Selling: A Simple How-To
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Want to Make A Little Profit?
If you answer,"Yes, I would like to make a little money!", then let me give you some personal advice about selling on this platform..
Create a page that is not Spammy! Be subtle. Give personal reviews. Do not be pushy.
I have created pages on in the past that I now consider really tacky and I feel that they YELL "I am selling something here!"
I have also created some other "selling" lenses that I consider not bad at all. In fact, one of them got a purple star!
This article is not being written to tell you how to "make money" selling products on this site. This article is an attempt to give you direction in creating content rich, nice looking, non-spammy, subtle monetized pages.
Contents at a Glance
Easy (?) Money with Squidoo:
Money does not fall from the sky!
Confession Time: Making money on Squidoo is certainly not easy. Nor is it my priority--now!
Before I became a "Giant", I was inspired by a posting in a Squidoo blog to become an affiliate marketer.
The author of this blog made it sound so easy to earn big bucks by choosing a product to sell, then base a lens on it. His example was "How to Dress Like a Rock Star". Well, duh! That is a great subject and what young person with their parent's credit card # would not be tempted to buy a Jimi Hendrix shirt!
To make a long story a little shorter, I heard thru a grape vine that "Pink Pigs" were going to be a great seller very soon! I jumped on it and claimed my lens: This Little Pink Piggy Went to Market! Then I found affiliate products I liked to put on it. Has anyone bought anything? NO! (update: someone bought a cute piggy backpack!)
What did I learn? It is not easy to get buyers! I do not care about Pink Pigs--I know nothing about them! I felt so stupid and embarrassed for myself. I went back to the lens and added some content in the form of humor. It did not help how I felt. I had a lot to learn about marketing.
Then the "ah ha" light bulb moment came! I only wanted to write and be creative. I originally joined Squidoo to surf the lenses and have a creative outlet. The heck with the profits on the internet! Consequently, I learned how to write a lens I was proud of -- then maybe pick some method or module to add to it that MIGHT make a profit.
As a result of that discovery, any earnings I receive I consider a nice surprise bonus.
Yes, one can make money on a lens by promoting CafePress, Zazzle, Etsy, eBay, Allposters or Amazon products. You could also do a Squidzipper lens for a local company in your area. Of course, this might not make you any "moo-la", but if enough people spend money in your neighborhood and are happy with their purchase, lots of people can win.
$$$ falling from the sky Image from Microsoft Clip Art
Here is a link to an interesting article I just stumbled upon: not required reading, just some information.
Easy Money with Squidoo? Makes the point that writing good content is a must.
Be Inspired to Buy -- or Sell!
Lensmasters who exhibit wonderful selling practices!
Why do I think the lenses listed below are excellent examples of "Selling" lenses?
Seth Godin believes that telling a story is a good way to connect with a reader. It develops a relationship and, perhaps, trust.
"Rachel's Craft Stall" draws the reader in with her imagination and humor. Oh, yes, she stoplights her crafts, too. Did you connect?
"Pink Tool Kits" is a wonderful example of a non-spammy lens. Sojourn gives a personal description for the items in her "Tool Kits". Did she inspire your trust?
The "Gift Registry" lens is a neat idea that anyone can copy. You could also use a "Top 5" list using the Amazon module.
- I've been a Pratie Head for many's the long year... (Celtic Music)
- I'd been living in Cambridge, Massachusetts, singing Balkan music with the acappella women's ensemble Laduvane,and singing American folksongs in a band called 'Rank Strangers.' In 1981 I married and my husband moved us to Chapel Hill, NC. This lens is about my further musical adventures...Bob Vasile
- Rachel's Craft Stall
- I've never sold my work at a craft fair or fete or whatever so I thought I'd have a little fun role-playing and seeing what it might be like if I did!So come along and see what textiley goodness I have for sale!I've got textiles, bags, textiles and craft books, kits, figurines and dolls, brooches, t
- Pink Tool Kits For Women
- Hey, ladies! First and foremost, we're girls, and we want things to look pretty — even our handy-woman or handy-ma'am tools! So, here are a few recommendations for pink tool kits for women. They delight the eye as well as make fixing broken things around the house so much less of a chore.
