Top 10 ways to attract StumbleUpon traffic

Over the course of my Internet wanderings I have noticed certain qualities shared by many popular links. If you ever want to get an article picked up by Digg, StumbleUpon, or other social networking websites, read on.

1. Make a top x list
People like lists featuring the best of something. Making it a definite number does two things: it makes people think that your items are the definitive best and it lets them know how much farther they have to keep reading.

2. Keep it brief
Short, sweet, and to the point. Use headings with little blocks of accompanying text so readers can skim. Internet readers don't read long chunks of text.

3. Know your audience
Who are you writing for? The more focused your audience the greater the interest. Only Stumblers who are interested in a certain topic will be directed to your site.

4. Encourage readers to leave comments
Readers spend more time on your site and are more likely to come back if they leave a comment. It is also an easy way to figure out roughly how many people are reading to the end.

5. Mention StumbleUpon in your post
StumbleUpon users tend to be the most dedicated to their network. Users of Digg and Reddit, by contrast, are generally not the devotees that Stumblers are so an explicit reference to StumbleUpon will help you.

6. Be an active Stumbler
Being an active user of any social network will draw attention to your site. StumbleUpon treats the elders (like me) with much more respect than the newbies. Join other social website while you're at it; even being a member of Answerbag.com has allowed me to build some traffic.

7. Give yourself the first Thumb Up
Don't be afraid to give yourself the first review of your own article. Be humble and admit that it is your post.

8. Share it with your Stumble friends
Don't spam every person you find, but feel free to send your article to a few choice friends. Remember that you need to get at least two Thumbs Up before an article will be sent to the general public.

9. Bait your audience
Directly ask for what you want them to do. If you like this article, please thumb it up!

10. Relax
Stumble traffic is a consistent flow, unlike the breaking dam effect of Digg. It takes a while for a site to attract any attention in SU so don't expect an instant spike in traffic. Check your review page to see how many more people have given it a Thumbs Up or positive review lately.

Have more suggestions? Add them in comments!

Amazon launches Endless supply of shoes and handbags

Amazon is launching a new website for shoes and handbags. I checked it out and found some dress shoes and workboots. There are a few good bargins but overall things are selling at MSRP. The real money saver is the better than free overnight shipping.

We’d like to introduce you to a new site built by Amazon and that is setting a new standard in service—meet Endless.com. Just as Amazon has revolutionized the way you shop for books and music, Endless.com will change your expectations of shopping online for shoes and handbags. Our new site allows you to shop your way—using our unique category, brand, size, heel height, color or price selections-- and most importantly, for a limited time, we'll pay you $5 for the privilege of shipping your order overnight. No more waiting or paying extra to get your package fast.

Let the (special interest) games begin!

A job posting in a campaign newsletter caught my eye today. EMILY's List, the awkwardly named pro-abortion group with one of the biggest bank accounts in all of politics, is looking for someone to help develop their fundraising website. This is a reminder of how much special interest groups use election time to their advantage. As political issues become top-of-mind, political issue groups stand to make more money than in any of the other 3 years in the cycle.

EMILY's List seeks Web Assistant to help develop,
implement and maintain all online marketing
and fundraising efforts. Knowledge of
HTML, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Photoshop and
content management systems required, as well
as college degree and interest in electing prochoice
Democratic women. Salary commensurate
with experience. Comprehensive benefits
package. Fax résumé, writing sample and
cover letter to 202-326-1415, attn: Web
Manager or email at jobopening@emilyslist.org
– subject line: Web Assistant - NO CALLS. For
more information, visit
http://www.emilyslist.org/about/jobs/20070709.

It's a small bomb after all (repeat 3000x)

The Happiest Place on Earth endured a tiny attack yesterday as a small "device similar to a pipe bomb" exploded in a trash bin. This was not a terrorist attack and no one was hurt, but it is enough to remind us how vulnerable we are in crowded places. Remember to take safety precautions. Know how to exit any place you go and designate meeting places in case you get separated from your party. More at Ready.gov.

Prove me wrong

I know that this blog is still new and I haven't made many posts, but here is a challenge I submit too all readers. I anyone can prove that I am substantially incorrect in any fact posted on this blog, I will make an entire post about the error and give you credit for finding it.