What is StumbleUpon?
In its most basic sense, StumbleUpon is a web discovery tool that is personalized to fit your interests. It operates on the idea of clicking one button aptly called “Stumble” which gives you a page with content related to your interests.
It gives you these results based on what you tell it. In other words, it gives you what you want based on what you have liked and added to your interests on the site (this is a step you have to go through when signing up on the site).
For example, you added the category “Photography” to your interests. When you visit the Photography page on your profile, you will be presented with an article related to the topic. This cycle repeats every time you click on the “Stumble” button.
StumbleUpon is a great tool for hunting down good articles and web content. Often times you can find amazing things that you would not find from any regular search engine. It is also a good way to expose or promote new content to other web users.
StumbleUpon Features
- Stumble DNA
StumbleUpon has a list of DNA Categories, each of which contain a subtopic related to the parent node. For example, if you liked a lot of pages of animals, nature, and camping, StumbleUpon will consider you a big fan of the Outdoors. Basically, your DNA will tell the site which topics you really enjoy.
- Stumble” button
Discover articles related to your interests by continually clicking on this button.
- Thumbs up button
Lets StumbleUpon know that you would like to see pages similar to this in the future. Whatever you give a “thumbs up” will be listed in the “Likes” section of your profile.
- Thumbs down button
Basically tells StumbleUpon that you don’t like an article presented to you so it shows you less articles of the same kind. You can give further information by clicking on the dropdown button beside it and choosing from a list of reasons why you don’t like it.
- Share
Lets you share what you discovered on StumbleUpon with your other social networks.
- StumbleUpon Lists
You can create lists that helps you better organize the pages that you have liked.
- Comments
Just like any other social network, you can comment on pages to let other users know your take on the topic.
- Add A Web Page
At Stumbleupon you have the option of “adding” interesting web pages that you come across. You can also add a description and keywords to better explain the page.
Closing Thoughts
StumbleUpon is an often overlooked social media network that most businesses are not tapping into its full potential. Remember, with all social media networks, you should mind the etiquette and culture of the community to earn your respect.
