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From the lens FAQs about My Lenses, My Traffic and My Secrets to Success.

I hope this answered some of your basic questions - these are the ones people ask me the most frequently. If there is one you have that you don't see here, please leave a comment. I have these set on "ask me first" because I'd like to be notified - so don't be concerned if your question doesn't show up right away!

  • xriotdotbiz May 22, 2012 @ 8:04 pm | delete
    Very insightful, especially how your Daily Show lens earns versus the laptop bag. You also provided some important metrics to keep in mind. Thank you.
  • SellClean May 20, 2012 @ 11:00 pm | delete
    Great info. You are a true lens master!
  • getmoreinfo May 19, 2012 @ 5:52 pm | delete
    Thanks for your inspiration and tips, I really enjoyed reading your FAQ and have been able to implement many of your advice on my own lenses which is seeing positive results because of it. Keep up the good work, thanks again for all your help.
  • arcarmi May 8, 2012 @ 9:51 pm | delete
    Your stats are amazing! Nice job!
  • grafixart Apr 25, 2012 @ 6:58 am | delete
    great info and hope you continue doing well!
  • virtualboy Apr 3, 2012 @ 2:03 pm | delete
    another nice lens, you go girl!
  • awelldressedbullet Apr 1, 2012 @ 1:34 pm | delete
    Happy April Fools Day!
  • TrueGhostTales Apr 1, 2012 @ 2:58 am | delete
    Nice tips. Now that I am climbing up, the advice of a veteran Squid like you is invaluable.
  • martyp Mar 26, 2012 @ 3:41 pm | delete
    Very nice read. Could you comment about the traffic you have been receiving lately? I noticed that your last update was in March 2011. Just curious if it has stayed the same, gone up or gone down. Thanks.
  • mynameiskate Mar 31, 2012 @ 8:57 pm | delete
    Hi, Marty .. Thanks for your question - I just updated that module. In 2011 it was pretty consistent (with the usual Xmas spike in Dec). But it has been dropping a bit in 2012 - though that may have to do with me not updating the lens as much. So, we'll have to see how it goes.
  • rnhealthinfo Mar 5, 2012 @ 2:09 am | delete
    Sometimes I think I study and read too much instead of just getting back here to squidoo, it's been a while. Great tips though, thanks!
  • Nimsy Feb 13, 2012 @ 8:00 am | delete
    Thank you for sharing your insights which I have found very helpful. I will definitely check out some of the resources .
  • Edutopia Feb 12, 2012 @ 11:49 pm | delete
    Great and surprisingly helpful lens, good job!
  • pyngthyngs Feb 12, 2012 @ 10:27 am | delete
    You share quite a bit of Squidoo wisdom in this lens in addition to your laptop bag faqs.
  • newbizmau Feb 12, 2012 @ 10:19 am | delete
    I always seen your lenses at the top and wondered how. Thanks for the FAQ.
  • KathyT Feb 8, 2012 @ 11:01 am | delete
    Even though I've been here at Squidoo for a few years now, I am still learning all the ins and outs. Thank you for an exceptionally informative lens - along with the links to those other lenses as well. One of the things I like here is when people cross-reference other helpful lenses. Much appreciated! (Saving this one in my bookmarks for further study!) :) Kath
