Skip to navigation | Skip to content

Share your knowledge. Make a difference.

Amazon Module Basics

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 337 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #160 in How-To, #1725 overall

Click to Give

Donates to Room to Read

Rated G. (Control what you see)

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.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $17.13 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now
List Price: $25.95
Used Price: $1.24

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.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $17.16 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now
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
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 12/02/2008) Buy Now

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.

Fear-Less: Transcend & Break Through Fear

Fear-Less: Transcend & Break Through Fear

Transcend your fears and discover the courage to m more...0 points

Fear stops us from making meaningful changes in our lives. While our comfort zones might feel secure, they can often block us from manifesting our dreams. We all have fears, some more paralyzing than others. And often, we aren't even sure what we're afraid of or where those fears came from. They reside....

0 points

Hypnotic Writing: How to Seduce and Persuade Customers with Only Your Words by Joe Vitale

Hypnotic Writing: How to Seduce and Persuade Customers with Only Your Words by Joe Vitale

Discover the secrets of written persuasion!

" more...0 points

The Power of Outrageous Marketing -- Using the 10 Time-Tested Secrets of Titans, Tycoons, and Billionaires to Get Rich In Your Own Business -- Joe Vitale -- 8 Audio Cassettes in Clamshell with Booklet

The Power of Outrageous Marketing -- Using the 10 Time-Tested Secrets of Titans, Tycoons, and Billionaires to Get Rich In Your Own Business -- Joe Vitale -- 8 Audio Cassettes in Clamshell with Booklet

The Power of Outrageous Marketing -- Using the 10 more...0 points

Life's Missing Instruction Manual : The Guidebook You Should Have Been Given at Birth by Joe Vitale

Life's Missing Instruction Manual : The Guidebook You Should Have Been Given at Birth by Joe Vitale

Bestselling author and marketing guru Joe Vitale o 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 12/02/2008)Buy Now

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.

Start Your Own Blogging Business (Startup) by Entrepreneur Press, J.S. McDougall

Start Your Own Blogging Business (Startup) by Entrepreneur Press, J.S. McDougall

&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Turn Your Blog I more...1 point

SanDisk 8GB microSDHC Card CLASS 2 (SDSDQ-8192, Bulk Package)

SanDisk 8GB microSDHC Card CLASS 2 (SDSDQ-8192, Bulk Package)

SanDisk is proud to announce our newest format and more...1 point

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

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 %u2013 and e more...0 points

The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) by Seth Godin

The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) by Seth Godin

The old saying is wrong%u2014winners do quit, and more...0 points

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss

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

Available Light Digital Photography, Second Edition: How to Make the Most of Your Night and Low-Light Shots by Joe Farace, Barry Staver

Available Light Digital Photography, Second Edition: How to Make the Most of Your Night and Low-Light Shots by Joe Farace, Barry Staver

This classic book on available light photography i more...0 points

Available Light: Anthropological Reflections on Philosophical Topics. by Clifford Geertz

Available Light: Anthropological Reflections on Philosophical Topics. by Clifford Geertz

<p>Clifford Geertz, one of the most influent more...0 points

Available Light: Anthropological Reflections on Philosophical Topics. by Clifford Geertz

Available Light: Anthropological Reflections on Philosophical Topics. by Clifford Geertz

<p>Clifford Geertz, one of the most influent more...0 points

All Available Boats: The Evacuation of Manhattan Island on September 11, 2001

All Available Boats: The Evacuation of Manhattan Island on September 11, 2001

The astonishing photographs and stories in this bo more...0 points

All Available Boats: The Evacuation of Manhattan Island on September 11, 2001

All Available Boats: The Evacuation of Manhattan Island on September 11, 2001

The astonishing photographs and stories in this bo more...0 points

Digital Photography in Available Light: Essential Skills, Third Edition (Photography Essential Skills) (Photography Essential Skills) by Mark Galer

Digital Photography in Available Light: Essential Skills, Third Edition (Photography Essential Skills) (Photography Essential Skills) by Mark Galer

Digital Photography in Available Light is an inspi more...0 points

Digital Photography in Available Light: Essential Skills, Third Edition (Photography Essential Skills) (Photography Essential Skills) by Mark Galer

Digital Photography in Available Light: Essential Skills, Third Edition (Photography Essential Skills) (Photography Essential Skills) by Mark Galer

