The RocketMoms Best Tips on Building a Lens
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The RocketMoms are a group of super lens making moms here on Squidoo and they've got the goods on what works and what doesn't work. So read up on these tips on being a successful lensmaster!
The best tips on building a Lens.
Things you should do to make your lenses GREAT!
1
Focus narrowly.
This is one thing that has taken me some time to learn. Determine your niche and then narrow the focus. These lenses usually do the best.7 points
2
Always change your module titles.
Squidoo gives you a generic module title like "New Text List Voting". Be sure to change your title to something more creative and useful.6 points
3
Research For Great Keywords
There are keywords and then there are GREAT keywords. Do your research so that you can hone in on the words your readers will use to find you. This goes along with narrowing your focus.5 points
4
Let visitors to your lens contribute.
A poll module or a duel module or even a prediction module are great ways to involve your readers in your lens and give them a chance to impact the contents. Get them involved!5 points
5
Passion and Purpose
Share what you know... show some passion for your topic, it really makes a difference! Add some personal experiences if you can!4 points
6
Focus on Helping the Reader in some way
Begin with the idea of sharing something with your readers. Have a conversation with them.4 points
7
Add pictures and graphics
It breaks up text, keeps the reader interested and looks great!4 points
8
Learn some basic html to make the lens look like it's yours.
Take Bonnies advice and visit the sites she suggests for learning about how to add html to a lens. Not only does html make the lens stand out but it also makes it look personal to you. Html can be altered for different looks and so mess around with the basics first and when you see just what you can do with it you will want to move onto the advanced stuff...i have learnt so much about html this week that i amazed myself with the effects i created by making alterations to what i already had learn...4 points
9
Original & personal content.
Do your research, but re-write things in your own words and add your own personal experience and flavor to your lens.3 points
10
Give your reader choices.
If your lens sells something, even in a narrow niche, be sure and give your reader plenty of information and even a number of alternatives just in case your main-focus item isn't quite what he or she was looking for. If the reader is going to click out, shouldn't it be on one of your links? You betcha!3 points
11
learn about the different modules - then use them :)
you aren't just stuck with the default setup squidoo gives you when creating a new lens. in addition to testing out some of the modules on your own to see what works best for your lenses, you can search squidoo for some other lensmasters' opinions. change 'em up and have some fun!2 points
12
Lens Promotion - Have an Organized PLAN!
Traffic is not automatic, you need to attract it. Once you DO build a quality lens, then do it justice by applying a solid and organized PLAN of lens promotion, a critical part of your business plan.
Lens Promotion in Motion2 points
13
Provide information within your lens
Allow your reader to learn about your topic within the confines of your lens. Introduce them to the ins and outs of your subject without constantly directing them to other sources.2 points
14
Be Unique
If you thought about writing on a topic, chances are so did some other people. Research your topic and add things you haven't found on other sites. Focus on the unique area you have found and link to the other sites.1 point
15
Use a spell checker
It's a good idea to type up all the text for your lens in a word processor and then do a spell check. This should help minimize the number of typos in your lens and will serve as a backup should anything nasty happen during the editing of the module.0 points
16
Add and About Me Section
In this section they can see who you are, what you do on squidoo, see 5 other lenses, and you can also write a unique bio for a specific lens.
I like to add 'I'm a rocketmom grad' as well as encourage my readers to make a page for themselves.0 points
17
Feature Related Lenses
Look around Squidoo for similar topics and feature 5 lenses. You can also use this module to link to your own lenses that deal with different aspects to your main topic.
I.E. Crochet Patterns[main topic] -->Crochet hat --> crochet amigurumi --> crochet afghans --->How to Crochet --->Crochet supplies0 points
18
Use a Table of contents & Discovery tool
Using the discovery tool will add 3 of your lenses to the sidebar.
Using a Table of contents will give your visitors a quick view of what you have to offer.0 points
19
Highlight one product
Pinpoint a product and use the Amazon Spotlight module.0 points
What makes a lens a loser?
These are things you should NOT be doing!