- Set Up A Gift Registry On Squidoo For Yourself And Others
- I don't really know why I thought of this--just had Squidoo on the brain, I guess--but the idea of using Squidoo lenses as gift registries popped into my head as I was sunning myself on the porch, eating watermelon. (No connection there.)Not that I need to make one for myself. My wedding was 11 year
- Jura-Capresso (
- It's time to savor the delight. The Jura Expresso rolls off my tongue with pleasure. I can already smell that sensuous aroma that comes with freshly ground beans. Prepare to enjoy the best cup of coffee you have ever tasted and pamper yourself and family with equisite coffehouse flavor.
(Author Note from Mickie_G: I think this is one of the best lenses I have seen on Squidoo that is selling a product! Be inspired.) - Best Ride On Toys for 3 Year Old Boys
- Welcome all who are looking for ideas for the best toys for little boys - of the ride-on variety. Based on personal experience of a Grandmother!
Learn how to use Amazon Modules on Squidoo:
Books are the top selling item on Squidoo!
Amazon modules are the easiest way to monetize your lenses.
- How To Add Amazon Product Links
- It used to be possible to embed the official Amazon Product Links into a lens (if you were an Amazon Associate). However, since the support for IFrames was withdrawn from Squidoo, this is no longer an option.At SQUIDUtils.com there is a special tool which generates a static version of the Amazon Pro
- Choosing the right items for your Amazon modules
- Ya gotta love Squidoo's Amazon modules. I think they are probably my favorite affiliate modules. The modules themselves are some of the nicest looking and easiest to work with on the site, and Amazon.com offers such a huge range of products that it works for most lens topics.But how do you decide ex
- Amazon Tips For Squidoo Lensmasters
- Lensmasters can promote a large variety of products from the Internet's largest online retailer without belonging to the Amazon Associates program, and earn 50% of Squidoo's commission for any items that are purchased from the Amazon Modules on their Lenses!There are six Amazon modules on Squidoo, t
- Video from Lensmaster "Everythingmouse":
- This video shows you how to add Amazon links to your lens. "Everythingmouse" shares a lot with the "Income Boosters" on RocketMoms. You might find this helpful.
Can you trust Seth Godin?
Squidoo guru
All Marketers Are Liars: The Power of Telling Authentic Stories in a Low-Trust World
Amazon Price: $7.89 (as of 02/15/2012)
Tell a good story. Earn the trust of your readers. It results in a "win/win" situation! Thanks, Seth!
How to use Allposters for Beautification and Profit:
(Click the image below to purchase it at Allposters)
Hey Lensmasters! - Make $$$The AllPosters.com Affiliates Program is a great way to make money with your website. All you have to do is place links on your site to AllPosters.com. When your site visitors click on your links and make purchases at AllPosters.com, you earn 20% of the sale.Sign up today!(FYI--yes, if you join as a result of clicking this link, I might make a commission, too.)
Using CafePress module to add sales to your lens:
Using eBay to Earn Money on Squidoo:
Everythingmouse is one of the best and most generous lensmasters I have discovered on Squidoo. Here is a lens she wrote about using eBay in connection with Squidoo. Read, learn and enjoy.
How to use Etsy to moneytize your lens sucessfully:
You earn money if you have an Etsy shop.
Don't know about Etsy? Well, you should
Videos that might give you some money making ideas:
I like to watch videos sometimes to see how other people make their lenses work. You might enjoy these, too.
Blog Posts about Squidoo :
- Anti-Valentine's Day: how to weather Feb. 14
- An early entry on Squidoo.com recounted a foray to a local petting zoo where not only was the writer jumped by a filthy-footed goat, but her date was spit on by an angry llama. Throw a party, says Squidoo, but avoid the following: anything pink or red, ...
