tips to live by. Posted May 06, 2008

kathysart Ohh my goodness! I could and probably should spend all day on this lens of yours! I am a Giant Squid but see after going through your lens that there is tons that I am not doing ...YET! tee hee! FIVE DELIGHTED STARS for your lens! Aloha from Hawaii, Kathy Come visite my Hawaiian Travel|Hawaiian Fun Food Lens ">http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/ Posted May 05, 2008

gtafourking great tips on promoting a lens. i have used a couple of your tips to promote my new lens about gta 4 cheats and have seen it go from nothing to an overall lens ranking of under 500 in only 5 days of creating it. be sure to check it out and rate it at http://www.squidoo.com/grandtheftauto4cheats just given you 5 stars. good job Posted May 05, 2008

richramalho Great Lens!!! 5 Stars. Excellent squidoo tips. Please visit and rate my Network Marketing - Visalus Lens ~~ http://www.squidoo.com/visalusreview Posted May 04, 2008

orlando5 It's obvious you've worked hard. As a webmaster I couldn't agree with you more that it takes this type of effort to eventually succeed! Thanks for the info. Posted May 04, 2008

 

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