Lens Content Tips

Writing great content for your lenses does not have to be difficult. If you're having a hard time getting started here are a few tips to help you along.

1. Write about what you know. If you don't know about something, and you're interested in creating a lens on it, take the time to learn about it first.



2. Share your passions. When someone is passionate about a topic it comes through in their writing. In most of my favorite Squidoo Lenses I can tell the Lensmaster was passionate about their subject.



3. Spell Check is your friend. Make sure you spell check your content before you hit that publish button.



4. Edit your work. If you have a difficult time editing your own work, have a friend take a look. I like to walk away from my writing, then come back and edit again later.



5. When you're writing lens content break it up into small paragraphs, and add some images or graphics in between to break up long sections of text. When people are reading online they tend to have a short attention span for large chunks of text. Break it up to keep readers entertained and reading on.



6. Lists and bullet points are a great way to break up your content. Speaking from experience people love lists! It's a great way to divide your content into bite sized chunks for your reader.



7. You can also highlight and underline important points to catch the reader's attention. Don't get too crazy with the bold or underlining. Bold or highlighted text can draw the readers attention to what you want them to read. 



8. Add headlines and sub headlines to make important points. It will also make the topic of your lens easier for Google to find. Let the search engines know what your lens is about with good on topic headers on your modules.



9. Be concise, don't ramble. If you have modules, or content not related to the subject of the lens, maybe it's time to create a new lens on that subject. You're better off with 2-3 shorter lenses, than you are with one really long rambling lens that's not very focused.



10. Use an active voice, especially if you want to call the reader to action. If you want them to click on a link, tell them so. If you want them to support your favorite cause, let them know why they should.



11. Write in a conversational voice, let your content flow like you're talking to a friend. You'll make your reader feel more at ease.  Talk to your reader like they're a friend, and they're right there with you.



12. Use positive language whenever possible. No one likes a Negative Nelly. Too much negativity can cause controversy, if that's what you want, great! If you want your reader to have a good experience, or you're hoping they'll buy something from your lens, keep it positive.

1. Dictionary.com~ An online dictionary kicked up a notch, with synonyms, definitions, a translator and more to help you find the right words for your lens content.



2. The Elements of Style~ An online version of an old favorite. Explains the rules of English style and concentrates attention on the rules of usage and principles of composition that are commonly misused.



3. Thesaurus.com~ When you just can't find the right words to express what's in your head.



4. RefDesk~ Tons of fun interesting facts and other stuff you can add to your content.



5. Encyclopedia Britannica~Everything you ever wanted to know about everything at your fingertips.



6. GrammarBook~ Helpful writing rules from grammar to punctuation.



7. Content Strategy~ Tips for writing online content.



8. Handbook Of Journalism~ If you want your lens content to look professional, you need to be professional and know the rules (of course you don't always have to follow them).



9. WordWeb~ Free reference dictionary and thesaurus software.



10. Website Tips~ Tips for writing for the web.

1. Lists~ People love lists, like top 10 lists, or a list of your favorite recipes.



2. How To's~ Teach someone how to make your grandma's favorite brownies, or how to fix their headboards. People like to learn how to do things.



3. Product reviews~ If you have something you really like, chances are others will like it too.



4. Quick Tips and Tricks~ Kind of like how to's but shorter. Bundle a few interesting tips or tricks together to create a lens. Share your knowledge on a subject.



5. Interviews~ Score an interview with someone of interest, or an expert in your favorite topic. That would make excellent content for your lens.