1
No original content
I don't like seeing a lens that has nothing but Wikipedia entries, Amazon links, and links to other external sources, with almost no original writing from the author of the lens. A collection of links is what I'm supposed to get from Google, not Squidoo. On a lens I want to see the author's knowledge and passion for the subject.6 points
2
Too many affiliate banners.
A lens that loads up on too many affiliate banners is going to look messy and spammy. If you do use affiliate ads make sure that they compliment your lens.4 points
3
Rambling content
Our attention spans, particularly in front of a computer screen are much shorter these days. Content that just seems to go for ever just ends up losing me (and I suspect I am not the only one) I like to see content interspersed with interesting and relevant photos or even black boxes it the content is relevant.4 points
4
Links that open to spammy sites.
Don't mislead people with link titles and then trick them to going to some spammy site.4 points
5
Typos & grammar or punctuation errors.
Please take the time to proofread your lens. If you need help, ask a friend or family member. There are also a lot of giving lensmasters who will help you out.3 points
6
A Boring Intro
A boring intro will send people away from your lens pretty quick. Then all of the time you spent on the content will be wasted. Spend time on your intro. Tell the reader exactly what they will find on your lens and why they should read it.3 points
7
An Image AND a CSS Border
When an image is placed into a corner OVER the border, it just looks unfinished and brings the eye to the fact that it's patched in. Until Squidoo can fix this problem of placing an image over the border, use images only when you aren't using borders.3 points
8
Having Content That Is Not Relevant
Adding content that is not relevant to your topic really is not a good idea. I know it is tempting to want to "advertise" a blog, an award, or an organization that you might want to promote but it takes away from your SEO if it has nothing to do with what your lens topic is about.3 points
9
No Guest Book
Nothing is more frustrating than reading a good lens and not being able to tell the author how you feel. Guest books are a must for every lens in my opinion.3 points
10
No Introductory Photo
This can really set the stage for a lens... so don't think that it doesn't really matter, remember a photo is worth a thousand words!2 points
11
Bad color choices
It can be nice to use colors to brighten up a lens. But, when the colors make it almost impossible to read the text it's definitely a no-no! Same goes for ugly colors that "scream" at the reader.2 points
12
No bio page
It's really not that challenging to add 2 lines of text about yourself...And please don't use the default bio picture, it shows you just don't care.2 points
13
no credit when using others' resources
hey, sometimes someone else just says it better - go ahead and cite relevant info, just give proper credit where credit is due.2 points
14
Don't add stuff to your lens because you think you know
Always research each of your new lenses thoroughly, even looking up things that you "think" are correct. Only add content to your lens which you are absolutely sure is right...any doubts then leave it out is my motto, at least untill you can be certain it's the truth. Lenses we write give us our reputation after all and no-one wants to be known for adding "half-truths" to our lenses do we.2 points
15
It screams BUY ME! Overload of hard sell.
Avoid lists of links with no description of features and benefits of a product. Personal recommendations based on actual experience with a product are best. I especially love seeing unique photos obviously taken by the lensmaster, now THAT impresses me. I found a link on my discovery tool yesterday related to one of my lenses and the entire lens was a list of 'naked' links...buy this and buy that and buy me - YUCK! (Lensmaster was NOT a Rocket Mom! :-)2 points
16
Don't let a Co-Brand box you in with distracting modules
Not every default module in a template will apply to your subject. To use a co-brand is tempting, but it's also irreversible, so think carefully first if a theme might work better for you than a co-brand.2 points
17
No interaction modules...no "contact me" button
Involve your readers/visitors. Learn their thoughts and ideas on your subject; it will add to the appeal of your lenses and you may learn something new. :)
Also, be sure to have some way a visitor can contact you. I was looking at a lens the other day and couldn't find even one way to contact the lensmaster. It was disappointing.2 points
18
Keyword Research! Do it first!
Invest some time in finding good key words BEFORE you start building your lens! There are tons of ways to do this, at the very least use this free google tool. http://www.google.com/sktool/#keywords0 points
The best lenses on Squidoo!