Digital Photography in Available Light is an inspi more...0 points

Available Light Digital Photography, Second Edition: How to Make the Most of Your Night and Low-Light Shots by Joe Farace, Barry Staver

Available Light Digital Photography, Second Edition: How to Make the Most of Your Night and Low-Light Shots by Joe Farace, Barry Staver

This classic book on available light photography i more...0 points

Available Light: Anthropological Reflections on Philosophical Topics. by Clifford Geertz

Available Light: Anthropological Reflections on Philosophical Topics. by Clifford Geertz

<p>Clifford Geertz, one of the most influent more...0 points

All Available Boats: The Evacuation of Manhattan Island on September 11, 2001

All Available Boats: The Evacuation of Manhattan Island on September 11, 2001

The astonishing photographs and stories in this bo more...0 points

Digital Photography in Available Light: Essential Skills, Third Edition (Photography Essential Skills) (Photography Essential Skills) by Mark Galer

Digital Photography in Available Light: Essential Skills, Third Edition (Photography Essential Skills) (Photography Essential Skills) by Mark Galer

Digital Photography in Available Light is an inspi more...0 points

Gund Sesame Street Abby Cadabby

Gund Sesame Street Abby Cadabby

<p>Abby Cadabby is an inquisitive, 3-year-ol more...0 points

54.5

54.5" x 43.5" Soft-Sides My first Gym (Colors May Vary)

Cushiony, inflatable base for safe, soft baby play more...0 points

Vulli Sophie Giraffe

Vulli Sophie Giraffe

Description coming soon...0 points

Gund Sesame Street Abby Cadabby

Gund Sesame Street Abby Cadabby

<p>Abby Cadabby is an inquisitive, 3-year-ol more...0 points

Gund Sesame Street Abby Cadabby

Gund Sesame Street Abby Cadabby

<p>Abby Cadabby is an inquisitive, 3-year-ol more...0 points

Available Light Digital Photography, Second Edition: How to Make the Most of Your Night and Low-Light Shots by Joe Farace, Barry Staver

Available Light Digital Photography, Second Edition: How to Make the Most of Your Night and Low-Light Shots by Joe Farace, Barry Staver

This classic book on available light photography i more...0 points

Gund My First Purse

Gund My First Purse

<p>Little girls will love to play pretend wi more...0 points

Available Light: Anthropological Reflections on Philosophical Topics. by Clifford Geertz

Available Light: Anthropological Reflections on Philosophical Topics. by Clifford Geertz

<p>Clifford Geertz, one of the most influent more...0 points

Gund Soft and Shaggy Elmo doll in new larger size!

Gund Soft and Shaggy Elmo doll in new larger size!

Plush Sesame Street Elmo, from the Gund Collection more...0 points

All Available Boats: The Evacuation of Manhattan Island on September 11, 2001

All Available Boats: The Evacuation of Manhattan Island on September 11, 2001

The astonishing photographs and stories in this bo more...0 points

Thomas and Friends Bathtub Squirters

Thomas and Friends Bathtub Squirters

Thomas, Salty and Percy make bathtime a fun time b more...0 points

Digital Photography in Available Light: Essential Skills, Third Edition (Photography Essential Skills) (Photography Essential Skills) by Mark Galer

Digital Photography in Available Light: Essential Skills, Third Edition (Photography Essential Skills) (Photography Essential Skills) by Mark Galer

Digital Photography in Available Light is an inspi more...0 points

Samsung WEP200 Bluetooth Wireless Headset (Black)

Samsung WEP200 Bluetooth Wireless Headset (Black)

When it comes to mobile communication, Bluetooth i more...0 points

Gund Sesame Street Abby Cadabby

Gund Sesame Street Abby Cadabby

<p>Abby Cadabby is an inquisitive, 3-year-ol more...0 points

iKross Premium Reusable LCD Screen Protector with Lint Cleaning Cloth for iPod touch (Clear)

iKross Premium Reusable LCD Screen Protector with Lint Cleaning Cloth for iPod touch (Clear)

This is a test product so do not attempt to purcha more...0 points

Sandisk 4GB M2 Memory Stick Micro (SDMSM2-4096, Bulk Package)

Sandisk 4GB M2 Memory Stick Micro (SDMSM2-4096, Bulk Package)

Memory Stick Micro media is approximately one-quar more...0 points

54.5

54.5" x 43.5" Soft-Sides My first Gym (Colors May Vary)

Cushiony, inflatable base for safe, soft baby play more...0 points