- Fed up with the romantic-industrial complex? Why to hate Valentine's Day.
- An early entry on Squidoo.com recounted a foray to a local petting zoo where not only was the writer jumped by a filthy-footed goat, but her date was spit on by an angry llama. Throw a party, says Squidoo, but avoid the following: anything pink or red, ...
- Local CVB recognized for social marketing
- The CVB used the free social networking site, www.squidoo.com, to create eight websites, or lenses as they are called in squidoo lingo, according to Pete Schultz, CVB director. ?The goal has been to connect with people searching for tourist information ...
- The Pipeline: Pro of Valentine's Day
- According to Squidoo.com, Americans eat 23.8 pounds on chocolate on the February 14. These statistics do not even include the outrageous number of flower sales, which include $403 million flowers produced for Valentine's Day and a profit of about $24 ...
Zazzle Your Way to Selling:
(Used under a Creative Commons license: image by flickr user gthrul)
- Zazzle 101 ... How to make a profit on Zazzle
- Zazzle is one of the Print-on-demand companies out there that allows people to design & sell their own creations. I love Zazzle's ease of use, friendly staff, and the fact that I can make money on my art. Here are my Top 10 Tips to have a profitable Zazzle Gallery.
In General: How to earn cash on Squidoo:
More ways you can use Squidoo to earn some extra pennies for your bank.
"How's My Selling" Contest Guidelines:
How the Contest was set up:
Note: I wrote this article for the members of the Fresh Wonders Group. It was part of a weekly contest that began Oct. 26th 2009. Fresh Wonders members created a new selling lens and submitted them to the contest. Voting ended on November 8th, 2009. The Winner of the contest was the lens "Russian Remix"! Go check it out.
Fresh Wonders Guidelines for Contest Participation
Submissions were taken for one week- Monday Oct. 25, 2009 to Sunday Nov. 1, 2009.
Judging and voting take place Monday November 2nd thru Sunday November 8th. The Contest Winner will receive one of these exclusive Badges, Spotlight Interview and a "little write-up about you" on The Fresh Squid Blog.
Any member of the Ning Community Fresh Wonders is eligible to participate. Fresh Squids and Wonder Squids swimming together in the Squidoo sea - this Group is all about helping and supporting each other! We'll be happy if you decide to join us! If you haven't joined already just contact a_willow aka Michelle Willow, the Group Leader.
Fresh Squids and Wonder Squids swimming the Squidoo sea together! Logo designed by a_willow.
The Best Selling Lens! (as of November 8th 2009)
Contest Winner: Russian Remix!
The following lucky 13 "selling" lenses were created and submitted by members of the Fresh Wonders. If you have a NEW "selling" lens you are proud of, please submit it in the plexo below.
Voting took place the week preceeding Sunday, November 8, 2009 for the lens that visitors thought did the best job of: Grabbing your attention; relating to you; getting you to think about your needs; making your finger itching to click "buy". The appearance of the lens does matter.
On Monday, November 9th 2009, the winner was announced! The winning lens got the stunning award above! It is designed by Michelle Willow: aka a_willow
1
Russian Remix
Make a selling lens? Well, that was what Mickie sa more...5 points
2
A Christmas Songbook: Three Log Night
In the late 1980s I decided to throw a yearly Chri more...4 points
3
Mousepads for Lovers of Classical Music
A mousepad is something which is to be used daily. more...4 points
4
How to Choose The Perfect Wedding Dress Style
If you have a secret lifetime dream of wearing the more...3 points
5
Book Lovers Accessories
Why not try some great accessories for your favori more...2 points
6
Inexpensive Organizing Solutions: Top 10 Under $20
Organizing your home can be an expensive project. more...2 points
7
Lexa - It's OK to BE DIFFERENT!
