For those of you unfamiliar with Squidoo – it’s time you learned how this amazing tool can revamp your business plan and drive traffic to your website or blog – and, it’s free!
Basically, Squidoo is a Web 2.0 website that is sort of like a spoke in a wheel, the spoke points back to the hub of the wheel which is your main money site. For me, my main money site is my blog, CarolAmato.com.
Consider Squidoo as a community center (website) where users create web pages (lenses). These lenses are informative and up-to-date and each one contains links to another website such as Amazon or Ebay. That’s where you make your money. If the reader of the lens clicks on and purchases the linked item, you get a commission.
You end up reaching so many more people than you would otherwise – and keep in mind that Google and other search engines love Squidoo. Search engines recognize Squidoo lenses as experts on any given subject and like to send traffic to them, so you end up with a free source of traffic that’s likely going to be better than one you paid dearly for.
Here’s how Squidoo can help drive sales to your site and increase your revenue:
- Modules. Squidoo is an affiliate to money-making sites such as eBay and Amazon. Since Squidoo is the affiliate, you will share the commission on a 50-50 basis. When you write an article (lens) about a product or service, you’ll insert links to the pages where they’re featured. Then, you get a commission when the viewer clicks through and purchases the product.
- Your Personal Affiliates. You don’t have to link only to Amazon, eBay or other marketing sites. You can link to your own affiliates too by simply registering it as an affiliate. You don’t have to share the commission with Squidoo when you choose this route.
- Support Your Own Products and Services. If you have products or personal designs on Etsy or other sites, you can link to them from your Squidoo lenses. It’s a great way to advertise and sell your own stuff without having to pay for the privilege.
Using Squidoo
Squidoo has top rated tutorials and can guide you both visually and by step-by-step instructions on how to set up your profile and create a lens. If you don’t understand something, there is always a “help” button you can click on for more information.
It may take a little time to get the hang of it, but once you do, you’ll love creating lenses and promoting your products on this traffic-driving site. You must learn how to do keyword research –but if you don’t know how, using Squidoo is a great way to learn. It’s something you should know as an Internet marketer 
if you ever expect your business to prosper.
Keyword research will greatly increase your SEO. By using the phrases and words connected to your product or service, you’ll be setting up your Squidoo lenses to send people to your site who are interested in what you have to offer.
When writing your lenses (usually a 200-word ‘article’) there are some rules and tips you need to consider to get the most out of them:
- Make it interesting. Boring copy just doesn’t get read. Personalize it to make it interesting. Even if you’re talking about a frying pan, you can mention or reveal a couple of recipes that you’ve personally tried with the product.
- Be real. Being real establishes the trust you need with the reader and can entice him to click on the link and purchase the product. Chat with the reader just as if you were talking to him face-to-face.
- Keep it short and simple. Studies have proven that very few people are going to continue reading an Internet article or post if it’s long-winded and loses its impact. Tell them what they want to know in an engaging way and then let them go.
- Use ‘Numbers’ in Your Titles. Phrases such as, “Top 10” and “Best 7” indicate to the reader that they can find out a great deal about the product by a single glance. Using a long URL doesn’t tell your readers anything about the product.
- Do Your Research. Before you endorse or recommend a product, visit Amazon or the affiliate you’re planning to link to and find out what the reviews say. If no one likes the product, choose another. Amazon uses “star” ratings and is easy to research.
Squidoo’s Many Features
There are so many great features that Squidoo uses to help you drive traffic to your site – too many to list them all here. But, you’ll get the idea when you first join Squidoo and browse through their site.
Here are some of the more important features:
- Promotes Through Social Media. Squidoo easily lets you use all types of social media to promote your products. Tweet, share on Facebook or through your email lists and you’ll attract many more people to your site. Don’t be spammy when sharing. Be honest and real to develop a following.
- Cross-Linking. You can use Squidoo to link to other lenses or anything you might have online such as blog posts on a particular subject or product. Don’t use backlinks arbitrarily though. Use them only when related to another topic.
- SEO. Most will agree that Search Engine Optimization is essential to becoming a successful Internet marketer. Squidoo lets you take full advantage of SEO by using keywords and encouraging you to use focused terminology in your lens content.
