Should Affiliate Marketers Leave Squidoo?
Is It Time To Take Our Content Somewhere Else?
Since the announcement of the impending policy changes at Squidoo.com, I have read a LOT of varying opinions and feedback. I’ve also been “accused” of looking at these policy changes thru rose-colored glasses in an attempt to remain friends with Squidoo, or because I have some deep vested interest in others loving Squidoo, or something to that effect. While this annoys me to some degree, I felt that in the spirit of transparency, I should talk about that. I should also say straight out whether I think it’s time for affiliate marketers to leave Squidoo or not. So, let’s talk…
Am I Protecting Myself?
Let me start this off with a little story…
Once upon a time, this unknown PotPie chick started looking at her computer as a way to bring some money into her household. Problem was, she didn’t HAVE any money to get started. This presented a real problem – or at least she thought it did.
After poking around and learning all she could, she found herself making free web pages on a site that welcomed people just like her. In fact, they paid people to make their web pages there AND they allowed folks to make more money by having affiliate links on those pages.
She started to make some money.
She also spent a TON of time checking out other sites that were supposed to be similar and learning about SEO and getting online content FOUND. She worked herself into a tizzy. If her eyes were open, she was working and learning until she couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer.
In her travels, she found lots of other free-to-use sites, but none compared to the site she used mainly. That site was Squidoo.com.
She then spent a lot of time learning how to make her Squidoo pages even more effective…and it was really working for her. Over some time, she managed to get enough money coming in to be able to get to the real heart of internet marketing – and she started making her own sites, and building her own lists, and creating her own products.
Without Squidoo, she wouldn’t be sitting here typing this story to you.
I can understand why some folks might doubt my intentions. Heck, I am a marketer, right? So that means that my concerns must be all about ME?
Wrong. Very, very wrong.
I know, as sure as I am sitting here, that there are many, many other folks who are right where I was back in February 2007 – lost, dazed, confused, broke….and wanting desperately to make a change in their lives.
I’m not talking to those that already have their own sites, and lists, and products… I’m talking mainly right now to those that do NOT have those things – but they really want to get there… somehow.
I understand that burning desire to find a way to make something out of nothing – and better yet, I know it is totally possible.
And yes, I still completely believe that Squidoo will still help others get there.
The Reality Of These Policy Changes
See, here’s the thing… I do not own Squidoo. But if I did, I would totally be making some changes, too. I’ve seen the stats, I’ve been all over the site and have seen the problem pages, and I know full-well how hard advertisers are to come by in this economy.
Why would any advertiser invest in a site that was so full of unwanted content?
Something has to be done – and I think this is a very good move by the Squidoo staff.
Do I Like It?
Let’s make this clear, too…. I have a BUNCH of content on Squidoo that has got to be moved cause it will get zapped. Whether it’s content that Squidoo wants on its site or not, it IS content I have worked on and *I* want it. So, no, I am so totally not excited about having to do this right now.
Who really wants to spend their time moving content from one place to another? I know I sure don’t….lol!
I’ve got two client websites I need to be working on. I finally got my help desk at AskPotPieGirl.com up and running and want to get Carissa (my daughter-in-law) fully trained on that. I have an offline/online local business project I’ve been working on and I only have 25 of the 50+ sites done so far.
Above all, I have a ton of One Week Marketers that I want to help through these policy changes.
I don’t have time to complain about these policy changes.
Fair, not fair, right, wrong…whatever…it doesn’t matter. It is THEIR site and they make the rules. I either follow the new rules or lose my content.
What I Am DOING About The Policy Changes
I am protecting my content, that’s what I am doing. I am checking all options that I can find that are quick and feasible to move my content to NOW in case it gets zapped later. That way, if my lenses DO get locked, I can simply delete them because I will know my lens content is somewhere else.
Any solutions that I find that I will be using MYSELF, I will pass along to my One Week Marketers so they can use them, too. Not everyone has their own websites – or is even ready to make their own sites. But, if they are ready, I have 6StepNicheSites.com always available for free to help walk them thru the process.
I’ve already tried out 2 different free-to-use sites with my lens content that needs to be moved and so far, it’s been pretty easy to do. I could just move my lens content to my own sites and be done with it, but how will that help others and offer them options for their lenses? Yes, I would LOVE if all my readers all had their own sites, but that just isn’t the case – and I sure want to help them NOW and help them continue forward to where they DO have their own sites.
These policy changes are not the end of the world – unless you LET them be.
Should Affiliate Marketers Leave Squidoo?
