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Polishing Your New Lenses

SquidooKimberly by SquidooKimberly
Last updated: 12/21/2011

Get your new lenses in shape for promotion!

Whether you're a new lensmaster or a veteran, you've put a lot of work into your lenses! Don't let that work go to waste. By making a few simple changes on your lenses, you can greatly increase the chances that your readers will want to stick around and come back for more!

On this list you'll find common mistakes that lensmasters make. The good news is they take only seconds to fix. Before getting a critique on the forum, make sure you review this list!

Hopefully you're not using nail polish on your lenses (different kind of polish), but in any case, this cute photo is courtesy of Creative Commons and shannonkringen.

TIP: Rename your modules

Polished lenses don't have module titles that read "New Orbits Module" or "Text List." All your module titles should describe the module and encourage readers to take a closer look. Try writing them using supplemental keyword phrases that can help get your lens indexed and found.

Try these:
  • Plan your own special Colorado vacation (for Orbitz)
  • Books to get you started baking (for Amazon)
  • Ten ways to clean a bathroom quickly (for a text list)

#1 Turn-Off: Default Module Titles

Great Stuff on Amazon
New YouTube vids
New Guestbook

TIP: Are your moneymakers relevant?

If not, your lens could look *gasp* spammy!

When you add moneymaking modules the products you're promoting should match the topic of your lens. If they don't have anything to do with your topic, get rid of them. A few lensmasters have created really great lenses on using these modules!
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TIP: Have you added a lensmaster photo?

Not having a photo adds to the "fly by night" look. You don't have to use a photo of yourself! A picture of your cat, a pretty flower, or a graphic avatar works just as well. It gives other lensmasters a visual cue to connect to your work, and makes your lenses feel homey.

Lensmaster Avatar Examples

Here are a few examples of lensmaster avatars, from our Giant Squids!

TIP: Have you really described your topic?

If you're trying to promote another website or product, make sure you've adequately described what you're selling on the lens. Lots of "click here" links won't do it for most readers. You need to educate them and gain their trust FIRST. Then they may consider clicking on your links.

A common complaint about new lenses is that the reader gets done and still has no idea what the lensmaster is really selling or describing. So make sure you cover the basics and paint a clear picture.

What? How? When/where? Who? Why?

TIP: Check your spelling and grammar

Spellcheck on your computer is a first good step, but to find other mistakes your best bet is to let a trusted friend read it over.

Here are some tips for checking your work, and proof that it really does matter to readers!
What makes a lens smell so sweet?
Giant Squids and Angels riff on things that turn them on, and off, when it comes to viewing great lenses.
The Write Stuff
Tips for writing winning content for your lens.
Barkely is your Content Mentor
Get help writing great lens copy, from your official Citizen Squid Content Mentor.

TIP: Are your Flickr photos and YouTube videos relevant?

If not, they just confuse readers and dilute your message. Using visual media to drive your point home can go a long way if you're teaching a new skill or showcasing a unique product.

But if you're just using them to fill space, you're better off without them.

More tips for getting a great critique

Also, when you're posting a request for a critique, generic titles often get ignored. "Looking for help with bird hunting lens" will draw more of the right interest than, "critique me!!!"

All caps and lots of exclamation points are hard on the eyes, so a lot of people ignore them. Please refrain from using them.

If you have more than one lens you would like to have reviewed, after you've gone through the list above, post just one lens. Apply all the advice you get to your other lenses, then consider posting another one.

Can you beat the Lens Polish Challenge?

See if you can pick out the things that don't belong on your lens!

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Say hi and post a link to your first lens here. Then stop by the forum for that critique!

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This SquidooHQ page written by

SquidooKimberly

I'm Kimberly, your Community Organizer on Squidoo. These official lenses will help you be more successful on your favorite internet service - Squidoo!... more »

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