A Niche Place in the World
This week we're joined by top lensmaster Margaret Schaut as she teaches us how she uses Squidoo to build a niche business online.
Squidoo: Margaret, you have a ton of Amish Furniture lenses. What prompted you to focus on this topic?
Margaret: Because I have an Amish Furniture and Crafts business, I began with Amish related lenses. I have so much competition, and zero advantages, that Squidoo is really what put me 'on the map.' Far and away the Amish lenses are my largest niche. They have their own group! I've gotten some writing offers and commentary options that I'm following up with, which changes a lot of things! I have begun transferring them to their own business account, and developing many other lenses and groups for other personal/professional reasons.
Squidoo: Squidoo unleashed a slew of awesome features over the last 6-8 months. Which of these have you incorporated most and how have they helped your lens? (traffic, $$$, ease of use, etc.)
Margaret:I really love the selection! It took me a while to get the hang of the plexos, but once I did, I use them all the time! The Flickr plexo is a wonderful way to get some real visual content, some eye candy, without a lot of hassle. Its the write module, my layouts and the points I make in my lenses that have gotten me the most, though. Original content is incredibly in demand and so hard to find! Squidoo is GREAT for writers!
Squidoo: Which lens are you most proud of and why? OR Which lens was the most fun for you to build and why? OR Which lens is your longest because you just can't get enough of adding to it?
Margaret:I have three. The first is www.squidoo.com/michelangelosdavid lens. It took me two solid weeks of research and putting together, doing absolutely nothing else; and I add to it, fix it up, freshen it all the time. If a person wants me to notice them for some reason, drop by there and leave a comment. I know who ALL of you are and your lenses! It got me a good book offer almost immediately! I'll be doing many more like that when I can clear my schedule somewhat. The second one is my dog's lens www.squidoo.com/bulldogliving because I DEARLY LOVE my dog who really is is own person and so special. Its a great lens, the best pet lens I've seen so far (not to brag) but it doesn't get much attention. The last one is www.squidoo.com/apparitions which is another lens that got picked up for one day by a major website and got LOTS of traffic, attention and now has a regular audience! It brought me some writing offers and some projects that will be interesting to me in the future.
Squidoo: Within your Amish furniture niche, how do you decide to break down topics and create lenses?
Margaret:My first general Amish Community lens got so long it was clear that it needed to be divided. It also brought questions to some readers which I decided to answer. Amish Christmas came at a perfect time because we were just heading into the Christmas season and it gave people a reason to come and look, and then explore my other lenses. It is the same with the Amish religion lens. I think people feel more comfortable purchasing from you if they are convinced that you know what you are talking about and can write it in an interesting way.
Squidoo: Where do you see your Amish furniture business in five years with the help of Squidoo?
Margaret:My Amish furniture business, in five years, I hope will be one of the top Amish businesses in the country. I have great undiscovered craftsmen who never could break into the market, and the products are second to none. These are really TOP NOTCH pieces. Nobody, including the established woodcrafters, can match the quality. We have to survive the slow growth, though, a lack of financial resources, the competition from cheap foreign duplicates, and the downturn in the economy. So, its a gamble but we wouldn't have a prayer if it wasn't for Squidoo. Squidoo has put us front and center on Google, and Amish Tables is at #2. Another wonderful thing about Squidoo is that it creates a 'take with' business, so if you are travelling, or doing the RV lifestyle, you can make some money at the same time. This is the direction I am taking the Amish furniture business- no storefront, no huge overhead investments; just a website and Squidoo pages, and a computer and a phone. Drop shipped products. If the Amish can get accustomed to this business model, they'll do very well.
Squidoo: What do you wish someone had told you about making lenses?
Margaret:Squidoo is growing and changing so fast, with the new things being added and the floods of new people trying it out, that I recommend PATIENCE!!! Make your business lenses, yes. Just as important, though, is to make a few lenses about something you LOVE PASSIONATELY or that INTERESTS you so that you don't get bored and abandon your work. Think about using Squidoo pages as a 'knowledge depository.' Who has the life experience you've had? Who was there at important events the way you were? Because Squidoo really is effective, its exciting! People are starting to use Squidoo as a resource, a reference, a teaching treasure trove. My lens royalty income has been about doubling every month now and most of my lenses haven't really caught their audience yet! Their traffic is growing, though, and I am absolutely sure they will.
Lessons for Lensmasters:
1. Break your theme into small, niche categories
2. Use a variety of modules to offer products and information in new ways
3. Use Squidoo to build your business 'on the road'
