Tips for Squidoo Lensmasters - Issue 4: Guestbook Modules

Let me start by saying not every lens needs a guestbook. Upon completion of your lens contents first draft ask yourself: do l need feedback on this topic?

Does there need to be discussion?

Also keep in mind... the more guestbooks you have the more work it entails.

If you decide your lens needs a guestbook where should you put it?

I think the closer to the end the better. You're asking for an opinion, obviously that opinion will be best delivered once they've read the contents of your lens... But do it before you send them off anywhere else. If you've got a list of recommended sites or pages then make that the last module and the guestbook the second last.

However if you need feedback for specific areas throughout the lens, for instance you're using your lens like an online magazine, then you might be using modules like a magazine column, and the guestbook is to encourage reader feedback and participation.

If so, be strategic with your placement. You could in fact be using the 'text description' field for the article instead of a Text/Write Module. The advantage of doing so is you are not constricted to the 2500 characters that comes with the Text/Write Module.

Preferences

My set-up preference is for registered members only. You may have good reasons as to letting unregistered visitors the ability to submit feedback but for me the kickback is that if they're not a member and they try and submit feedback, they are told they need to be a member and are givent he option to join up right then and there.

If they do that and they go on to producing their own lenses you get a $5 bonus for referring them to Squidoo. They too get $5 credited to their account. And both amounts of money is added to your account when the referrered lensmaster earns their first $15.

The other setting I change is for comment approval. Where it says "When should their blurbs be approved?" I always have that set to "Ask me first". Comment approval will cut down on spamdalism. I don't want to be giving any spammers a free ride.

And you'll save time by only going to the guestbooks that have had activity. Rather than doing a drive-by to check on all of them to see if anyones made updates.

Last but not least!

Change the default title and description.

There is nothing as unsightly as a "New Guestbook". Renaming it something unique, original and inviting will go a long way towards looking professional.

For more information on Squidoo Modules check out www.squidoo.com/module

-Glen



Glen F is a respected Lensmaster aka N376
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