There are tons of social networking sites out there. In fact, the number is overwhelming. Social networking can be the best way to boost blog traffic, though. Many bloggers these days are swearing by StumbleUpon. It’s easy, fast, and simple.

Internet users open a browser and click through websites much like they channel-surf with the television. StumbleUpon lets users stumble upon sites they might find interesting. One click sends a vote to StumbleUpon; either the user likes a site he stumbles upon or he doesn’t. The user has the option of leaving a review of the site or post, too.

It’s a great pastime for someone who has nothing to do, someone who wants new or fresh ideas, or someone who is curious. And that’s all there is to it, really. But from a blog owner’s perspective, StumbleUpon can create phenomenal results.The more "I like it" votes a blog has from people who’ve stumbled upon the post, the more people end up finding the blog when they surf. That particular "channel" pops up more often for Stumblers. People flock to good sites. They love to see what other people like, and they love to give their own opinion. One StumbleUpon vote can generate serious hits to a blogsite in just a couple of hours.Those hits are valuable, too. Readers subscribe to feeds, sign up for newsletters and opt-in to get the goodies. And if new readers keep Stumbling your post…?  Well, the hits just keep on coming and soon your blog has a good-sized readership.

 Here are a few ways to keep the Stumblers voting:

Encourage those votes. Make sure that your blog has plenty of social networking icons in clear view that allow readers to submit posts to sites like StumbleUpon. Add fast, easy plugins to blogs that make it all happen in attractive, appealing ways. 

Ask for the votes. There is no shame in asking readers to vote for your post if they found it worthy, interesting, or informative. Many times, people in the virtual world forget that they can vote, and having their memory jogged can do wonders. 

Thank people who voted for your post. They have done you a favor – voting gains them nothing for themselves. Show appreciation by dropping voters an email, mentioning them in a blog, linking to their blog post, or indicating their name publicly in your own blog post. 

Get involved. There is a community of Stumblers out there. Make friends, start conversations and discussions, and keep your StumbleUpon profile active.

 And -  start Stumbling!

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