In the Squidoo Christmas Cash Blueprint it mentions that you should use a “visual call to action”. This is an image you create with the picture of the product, the money they can save, and a mention of Amazon. The whole thing is clickable and gives people a great visual image to click on and get to Amazon via your affiliate link.
People have been asking exactly how I make these visual call to actions. So I’m gonna show you. Now before I get started I have a couple confessions I have to make.
1. I am graphically challenged. I have spent over a year trying to puzzle together how to make these things in a simpler more direct fashion but haven’t figured it out yet so this is still what I do.
2. I KNOW this is not the easiest, fastest, or BEST way to do this ~ I just haven’t figured out anything better as of yet. (When/If I do I’ll let you know)
With that said ~ let’s get started.
What you will need:
You are going to need 3 programs to make this work (I told you it wsan’t the easiest thing lol). All the programs are free, so grab them, since they’re great to have for lots of other things as well.
1. Jing (captures things on your screen)
2. Irfanview (resizing and playing with images)
3. Paint or something similar (should come with your PC under Start-> all programs -> accessories) (at least that’s how it is on my windows )
Go ahead and download and install the first two things if you don’t have them already.
Step 1. Grab an image of your product.
You can get it from Amazon, just right click on the image and then click “save as”. (I have a specific folder for all my marketing images so I can always find them easily and they don’t get mixed in with the millions of pictures of Hanna)
Step 2: Get your amazon icon image.
You will only have to do this once, because once you have it you can use it over and over again. You will be using Jing for this, and I can’t show you because I can’t use jing to show you how to use jing. It’s very simple though. You can get a quick run through of how to use jing on their website ~ a nice video. What I can show you is what you need to grab with Jing.
That’s all you want is just the amazon logo ~ it’s on the top left hand corner of every page.
3. Start putting it together.
For this step we’re going to use irfanview. You also need to note how much of a savings there is for the product you’ve chosen. You will find that on the Amazon page as well.
Go ahead and open Irfanview. You will want to open a file once you get it open. Choose the image you took of your item from Amazon. Here’s a video showing you how to add space to your image and add the text about saving money.
After you’ve finished creating your image you want to click “save as” in irfanview and name your file (using your product keyword) and save it where you want it on your computer.
4. Add the Amazon icon.
Once you have your new image saved you are going to go to Paint, and we’ll add the amazon icon there.
5. Add visual Call to Action Image to your lens.
You will notice I used code from photobucket in the video ~ I just go to photobucket and grab the “html” code option under the “share this” area. I paste that into my module, and then fill in my information instead of the photobucket information. This helps me make sure I get the code right and I know it will work.
That’s all there is to it. You can also use these images on your blog posts and anywhere else you need a visual call to action for your product.
UPDATE: A lot of people seem to be having trouble with this step so I’ve created another video walking through the exact steps you need to take. I uploaded my call to action image to photobucket and have done all the steps you will need to do to make this work. I hope it helps.
I hope this has been easy enough to understand even though there are a few steps and a few different pieces of software to use. If you have questions specific to the process go ahead and ask them in the comments section.
If you need some one on one help I’m here for you.
If you found this post helpful I’d really appreciate it if you would click the tweet this button and retweet it on twitter. 
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Hi, Jackie … Just finished creating my first lens on Squidoo. Thanks for all the tips and inspiration! I couldn’t have done it without you. If you want to check it out here’s the link http://www.squidoo.com/building-confidence-with-horses-and-riding
Cheers
Anne
Jackie, if we are not an Amazon assoc., we have to use the squidoo Amazon module, where do we get the link code for Amazon to use in our picture like you show us.I tried just copying my link that shows up in toolbar but I am not sure this works. Also does Flicker work just as well as Photobucket? Thanks for all your help.
davetheframer´s last [type] ..Buck Knives 110 Collectors Set updated Mon Oct 3 2011 1:08 pm CDT
If you are not an amazon associate you can’t link the product to the images. Yes, you can use flickr or any other image sharing site.
Hey Jackie;
Me again. Please disregard the last part of my comment regarding The Most Important Thing module. I kept tampering with this while reading your tutorial and finally figured it out. I know…. I feel like a lamebrain. Like you say in your tutorial …. don’t make it so complicated. Exactly what I was doing. But…. I am now 73% done. Yay!!!
