StumbleUpon

I just want to start out by saying HI to all the stumbleupon users that are making their way here today. It's always exciting to get a surge of traffic. If you're still reading this, and haven't clicked the stumble button already, scroll down, check out some of the posts, and if you like what you see consider clicking that little "thumbs up" icon, and maybe even subscribing to the rss feed. (Subscription links are at the top of the right column, and a big orange button at the very top of the page.)

BlogRush

If you've been keeping up to date with the blogging scene, you've probably noticed the BlogRush widget that seem to be appearing on 120% of all blogs that exist, and even some that don't. What's the deal? The widget shows links to other people's blog posts, and each time your copy of the widget is loaded, your blog earns a spot on someone else's widget. It's a quick way to get word of your posts out to a larger audience.

There are a few caveats though. First, there's no guaranteed traffic. You only earn credits for having your blog displayed. The reader might not even see it before going on to another page. Second, it's yet another javascript widget to slow down the loading of your site. The effect has seemed pretty negligible, but it's still something to keep in mind. Also, it's a new service, so not everything (the reports and such) is quite finished.

I figure it can't hurt to display the little widget, and it has brought in a little traffic over the last few days. If you haven't signed up and want to give it a try click here to signup. That link includes my referral code, so I get credit for you signing up, if you don't like the idea for some reason feel free to take it out.

So what's the secret to bringing in traffic from the BlogRush widget? It's all in your title. You need to word your title to instantly grab the attention of someone that happens to glance at the widget. If you came here through BlogRush, then you should kind of have an idea as to why you clicked this link. Words like "Ultimate", "Secret", and other attention grabbers are key. Questions ("Would you ____?") and challenges ("I bet you can't ___") are also good ways to grab eyeballs and peak interest.

I feel incredibly incoherent right now. Sorry.