Squidoo Modules for Writing

What you just read was the Introduction module.

It's automatically included in the lens template. So when you're staring at that brand new, mostly blank page, it does include a default title for the Introduction module as well, a space where you can upload a photo, and a statement, "No description yet" in the space where your text will go. You'll also see an orange "edit" button.

When you click on that orange "edit" button, you'll be taken to your editing space and you'll see three tabs:

1. Intro Text

You can add your title. It's best if it's fairly short (4-6 words). It's also effective if it expands on your lens topic and is somewhat catchy, attractive or relevant for visitors. Of course, you'll want to include your main keyword for your lens.

You can add your text for the Introduction to your lens. It's called your lens description and that's basically what it does - - describes the lens for your readers to give them an idea what it's about and how it will benefit them. It's a good idea to make your introduction more than 80 words. Again, include your main keyword one or two times.

And you can add an image. Use an image that's good quality and one that represents your lens. You'll want to search for images online and save them to your computer, or use your own images that are already saved on your computer. If you search for them online, use images that are labeled for reuse, or are part of the creative commons (so there's no copyright issues).

2. Table of Contents

Click to turn the Table of Contents on or off, depending on your preference. If you choose to turn it on, you will be able to select which modules you want to include in your Table of Contents and which ones you want to exclude.

3. Discovery Tool

You can also choose to turn the Discovery Tool on or off after reading through the blurb there. If you turn it on, you can add three lenses in the spaces.

Make sure to click "save" when you're done!

Another way to add a Table of Contents is by adding a Table of Contents module - - that's what you'll see right below this orange section. Generally, you'll want to include it right after your Introduction.

On the right of your page, you'll see a section called, "Add Modules" and within that section, you'll see "Browse all Modules."

Click on "Browse all Modules" and you'll be taken to where you can search through all the available Squidoo modules and select the ones you want for your lens. If you select "All Modules" there, you can search alphabetically. So, look in the "T" section for Table of Contents. Click to select it and click "Done Adding" when you're done. You'll be taken back to your page where you'll see your new modules included.

Click the orange "edit" button and you'll go into your editor. Here, you can write a:

1. Title:

The Table of Contents module will have a default title: "New Table of Contents." You want to change this default title (and you want to change the default title on all the modules you use).

You could just call it "Table of Contents," but try something that incorporates your site keyword. For example, for this lens, my main keyword is squidoo writing modules. So, my Table of Contents is, "What You'll Find Here About Squidoo Writing Modules."

2. Subtitle:

This is optional and I don't usually use it. You could add something here, though, that expands on your title, or adds a bit of spark in some way like Megan Casey does when she writes, "There's a lot here. Read at your own speed!"

3. Description:

This is also optional and I don't usually use it either. But you could state something like, "Click on the links to go to each section, or read straight through" - - something to explain to visitors what to do.

You can also choose which modules to exclude from your Table of Contents.

When you're done, click "save."

How to Use the Text Module

These orange sections that you see throughout my lens are also text modules!

I love to use some HTML code to create these interesting sections for whole blocks of text, or as section dividers/headers.

Here's the code:

<p style="border: solid 10px #F87217; background: #FFF8C6; padding: 15px; -moz-border-radius: 15px; -khtml-border-radius: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 15px; border-radius: 15px; margin: 0; text-align: center; line-height: 32px; color: #000000; font-size: 32px">TEXT</p>

This is more complicated because you have to change the HTML color codes to suit your desired colors. You can also change the text alignment (left, right, justified or centered), the line height and the font size. If you want to know how to do this, send me a question below.

How to Use the Text With BIG Picture Module

How to Use the Text List Module

How to Use the Text List Voting Module

How to Use the Link List Module

How to Use the Links Voting Module

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