No way. Squidoo is an affiliate marketer. Think about it – all those earnings modules (amazon, ebay, etc) are all embedded with Squidoo’s affiliate links. While they split that revenue with the lensmaster, that revenue is very important to Squidoo.
So are affiliate marketers. Yes, it’s really cool to have these awesome lenses on the site that are truly works of art. At times, I am in total awe of the great stuff I randomly find on the site.
But that’s just it – I find it randomly – not thru Google. Marketers know how to get their content found and Squidoo does need folks that know how to do that. That is equally important to attracting advertisers, and Page Rank, and Alexa rank and alllllll those things that come into play.
Squidoo simply wants….no, they need the affiliate marketers to stop marketing on certain topics – not stop marketing all together. They also need less “CLICK HERE” sales page type lenses, and more thoughtful content that Google loves and brings long-term organic traffic.
In short, Squidoo doesn’t want to be a billboard anymore – and they can’t continue to be used that way.
I don’t feel I am looking at these policy changes, or responding to these policy changes, thru rose-colored glasses at all. If One Week Marketing was no longer effective, I can promise that I would yank it off the market in a heartbeat and give it a complete make-over.
But it IS still effective – and here’s the kicker – it’s not all about Squidoo, either. The Action Plan works for all sites. In fact, it is really teaching you the set-up for your OWN sites so when you get to that point, it will be second nature for you and will make total sense.
And in my humble little opinion, I think Squidoo will do well with folks that know how to get their lenses found via Google and make lenses that promote page views and depth within the site. We just have to follow their rules and be careful of what topics we write about.
Eggs and Baskets
Yes, it’s been said all over the internet in relation to these Squidoo changes that people shouldn’t have all their eggs in one basket. I agree – BUT, when you’re new and trying to get started, you are working your tail off to have your first basket so you can have more baskets to choose from down the line.
I get that! Heck, I’ve BEEN there.
So if you voice your concerns online about these policy changes and someone responds/reprimands you about having all your eggs in one basket – just smile and let it go. This is not the time to complain or worry. This IS the time to protect the content you have that might be effected by these policy changes and put it in another basket.
And then… you WILL have another basket…and all your eggs won’t be in just one 😉
When you lack resources, you have to learn to be resourceFUL.
Are You a One Week Marketer?
As I said, I’ve been busy testing some other free-to-use sites to move my own lens content to in preparation for the impending policy changes. I will be sharing the things I’m doing with my One Week Marketers. I don’t know when I will send this out, tho. I really wish I had more time to test things, but I know time is of the essence right now and I want the OWM’rs that have content that might be effected to have some options and hear how I am handling it.
I’ll try and get this out to y’all as soon as I can, but I imagine it will take me thru the weekend so please hang tight =)
I apologize if any of this post was a little over the top compared to my usual stuff. I just get aggravated when people think or imply that I am just another self-serving guru.
Thank you to everyone who left feedback in the comments area on the policy change post here at PotPieGirl.com – I really appreciate your thoughts!
Ok, back to work for me!
Heck No I wont go, I have just started to learn how to use squidoo, so I start linking to a blog now. Still get me were I want to go.
You just have to learn to overcome obstacles
Hi Jennifer
Just made my 1st site, followed your advice in 1 week marketing and it was indexed by google in the time you said!
If we wern’t both married already I’d ask you to marry me!
3 cheers for Squidoo- it can only get better!!!
Prosperity to us all
samsmiles
Hey Jen,
I love this line of your post:
When you lack resources, you have to learn to be resourceFUL.
Fantastic.
There’s always going to be two different types of people ~ those who complain about it, and those who do something about it. I completely agree with you about the changes ~ and can’t really see why people are freaking out about this.
Yes, you may have some things to take care of but in the end the site will only benefit from these changes and the people that are DOing something instead of complaining will find their lenses do even better ~ isn’t that what it’s all about??
Keep up the good work.
Jackie
Well said Jennifer.
Squidoo had some tough choices to make and they did what was best for their business.
They aren’t the only ones to make firm changes to the affiliate landscape.
Just look at ebay last fall with ACRU rates based changes with a earning model similar to Adsense, Amazon this spring with PPC based commission rate changes and now Squidoo this summer.
Looks like affiliate marketers have gotten a Full Season of changes but it’s all for the best as it helps to keep us on our toes.
Only the strong and focused will survive…
Thanks for all your comments. I think everyone needs to consider that internet content is changing all the time. There is not one ‘work forever’ solution. People just need to learn along and respond to changes as they come. Whoever learns to do that will be able stay in the game!