  • TamaraKajari Jan 13, 2012 @ 7:59 am | delete
    I'm so glad to have stopped by this lens, will come back for a regular reminding therapy for sure :)
  • AprilMonth Jan 11, 2012 @ 4:08 am | delete
    Good advice especially for newbie like me. Thanks for sharing.
  • jadehorseshoe Dec 31, 2011 @ 10:26 pm | delete
    Multiple-Return Visitor. Cool Lens!
  • EditorDave Dec 31, 2011 @ 3:27 pm | delete
    Good tips for anyone wanting to Squidoo (can we make that word a verb? ... I don't know, but I'm an ex-English teacher and I decided to *go* for it! *grin*). Congrats on a Squidoo masterpiece!
  • SherwinG Dec 29, 2011 @ 9:59 pm | delete
    great suggestions and you answered a lot if questions. Thanks
  • KathieWoolridge Dec 27, 2011 @ 3:31 am | delete
    Great tips! Learned something new!
  • jdquey Dec 27, 2011 @ 1:08 am | delete
    Thanks for the resources! They are becoming quite helpful for me
  • TopModels Dec 23, 2011 @ 11:02 am | delete
    Some very interesting points here. Certainly the information pertaining to content of a lens. Just a thought! But how much do you make from Squidoo a month NOW?
  • LoneMeadowLark Dec 21, 2011 @ 10:13 pm | delete
    Very nicely written, and some great resources! Thank you very, very much!
  • wordstock Dec 18, 2011 @ 10:32 am | delete
    I spent some time checking out the lenses featured here and looking at the laptop bags in case I every get a laptop, I like your response to those who want to trade favors. Vote for mine, I'll vote for yours. I can't do that either because I don't have time to game the system to get my ranking higher. Besides, it's dishonest. Great lens, very helpful. Angel blessed.
  • GaryTous Dec 17, 2011 @ 7:06 pm | delete
    Thanks for this- I am new to Squidoo and am looking at the good and great lenses to get tips. Lenses like this really help.
  • TrentAdamsCA Dec 16, 2011 @ 6:44 pm | delete
    So encouraging. Thanks for sharing your insights. Your spirit of generosity is so refreshing.
  • fullofshoes Dec 3, 2011 @ 10:29 pm | delete
    Your lens has really great information. I can put this all to good use, thank you.
  • jvillekid Nov 30, 2011 @ 6:52 am | delete
    Thanks for sharing your Squidoo experiences! This is one of the reasons I love the Squidoo community!
  • mismatch Nov 20, 2011 @ 1:54 am | delete
    Thanks for a very good resource lens -- and a good honest approach to most concerns that a new lensmaster would rise.Blessed!
  • mercin Nov 14, 2011 @ 7:52 pm | delete
    This the most useful and realistic lens I've read about the working of Squidoo. Thank you! I love knowing the patience we all must use, about 4-6 months before seeing significant traffic. And I love the advice to "link out". Good stuff!
  • wolfie10 Nov 10, 2011 @ 12:36 am | delete
    thank you loved what you had to say on here. it does take time to produce a good lens. i still work on mine all the time and trying different things and keep on reading lenses like yours.

