Polishing Your New Lenses

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 14 people | Log in to rate

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Getting 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 fast (for a text list)

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!
featured lens How to Maximize the Cafepress Module

Most squidoo users add a money making module to each lens. Some lensmasters like to add several modules to make money. You may like the eBay module, or the Amazon module, but my favorite module to use is the cafepress module! Why? Because I also have...

featured lens Amazon Module Basics

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.&nb...

featured lens Getting the Best Results in the Squidoo Ebay Module

With so much information online, it is often surprising how many people do not utilize advanced search commands to help pick through the results, bringing all the good ones to the top, and keep the rest off the list. With eBay, and especially with af...

featured lens Netflix Module

It's new!  It's unlimited!  It has no late fees!  It's....*drumroll* Netflix!  Join millions of users who don't go to the video store, pay late fees, or pay for shipping movies back and forth.  With your low monthly fee you c...

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.

TIP: Are your Flickr photos and YouTube videos relvant? 

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.

SquidU Review 

Our weekly issue of the SquidU Review features tried-and-true tips from lensmasters, just like you!

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New member? Say hi! 

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

Lensmaster

MsSnow4a wrote...

Thanks for th helpful lens

ReplyPosted May 11, 2009

Lensmaster

wyrm11268 wrote...

Hi, I have a lot to learn. Thanks for the tips - off to polish my lenses

ReplyPosted May 10, 2009

Lensmaster

Jimmie wrote...

In revisiting lenses made in my earlier months at Squidoo, I'm seeing places where I can dress up the HTML/CSS as well. Every little improvement counts. And don't forget to ping at SquidUtils.

ReplyPosted May 09, 2009

Lensmaster

poutine wrote...

Thanks for all those good tips. It will help improve my lenses.

ReplyPosted March 09, 2009

Lensmaster

annetteghallowell wrote...

Hi again...I have just published my second lens and seem to change each lens a little each day. Thanks for the great ideas. I will be looking at them often!

ReplyPosted July 29, 2008

by SquidooKimberly

I'm Kimberly, your Community & Charity Organizer on Squidoo. Check out these lenses for more helpful tips on using your favorite internet service - Sq... (more)

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