If you really think about it, the internet is basically a collection of individual profiles and all the various links which that specific user has gathered and shared. One might even accurately state that it is the way we use our favorite sites (which are often bookmarked) that defines the way we use and perceive this vast information network and global communications portal. Regardless of whether or not you’re using the web for personal or professional applications (or perhaps a mixture of both), it’s patently obvious that you need to be able to use sites which specialize in social bookmarking. At the same time, you need to have convenient access to all of your links, and on any device, no less.
This of course brings us to the notion of where to access and / or store your links. Currently, Twitter is perhaps one of the most popular sites which people are using to not only share their links, but filter out information streams so that they’re only seeing the type of content that pertains to their interests (business or otherwise). However, perhaps one of the most elegant solutions, particularly for those who use Gmail / Google accounts, is Google Bookmarks. Quite simply, Google’s Bookmarks service is a way for users to easily keep track of their most prized links. But what really makes it great is its organizational features; like tagging, labeling, as well as traditional bookmarking. Because Google Bookmarks is also a cloud-based service, it’s actually ideal when it comes to storing your links / bookmarks for later access (via multiple machines/devices).
Anyway, getting back to specific websites which are devoted toward social bookmarking, there are more than a few which you should already know about. Reddit and Digg are 2 heavy hitters which seem to dominate the web in a number of areas and fields, particularly when it comes to news. Technorati is also a great site for delving into new informational pools; you never know what you’re going pull out of the net from there.
There are other types of sites which are slightly more “integrative”, if you will. For example, StumbleUpon is an absolutely awesome site for discovering new content. What makes it so powerful is its filtering features; in essence, your StumbleUpon profile can serve as a window into a world of new information (including cutting-edge consumer news). But it doesn’t stop there, this is also a great site for keeping up with the latest Internet memes and trends as well, and as you might expect, StumbleUpon also gets feeds directly from all the major social networking / bookmarking sites.
If you’re new to these types of sites and want to get started quickly (they’re all pretty similar in terms of the way you interface with them), just follow these simple steps:
Start by setting up an account (This social bookmarking sites list will help you find a good social bookmarking website). Choose an ironic or snarky user name and then begin to fill in your profile details (making sure to include any relevant details, like your website address, etc…Also, if you can copy html or download buttons for your profile link, remember to put them on your blog or site)
Make up some lists, add filters, and/or select all the tags/topics which pique your interests
Once you have your basic profile set up and you’ve surfed a little bit, start submitting your own links (remembering to add the appropriate tags so others can find your post)
Keep it up. After you start getting followers, just keep on aiming high with regards to your purpose and content. The idea is to give them something worth seeing.
As part of a daily ritual, remember to visit your favorite sites every single day; this will help you create a larger database of content as well as reach out to more people (as they are probably also looking for stable sources of daily info).
Lastly, begin to network with all the others who are either in your field or share your interests.
