How do you use Web 2.0 Tools to Drive Traffic to your Site?

Every day, it seems, I'm coming upon new Web 2.0 tools that can be used to drive visitors to your site or blog.   At first, I tried to do justice to this with a blog post here and there, attempting to catalog some of these. My list has since grown out of control, though, so I'm writing this blog post as much to inform, as to organize my own thoughts on this.   I am a Scientologist, I have a message I want to get out on my blog, and as such would want people to see it and find out about Scientology.  It's the same problem that someone trying to sell bicycles has, or someone trying to peddle on-line pet care products or washing machine catapults.

Here's what I've found has been successful, in varying degrees, to get people to come to my Blog.  I'm extremely curious, though, what other people have found successful -- as I've never really 'hit the jackpot' on this. 

Social News Sites:

These are sites like digg.com, reddit.com, etc which allow people to vote on 'news' that they think is best.  These drive great sums of traffic -- when your message is right.  Unfortunately, a great deal of the stories that people think are interesting are very 'corn and games' type news -- where the newest photo of an exploding laptop or a photoshopped picture of Steve Ballmer in a bikini or whatever ends up as the most popular thing on there.  Fine, it's the masses, and that's the planet we're on.   But it still drives traffic.  Best ones I've found are:

• digg.com (and if you're german, yigg.de)
  
• reddit.com
• netscape.com
• newsvine.com
• fark.com
• slashdot.com
• shoutwire.com

All of them have had varying degrees of effectiveness.  I've had a handful of Netscape stories on Scientology make the first page, and those got some serious traffic, but since one of their latest redesigns, Netscape is no longer optimized to actually drive traffic to the news source.  Digg.com and Reddit.com have been the best, though - routinely sending quite a few visitors for good posts.

Social Bookmarking Sites:
I've had slightly less success with Social Bookmarking sites, but still - they're fun, they're easy, and they do move along some manner of traffic.  Best ones I've found are:

1) - Kaboodle:  I found Kaboodle to have, by far, the best bunch of features of any Social Bookmarking service -- and they've been steadily adding feature after feature over the past 6 months.   One can easily make pages of grouped links which are extremely easy to share.  For example, a page I made on the speeches done by David Miscavige (which I wanted to have all in one place) now show up with a regular, easy-to-type “.html” page URL that I can just type in myself or share with others.  Likewise, when Iw as doing a bunch of research on SEO, I used Kaboodle instead of my regular Firefox bookmarks — just using the “Add to Kaboodle” button that goes in my bookmarks toolbar.  I actually found it was easier to do this than to work out an organization that made sense in Firefox.  Further, I was then able to share this grouping of pages with others (http://www.kaboodle.com/jetteroheller/seo-pages.html for your edification).   Descriptions of links and pages and items are also easy to add, and you can then share your Kaboodle links with others.  So, though the site is only in beta, I would heartily recommend it as it has a ton of features.

2) - Furl: I found Furl to also be a very easy one to use, and is faster to bookmark sites than Kaboodle.  It doesn’t have the same visual flair, but allows for nifty groupings of items, and also allows you to see how many people have viewed the items you have bookmarked.

3) - Del.icio.us: The old heavy-hitter.  Del.icio.us definitely doesn’t have the visual flair of other ones like Kaboodle or even Simpy, but is used everywhere.  The other nice thing is that bookmarks you add to Del.icio.us can be imported into many other different bookmarking services directly.

4) - BlueDot: This one probably has the slickest way to add bookmarks, which makes it extremely useful.  You can click “Dot this” in your toolbar, and a little baby window will pop up and allow you to still select text in the page you’re bookmarking while keeping the add-to window open.  This makes it easier to grab little relevant pieces of content and stick them in your BlueDot list — which then makes your list more valuable to others.  Bluedot also added a "Digg"-like feature which you can get to by hitting http://bluedot.us/front -- it's sort of a "Best of Bluedot" page with voted-in bookmarks. 

5) - ClipClip: This is an incredible service (and recently fully-redesigned)  that allows you to highlight whole pieces of websites that you want to share with others - which you can then group into “activities”.  For example, let’s say you wanted to “get help” or “find out about scientology“, you can create whole sections of web pages that forward that activity or answer that question.  Very useful for the researcher.