Hey all,
Let me tell you all something. I have had One Week Marketing for almost a year now and have been receiving notice of these posts and other information from Jennifer for almost as long.
In ALL that time, I have NEVER gotten an “internet marketing” email from Jennifer.
Think about it. I’ve purchased other products. Many of them, unfortunately! (LOL) and as soon as I do, I start receiving almost daily emails from the sellers or affiliates. I’m on their list.
Jenifer has NEVER used her One Week Marketing list is that way. And THAT, folks, tells me more than anything else.
Jennifer is here to help her One Week Marketing clan, and to do it honestly. There are a lot of us clans people “out there” right now and she could be inundating us with proposals for any other promotions she may be running. But no dice.
Doesn’t that tell you something?
Enuff said – I’ll be careful – I’m exporting ALL my lenses – but Squidoo is here to stay and STILL worth the effort. Just like Jennifer says.
The first impression I had when I finished reading the OWM program was that I can apply it to ANY campaign online – be it Squidoo, my personal website or other free content sites. So it was never all about Squidoo for me.
I will continue using Squidoo for the topics they allow since I really enjoyed creating Squidoo lenses but I will always have an html-ready backup of each lens so in case of any unwanted changes I can easily copy and paste the content anywhere else online.
Thanks for your post!
Hi, Jennifer,
I second Anne’s post. I get so many solicitations from others that I have purchased from or opted-in for free information.
You recommended “Wealthy Affiliate” and I have joined them. I really do believe you have our best interests at heart and are only stating your honest opinion about Squidoo.
After this week, my time will be relatively free and I will be building some Squidoo lenses. Thanks to you!!! I know it has taken me some time to get started, but my obligations are soon to be finished and in the meantime I have been studying and understand everything a whole lot better now.
I really think July is my month to get established.
Thanks again.
Joyce
This reminds me of putting all your eggs in one basket. My mum used..and still has more than one cow to milk.As all of you know,You cannot milk a cow all seasons..You can only milk it after it gives birth for a few months. In order to continue having milk all years round, You will need more than one cow..So by the time the season for milking a small number of cows is over, The other ones are already giving birth..and then we’d start getting milk from the cows that have just conceived. This is the life I lived and I damn miss it! Internet marketing is the same. While you are using free sites, Have your own websites too. Have blogs, articles but as always put more effort on your own sites. If something happens with one marketing section, You still have the others to support your income until you get things back again. Smart & Internet affiliate marketers do all kinds of stuff..They use clickbank, independent affiliate programs,ebay,cj, (and other affiliate networks)amazon,squidoo,blogs,article directories,build a list and invest in ppc education. I hope this makes sense. When you get your leg on the ground, Do all kinds of things and within a short period of time, You should be an expert if you focus and work hard.
Considering the current legislation regarding the oversight of the FTC regarding affiliate businesses, I really think Squidoo has no choice but to make these changes. By the end of this summer, there will be substantial changes in the form of regulations and full disclosure. For anyone in affiliate marketing, I think its imperative that you brush up on what will soon be required from you. Here’s an article from Affilorama that gives a little more insight into this issue…
http://www.affilorama.com/blog/honesty-may-be-the-best-policy
Wow! I had no idea people were so upset over Squidoo’s changes. I’m glad you are taking the stance that you are. I love Squidoo and policy change or no policy change, I have no intention on leaving there.
~Lynn
Jen
First let me just say that after my first 9 days using your OWM program which includes Squidoo lens I made my first sale! High 5 Baby!.
This is my first dip into the squid-sea, but I have had article marketing experience in the past 8 months.
Well, Ezinearticles has their rules too. And the free blogs you recommend in OWM also have their rules.
I’m ok with rules and standards, but I’m left with a bit of uncertainty with losing something I’ve started. Its not like EzineArticles where they spank you before you get published.
That said…I’m not doing weight loss stuff – though I was tempted. I know Squidoo has posted their rules, but I’m interested in what your TOP x reasons were that you knew some of your lenses were in trouble. I think that would be helpful to me and others wondering if they are in a grey area.
Ok nuff, rant. Thanks for helping me spin up another marketing channel… CW
no these is helping a lot
Talking about eggs and baskets….I’m still trying to get Google to index my first eggs…nevemind the baskets for now.
I’ll ride the squidoo horse (or squid) as it changes and try to get the best content on there.
Hi, sorry I didnt get your first name, I came to yoursite through Dean Hunt I have learnt so much from him.And have read your write ups with great interest. Im just a newbi,trying to learn so very much I can Blogg I did course with Rob Benwell.Still new and need to learn so much more. I have joined Squidoo at first reluctantly. But I love It Iv been there about week. Totally adicted. I will visit your twitter site later.
