Useful StumbleUpon Tactics

Posted on 04. Jul, 2010 by sandra in News, SEO, Social Media

In many ways, StumbleUpon is very similar to Digg. Users rate content based on how valuable they find it and if they think others will want to read and learn from it as well. In order to get the most out of StumbleUpon, make sure that the content that you are sharing is valuable, that your site is worthy of a thumbs up and that you spend time providing feedback and thumbs up to sites you value as well.

Here are a few tactics that you can use to maximize your StumbleUpon efforts for your business.

  1. Complete your profile thoroughly. Your profile will help the StumbleUpon database identify which niches are of most interest to you and what you will likely have to offer visitors. In addition, when someone clicks on your profile, you want them to have a good idea of who you are and what interests you.
  2. Install the StumbleUpon tool bar. When you review a site that is of interest to you, you can add it to StumbleUpon via this toolbar. Your StumbleUpon friends will then also be alerted that you have added new content.
  3. Be active. Stumble around, add links, review sites and give thumbs up. Always remember to reciprocate and thank the people who stumble your blog posts.
  4. Diversify. Regularly add content, photos, video and audio. The more diversified and interesting your content is, the more traffic you will receive.

Using StumpleUpon is a proven wayof increasing your website traffic and thereby the visibility of your business. Over time, and with a good strategy, you will reap the rewards of being an active member in StumbleUpon.

Next we will talk about creating Squidoo lenses and how they can positively impact your business.

Using Digg To Drive More Traffic To Your Site

Posted on 30. Jun, 2010 by sandra in News, Social Media

Digg is a social media/social bookmarking site that can help share your content with millions of people worldwide. Whether you post your content yourself or someone “Diggs” it, Digg is like voting for your favorite article or content. The more “votes” it receives, the more popular it becomes and the more traffic and visibility your business and website receives. Posting your content to Digg is one of the most effective ways to establish yourself as an expert and to drive potential buyers to your website.

Here are a few suggestions to get the most benefit from Digg for your business and/or services:

  1. When you set up your profile, make sure it as comprehensive and informative as possible. Be sure to include your website and blog links. When someone reads your content and wants to know more about you, they will go to your profile for more information. Be sure you have a photo, a good description and your links.
  2. Make friends, give shout-outs and Digg! Digg! Digg! The purpose of Digg is to generate traffic and views for your content. Make friends with people who will have an interest in what you are saying and will reciprocate Diggs. When you give a shout-out, it helps you to get noticed and everyone appreciates them! Digg! Digg! Digg! If you want to be noticed, and you obviously do, Digg other people’s content. When you read something you feel adds value, Digg it!
  3. Know what is popular on the site and what Digg members are looking for. When adding content, don’t just add any content. Take the time to find out what is popular and which topics Digg readers are looking for. Equally as important is that you know what Digg users do not like.
  4. Use your keywords. Keywords are very important on Digg. When a visitor searches for content on Digg, you want them to be able to find your articles and links. Consider your keywords carefully and use them in your description, content and titles.
  5. Encourage your readers, visitors and friends to Digg for you. Make sure you have a “Digg This” button on your website or blog, to allow people to Digg for you.

Digg is a fabulous way to get information about you, your business and your services in front of potentially millions of people who otherwise would not have known about you and what you have to offer. As with all social media sites, you need to dedicate some time to be involved and contribute but when you do, you will find the rewards to be more than worthwhile for your business.

Next you’ll discover how Stumble Upon can benefit your business.

Introduction to Social Media Marketing

Posted on 16. Jun, 2010 by sandra in News

Do you remember when businesses, small and large, focused a lot of time and energy on advertising in order to market their company or products? When nearly all businesses placed an ad in the local Yellow Pages? Well, social media is the Yellow Pages on steroids! Through social media, you can market your business and services worldwide, educate consumers, receive feedback from customers, run special promotions, provide coupons to targeted audiences, and much more. AND YOU CAN DO SO EASILY AND AFFORDABLY. The power of social media is almost limitless for both small and large businesses.

There are dozens of social media sites all of which have unique features, users and possibilities for marketing your business. Over the next 10 blog posts, we will provide an overview of the top social media sites and ways that you can use each site to promote your business. The social media sites included are:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Squidoo
  • Ning
  • YouTube

Like any marketing or advertising campaign, it is important to start with the end in mind. So before you jump on board with any of the social media sites, we recommend that you spend time developing a social media strategy that will help you achieve your goals. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you get started:

  1. Who is your target market? Which of the social media sites are they hanging out at?
  2. What products and/or services do you want to promote?
  3. How much time do you have to spend on social media marketing? Do you have staff that can assist you with your social media efforts?
  4. What do you hope to accomplish through your social media efforts?

Social media marketing is a powerful tool for your business. You can reach people who you otherwise would have never known your services or products existed. By spending only minutes a day, you can influence your audience, build customer loyalty and increase sales and spend only the value of your time. Social media can boost your business in ways you never imagined!

In our next post, we’ll introduce you to Twitter and how you can best use it to benefit your business. In the meantime, give some serious consideration to the questions asked above. Your answers will influence which social media platforms you choose, how you use them and what results you will achieve.