Still Confused About Squidoo?
My best advice for getting started in Squidoo is to simply begin. The more you practice, the better you’ll understand Squidoo and how it can help your business to grow and create revenue.
The main point of creating a Squidoo lens is to drive readers to your website or other links, so the content of your lenses should relate especially to those subjects.
After you create a lens, you’re officially considered a lensmaster and can use a variety of Squidoo tools to give prospective clients links, feedback and more.
It’s true – Squidoo is a silly name – but it’s a powerful tool to add to your cache of resources. Visit their site today and learn how Squidoo can help you.
UPDATE:
Many of you have asked me about the “how to” get started….I highly recommend Tiffany Dow’s product: Squidoo Quick Commission Guide. Her products are top notch, so enjoy!
December 20, 2012 at 8:36 pm
Once again..a brilliant blog post by our Carol. x
Tony Cook wants you to check out…The Amazing Spiderman Review updated Thu Dec 20 2012 12:29 am EST
December 20, 2012 at 9:40 pm
Hi Tony,
Thanks so much exclamation.
Thanks for stopping by. :)
- Carol
December 20, 2012 at 8:43 pm
This site sounds really good and with your good name on it I know it’s even better. It’s about time to start doing something with all the info I have collected and a mentor who is the best so I could I go wrong but put some fire where it counts and go for it!!! My family wishes your family to have the best Chrstmas and a Happy New Year!!! Our prayers are always with yall and especially this time of year. God Bless Yall and we will pray that next year is going to be great for yall!!! Your friend always, Kenny,Tandi,Aisha and Christyna Big Hug from All of Us
December 20, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Hi Kenny,
Thank you for the kind words – much appreciated. :-)
And, certainly appreciate the prayers – what a blessing friends are.
I hope you and your dear family have a wonderful and blessed Christmas.
Take care,
– Carol
December 20, 2012 at 8:44 pm
Hello Carol, Squidoo is something that I’ve heard a lot about, but never understood or pursued. You’ve piqued my interest now. I think I’ll have to give it a try over the holidays. Thanks for a very interesting article. Hope you and your family have a happy holiday..
December 20, 2012 at 9:43 pm
Hello Steven,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the article.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season. :-)
– Carol
December 20, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Thank you for all your teaching about squidoo that was very nice of you. May God bless you and have a merry Christmas Jesus is the reason for the season thank you. Roger Kaus .
bestconsumerreviews1website.com
December 20, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Hi Roger,
I couldn’t agree more – Jesus is the reason for the season. :-)
You are welcome – I sure enjoyed teaching what I learn along the way on this journey.
Blessed Christmas,
– Carol
December 20, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Carol – I am so glad that you posted this information. One big weakness for me is understanding key word ‘stuff’ and it seems like Squidoo will really help me get out of my box and learn this essential component. Thanks so much!
December 20, 2012 at 9:46 pm
You are welcome, Charlotte. I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas. :-)
– Carol
December 26, 2012 at 2:39 pm
Charlotte! You are the winner of the Starbucks Gift Card!
Will be emailing your $20 Gift Card!! :)
Carol Amato
Carol Amato wants you to check out…What Squidoo Can Do for YOU
December 26, 2012 at 5:44 pm
WHOOT! Thanks so much Carol! I just got the email! Happy New Year!
December 26, 2012 at 6:33 pm
Hi Charlotte,
Awesome! Hope you have a wonderful 2013 – Happy New Year. :-)
– Carol
December 21, 2012 at 12:21 am
I’ve been following your blog Carol for a while now because I picked so many great tips and applications. Every time I saw an email from you, I quickly opened it and can’t wait to see what you have for me which is always very useful. I even shared your site to my friends who are into online business. More power and Godbless!
December 21, 2012 at 9:52 am
Hi Chris,
I am so glad that you have benefited from my blog. And thank you so much for sharing with others – I certainly appreciate that. :-)
Have a Merry Christmas.
– Carol
December 21, 2012 at 4:08 am
Carol, I do not have a website? Any suggestions for one that I can use without paying a fortune?
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Take care my friend.