    thank you again
  • Tipi Nov 6, 2011 @ 1:11 pm | delete
    Congratulations on your success and how generous of you to share your secrets! That lovely purple star is well earned!
  • Churchmouse Oct 27, 2011 @ 12:36 pm | delete
    Thanks so much - a truly helpful lens for a newbie such as me. You have a gift for writing clearly, honestly, and articulately... and without patronising the reader. I was relieved to read that you consider 2 weeks to a month about the usual/average updating lens time - I was concerned it had to be every day :-) Wondered when people sleep... Again, thanks so much.
  • getmoreinfo Oct 27, 2011 @ 6:11 am | delete
    I think your funky laptop bags was one of the first lenses I saw when I came to squidoo and I was so impressed by your knowledge and how in dept your reviews were, also your page was full of pictures and just kept scrolling and scrolling and I was like wow this is a lot of bags. LOL
  • RebeccaE Sep 20, 2011 @ 12:27 pm | delete
    this is good, in fact I think the best advice you can give is the crtique me section of the SquidU forums. I am off there now. I also think this is a huge help-- I noticed in many of your lenses you've updated them frequently. Does this help a lot?
  • cffutah Sep 14, 2011 @ 9:07 am | delete
    I actually read alot of what you wrote, it'll help me I'm sure. I'm going to be writing lens mainly about Cystic Fibrosis as I volunteer to get media exposure out on this. I think I'll do different lens that are fun facts and funny so that people are entertained but at the same time take something from the lens that they learn.
  • BrassFittings Sep 13, 2011 @ 1:42 pm | delete
    thank you for covering these topics!
  • whoisbid Sep 12, 2011 @ 7:16 pm | delete
    Excellent advice!
  • friendshipquotes Sep 3, 2011 @ 2:58 am | delete
    great and honest opinion!
  • ramfir Aug 26, 2011 @ 12:26 pm | delete
    Very-very informative. I've learn a lot reading this lens. Especially the Laptop bag lens. An Inspiration.
  • GordyM Aug 11, 2011 @ 3:36 am | delete
    I think that it's great that the Lensmasters share their approach to lens building
  • cbaltt Aug 6, 2011 @ 8:43 pm | delete
    Great info, thanks for sharing it.
  • filmic Aug 3, 2011 @ 5:53 am | delete
    Thanks for the info Kate. It's quite reassuring to know that quality does you a service in the squidoo ranks.
  • robin168 Jul 1, 2011 @ 12:26 am | delete
    I am new and I really needed this information. thank you.
  • scarlettohairy Jun 24, 2011 @ 6:59 pm | delete
    Okay, missy, I had to bookmark this bad boy since I don't have time today to read all the linked info today. Thank you for writing this lens for us newbies who want to be a pro like you!
  • shawnhi77 Jun 24, 2011 @ 7:41 am | delete
    Great lens. It was very helpful in gaining knowledge to make my lens better
  • Jewelsofawe Jun 22, 2011 @ 1:15 pm | delete
    You write reviews very well. I find them interesting and I find myself wanting to read them. Blessing this lens!
  • hsherry Jun 16, 2011 @ 7:30 pm | delete
    Very informative. Thanks!
  • signdesign Jun 6, 2011 @ 4:30 pm | delete
    Thanks from a newbie! :)
  • Philippians468 Apr 12, 2011 @ 11:37 am | delete
    thank you for sharing these advice and tips! cheers
  • cinstress Mar 26, 2011 @ 1:38 pm | delete
    thanks for the tips
    I'm reading all I can on this subject!
  • MaxwellScott Mar 14, 2011 @ 9:41 am | delete
    Awesome Tips - i will study with interest!
  • UKGhostwriter Mar 13, 2011 @ 6:03 pm | delete
    Another fine lense from you Katie, have a thumbs up from me!...and I'm going to favourite this one!
  • lestroischenes Mar 9, 2011 @ 2:22 am | delete
    Thanks for taking the time to write this. Naturally we all want to know 'how to do it', to make money, have people love us and generally get fame and fortune. The more I read the more it seems to me that there is no magic - unless it's the magic of hard work!
  • mynameiskate Mar 9, 2011 @ 4:30 pm | delete
    I think you've hit the nail on the head :) Thanks for leaving a comment!!
  • Brite-Ideas Feb 19, 2011 @ 1:50 am | delete
    very helpful, thank you :)
    Barb
  • AnthonyWessel Feb 9, 2011 @ 10:43 am | delete
    Thanks for sharing your info.
  • fashionality Feb 7, 2011 @ 8:36 pm | delete
    Great tips! I like your honesty and genuineness.
  • Jewelsofawe Feb 4, 2011 @ 6:39 pm | delete
    Good info! Thanks!
  • Squidoolinepro Jan 26, 2011 @ 11:08 pm | delete
    I love that you took time to answer those questions. I've been here before; just returning to sprinkle a little angel dust. *blessed*;)
  • mynameiskate Jan 27, 2011 @ 8:16 am | delete
    Yay - what a nice start to my day. Thank you!
  • Luminosity Jan 14, 2011 @ 10:25 pm | delete
    It's nice getting data on what is working. Just so we can have additional things to think about.
  • teriann Jan 8, 2011 @ 7:10 am | delete
    Lots to learn, you give some great tips. Thanks for the giving.
  • JaredB Jan 4, 2011 @ 1:32 am | delete
    I agree with you about passionate content. The lenses that I have made that I know the most about have been my favorite ones!
  • greviews Dec 22, 2010 @ 7:46 pm | delete
    Just so you know the link to "How to Get and Give Help" is dead - goes to a 404 page.

