StumbleUpon is one of a number of social bookmarking sites. Social bookmarking is a way to collect and recommend favorite Web sites, photos and videos. As a member of StumbleUpon, you'll become associated with a group of other StumbleUpon members that have the same interests as you. Members will be able to review Web recommendations that have already been deemed interesting and informative by other members of their own specialized online StumbleUpon group.



Submitting links is known as "stumbling." After you stumble a Web site or other link of interest to your group, the group members vote according to their opinion of the content. StumbleUpon provides a special toolbar that enables members to cast a "thumbs up", "thumbs down," or a neutral vote for each stumble. The various links are displayed on the group's StumbleUpon page in order of popularity among the group members.

Once you're a member of StumbleUpon, it's a good idea for you to build strong online relationships with others in the group. Your StumbleUpon online "friends" will be sharing stumbles with you, and vice versa. When you have a history of stumbling intelligent and interesting links, you will become a trusted contributor to the group.

Without blatantly advertising your business, you can let others know about your products and services, offer your expert advice, and give them helpful information. Build your reputation as a professional, and others in your group will respect your opinion and may become interested in your business.

When you are able to generate interest in your business, the members of your StumbleUpon community will visit your Web site and will quite likely stumble your site and blog. This is a good way for other StumbleUpon members to learn about your business and for you to receive feedback about your Web site and blog. It is possible for you to stumble your own site and blog, but it is not recommended, as other members will question your motivation for being a part of their online group.

The members of your StumbleUpon community will have interests and goals similar to your own. Reviewing the stumbles that your group rates as important will give you a good idea of what your customers and prospective clients are looking for. You will always have an updated list of blogs and Web sites that are of interest to your group, and this can be valuable information for the growth of your business.