Im princejoni 140.on Twitter. I have 8 lenses published but Im learning new thing every day
You have Great site here I love it. will be back soon.
Regards Montana
I think in the long term the changes are going to be a good thing. I totally understand Squidoo wanting to knock down the spam attracting topics.
Well, if one has been using Squidoo mainly for the promotion of ones site (aka Backlinks) all this shouldn’t be such a big deal for him/her. Even if they Do remove your lens, it is ( should be) just one cog in your promo wheel.
On the other hand, I, personally, cannot understand Why would they (anybody) ban a perfectly Good Useful lens with lots of info/advice/comparison etc JUST because it is in some Health nice They don’t like!
Even weight loss.
just read your plan b download. Great information for newbies to stop the panic the Squidoo annoucement caused. Thanks for the information. If you haven;t got it, get it NOW
I saw your document about moving stuff to blogger.
Couldn’t one just view source of the Squidoo page and copy the relevant HTML somewhere else?
Hi:
here is a problem with squidoo and all affiliate marketing I just found out about.
Apparantly angry that many states have ruled against them, Amazon has pulled the plug on many affiliates.
Those that live in a state that considers an affiliate a “physical location of Amazon”, are having their accounts CANCELED.
The first one is Alaska. Two more states will follow. You need to spread the word.
Hello Harlan,
The changes affecting affiliates I think is because of the tax laws that some states are coming up with.
I actually did some search to see what others are saying about what Harlan commented. It seems like some states want affiliate networks to collect online sales taxes on behalf of affiliates operating in that state. For example if I lived on New York and promoting amazon products as an affiliate, Amazon is required to collect taxes on behalf of the state, something similar to this and That is why Amazon has closed on other affiliates in other states because doing this can be a challenge to them.
Anyways it all boils down to this: People who concentrate on negativity and why something cant work will always end up being unsuccessful. Things will always change around but there will always be a hole to get through. I guess what I am trying to say here is that lets stay out of the negative stuff and concentrate on building a business. Remember, there is more than one way to kill a rat. Please my friends, There will always be changes online and lets not let these changes shutter our dreams..Ok. And potpiegirl is only here to help. She is not responsible or the one to blame. If you cant handle Internet Marketing, Get a job or find something else to do.
Hi Jennifer,
I followed your 6 Step Niche sites and then bought the One Week Marketing. Both have been a HUGE help! I work for the State of California and have endured a 15% pay cut in the last few months. I am SOOO happy that I have started several “6-Step” keyword sites, and am super proud to say that for 4 months running (I’ve been working hard for about a year) I am making not suffering a loss financially. I make more money with Adsense than was taken away by paycuts. I am grateful every day. I have several Squidoo lenses, but I never got serious the way others have, because I’m a fanatic about owning my own website. And I’ve also taken another page from your book, and started a “directory” site! Thanks for being a lighthouse in the storm…
This is not any different then the first sqiudoo sunami. (so to speak). Think people should just lay low let the water slow down and soon everyone will see squidoo.com is just fine
What you say about eggs and baskets is so true. I’m sort of moving in the opposite direction to squids. I have a bunch of Hubpages, but am trying out Squidoo too “just in case”. I’ve been thinking about setting up some blogs too that could accomplish the same thing.
Regarding what Harlan said about Amazon – strangely that’s a reason to STAY with Squidoo, because the Amazon modules in Squidoo have Squidoo’s own affiliate ID rather than the lensmasters (Squidoo redistributes later). So an Alaskan can have Amazon modules on Squidoo, and Amazon will never know that the lensmaster is from Alaska because they are dealing directly with Squidoo. At least that’s how I understood it all to work.
No one seems to be considering the needs of buyers in all of this. Weight loss and relationship problems are huge marketing areas because people need these products, and now Squidoo is depriving them of information they desperately want.
Furthermore, Squidoo set itself up the way it is; the affiliates didn’t do it. Writers have played by the rules, and now Squidoo jerks the rug from under them by changing those rules abruptly, causing much harm to the people in those large markets. In my opinion, Squidoo hasn’t behaved in an ethical manner and is now biting the hands that have fed it. I think some retaliation is in order!
I gave up visiting Squidoo about a year and a half ago because of the lousy content. It is a waste of my time to poke around trying to find good content when it’s so easy to find exactly what I’m looking for elsewhere. If I see a link that leads to Squidoo, I will not click on it. I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels this way. I hope you can find a new home for your content because I think this is the beginning of the end of Squidoo.