Thanks for all your tips. Will check out the TOC in the intro. Thanks also for the reminder on updating and the rss sounds like a great idea too.

Will spruce up the comments module, maybe ask questions that will encourage replies and participation.

Do I count as a PotPieGirl trainee? lol!!! Totally use the TOC option that is found in your intro module, but it's still a good idea to put a TOC module at the bottom of your lens. It's good for readers and it's good for helping Google.

As for RSS modules: While they do self-update, Google cannot read them so they don't do anything for that "freshness" factor. (use the Google News module instead - that's a hint).

Anything that encourages your readers to interact is a great idea (helps lensrank which helps your lens keep that precious green check).

From the look of your lenses, you're off to a GREAT start, Kathy - great work!

Jennifer
~PotPieGirl

oh thanks Jennifer, I had been using RSS primarily as links back to my blog but didn't realize google can't read them, that means it doesn't even count as a backlink either then? I can see the value in a TOC at the bottom too because some lenses are long and it helps usability. Good tips !

Putting a RSS feed of your blog on your lens is a GREAT idea for people - but no, it doesn't count as a backlink to your site since they don't render in time for Google to read them. Make a "real" text link to your posts and/or site on your lens to get some link juice (but no more than 9 links to your site).

Ok, RSS feed for some click-outs then, and i also put a few hyper links naturally into the text like "you can always <learn more> about bla bla" ..how do you feel about link lists? like a "further reading" list with a few links to my blog, I can't decide how I feel about them, sometimes I think they are good, other times I see someone's lens and it just looks too busy

The Link List module can work really well for many purposes (depending on the purpose of your lens) - and, the links are DO follow and seen by Google as well.

ok thanks, i will include them in my next lens updates!

Hi PotPieGirl, Thanks much for chiming in here and for your comments on my lenses. My Squidoo rankings are now starting to improve daily so I am encouraged! Also thanks for the rss and other tips. Have a Great Sunday!

I noticed that there is an option in the RSS module at the bottom, "Include HTML in excerpts?" ..if you select "yes" does that mean Google can read the links and count as extra backlinks? or is that irrelevant still?

Thanks for all your tips. I am still a little fuzzy on the whole keyword thing so I am happy to hear that at least some of my choices were good . Links on bottom are for the sake of internal links but I will be adding a TOC on top too.

I'm not sure what you mean by backl-inking to sq pages from link directory or pinging but I am sure that will come as I progress in the training.

Thanks for your reply Ostanavision. Will add a TOC on top but I don't think I have any control over the sidebar ads. I do not see the issue of "hidden text" as you mentioned. I would be curious what os,browser and browser version you are seeing this with.

Hello Kathy! I think I'm the only one seeing the hidden text because you are not the only one saying you did not see it. I'm using firefox aurora version 17.

Hi David, Thanks for your comment.
I did make sure that her training was updated since both Panda and Penguin. You bring up a great point - everyone should be sure that any training that they are considering should be no older than 6 months old, tops. I know that Penguin hit around May 2012

Thanks Joyce.