Get the most out of Squidoo's Amazon Modules
Squidoo's Amazon module can be used in a lot of ways. It can, obviously, feature books, toys, games, etc.
You can also modify the look with html, hyperlinks, and graphics.
Read on to see what features are available with examples.
Update:
Squidoo has added some variations on the basic Amazon module. Sample modules are included below.
If you like this lens please give it 4 or 5 stars above.
The Basics Part I
Title
Although it seems obvious, you want to have a title that gets the reader's attention. It could be the title of the book like in the next module.
Subtitle
This field is optional. For my example I used the author's name.
Module Description
Although this field is optional, it makes a big difference if you tell your visitors why you recommend the book.
Small is the New Big
by Seth Godin
Seth's newest book is a collection of essays from his blog and his Fast Company column. The entries are arranged alphabetically and not chronologically. So they don't need to be read in order. Read them backwards and you will still come away with new ideas for your business or other venture.
Small Is the New Big: and 183 Other Riffs, Rants, and Remarkable Business Ideas
After reading Seth's book I am even more convinced that Squidoo is going to be REALLY BIG.
Amazon Price: $17.13 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $25.95
Used Price: $4.10
Usually ships in 24 hours
The Basics Part II
Pick Your Products
You can let Amazon pick the products to be displayed based on keywords you enter. Or you can choose your own. Personally, I feel more comfortable recommending items that I picked rather than deferring the decision to the Amazon search engine.
Display Options
The Small is the New Big module includes all of the display options which are
* Title
* Picture
* Rank
* Availability
* Release Date (if available)
* Amazon Price
* List Price
* Used Price
Some of these options may not be best for you. You can see in the module that there is almost too much information. Think about what your visitors really need and limit it to that.
Item Description
You can also add a short description of each item which is displayed in italics. Personal recommendation goes a long way.
Getting Fancy: Basic HTML and Hyperlinks
Basic HTML
The following tags are supported in the description section.
<b>Bold</b> looks like Bold
<i>Italic</i> looks like Italic
Adding Hyperlinks
Adding links in your description section can help visitors get more information about the items. The HTML for the link in the following module looks like
<a href="http://www.morrisinstitute.com/">Morris Institute for Human Values</a>
Harry Potter and Philosophy
The philosopher Tom Morris started out writing an essay for a friend about Harry Potter's courage. He couldn't stop writing and ended up with If Harry Potter Ran General Electric. It explores the philosophy that is evident throughout the Harry Potter series.
Tom also created the Morris Institute for Human Values "to bring a re-energized vision of philosophy into the lives of as many people as possible" especially in the business world.
If Harry Potter Ran General Electric: Leadership Wisdom from the World of the Wizards
Essential reading for leaders in any field.
Amazon Price: $17.16 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $26.00
Usually ships in 24 hours
Getting Fancy: Adding Images
Pictures and More
You can also add pictures in the description field using the <img> tag. All you have to do is find an image hosting site such as photobucket. Upload your pictures and then link to them in the Amazon module. The image hosting site usually gives you the code you need.
The Speed of Trust

Stephen M.R. Covey is the former CEO of Covey Leadership Center. Under his leadership the company's revenues doubled to $112 million dollars and his father's book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People became one of the bestselling business books ever selling over 15 million copies in 38 languages.
Covey is the co-founder and CEO of CoveyLink, which is a consulting practice that helps leaders and organizations increase trust. The Speed of Trust represents over a decade of research and practice on the results of creating high trust organizations. Covey outlines 13 behaviors of trust-inspiring leaders.
The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 07/26/2008)
The Plexo Module
The Plexo Module allows you to select several books to display. The cool part is that visitors can vote for their favorite items and even add their own.
All of the tools mentioned above will still work.
Pokemon Fire Red Version
Pokemon Fire Red lets you return to the world of K more...4 points
Good Debt, Bad Debt: Knowing the Difference Can Save Your Financial Life by Jon Hanson
<b>Debt is just like cholesterol. Too much o more...0 points
Hot Wheels: Beat That
Choose your car, grab the wheel, and send Mattel's more...0 points
Hot Wheels: Beat That
Choose your car, grab the wheel, and send Mattel's more...0 points
The Sims: Hot Date Expansion Pack
<b>Note: This is an expansion pack for The S more...0 points
Need For Speed 3: Hot Pursuit
Few racing games for the PlayStation can approach more...0 points
The Sims Mega Deluxe
The Sims Mega Deluxe bring home the fun and laught more...0 points
Wii Play with Wii Remote
Bundled with a Wii Remote, Wii Play offers a littl more...0 points
Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter
Designed for versatility and ease, the Xbox 360 Wi more...0 points
Amazon Spotlight
Amazon Spotlight allows you to highlight a single book or other product. The module description you are reading allows you to, perhaps, describe what is in the book.
For example: Clear Blogging illustrates with examples and interviews the power of blogging for individuals and for businesses. Bob Walsh also gives you the fundamental knowledge you will need to create a successful blog.
Clear Blogging: How People Blogging Are Changing the World and How You Can Join Them
Amazon Price: $16.49 (as of 07/26/2008)
You also can insert an item description here. I like to put my own personal touch.
See page 290 to see what famous Squidoo lensmasters made it into the book.
Amazon Recommendations
Amazon Recommendations lets you choose a product and displays Amazon's recommendations for other products. A Plexo module is then created. Visitors can still add to the list and vote for their favorites.
If you loved Clear Blogging: How People Blogging Are Changing the World and How You Can Join Them, you might also enjoy:
What No One Ever Tells You About Blogging and Podcasting: Real-Life Advice from 101 People Who Successfully Leverage the Power of the Blogosphere (What No One Ever Tells You About...) by Ted Demopoulos
As all these people become publishers – and even more...0 points
The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) by Seth Godin
The old saying is wrong—winners do quit, and qui more...0 points
Start Your Own Blogging Business (Startup) by Entrepreneur Press, J.S. McDougall
<p><b>Turn Your Blog I more...0 points
The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use News Releases, Blogs, Podcasting, Viral Marketing and Online Media to Reach Buyers Directly by David Meerman Scott
The Internet has profoundly changed the way people more...0 points
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss
What do you do? Tim Ferriss has trouble answering more...0 points
More Ideas
What things have you tried to improve your Amazon modules? What questions do you have?
| Tiddledeewinks
Thanks mucho for the help here! I gave you 5 *'s! Posted July 25, 2008 |
| ginabower
Great and Thanks for the information. I'll need this on my next lens. Posted July 24, 2008 |
|
youhavegottobekidding
Thanks for all those tips. I could really use them. Posted July 21, 2008 |
| BABYKITTY
Great information. This explained how to use a couple of the modules I wasn't sure of. Posted July 20, 2008 |
|
globalwriter
Hi, Posted July 20, 2008 |
More Than Books
Finally, don't forget that Amazon has a lot of products other than books. There are DVDs, video games, electronics, etc. Here are five products chosen by Amazon when I used the keyword Canon.
Canon CLI-8 4-Color Multipack Ink Tanks
Amazon Price: $34.01 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $50.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Canon PowerShot SD750 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Silver)
Amazon Price: $167.92 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $199.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Canon PowerShot SD850 IS 8.0 MP Digital Elph Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $229.94 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $299.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Canon PGI-5 BK 2-Pack Pigment Black Ink Tanks
Amazon Price: $29.19 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $29.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Canon PowerShot A590IS 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $179.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
(by 209 people)
