Flickr / Photobucket:

After reading a neat e-mail newsletter I got on marketing using Flickr and Photobucket, I started checking this out.  Both Flickr and Photobucket have photos currently numbering in the billions, with millions being added every day.  Every photo you add can be tagged and can have HTML associated with it -- so kicking up discussions on Flickr & Photobucket can potentially create quite a bit of traffic for you. 

Message Boards:

Probably one of the most classic ways to drive traffic to a site is with active message board posts.  If you have a number of people who are active on message boards, you can drive a REDICULOUS amount of traffic to a site.  Whether or not they stick or do what you want is another question, but the traffic is undeniable.

Back in November, I posted an article on my blog about Psychiatry, Big Pharma and Scientology -- and how drug companies have been lining CBS's pockets to the tune of over $600 Million, in exchange for some serious amounts of editorial control.  That post hit a couple of message boards, and next thing you know, I got more traffic the next 2 days than I had gotten in the previous lifetime of the blog. 

So, in that case, the trick is going to Google Groups and other popular message boards, and finding message boards that match the content of your blog.  Then, drop a few good posts there, and you'll have some traffic.  In the case of the above traffic -- I never dropped any posts at all -- it was some random other fellow who saw the post and started talking it up. 

In any case - that's my take on traffic right now.  Comments?

technorati tags:fark, digg, reddit, social, bookmarking, scientology

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Church of Scientology Boston having Dianetics Seminar

I just found (via a Google ad ) a Dianetics Seminar that the Church of Scientology of Boston is having this coming April.

Now, being a New Englander myself and having lived in Boston for 4 years, I know that they've had Dianetics seminars before -- and excellent ones at that. However, that in itself is not what's newsworthy. The fact that they posted it on a blog, and take the registrations for the cycle on-line -- now that's what's interesting to me, and something I'm starting to see more amongst churches of Scientology.

Churches aren't generally noted for being all 'web 2.0' and so forth, but I think it's neat that a Scientology church would start using a communications medium like a blog to get people informed.

technorati tags:scientology, dianetics, boston, blog, dianetics, seminar

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Scientology in Edinburgh, Scotland

The Hubbard Academy of Personal Independence - the official Scientology Organisation in Scotland,  is looking at moving into larger quarters shortly, in step with the many other UK Churches of Scientology that are also experiencing similar growth.  Latest example of this is the stunning new Scientology premises in London.

As for Scientology in Edinburgh, I figured I'd give a brief overview of what's in Edinburgh -- as a backdrop to why a new Church of Scientology should be located in this prominent and historical city of Freedom.

Edinburgh (pronounced ED-in-burra) is a major and historic city on the east coast of Scotland on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, and in the unitary local authority of City of Edinburgh. It has been the capital of Scotland since 1492 and is the site of the Scottish Parliament, which was re-established in 1999. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. In the census of 2001 Edinburgh had a total resident population of 448,624.

technorati tags:scientology, uk, scotland, edinburgh

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Scientology in Lisbon, Portugal

Just found this one - for the Church of Scientology in Lisbon, Portugal.

I could never find them before, as I had no idea how they spelled "Scientology" in Portuguese.

technorati tags:scientology, portugal, lisbon

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What Airplane II has to do with being a Geek

A quote that describes my life:

First Woman in Line: Where is the passenger processing lounge for the lunar shuttle?
Information Agent: Concourse lounge C, fourth level.
First Woman in Line: Thank you.
Information Agent: Next?
Next Woman in Line: How long is my parking permit good for?
Information Agent: Two hours.
Next Woman in Line: Thank you.
Information Agent: Yes, next?
Next Man: What's the fastest animal on Earth?
Information Agent: The cheetah. Next?
Female Passenger #3: Should I fake my orgasms?
Information Agent: Yes.
Female Passenger #3: Thank you.
Information Agent: Next?

