Squidlog.net

In the first article about lens SEO, we looked at how important it is to get the right key phrases in a lens URL, the lens Title and the Intro. In this second installment, we look at the Module titles, the content and a very under-utilised section of the lens – the Lens Bio.

Best use of Keywords for Better SEO

Key tips on how to use Keywords for SEO – Part 2

One great tip I was given by that “Queen of SEO”, Spirituality, is to use subtle variations of a key phrase wherever possible. People searching will probably use these different versions of the phrase, when “Googling”. When I gave Evelyn Saenz feedback about her lens: The Hand-made Quilt I said that, where appropriate, she should vary the phrase “handmade quilt”, with “hand made quilt” and “hand-made quilt” – notice the spacing and the use of a hyphen.

It is crucial to sprinkle your key phrase or words to the module titles throughout the lens. I suggested that Evelyn look at where she could use the key phrase “handmade quilt”.

It is important to always look at your module headings AND the sub-headings as places where you can add key phrases that Google might be looking for – these are your “external” tags – the phrases that will catch Google’s eye. Once you have established your key phrases make sure they feature throughout the lens – but don’t overdo it! Google does not like “over-optimised” pages. It may think they are Spam!

Many lenses on Squidoo contain tips about Keywords and phrases, but one that is not promoted very much at all is making use of the Lens Bio. Some of the Squidoo Angels have said publicly (this one included!) that they like to see some info in the Bios on lenses. There is nothing more off putting than seeing a lens that has the greeting:

Hello world, this is my bio, I’ll edit it later.

It does tend to give the impression that you can’t be bothered, don’t you think?

However, more crucially, the Lens Bio is another place to position your key words and phrases, which will increase the chances that the Search Engines will pick up the lens AND rank it highly. By not bothering with your Bio, or not putting some thought into what to say, you are passing up on another opportunity to catch Google’s eye!

Unless you tell it otherwise, your default Bio (the one that appears on your Lensmaster Bio page) will automatically be featured on your Lens Bio. Make whatever you put in the Lens Bio RELEVANT to that particular lens. For example, I love musical theater, but enthusing about Hairspray the Musical or Pantomimes may not be appropriate on a lens about the bullying at school that one of my daughters suffered.

I figure if anyone wants to know about my interests they will visit my Lensmaster page and so the Bio on my Bullying lens simply says:

Sadly bullying at school has affected us over the last few years and I hope that by sharing what I have learned, I can help you and your children.

And yes, you got it! The key phrase is “bullying at school”, which is a much searched for phrase on Google. Treat your Bio as an “extract” – just a tiny taster of what is to come in the lens but make sure your key words and phrases are included.

If you want to put more about you on your lens, then do it using the “About Me” module, which I like to position at the end of my lenses. I assume people have landed on the lens because they are interested in the topic. If they like what I have written – THEN they may just be interested in me!

To summarise, here are the places to add your key words and phrases:

The Lens URL
The Lens Title
The Intro Title
The first sentence in the intro
The Lens bio
The module headings and sub-headings
The content

But remember – do not overdo the keywords. They need to flow with the content and not look forced or *gasp* spammy!

And the greatest SEO in the world won’t help you if you don’t promote your Lens OUTSIDE of Squidoo. Ooo, I think I sense another SquidLog article coming on!

[ratings]

On a similar note...

• Keyword placement for better SEO explained – a specific Squidoo lens example! (9)