Victoria Neely’s Squidoo Diary

For some reason, it never occurred to me to use the Thumbnail View for an Amazon module. But now that I know what it does, I expect to use this quite a bit:

Normally, an Amazon module shows you a list of products. They’re stacked, and it always looks rather cluttered to me. However, switching to [...]

You know what my favorite kind of lenses are? They’re usually lenses about becoming a better lensmaster. Sometimes it’s more of a reference, like a list of HTML and CSS tricks you can use to make you lens look even more slick. Usually it’s a lens filled with tips and ideas for lensbuilding.
While you probably [...]

Sometimes I’ll see lenses that are a bit “lopsided.” The content isn’t balanced as well as it could be. First you see rows of text modules, then a bunch of interactive modules, then a bunch of Amazon and eBay modules.
It’s actually better to mix it all up. Breaking up your text modules with a poll, [...]

Some people who sign up with Squidoo choose a nickname that means something to them. Some go with their real name. Some use their business name. Which practice is best?
Each has its advantages. I personally decided to use my real name because I’m trying to use Squidoo as a tool to build my online reputation. [...]

I’m always a little surprised when someone says they’re afraid to make a lens about a topic that’s been covered before. I rarely check to see if a topic I want to write about has already been covered; I just do my own thing.
This isn’t to say looking at what others have already done is [...]

Depending on what you’re writing about, adding links to authority sites adds credence to your lens. This is especially good if you’re writing about health topics, or if you’re covering something that was recently reported in the news.
There are a lot of articles and websites that just say stuff without citing their sources or giving [...]

Squidoo lenses can always use images. I try to have at least one for every text module; it’s an extra touch that people notice.
Depending on the subject of the lens, almost any kind of image would do. Sometimes I’ve used a series of animal pictures on lenses that have nothing to do with animals, simply [...]

I’m starting another experiment right now… when I create lenses promoting affiliate products, I want to draw attention to the links. Although letting the links “blend in” might be a little more tasteful, I suspect links get more attention if they stand out. Which is a good thing in the long run.
So, I’ve been making [...]

The cool thing about Amazon is that if you become an Associate, you can promote products and earn commissions whenever someone buys stuff through your affiliate link.
Considering that Squidoo already lets you earn money with Amazon products, that probably doesn’t sound very exciting. However, you could also use a Squidoo lens to promote an Amazon [...]

We had a new graduating class of Giant Squids recently - lensmasters recognized by Squidoo as having made 50 or more quality lenses. You’ll know you’re looking at a lens made by a Giant Squid when you see the Giant Squid badge in the profile box.
But you get more than just a cool badge. Here [...]