Promote Your Opportunity With a Free Local Business Directory on Squidoo

In an earlier article I shared my method for using Squidoo's zip-code driven SquidZipper platform to attract local leads. You can use the same method to get backlinks for your business website, even if it's a MLM opportunity (generally unwelcome at Squidoo). Here's how.

Create a free business directory for any United States town using SquidZipper. Ideally you should use zip codes in your local area, but it's not absolutely necessary. Here's a business directory I created with SquidZipper:

Pasadena, California Free Business Directory

The directory is open to anyone with a website link who serves the Pasadena area. I've also added links for my own businesses.

The module I use for the directory is called a Links Voting Plexo, and it can be set to display 5, 10, 15, or all submissions. You can add other modules to make your SquidZipper lens more interesting. I've got some Google blog and Twitter feeds to keep the content fresh and up to date, and also a few items for sale (yes, you should monetize your Squidoo lenses!) I'll eventually add a few photos too. Visitors to the lens can then vote items up. Some lensmasters allow both up and down voting on plexo items. I only allow up voting on my lenses. Down voting seems negative and doesn't really add much value to the lens.

The best part is, the plexo module itself can be "grabbed" and added to other relevant lenses. This particular plexo appears on two of my other lenses about Pasadena, California. When someone adds their website link to any of those lenses, the link appears on all lenses with the plexo. Here are the other two lenses in case you want to see how this looks:

Pasadena, California Facts and Information
Pasadena, California Mobile Notary Public

You don't have to go this far, of course. One SquidZipper lens covering your zip code should work fine. I just tend to build my Squidoo lenses in multiples and cross promote them for more exposure.

If you want to give it a try, refer to this tutorial: Promote Your Business Online for Free with Squidoo SquidZipper Lenses.

Sometimes Squidoo plexo modules are quirky and items don't show up, but hopefully these bugs will be worked out soon.