The Secret to Making Money With Squidoo – Part 2
Now that we’ve covered the parameters of setting up your “money ready” Squidoo page, its time to dive into the details of how you should go about this. If you want to use Squidoo as an income generating resource, its important to understand one principal: people aren’t stupid, and the only reason why their on your page is to gather information. With that said, it is possible for you to get their “permission” to sell them something. Here’s how to do it:
Like I mentioned yesterday, we’ll be using the Amazon Module as our main money making tool. In this example, were going to build a page providing useful information about books, while recommending a variety of different titles.
Build Your Content First: Before you go about installing the module, I would set up and write all of the content on the page. Here’s how I would do it:
- Give Item Title: This should be broken up into two sections. The title should be placed above where you want the description. It should be at least 16 Font…big enough to make it stand out, but not obtrusive; distinctly separated from text body.
- Write Clear Description: The book description needs to be authoritative, while enticing. Remember, they need to be given a REASON to buy this book. But don’t use too many superlative terms (best, super buy)…etc. You’re not selling vacuums.
Here’s a description given by one affiliate: The philosopher Tom Morris started out writing an essay for a friend about Harry Potter’s courage. He couldn’t stop writing and ended up with If Harry Potter Ran General Electric. It explores the philosophy that is evident throughout the Harry Potter series. Tom also created the Morris Institute for Human Values “to bring a re-energized vision of philosophy into the lives of as many people as possible” especially in the business world. This gives the reader an idea of what the book is about, without sounding too sales like.
Notice, the description starts off with WHY the book was written, and then goes into what the book DOES…and then pitch begins about what why its good.
Setting Up The Module & Product Links
Squidoo provides 6 amazon modules you can use to promote products…without requiring an Amazon Affiliate account. Squidoo collects the commissions, and does a straight 50/50 split. If you don’t have an account, it’s best to stick with the modules…this also helps increase your LensRank. Since Squidoo most likely gets the top commission rank of 8.5%…your cut, 4.25%. This is better than the basic rate assigned to new affiliates should you sign up directly.
- Picking Your Products: Since we are using Amazon module based products, lets talk about setting this up. Skipping ahead to where you pick products (it’s really self explanatory to pick which module you use,) once its added, you have the choice of making changes. You have two options for adding products: Let Amazon pick, or Let Me Pick. Pick them yourself. Amazon might select the lowest priced item, since its the best deal…however, keep in mind your commission is based off of revenue, not # of sales.
- Optimizing The Module: The module has several fields that need to be optimized: Title, subtitle and description. Remember, all of these are important. This is your best opportunity to reinforce keyword phrases for SEO purposes.
- Choosing Display Options: What do you want the visitor to see? Important: The default items are set at: Title, Picture, Amazon Price. But, you need to get them more than one option…Choose List Price as well. Even though they may end up going with the Used Price. Don’t suggest it; as this will result in a lower commission.
Follow the above product tips for adding in products for everything you’ve written content for..
Keeping The Lens Fresh: One of the factors determining your LensRank, is lens freshness. Click on the Health Tab in the right and corner of your dashboard (second from left.) In the bottom right corner of the health page, you’ll see: Last Published: month/day/year. Your last published date should not go beyond a week. To determine rank, Squidoo uses a two-week revolving door on stats. Keep it updated by adding a poll, customer testimonials, updates to the latest item, rotate pictures. You’ll know if it was effective by checking the Last Published date. Anything to raise your lens rank and keep the search engines happy!
All of the tips mentioned in this article can be used on any module or product. I would recommend creating 100 of them (just not too many at once)..and eventually, you’ll have your own Squidoo empire generating income for you. Good Luck.
