SquidWho, SquidU, and Fresh Squid
Hello Squidoo Addicts!
The last month has been a busy one. SquidWho launched with amazing results, SquidU saw some updates, and thousands of new lenses were added to our community. What’s next? You’ll have to wait to find out what NEW surprises we have in store for you, but here’s a recap of what’s currently going on.
1. SquidU Gets a Makeover
2. SquidWho Ideas
3. Freshen your Lenses for Fall
Keep your eyes open for more awesome updates soon, and keep plugging away at those fabulous Squidoo and SquidWho lenses!
~Kimberly
Your Community Organizer at Squidoo
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1. SquidU gets a makeover
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My oh my, how things change! In the last year and a half, so many new things have been added to the Squidoo line of services, and poor ol’ SquidU has gone a tad stale.
This fall, or spring for those of you in the southern hemisphere, we’re doing some cleaning to spruce up the space and make it a new cool hangout for learning about Squidoo.
Since so many of our wonderful lensmasters have put a lot of work into creating resources on Squidoo, we’re giving you a chance to share in the fun of the SquidU Re-Do. If you’re a willing participant, you can submit your lens to be considered. We’ll take some of your best suggestions and advice and post it on SquidU, and you get all the credit.
How can you be a part? Visit here to find out, be sure to read our disclaimer, and submit your lens: http://www.squidoo.com/redosquidu/
We might use a bit of your copy, or we might link to your lens. All with credit where credit is due, of course. Have ideas for new SquidU content? Just visit the lens and post your burning question in the guestbook.
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2. SquidWho Ideas
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SquidWho has taken the internet by storm, and thanks to our excited and dedicated lensmasters, we’ve added thousands of fresh people lenses to Squidoo. Have you created YOUR SquidWho lens yet? If not, what are you waiting for? It’s free, and we’ll even give you a head start:
Need some ideas?
Get your “normal” friends involved: http://squidu.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=44468#p44468
Think about the less famous people: http://squidu.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=7752
Join one of the many SquidWho groups: http://squidu.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=7016
And as always, get your daily dose of Fresh Squid: http://www.squidoo.com/freshsquid/hq
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3. Freshen your lenses this fall
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No matter which hemisphere you’re in, fall and spring are key times to clean house, and that includes your lenses. This list was published last spring and got rave reviews. It’s never a bad time to take a look at your lenses and shine them up. Join me in the Lens Tidy Workout to lose that squid flab and tone your lenses into works of web art. In just eight minutes or less!
Warmup - 1 minute per lens
1. The Blank Module Deleter
Blank modules plague published lenses. Let’s clear the slate by deleting unused modules. If your lens is a work in progress, you can always add them back when you’re ready.
2. Generic Module Renamer
Still working with titles such as “New Guestbook Module” and “New Link List?” Give your unnamed modules a quick facelift with catchy titles.
The Big Checker Workout - 5 minutes per lens
3. The Biggie View
View your lens and check it for blatant errors, such as modules that aren’t working, Flickr pics and CafePress items that are obsolete, and anything else that looks funky. Make sure you view it as others will see it. There are some differences between what you see in the edit screen and the published version.
4. Long Text Shortener
Are your text modules a manageable size? If your intro has gotten too long, try breaking it into smaller modules. Readers love short blocks of text and lists.
The Little Checker Workout - 5 minutes per lens
5. The Tagchecker
Review your tags. Is it time to freshen them up? Add newer more relevant, more timely ones?
6. What’s missing?
What’s missing from your lens that could make it better? You don’t have to add it all now. Make a list and plan a time to beef up your content later.
Cool Down - 2 minutes per lens
7. The Emailer
Who do you know that would love to see your lens in action? Your boss? Your mom? Email your lens to friends and family using the email feature on Squidoo.
8. The Del.icio.us Stretch
Help bookmarkers find your links by adding them to your del.icio.us profile. Bonus: if you have FireFox, get the del.icio.us extension.
9. Digg It
Add your lenses to Digg so other diggers can see what’s hot.
Daily Mini Workout - 60 seconds per lens as needed
10. The Link Fixer
If you have link lists, check them regularly for broken links and relevant content.
11. The Switcheroo
Rotate your modules to make your content look fresh. Better yet, swap out old photos and products for newer ones. You know who does this like a pro? Kate, of laptop bag fame. No wonder she’s #1. http://www.squidoo.com/laptopbag
12. The Modernizer
Many lenses, such as those big moneymakers, can be changed up to make them relevant for the season. Better yet, start some new ones with the best gifts and travel accessories for the upcoming holidays.
13. The Publisher
Publishing your lenses frequently reminds you to check them for updates and keeps them fresh.
By doing the Lens Tidy Workout just once a month, with daily mini workouts scattered in between, you too can have firm, informative lenses that attract visitors and generate cash.
Have a gangbusters week!