Here's a list of quality lenses that you can learn from!
1
Zazzle 101 ... How to make a profit on Zazzle
Zazzle is one of the Print-on-demand companies out more...4 points
2
Visiting a Covered Bridge
I find covered bridges to be a fascinating part of more...3 points
3
By Kids 4 Kids - A Group of Squidoo Websites for Kids
This page is 100% kid friendly. Here you will find more...3 points
4
Kindle Wireless Reading Device from Amazon
Lighter than a paperback, more powerful than WiFi, more...3 points
5
Quiz: How to Use the Apostrophe
Incorrect apostrophe use honestly drives me nuts. more...2 points
6
Random Acts of Kindness Day
Random Acts of Kindness Day is an unofficial holid more...2 points
7
50 Quality Lenses, You Say?
WHAT IS A QUALITY LENS?In Squidoo terms, being a G more...2 points
8
The Best Steam Mop Around
Have you ever seen an infomercial on television an more...2 points
9
I love Dr. Strangelove
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying more...2 points
10
Countries I Have Visited
Exploring new places is something I love to do. It more...2 points
11
Kevin Skinner's Fans: Poll Pictures~GuestBook
Poll Questions: Was it super-natural or emotional? more...2 points
12
Gateway Gallery St.Louis
Gateway Gallery is a unique artists co-op gallery more...2 points
13
Snowman Party
Snowmen are easy to spot during the winter holiday more...2 points
14
Sigg vs Klean Kanteen Water Bottles
So, you've finally seen the light and decided that more...2 points
15
Rhey W. Hedges
Rhey W. Hedges passed away on July 18, 2009, from more...2 points
16
Koala Bears Facts
Why are they called koala bears? Koalas are not re more...2 points
17
Operating Room Nurses
The RN specializing in Perioperative Nursing pract more...2 points
18
How to Cook Healthy
In today's world of fast food and busy schedules, more...2 points
19
Surviving A Heart Attack
It was a warm November day in North Carolina. We h more...2 points
20
http://squidoo.com/crochetiscool
Directory of Crochet patterns. Includes video tuto more...2 points
21
http://squidoo.com/crochetbacon
Funny lens about Crochet Patterns with a Bacon the more...2 points
22
Squidoo : Lensmaster Page
Evelyn Saenz's lensmaster page. I lensmaster I adm more...2 points
23
Can you get a Calgary mortgage without having payments?
Yes! Click here to learn how!2 points
24
Birthday Gifts for the Big 5-0
Turning 50 is considered a milestone birthday and more...1 point
25
Unique Aprons For Men
Men love barbequing and cherish their grills. Whet more...1 point
26
Kabetogama Lake Wilderness Pictures-Videos
As a child I learned about living in a wilderness more...1 point
27
Tipi's...I Believe in Angels*
It will be worth the struggle to express the exper more...1 point
28
Romantic Gifts For Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday. Yes, I'm a more...1 point
29
Healing Art with SARK
SARK creates colorful inspiration and healing arts more...1 point
30
The Blessings of Rain
As I sit at my keyboard in Templeton California du more...1 point
31
How To Earn Money On Squidoo
Do you want to know how to earn money on Squidoo? more...0 points
Guestbook
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Donnette
Jul 15, 2011 @ 3:49 pm | delete
- thank you~!! looking forward to our new session :D)
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LigaSuper
Jul 6, 2011 @ 9:43 am | delete
- Great lens.. Thumbs Up!
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Gloriousconfusion
Feb 28, 2011 @ 5:53 pm | delete
- some good reminders here, thanks....and definitely all relevant and to the point!
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sheilamarie Dec 26, 2010 @ 8:38 pm | delete
- Thank you, Bonnie! Now I have to go over all my lenses with these tips in mind.
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mutter
Jul 21, 2010 @ 4:39 pm | delete
- Very helpful- thanks Bonnie!
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100% of any revenue that comes in through purchases made on this lens goes to "Hope for Haiti".
Hope for Haiti is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to increase the quality of life for the Haitian people, particularly children, through education, nutrition, and healthcare.
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