Squidoo Lens Tutorial: The Last few Modules

October 4, 2009 By Jackie Lee 32 Comments

So we’ve reviewed the intro module, the first few modules, as well as reviews and a video. Now we’re going to finish up with the last few modules I usually use in my lenses.

The last few modules I use are:

the big arrow module for a big call to action at the end
RSS module
Guestbook module

The Big Arrow Module:

I use this for a big call to action near the bottom of my lens. If people have not clicked out on any of my text links thus far I want one last place that really calls them to click. I’ve already done a whole tutorial on how to make the big arrow module work. So you can check that one out. Just know it’s pretty important to have a call to action near the end of your lens.

RSS Module:

I like to add an RSS module after my call to action. If for some reason they haven’t been interested enough to click out yet maybe something in my RSS feed will grab their interest and they will at least click through to another page that is MINE. There are more opportunities on my blog for them to click a product link or find something else they may like to buy.

So what the heck is RSS??

RSS is a nice feature that blogs have. It stands for really simple syndication. Which just means it’s an easy way for people to read your blog (via an RSS reader) as well as an easy way to spread your blog posts wherever you want them. This can be RSS directories, and when it comes to Squidoo an RSS module.

Where’s the RSS module?

Click the “all modules” button at the top of the page (in edit mode) and you’ll see a bunch of options. One, under “web stuff” column is RSS. Click the green plus sign next to it and it will move to the box. Once you see it there, just click “done adding” and the module will magically appear at the BOTTOM of your lens. You can drag and drop it wherever you want but just know it will be at the bottom to begin with.

Where do I find my RSS feed?

Your RSS feed will be on your blog (remember I talked about starting a Christmas Blog?) When you go to your blog. You will need to look for a little orange square. This is your RSS feed button.

If you are using firefox you will see it in the address bar. Just click the orange button.

What shows up in the address bar when you click the orange button is the RSS feed address. This is what you need to stick in your rss module at Squidoo.

IF you are in Internet Explorer (why???) It will look like this:

You will get the same thing when you click the orange box in IE. An address in your address bar that is for your RSS feed.

Copy the RSS address (highlight, right click, copy)

Go to Squidoo and you will enter that address in the RSS module:

I personally like to show 5 items, I like a description there, it gives a little more information for them to get interested in. I have squidoo check my feed once a day (this will pull in new content as I put it up) It’s up to you if you want the html displayed or not. I usually do it, so I’m not sure why it’s no here??

Once you have all your info filled in click the save button and you should see the last 5 posts from your blog.

Guestbook Module:

This is the final module I generally use. The guestbook module. It gives people a place to ask questions, and interact with you and other users. (your lens also can NOT get an angel blessing if it doesn’t have a guestbook, so you might as well add one)

Add your title to your module. I try to ask a question here related to the product or the type of product I’m discussing in my lens.

Then add a description ~ again I ask a questions related to the product. Have you used? Do you plan to buy? Had experience with? and then link to the product using my product name/keyword for the lens.

If you are going to use the guest book I suggest NOT leaving the default comment in the description area. Just make give people something they can answer or talk about in that area.

Other options in the guestbook module.

All of these are personal choices, there’s no right or wrong here, but here’s what I choose:

Once you’ve filled in your choices click save and you are done with modules!! There’s still a few things to think about before you hit the publish button.

Fill in your bio area ~ something related to what you’re talking about. Whether it’s finding great gifts/deals or something specifically related to your product.

Add some tags. You probably saw other keywords in the Google adwords tool that had some search volume (different variations on your product name??) add those. Don’t go overboard. As people start coming to your lenses you will see what kw they are using to find them and you can add those as you go.

Decide if you are going to give some of your earnings to charity. I alway give 10% of my on Squidoo earnings to charity. There are tons of charities you can choose from, I’m sure something you support will be available. It may only be pennies, but pennies add up!!

That’s about it! When you get all that filled in go ahead and click the PUBLISH button!! (top right hand corner)

WOO HOO you’ve done it!!

Now that you’re done with your lens there are more things you need to do to help google find and rank your lens on the first page. We’ll be going over those things next. Go ahead and get your lens done, and click the publish button!!