    Odd, never actually seen Squidoo's 404 page before because normally they try to get you to write a lens with whatever name you type in.

    Great lens with great tips! Amazing how many high ranked lenses you have considering that you don't have all that many lenses, quality over quantity.
  • budwalker Dec 17, 2010 @ 1:44 am | delete
    This is just great. I like your lens, it's excellent. :D
  • hayleylou Dec 14, 2010 @ 4:53 am | delete
    Excellent lens :)
  • Michey Dec 5, 2010 @ 11:50 am | delete
    Just come back to bless this lens, you create an array of tools which are very useful so this is my way to say "Thank you"
    Regards
  • Michey Dec 5, 2010 @ 11:31 am | delete
    Very good info, and fair... YES fair
    this is why I bless your lens
    Regards
    Michey
  • LouieWrites Nov 14, 2010 @ 4:11 pm | delete
    Very useful! Great tip, content is king!
  • Jhangora Nov 13, 2010 @ 4:34 am | delete
    Thanx a lot for sharing the tips and info about traffic. Found it useful.
  • hollyshope Oct 12, 2010 @ 11:04 pm | delete
    Thanks for all the great resources!
  • CCGAL Sep 24, 2010 @ 3:56 pm | delete
    This was great - lots of good answers and resources. I was very happy to see you point out that you don't try to game the system. I have learned a lot from looking closely at your #1 lens, and I believe I see some things that I can do better. Thank you!
  • alexkazam Sep 6, 2010 @ 3:52 am | delete
    Thank you for sharing some top tips with us- as your laptop bags lens consistently hits number one in the top 100 lenses you really know your stuff. I have got lots of lenses and wish to increase traffic (like many others here!)
    It's good to know that content is still King.
  • JoeOnTheNet Jul 12, 2010 @ 10:58 am | delete
    There are a lot of useful links on your lens. Thanks.
  • vallain Jun 27, 2010 @ 7:43 pm | delete
    Loved your FAQs. People have no idea how much work you must do to have such high-ranking lenses. This clues them in somewhat.
    You didn't mention how often you update lenses. I wondered about that.
  • mynameiskate Jun 30, 2010 @ 6:37 pm | delete
    Hi, Virginia! That is a great question. For any of the bag ones, it often depends on if I have any to review :) I really try to do an update every two weeks, but on a few of them it is probably once a month (the sleeve and netbook ones).

    Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!!
  • newbizmau Jan 28, 2010 @ 4:51 pm | delete
    Every time I read over this lens, I take something new that I didn't notice before away. Thanks and keep it coming.
  • 2Eklectik Jun 16, 2009 @ 9:41 pm | delete
    I always learn something on Squidoo!! Thank you for a great lens.
  • only1bub Apr 10, 2009 @ 10:18 pm | delete
    Thanks for your page! I was actually wondering a few of these items and was very pleased to see you shared it on your lens here!
  • Mumpreneur Feb 17, 2009 @ 2:36 pm | delete
    It is not the longest of the lenses I have seen but it's full of information and really inspirational. Well done!
  • mynameiskate Oct 20, 2008 @ 9:13 am | delete
    Hi, MichelleDiane ... Yes, they are mostly the text/write with my own html code for the images (which I host on Flickr). And a few Amazon modules for the commerce stuff.

    Thanks for your comment!

