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19 Tips On How to Use StumbleUpon To Build Your Blog Readership |
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If you aren't familiar with StumbleUpon.com, the idea is to cut your search time by only viewing sites recommended by people with similar interests to yours. So instead of searching and getting a list of sites who have paid a lot of money to some search engine optimization expert, you get fed sites which have been found useful by someone with - hopefully - interests that they share very closely with you. Obviously, if that is what you get, then it's a huge improvement - and time-saver - over generic search.
Here's a plan for you to make the most of StumbleUpon in promoting your own website:- Go to http://StumbleUpon.com. Download the StumbleUpon toolbar.
- Choose your topics of interest.StumbleUpon will show you relevant high quality content.
- When you surf & find any site you like, click "Thumbs up" in the SU toolbar to share the site.
- IMPORTANT!!! DO NOT STUMBLE YOUR OWN WEBPAGE(S)! You need to build trust. Submit sites that you really value and which provide great value. Submit at least 30 of these sites over the next several days.
- After these submissions, you can "Stumble" one of your pages.
- When you look at any new webpage, use your SU toolbar. Stumble every site you hit that you think is good.
- Every 15 or so Stumbles, stumble one of your own pages.
- Don't spam. Don't stumble 15 sites at one time, just to do one of yours. Make it natural.
- Never stumble more than 2 of your own pages a day.
- You can get long-term love from the SU system by suggesting they add any logical topics that aren't already in the system. Keep an eye out for this opportunity.
- When you do stumble your own website, you'll get your most value from deep links. So Stumble your own individual post pages, NOT your blog homepage.
- Write a review for at least 1 of every 3 sites you stumble. Make it useful - not just "great information." What specifically do you like about it? A thoughtful review builds you a lot of trust - and fans. A couple of sentences can do it, but be specific.
- The bigger your SU friends list, the better your chance of having your pages passed around ... building you an even bigger friends list ... and getting more eyeballs on your pages. Your SU page lists others interested in your topics of interest - visit their page and click "Add Friend". Send them a message. Add more value to their lives. Look at sites they have stumbled and review these sites. Build a bond with these like-minded people.
- Use the SU search. You'll find pages in your niche that others have stumbled. If someone wrote a review, then you should write a review ... which brings you up in THEIR SU back office ... to maybe connect with as a friend. It's all about flying under the radar.
- Look at the SU top users area. Find top users who share your area of interest, and go to the sites they have stumbled. Read their reviews. Write your own. Target some like-minded top users to connect with. They'll notice you if you're in the same places they are. Then they'll look at your page and if you're providing value, they will connect with you as a friend. And remember - these guys have a LOT of influence with other SU users. Very valuable connections here.
- Certain websites have a "link exchange" section where you can find others who may swap Stumbles with you. If this idea appeals to you, then check out ConquerYourNiche, NamePros, DigitalPoint, WarriorForum, EarnersForum, Stumblematic and Entrecard.
- Avoid the exchange networks where stumbles are automated. It's spam, and it's treated as such.
- Make them an offer they can't refuse: "Stumble this page and I will give you (some high-value digital ebook, report, software, or other thingy, so it costs you no $$ to deliver).
- Take a look at StumbleUpon videos. As successful as YouTube already is, it's only the beginning of online video, as barriers to entry disappear. Create videos and stumble them, just as you would a page from your blog.
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