Hey Jackie,
Cristina here. Thanks for continuing to send me your wonderful newsletter. You haven’t heard from me lately because I have been busy on my new Lenovo creating my first lens following your very informative tutorial. I have 52% done. That’s about half. Anyway, I ran into two problems and can’t seem to make any headway no matter how I retrace my steps and do it over again. I’m stagnant at the moment. Trying to get around it.
Problem #1: I am in the text module where you write your text then insert a phote below. You can add a label to the photo and link the photo to a URL. I did adding the photo and the label, but when I click on the photo it opens up the Squidoo.com URL instead of the Amazon page where the picture came from. I keep going back and putting in the correct link, and saving it. But as soon as I click the photo, it changes the link and throws it back to the Squidoo site. What am I doing wrong? (Sample below)
Label this photo
Newman’s Own Organic Treat for Small Dogs <— < (the label works)
Link the photo to this URL
<img src=http://www.amazon.com/Newmans-Own-Organics-Chicken-10-Ounce/dp/B000CR41KQ/ref=sr_1_1?
(the above link doesn't work even though I copy it right off the page on Amazon.)
Problem #2: On your
On the Create a visual call to action (the most important thing module), I was doing really well with the Jing and the IrfanView. That is, until I got to the part where you paste the Amazon logo on the Image you're promoting. I don't know what version of Paint application I have on this computer, but it is not the same as the one in your video lesson or the one I previously had on my other computer. I don't have the toolbar like the one in your video. tlhe toolbar on my Paint has a small icon of a page which you click and a drop box appears: New, Open, Save, Save as, etc. Next to the icon are 2 buttons; Home and View. There is no edit button. None whatsoever. You must make sure you move the picture exactly to the correct position before you let go or you can't edit. So, if you make a mistake you have to start all over again. You can't imagine how many times I had to discard my image and start over. Am I just missing this button somehow? Or, is there really none?
I don't understand where you're getting 'The Most Important Thing' module from. I didn't see it in the module list. Sorry to be so chatty, but I have many questions and it's frustrating when you get stomped and can't go forward. Hope to hear from you soon. Bye
The problem with the image link is that you’ve grabbed part of the code as well as just the link. You need just the part that starts with http: (not the img src part… ) take a look at this video and it will show you how to grab the right code: http://internetmarketingformommies.com/how-to-get-html-from-amazon/
The easiest way to do this is to just go to squidutils and use his tool that will create the poster ad. Check out this post… it’s MUCH easier this way. http://www.squidoochristmascash.com/how-to-create-a-poster-ad-at-squidutils/
Hey,
A visual CTA is a very good idea. You will almost certainly get more clicks but you have to be very careful. There are often copyright restrictions on images and logos. I used to work for a marketing agency that got into trouble for this. An inexperienced email broadcaster used a copyrighted image which was traced. The agency settled out of court but it cost a lot. My advice would be to always read the terms and conditions of the site where the image is from.
As an affiliate you are allowed to use images from Amazon… the logo ~ well that may be a different story.
Jackie – thank you so much for the info on the Squidoo Call to Action – it’s taken me a while but I think I’ve finally got there, I don’t think I could have done it without your help.
WH
Hi Jakie,
Thanks for your prompt reply.I understand now how Squidoo works and with Jing it is with Techsmith but needs the Microsoft.NET Framework 3.5 service pack 1 to work and thats what I am having trouble with.It downloads when I start Jing but doesn’t complete.Anyway no worries I can contact them too.
Thanks always for your help.You don’t get customer service like this anymore.
Enjoy your Sunday
Regards
Chris Perth Australia
Hi Jackie,
I am not able to use Amazon Spotlight as it is not clickable.It is in black and says Amazon Sotlight and in brackets level 4.So I am trying the Amazon Recommendations.
Also I am having technical difficulty with Jing as I can’t download the service pack 3.5.and have sent a form off to Microsoft.
Apart from that you always have great info.