    Cheers .. Kate
  • MichelleDiane Oct 20, 2008 @ 12:03 am | delete
    Thanks for the great info! I would be interested in knowing which modules you used in your laptop bag lens. Are they all text modules with images embedded? Thanks again! 5* :-)
  • mn3guy Sep 22, 2008 @ 6:07 pm | delete
    Your laptop bag lens is really quite awesome. I have been fooling around with lenses for a while, for fun and to make a little money and just to see how it all works. I appreciate your willingness to share the information on this lens, especially for some of us who tend to be a bit thick-headed. It takes a while for some of us to "get it". Your presentation and especially the quality pictures that you use is really quite inspiring. You can tell you are into your topic, which results in a ton of great content and really helpful advice. While your topic is not necessarily "my" thing, you engaged me. You inspired me to do a better job. Almost to just quit and start over ... well, maybe start again from the beginning. I forwarded your lens over to a friend, too, who will appreciate the content and the quality of your work. Oh, by the way, go ahead and take credit for creating the internet. Al Gore is a politican and we know he didn't create it. Thanks!
  • ToddDaniels Sep 2, 2008 @ 5:52 am | delete
    Thanks for the up-front and useful information. It is nice to get a 'peek behind the curtain' for what it takes to get to the Top 100. Thanks also for the traffic information, I'd be happy with 10% of that traffic but hey, with these tips ya never know.
  • WritingforYourWealth Sep 1, 2008 @ 10:03 pm | delete
    Nice job, Kate. It sounds like you are doing well :) Hope you see your traffic pick back up now that summer is on the wane.
  • lakeerieartists Aug 23, 2008 @ 5:55 pm | delete
    Very helpful. Thanks.
  • DarleneOuimet Aug 19, 2008 @ 8:34 pm | delete
    I am VERY new to Squidoo and just made my first lens. I went to your funky bag lens to see why it always is in the top ten, and then decided to check this one out too! Thanks for the info, I feel better knowing it took you a few months to get traffic. I will keep building!
  • susanelainegalloway Jul 5, 2008 @ 3:45 am | delete
    Thanks for the "insights" sometimes we canīt see "the Forest For The Trees".
    Nice tips point taken. Have a great Holiday everyone take carexxxx
  • ShannonC Jun 14, 2008 @ 9:20 pm | delete
    Great info, your lenses are all top quality :)
  • jstonedotorg Jun 4, 2008 @ 8:14 pm | delete
    Great Lens. Maybe my next lens can get that kind of traffic, but I'm not going to hold my breath. ;-)
  • Margaret_Schaut Mar 27, 2008 @ 2:25 pm | delete
    Kate, there is no question that you are the #1 lensmaster on Squidoo, and an inspiration to everyone. I have no doubt you'll be popping me out of the top spot in no time flat once again! In fact, #2 has long been considered the #1 spot, only because you've camped out at the top for so long. We love you Kate, and thanks for pointing me to my FABULOUS laptop bag!
  • archetekt Mar 22, 2008 @ 11:22 pm | delete
    Thanks for this great info!
    I like your traffic stats,
    I was so happy when my smoothie recipe lens
    had over 300 in a week. This is
    inspiration to do better.
  • SemperFidelis Mar 4, 2008 @ 5:21 pm | delete
    Nice info Kate. Thanks for being transparent with some of your info. The most traffic I've had for a lens in a week is about 1000, so your numbers blow me away!
  • kentsm Feb 15, 2008 @ 3:55 pm | delete
    I am quite impressed. Great lens and great content for us all
  • mynameisJennifer Feb 11, 2008 @ 11:53 am | delete
    I recently discovered squidoo and look forward to finding additional lens such as yours. I began with Seth Godin and moved on to your funky lens. I think I need to go shopping for a fun laptop bag.
  • jlberg2547 Feb 3, 2008 @ 5:59 pm | delete
    Absolutely awesome lens. I just returned from a total of 6 months traveling in Ecuador. My laptop case is a plain, sturdy, samsonite that I bought for $15 from a TJMaxx back in 2004! Now I must have something funky and cool. Thanks for the good info on how to build a lens. I am just getting started and trying to decide where to go first!

    Jimmie
  • Music-Resource Jan 21, 2008 @ 8:39 pm | delete
    Hi Kate, This is good. It addresses some good questions and it's "what's not on your other laptop bag lens". Thanx for the lens tips. I have a suggestion. Have you considered making a two link site map as a second to the last module - right above this one? If you link the two pages together, both of them may do even better. The Google spiders might like that set up :) You are right about not worrying about SEOing. I had a good amount of daily traffic on all four of my lenses. I made the mistake of going back and SEOing them. Two got put into Google supplemental index and all four of them get either little if any organic traffic. Nice commentary on the SEO side of things. ~Music Resource~
  • Retro_Loco Jan 10, 2008 @ 10:30 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing your knowledge & experience with us! I can only imagine the volume of email you must receive!
  • alchi Dec 8, 2007 @ 9:23 am | delete
    Thank you for your advice!
  • MeganCasey Oct 31, 2007 @ 10:56 am | delete
    Kate, you are a class act. As always!
  • Sia Sep 29, 2007 @ 7:34 pm | delete
    Kate, your lenses are great fun.I couldn't help visiting your lens on laptop bags, considering they're not a stretch from hand bags which I LIVE for. By the way, you did more in 27 hrs than I did in 10 days in Paris ! Paris for me too and stick me in Chateau de Versailles pls! Voila! Sia in Montreal
  • Susan52 Jul 29, 2007 @ 7:31 am | delete
    Great, honest answers and advice. Thanks!

by

mynameiskate

As the lensmaster of the popular "Funky, Chic and Cool Laptop Bag" lens, I get a lot of great questions from readers - both about laptop bags and Squi... more »

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