Ron
December 21, 2012 at 9:54 am
Hello Ron,
I always recommend getting a squeeze page up and running FIRST, then a blog to support that list building effort…
Domains are less than $10, and auto responders are one dollar for 30 day trial, and then about $19 per month. Hosting varies, however it runs anywhere from $3.95 per month to seven or eight dollars per month – depending on the company.
Please e-mail me and we can discuss further if you like. :-)
Have a wonderful Christmas.
– Carol
December 21, 2012 at 4:24 am
Hi Carol,
I toyed with Squidoo on and off for a year as it seems a bit messy when you first get there and I think people just write something there and get a backlink and leave. There are thousands of lenses like that which never get read.
I started taking Squidoo in a serious way about 6 months ago and it is a very powerful tool. I earn more there than with anything else I have tried. It is easy to understand once you take a little time.
December 21, 2012 at 9:56 am
Hi Enda,
Thanks so much for stopping by to share your experience with others. :-) Congratulations on your success!
Many times folks move on TOO QUICKLY before giving something of real chance. I’m so glad you stuck with it and are earning money now.
Have a blessed Christmas. :-)
– Carol
December 21, 2012 at 7:45 am
Hi Carol,
I just want to say thank you for all the inf., and may 2013 be a most blessed and prosperous year for you, May The Blessings of Jesus Birth keep you and your loved ones Blessed in every way, according to his riches in Glory.
Merry, Merry Christmas.
Rosa
December 21, 2012 at 9:57 am
Hello Rosa,
you are most welcome! :-) I really enjoy sharing what I have learned with others. I want to wish you and your family a blessed Christmas.
Take care,
Carol
December 21, 2012 at 9:06 am
Hi Carol, nice explanation of Squidoo. I know the first time I started on Squidoo, I wondered what the heck a lense was, and what do I do with this lense once I create it. LOL
It definitely took some time to understand, but the benefits are worth it. Thanks Carol!
Glen wants you to check out…Living Life Uncomfortably
December 21, 2012 at 9:58 am
Hi Glen,
So glad you’re enjoying Squidoo – it does take some getting used to, but I agree that it’s worth it. :-)
Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts. May you have a Merry Christmas.
– Carol
December 21, 2012 at 9:50 am
Thank you. I have never made a dime, yet!
Do you have to have a bank acct.?
December 21, 2012 at 10:14 am
Hello Brian,
Well, yes if you want to use Squidoo to make money….you would need to set up accounts with affiliate networks, which need a way to pay you, and this is normally through a merchant like PayPal….which always links to your bank account…
Hope to help.
- Carol
December 25, 2012 at 1:30 pm
I am on Squidoo but never managed to make a dime on it. Although I have used to it to get back links and so on but to be honest never made money it. Perhaps I am not doing it right. Thank you for this insight.
Shalu Sharma wants you to check out…Funny Indian pictures
December 25, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Hi Shalu!
I think back links are a great thing. As far as earning, there are courses out there that teach this in detail. Tiffany Dow has one on her PLR MiniMart if you’re interested. :) http://www.carolamato.com/plrminimart
Hope you are having a blessed Christmas. :)
- Carol
December 28, 2012 at 11:47 pm
Hi Carol,
I’ve heard so much about how people use Squidoo for both traffic and to earn money promoting affiliate products, but I’ve never really messed around with it myself. Might have to set aside some time to setup a lens or two pretty soon and add it to my marketing strategy. Thanks for the great article and Happy New Year to you :)
Kevin Ocasio wants you to check out…Social Marketing Resources To Get You More Twitter Followers, Retweets, Likes And +1′s
December 29, 2012 at 9:51 am
Hello Kevin,
Perhaps 2013 could be the year that many of us launch into new areas to develop new income streams. :-)
I really enjoy what I do on my blog, and very much appreciate your comments.
Happy new year to you and your family.
– Carol
February 17, 2013 at 10:39 pm
Thanks for this. I am going to get working on Squidoo again. It is fun and seems an easy way to make money in comparison to other ways.
elizabeth (bet) wants you to check out…Menopause PLR
February 18, 2013 at 11:32 am
Hi Bet!
You’re welcome! Some people make it a full time thing, I don’t….It’s just a side line, but fun!
Have a great week. :)
- Carol