Have a lovely weekend
Regards
Chris Perth Australia
Hi Chris,
I think that Squidoo has made some of the modules and other bits of fun accessible to certain people depending one where they are with points and levels and such now. I know you have to have a certain number of lenses before you can use the sidebar widgets ~ so maybe the spotlight module is the same. I don’t believe microsoft runs Jing ~ I believe it is Techsmith. If you go to the Jing website there’s a support area, maybe you can get some help there: http://www.techsmith.com/jing/
Hi Jackie,
I just saw in one of your comments that there is something we can use in squidutils,I took a look around and can’t find it could you please point me in the right direction.
Thanks
Marina
Ina@Home Based Business Ideas´s last [type] ..Make Money From Home 4 Legitimate Ways
http://www.squidoochristmascash.com/how-to-create-a-poster-ad-at-squidutils/
Hi Jackie, I’m posting the question here as I do not know where else it would really fit the best.
What I would like to know is, if we use the banner call to action from squidutils, can it not end up costing you as 1 out of 10 clicks go to them?
I’ve put it on two lenses and will have a look, I was just wondering what you think about it.
Magriet du Plessis´s last [type] ..Schwinn Hope Jogging Stroller updated Thu Apr 8 2010 10-14 am CDT
yep, one out of 10 clicks go to them… you have to make the decision for your business. Is the time saved using their tool worth the one click?
I must say I have been very productive this week. I realize the year end is fast approaching and I must see some result. I have really started focusing.
Ingrid´s last [type] ..Precision Pet 48-Inch by 48-Inch by 30-Inch Puppy Pen with Adjustable 1-Inch Mesh Floor- Chrome
Let me try this myself. I guess I can also do it since most of your viewers says its just easy.
I finally got the call to action to work. Finally after watching that second video I saw what I was doing wrong and got it . I tried this many times and just had to give up, however I was determined to get it this time. It took a couple of hours but I finally got it. And you know what, its not as hard as it seemed.
thanks Jackie.
Awesome Ingrid ~ it’s usually something pretty small. Glad you got it!
Hi Jackie
Sorry but one more question please.
How do I feature benefits example for watches?
Where do I get them?
Thanks.
If you’re stuck on something make sure to check the articles page ~ it lists the posts to do this process in sequential order and then you don’t have to wait on me for an answer. This post will probably help you with your question: http://internetmarketingformommies.com/lets-talk-product-benefits/
Also for the features module you can look at the product description. You should also read reviews ~ people will tell you exactly what they love about the product and why they bought it. Those are great things to use. You just have to get a feel for the product and why someone looking to buy it would want it.
Hi Jackie
Under the amazon module, squidoo would like me to feature some more products from amazon. How do i handle this?
Thanks soooo much.
I don’t use the amazon module in my lenses.
However, if you want to feature only 1 product it’s best to use the Amazon SPOTLIGHT module. It’s different than the regular amazon module. AT the top of the page go to add modules -> all modules -> A to find it.
Hi Jackie
How do you copy the amazon logo? I tried but can’t seem to get it.
Thanks.
Hi Abby I mentioned in the post that I used a program called JING to get the amazon logo.
Just FYI ~ there is now the ability to make a visual call to action over at squidutils. Check out this post ~ it is WAY easier! http://instantarticles.internetmarketingformommies.com
I just learned how to add the image to The Most Important Thing module. I think adding the Amazon logo is a nice touch. This post will definitely come in handy for future lenses.
Lisa @ Panasonic ES8249S´s last [type] ..Panasonic ES8249S Arc IV Nanotech Vortex Wet-Dry Rechargeable Shaver updated Sun Jul 11 2010
great information Jackie and I have used it on a few of my lenses thanks
Thanks Jackie,
Just today i put up the squidutils Amazon call to action html onto one of my lenses but the method you explained here is much better as I can customize it the way I want to.
I have one small question -
My lens http://www.squidoo.com/washburn-d10s is sitting on the 5th page of google with 4 links. there are other pages which are not optimized for my keyword, have n/a as their page rank and have lesser links than me ranking better.
Why is that happening ?
My google rank is simply not improving despite all my competitors having lesser backlinks.Worst of all i slid down one position in google after adding a few links. Is it something to be bothered about or should i continue building links ?
