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How Hard Is It To Make A Decent Lens?

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Make A Decent Lens

It's not hard. Though some people fail at doing the most basic things. If you're reading this it's a good chance you're not one of those people. Right?

I'm not asking for a masterpiece. The bar isn't set too high. Just pay attention to the basics and cross all the t's and dot all the i's.

Here are some simple things to remember when making a lens. Even if a person is learning how to write for an online audience they can still put their best foot forward and look decent. Don't lose a visitor through a half hearted attempt at lens building.

Check List For All The Simple Stuff

  • Default Titles. They should be changed to something meaningful. Though I am glad that there's New Guestbook and New Amazon and some very 'defaulty' sounding titles set as a... default. Because it sends out a message. Sure, people some times overlook one here and one there, but to have almost every single one left unchanged is a sure indication that the Lensmaster is unconcerned about quality. So if you care about your work, care about your module titles.


  • As well as editing default titles, pay attention to the Guestbook module, if you don't edit the description, it'll say: "Like this lens? Want to share your feedback, or just give a thumbs up? Be the first to submit a blurb!". In addition to titling it with something that is attention grabbing, you also have the chance to make a call to action. Make it specific. Make it meaningful.

    If you're fishing for general feedback about your whole lens, you probably won't get as much a response as asking a specific question, be it thought provoking or even controversial.

    Here's some questions to ask yourself: Did your lens topic have an underlying motive? What prompted you to want to publish and broadcast the subject matter?

    Think on those things and then craft a question that distills the essence of the reason behind your lens. Keep the title as short as possible, but expand a little in the description. Don't make it too long though, a couple of sentences should be enough to do the trick.


  • Guestbook placement. Put it near the end, if not the last module. Let people see all your content before expecting them to comment. Unless your placement of a guestbook or guestbooks has a clear purpose in mind.


  • Empty Modules. Lazy Lensmaster alert! When I see a few empty modules I expect to see a tumbleweed to roll past.


  • Off-Topic Modules. Keep on topic. If you have a lens about one thing, don't surprise me with changing the subject and have a bit on selling web hosting. Don't use the NetFlix module to list a bunch of movies which have nothing to do with what you're talking about. Don't be obscure, make sure people see a firm undeniable connection between your module and the message that you're presenting.
  • Too many Amazon or Ebay Modules. How much is too much? When there's more space devoted to products than there is content. Mix it up a bit. Insert your Amazon/Ebay modules between each chunk of text. If I see a lot of Amazon modules I start scrolling. If it takes me all the way to the Guestbook I'm outta there. So slow me down, give me something to read. It gives the Search Engines something to chew on too.


  • DON'T MAKE YOUR TITLE OR YOUR DESCRIPTION IN ALL UPPERCASE. It's shouting. It's rude. It's also quite unsightly.


  • Profile Biography. Make sure you have a written a biography. It displays on every lens you publish. Do you want people to see "Hello world. This is my bio. I can edit it later!". No? Then edit it now.


  • Bio Photo. I like seeing peoples faces. Or in the very least a close-up of some facial feature. I like to show my eye. If it's not you then use something photographed by you, or drawn by you, or painted by you, or sculpted by you. Make it personal. Again, make sure it's not the default picture that defines you.

Just a couple more...

  • Use the Introduction Module. Don't skip it. Your Introduction should be a taste or a brief overview. Make sure that people know exactly what the subject matter is by reading that Introduction.


  • Add an Image to the Introduction. If you're not going to take the time to have photos in your lens, then at least make an effort to have one in your Introduction.

Get it? Got it? Good!

That's the simple stuff out of the way. Once that becomes second nature you only have to concentrate on producing and publishing the best unique and useful content you're capable of!

Taking your lenses to the next level...

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What say you?

Agree? Disagree? Do I make a certified anal retentive seem relaxed and carefree?

  • YayasHome Mar 3, 2012 @ 8:18 am | delete
    Thank you for sharing this really great information on how to make a decent lens. I so appreciate all the help you've given. Thanks heaps!
  • kitty222 Sep 13, 2011 @ 9:26 pm | delete
    I've seen a few Lenses where I thought, "Pshhhh. I bet I can do better." I can make a fairly reasonable sales Lens in about half an hour. The real top quality ones take longer. I think that's the clencher. How much time are you willing to put into a Lens?
  • fireblazzer Aug 16, 2011 @ 1:41 am | delete
    making a decent lens seems fairly easy.. making a sussusful one seems much harder.. hmm.

    i like your page.. good stuff
  • hotbrain Aug 15, 2011 @ 9:07 pm | delete
    I agree, except for one point. Lots of Amazon or Ebay modules can be helpful if your goal is to sell stuff and if you've done some keyword research. If you've reached the lens because you are searching to buy something, you want to see stuff to buy. However, I recommend Amazon Spotlight module more than the regular Amazon module, because the spotlight one is seen by Google!
  • Jewelsofawe Aug 14, 2011 @ 11:46 pm | delete
    Great advice!
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N376

Glen likes to write. If it's something that he hasn't already enjoyed or experienced in life if you so much as throw a topic at him and if he finds it... more »

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