Moxie Girlz Lexa is a dark brunette with glorious more...2 points
8
Outdoor Cat Enclosures
We keep our cats indoors to keep them safe, but wo more...2 points
9
Potty Training Chairs and Baby and Toddler Toilet Seats
Potty Training is something all parents and childr more...2 points
10
The Art of Dance: Tango
The tango is a dance of deep desires and heightene more...1 point
11
Dog Gifts Shopping Guide by Rio and Friends
I, Rio, the part Catahoula dog, with some input fr more...1 point
12
Ten Reasons God Made Pets
I know how much you love top ten lists. And if you more...1 point
13
Georgia Bulldog Jewlery
Georgia Bulldog Jewlery, will make the Georgia fan more...1 point
Not a member of Fresh Wonders? You can still participate!
Add a newly created "selling" lens! RocketMoms are welcomed, too!
Got a new selling lens that you are proud of? Then add it here! You might prove to be an inspiration to others. Hey, you might even earn a few pennies, too.
I know that the RocketMoms are making Holiday Shopping lenses for Session 4. Feel free to post them here!
Tool Bucket Organizers
Guys, are you tired of digging through those bucke more...2 points
Footed Fleece Pajamas
Nothing says, "Aaahhhh," like slipping i more...1 point
Unique Gifts - Olmec Colossal Heads
If you're looking for a unique gift, these amazing more...1 point
Unique And Unusual Gifts For Whale Lovers
Whales hold a special place in the hearts of many. more...1 point
I Made 68 Cents On Squidoo And You Can Too! A Humorous Lens On How I Made 68 Cents On Squidoo And How You Can Too
No, really, I made 68 cents on Squidoo! And you re more...0 points
Whispering Willow Fairy Dolls
The Magic of Fairies What are the magical Fairies more...0 points
iPhone vs Droid
When Apple first launched their iPhone it caused a more...0 points
Fun Ways to Teach Kids Geography
Do your children know where India is? Or what the more...0 points
http://www.squidoo.com/greek-flowers-botanical-paintings
Presentation of a book on Greek flowers illustrated more...0 points
Fresh Squids Blog
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byWhy do you Squidoo?
Thanks for your participation!
Are you surprised by, disappointed in or just don't care about the deposits made to your PayPal account?
Shout out!
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Laniann
Nov 16, 2009 @ 12:49 pm | delete
- Good tips and lots of resource information. You had a nice selection of contest lenses.
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ArtByLinda Nov 4, 2009 @ 6:51 pm | delete
- What a great way to share different ideas for creating lenses that sell without being obtrusive or pushy. I think it is a good thing to share and support each other here at Squidoo.
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Ramkitten
Nov 4, 2009 @ 9:05 am | delete
- I added one to the second plexo, but there's no way around it: it's a selling lens. What I hope will make it not an in-your-face type of selling lens is the humor added to it, thanks to my good-natured husband, who agreed to be silly for me in front of the camera again. Anyhow, looking forward to seeing some of the lenses in the first plexo that I haven't visited yet. I always get great ideas from looking at other people's work--that is, how they handle things.
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a_willow
Nov 4, 2009 @ 8:57 am | delete
- I have made lenses that sell. And those that don't. :) My best selling lens is about toys for babies and I've made that as a top 10 list of the most favorite toys my little girl really used when she way a baby.
Personal recommendations do make a difference!
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ulla_hennig
Nov 3, 2009 @ 1:39 am | delete
- Neither of the three. I know it takes time. I think the more people know me and my lenses the more they might trust me in my selling recommendations.
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MeltedRachel
Oct 28, 2009 @ 2:51 am | delete
- What a great resource, Mickie! And thank you for using my lens ;)
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Help other lensmasters earn money on Squidoo!
Visit this lens for gift giving ideas:
- Squidoo Home for The Holidays 2009
- A Holiday Lens Pile Up - The Party Animal Style!! Get all your shopping done right here on Squidoo.
by Mickie_G
I am a wife, mother, & grandmother who also happens to be a Baby Boomer. I am also trying to find my place in the world. So who isn't? more »
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