Washburn D10S´s last [type] ..Washburn D10S updated Tue Jul 6 2010 8-39 am CDT
It’s likely you will bounce around a little in the beginning. 4 links is really nothing.
build some more and then move on to the next lens ~ come back and check how it’s doing in a couple weeks.
While links are part of the equation, there are other factors that also play into your ranking, including your url, site age and other things. Be patient, continue to take consistent action, don’t obsess, and keep building lenses.
Thanks Jackie, as long as we are still friends everything is fine!
.-= Magriet du Plessis@Cuisinart DCC 1200 12 Cup Brew Central Coffeemaker´s last blog ..Cuisinart DCC 1200 12 Cup Brew Central Coffeemaker updated Mon Feb 15 2010 9:59 am CST =-.
Oh I didn’t mean it to sound like that Magriet, I’m just saying each person has to assess the risk and then base their decision on what feels right to them.
Hello Jackie, I did not mean you have to decide for me, I was just wondering what others are thinking. I suppose I should have gone through all the comments first. Sorry!
.-= Magriet du Plessis@Cuisinart DCC 1200 12 Cup Brew Central Coffeemaker´s last blog ..Cuisinart DCC 1200 12 Cup Brew Central Coffeemaker updated Mon Feb 15 2010 9:59 am CST =-.
Hi Jackie, I was at the Amazon site today and wondered if we are not in breach of the following with our call to action module:
You are granted a limited, revocable, and nonexclusive right to create a hyperlink to the home page of Amazon.com so long as the link does not portray Amazon, or its products or services in a false, misleading, derogatory, or otherwise offensive matter. You may not use any Amazon logo or other proprietary graphic or trademark as part of the link without express written permission.
I do not want to lose my account over this and will then rather just write Amazon.com there. I know it will not be as effective, but I’m worried.
.-= Magriet du Plessis@Cuisinart DCC 1200 12 Cup Brew Central Coffeemaker´s last blog ..Cuisinart DCC 1200 12 Cup Brew Central Coffeemaker updated Mon Feb 15 2010 9:59 am CST =-.
Do what you think is best for you. In one of the comments on this thread I think someone mentioned they just type in Amazon using a certain font and it looks similar to the logo.
These are business decisions and you have to choose what works best for you in your business.
check out the last video in this post again ~ I really go through each of the steps of the code to show you how it works.
I GOT IT! I had a couple of extra characters lingering in my img link code! Thanks!
Jackie – I’m working on my first Visual Call To Action and cannot seem to get it to display in the Most Important Thing module.
Can you break down the code you use even further in a text format?
Here is what I gleaned from your video on putting the code into The Most Important Thing:
Am I getting this correct? If not, your further explanation would be great.
Hmmm….the html code doesn’t display in that post. Guess I’ll have to email you.
Jackie,
I found a free tool that lets you do everything in the “call to action” module that you are using all those other steps for. It is called XHeader and you can download a copy at http://www.xheader.com.
It has a complete help file and you can probably get tutorials online by googling “xheader”, but it was pretty easy to learn and I have used it on the last couple of Xmas cash lenses I built recently.
If you would like to see the results my last lens is at http://www.squidoo.com/panasonicsdyd250breadmachine.
BTW that lens was created following your guide. Thanks for all your excellent help and information.
Steve G.
yes I recently found xheader and I’m still trying to figure out how to make it all work. I’ve used it to make a couple headers for sites, but haven’t gotten much further. I’ll look into it some more and see if I can’t figure it out.
XHeader is very easy to use I use it all the time. If you want to make a graphic or a banner instead of a header, you can go to the option tab and resize your pixels to whatever you want. Instead of using it’s border options or creating borders with the box fill option, as it is time consuming to get it exactly right, instead I save the graphic I have created to my harddrive. If I have made round corners, I save it as a png file instead of a jpg.
Then I go to Picnik.com, upload the graphic I have created and use their frame tool to create the type of border that I want to use. Easy peasy for those of us that are graphically challenged.
Hope that helps.
Sorry,
After I change it to the way your video teaches (which works) I paste the code from photobucket inside the box (or window) make my changes within the box (amazon code) and alt keywords. But the htm code ends up showing up in the squidoo moduel.
