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Happy Monday!

It’s true! Summer is almost here. We’re celebrating in a few great ways, and here’s how you can join in the fun. If you were one of the lucky lensmasters who was able to participate in one of our live chats last week, your head is probably still a-buzzin’ with dozens of ideas for building great lenses.

Today we’re learning about three great categories of lenses you can build for summer, as well as one special reason to do it. Trust me, you’ll like this.

(Joining us from the southern hemisphere? You can do the same for winter themes!)

When it comes to event lenses, we know that building in advance is your best bet for being prepared for the swarms of searchers who want their information NOW at the time of the event. It isn’t uncommon for lensmasters to build lenses two, three, or even six months in advance so they’re indexed by search engines and ready to promote when the time is right. But it’s hard to think so far ahead! What is there to write about?

1. Holidays and Special Dates
Nearly every one of us has used Squidoo or Google to search for great info on Easter, or Christmas, or Valentine’s Day. Searchers across the country will be doing the same for Father’s Day, 4th of July, the Queen’s birthday, etc. Besides the obvious dates, there are also special themes for months, days, and weeks. Lensmaster SusanVillasLewis has some excellent resources for these such dates with her Carnival of Squid lenses for May, June, July, and August.

2. Summer Themes
Summer is known for surfing and picnics and fishing and bikinis and Hawaiian parties and kids off school and barbeques and swim lessons and family vacations…a lot! While these themes aren’t tied to specific dates, prospective readers will be looking for all the information they can soak up. You don’t have to look far. Tell us what you do in everyday life. Yes, someone else out there DOES want to know how to get sand out of their minivan!

3. Your personal experiences
Have an upcoming wedding? Family reunion? Trip to Mexico? Start a journal lens and chronicle your journey. Check in each day to add photos, links, a brief message, and voila! It’s a lens built right before your eyes. Everyone has something unique to share about these special events, and we want to hear your ideas.

One important issue to note is that just because a holiday or event or theme exists doesn’t mean you should write about it. Readers can tell if you’re not into your topic, so use the passion you have for the niches you really love.

Speaking of things you love, this summer your awesome lenses could earn $99 for the charity of your choice…and yourself! That’s right, for 60 days this summer we’re giving away $99 to 60 deserving lenses and the charities they support. Learn more about our Squidoo Summer Sunshine Awards and get building.

So many fabulous ideas, so many worthwhile reasons to build a lens. Have fun!
~Kimberly Dawn Wells
YOUR Community & Charity Organizer