StumbleUpon is a social media marketing website, with more than 8.7 million users (as of Dec. 2009) discovering new sites, videos, photos and more. Joining the community is simple: just register on the website, and then download and install the StumbleUpon toolbar. Once registered, you can look through all the interesting websites and content pieces others have found. Or, find new pages on your own. Then, click on the StumbleUpon toolbar’s “I like it!” icon, and add it to the database.
You can even vote for your own websites and webpages, but don’t go overboard. Since StumbleUpon is a social community, shameless promoters aren’t welcomed. Make sure you have more than just your own websites in your profile – your links should be one of many you’ve stumbled upon. Giving back by finding websites and content pieces beyond your own makes you a contributor – not a user. Here’s another tip: write up reviews for other websites you like, resisting the temptation to review your own website. Reviews are scarce, yet they carry a lot of respect.
Traffic may trickle in or, depending on the value others place on your content, come in great numbers. Since other registered users can select topics they’re interested in, your page(s) may be seen very quickly. The best ways to use StumbleUpon are contributing to the community, and voting on new and interesting things regularly. Don’t over-promote. If your content is good, you will get traffic to your website.
Brian Farrell coaches sales professionals to move from the sales pitch to social selling. His clients earn new referrals, attract better prospects and win more business. Get free updates on social selling @ findtheclient.com.
