Bloom Where You’re Already Online

by Lensmasters!

If you have a Squidoo lens, chances are it’s not your only online presence. Before finding Squidoo, most lensmasters are already into blogs, personal websites, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Ning, or one of a dozen other online networks that they started or participate in. No matter where else you’re found on the web, if you’re not promoting your Squidoo lenses there, you’re missing out! Your online communities are already interested in what you have to say, so fulfill their curiosity and answer the question, “What have you been up to?”

If you own a website…
Chances are good some or most of your lenses are related to your website topic. If you run a website about horses, you probably have a lot of lenses on horses. Just as you refer back to your website in your lenses, refer to your lenses throughout your website. You can even use them to showcase exclusive bits of information, and they make shopping easy. There’s no need to plug all that crazy affiliate coding in to your website when you can easily organize it on a lens.

If you own a blog…
Blogs aren’t as static as websites, which means that every day is a new opportunity to spotlight one of your new lenses or a major update you made. Plus, matching your niche websites with niche blogs is a little slice of lens promotion heaven. Not only are you using the SEO friendly Squidoo to publish your knowledge, if you have Feedburner, your updates can automatically be sent to readers, newsletter style. It’s another quick way to automate your advertising.

If you are on MySpace…
One really cool way to promote your lenses on MySpace is with the rotating headline button from Feedburner. This nifty gizmo takes your lensmaster bio page RSS feed and rotates a list of your top lenses. No muss, no fuss; it’s all automatic. Plus, you can use your bulletin feature wisely to notify friends of big updates and new lenses, and create groups for your niche topics.

If you are on Facebook…
Consider using the cool Facebook Connect application on Squidoo to post stories on your timeline. You can choose from three display styles, and a post or two a day will keep your status up-to-date and your readers intrigued. There are also plenty of ways to organize and display your lenses, with link and Shoebox applications.

If you are on Twitter…
We have an app for that too! Each time you publish a lens, you can tweet your major updates and new creations right from your workshop. Or, personalize your messages with a teaser. “What does Chris’s new tattoo look like?” “Have you tried this BBQ chicken recipe?” “I got a new puppy! Update at Squidoo.com.”

Squidoo isn’t an island. It was built to play well with other applications and networks, so take advantage of your resources. If you’re curious about increasing traffic but haven’t started here, you’re missing out. Solid promotion starts with a community of readers who care about what you have to say - the people you already know.

You never know what kind of difference you might make by sharing your knowledge with others. Today is a great day to start making a difference with Squidoo. It’s Seth’s birthday! Join us in saying happy birthday, then go out and start making your own difference.

Make it a great weekend,
~Kimberly Dawn Wells
YOUR Community & Charity Organizer