Hello again,
I am trying to add my call to action on another lens. I did it before but everytime I copy and past the html from photobucket into the moduel it says: “Because of your browser security settings, the editor is not able to access your clipboard data directly. You are required to paste it again in this window.
Please paste inside the following box using the keyboard (Ctrl+V) and hit OK” and after I do this only the html code shows up in the moduel. In your video you do this process in the “Most Important Thing” Moduel. Is this the only place that the call to image can be uploaded?
I have issues sometimes with images from photobucket ~ so I’m not sure what to tell you. You either find different images that work, or you leave them blank.
Yes you could do that with your keyword.
Yes, Squidoo will let you know if the image is too big. At that time I went back to photobucket to resize the image. Squidoo still did not accept. I do not know, I will keep trying I guess. Amazon images seem to be no problem. Also, Keyowrds. Just say I have high global search volume(say 4,400) for an exact product name for example (I am not using this by the way) Omron HEM-780 but then there may be search volume(say 1,000) for Omron HEM-780 With Cuff would I be safe to still use Omron HEM-780 but maby use “with cuff” throughout your lens or add them as optional keywords to your lens Squidoo has a section where you can enter optional keywords.
Have you checked the size of your images? If they are huge they won’t upload.
Hello,
Do you know if squidoo sometimes doesn’t accept images because it was working before, know it seems to reject images that they say they accept such as Only GIF, JPEG, PNG I am getting frustated because I need to add a few more images before I have you review them, and I do not want this problem to continue. Other than that I need to start other lenses and blogs, it always seems like something holds me up I can spend a whole day and not get a single lens up. I am frustrated!!!
save the images to your computer and use the browse upload feature in the module.
Jackie,
I have added some images from photobucket to my lens. But as I scroll over the image (from my lens) it is displayed as being clickable. How would I make it an unclickable image?
If people are searching for it, and the competition is within range it should work.
Hello Jackie,
I am just working on my second lens a plan to have you look at them this week. I am a bit confused about the second one as it is a TV stand that has 4,400 global searches, but my confusion is that today most people mount flat screens to the wall or they buy a pole like stand with mount. The one that I have chosen is made of the finest wood and has compartments for other storage. I does display a picture with a flat screen TV on top though. Could you give me some feedback. I have the whole week to devote working on lenses, blogs etc…
my guess is you’re trying to use the image links from amazon ~ they don’t work on squidoo. When making links at amazon you have to choose the “text only” option and create an html link, which you can see how to do in this post: How to get html from Amazon
Just so you’re aware there is an “articles” page link at the top of each page of this blog you’ll find an easy way to find what you’re looking for there.
I may have a relatively unrelated question about the Christmas Cash Blueprint. On page 10 of the ebook, you say, “If you don’t have an Amazon associates account use the Amazon spotlight module to feature your specific product.” I have an Amazon associates acct, but where do you add the link to your product with a hoplink from Amazon. I’ve tried the “Most Important Thing” module and the Text module and neither will display the hoplink. Can you help?
If you look at the articles page you will see a post on the reviews module, in it is a link to the code for the boxes.
Do you have a section that teaches me how to put borders and block quotes around product review content for color background. Squidoo has some tutorials but they do explain borders around pictures.
Opps!!!
I did answer you. Look at the Nov 18th comment from me. That’s to you.
Hello,
Understand you are probably busy with other things, I did get your email about a recent post (which I responded to) Just wanted to know if you got my last post.
It’s totally different, and you can use an amazon module to create a call to action. A call to action is something that really tells people to do something. Click here now to save…
The amazon module just highlights/spotlights one product ~ but if you use the right wording and some html you can create a call to action out of it ~ I think I talk about that a ways up in the comments.
Hi Jackie,
There is an Amazon module. How is that different from Visual Call to action?
G.
Generally plainer is better. You can’t add adsense to your lens ~ squidoo does that, it will have adsense and ads along the sidebar. If you’ve done what is described in the blueprint it will be fine. Did you add some product images in your text modules? That’s usually more than enough visual interest. If you’d like a lens review once you’ve published it you can click here to order one.