I Don't Get Squidoo
I Don't Get SquidooA guy a lot smarter than me (that doesn't really narrow it down much.....I need to get more specific....his name is Seth Godin) is part of a project called Squidoo.
Squidoo is where you develop a page called a lens. In your lens you talk about things you are expert on. You basically share your knowledge. You often have affiliate links (that's where when a visitor clicks your link, visits another web site and then buys you get a % of the sale) and what's called Pay Per Click links (a person clicks an ad on your site and you get a % of the advertising revenue).
These links generate money for the lens and you either keep it or donate all or part.
Asked To Be Part Of The Beta
I was asked to be part of the beta of Squidoo (sounds impressive, but so were lots of others).
But after having a good look at Squidoo I decided not to. And the reason why?
I just don't get it.
I don't see how this 'lens' thing is different from any other page in terms of content. Sure, it's a good idea to have lots of links to the person's favourite things (I've tried doing the same thing with my About Me page). But it just doesn't seem different enough to be relevant.
And here's the thing.... because I know what an exceptional thinker Seth is, it troubles me that I don't see the value of Squidoo. Am I missing something? Shouldn't I be seeing what Seth sees?
That's What Our Marketing Should Do
And that's what our marketing (by 'our' I mean you and I) should do. It should make our prospects stop and think that the thing we are offering is so good because our company/business/self is associated with it.
And that's called branding.
Branding sets you apart. Branding gets people to buy because they trust you.
Brand your business and you will be successful. It can be that simple.
Regards
Brendon
[ comments ]
Yes, it has affiliate links and adsense but I also feed my debt blog into it. I also provide links to related books and provide a few text modules on steps to get out of debt. This way, a person has a one-stop shop for information surrounding a topic.
I won't be placing that web address on my marketing, however. I have another debt reduction site for that. I will be using it for email signatures and forum signatures. One page of good linked data on a topic is easier to swallow than a site full of stuff.
I do ask myself where squidoo will end up in a year. I think it will be an advanced blogging tool. The blogs are rss-fed into the lens and the owner then adds links and listings of related products or services or info nuggets.
Yep, Traveltoafrica. That's the thing that worries me. I can't quite get my head around the concept of Squidoo. I can't see what will make it successful. I don't see it as a great new idea.
But because Seth is involved (and he's a lot smarter and innovative than me) I think I must be missing something!
And it worries me that my mind can't see it.
Good luck with your lens.
Brendon