--

Anyone who knows this 1982 classic (Airplane II) probably remembers that scene.  Anyhow, being a networking guy I commonly find myself in the position where people think I have the answer for just about everything.  It's random question central at my desk, and really has been every job I've been at for the last 10 years.

I only mention it, as somone just came up to me with the urgent question of, "What does the POD stand for in "iPod"?

Urf.

In any case, I've always maintained that L. Ron Hubbard's study technology is what's behind being able to know things or not know things.  Specifically, clearing up Misunderstood Words when you come to them instead of explaining them away, getting them half-comprehended, or totally glossing over them altogether.

There's a whole course you can take on just how to study, in any Scientology church.  If you're one of those people asking, more than the one answering the "cheetah" type questions, I'd try checking it out.

Refs:

• The Scientology Handbook
• This is Scientology, presentation by Mr. David Miscavige
  

technorati tags:airplane, 2, scientology, study, technology

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Silicon Valley chapter of Anti-Drug Campaign

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World  is the Foundation which started as the Scientology Anti-Drug campaign, but due to its extreme popularity, has now come into its own to distribute its drug-free message everywhere.   Completely non-religious in nature, the program has what is literally the most effective anti-drug pamphlets anywhere.

I recently saw that a Silicon Valley Anti-Drug coalition popped up, also forwarding the message -- and that they recently had a spot on KKUP in Silicon Valley.  Have a look - but also have a look at the anti-drug booklets as well, as they're excellent.  There's one on each major drug of choice:

•	Crystal Meth

•

Ecstasy

•

Joints

•

Crack

•

Cocaine

•	Kiddie Coke

•	Painkillers

•

Heroin

•

LSD

Contact the Anti-Drug chapter in Silicon Valley or the Foundation itself to find out how to use them.

Resources:

• Scientology
• Scientology Anti-Drug Campaign
• International Association of Scientologists
• Scientology Religious Leader David Miscavige
  

technorati tags:scientology, anti-drug, campaign, silicon, valley

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Scientology Volunteer Ministers Celebrating Carnival in Brazil

It's February and people from all over the world will soon be traveling to Brazil for Carnival, the unique 4-day celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday, and starting this year on Saturday, February 17th.

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour of Brazil is dedicated to bringing joy to every day of the year by putting effective tools for living in the hands of everyone who wants a better life.

Brazil is a land of extremes. Although it has the fourth largest city and the largest metropolitan area in the world, some of its citizens still live in the most primitive of villages. It has the ninth largest economy in the world but the discrepancy between the rich and the poor and the distribution of its wealth is one of the worst on Earth. Brazil has the largest Japanese population of any nation outside of Japan; twice as many Italians live in the City of São Paulo as in Rome; a third as many Spanish as in Madrid and a third as many Portuguese as in all of Portugal. Ethnicities ranging from native Amerindians, to former African slaves and immigrants from all parts of the world coexist, and their customs and peculiarities form a culture like none other on Earth.

Yet as different as the various cultures are that comprise this surprising country, every one of its people has dreams and aspirations, and each has to overcome barriers, problems and difficulties to accomplish them. Some are more effective at doing this than others, but all would benefit from an effective technology of life. And the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour is in Brazil to see that the people of this beautiful land have access to the technology of L. Ron Hubbard to enable them to truly live up to their full potential.

Begun in 1978, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers movement has experienced more growth in the past five years than in any previous time period.

The VMs use the Scientology Handbook and courses based on its chapters to give people skill in such diverse subjects as improving relationships, setting and attaining goals and helping addicts come off drugs. The book contains a remarkably effective technology of study and simple drills anyone can learn to improve his or her communication. These tools for better living derive from Mr. Hubbard's research into the basic nature of Man, and are a very practical application of technology he developed to help the individual attain personal spiritual freedom.

The VMs are dedicated to bringing joy to living every day of the year by putting effective tools for living in the hands of everyone who wants a better life.

References:

• Scientology Volunteer Ministers
• Scientology News
• About the Scientology Volunteer Minister Program, Presentation by Mr. David Miscavige
• Scientology Volunteer Ministers Blog
  

technorati tags:scientology, volunteer ministers, brazil

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Video - Chewbacca Gets Arrested on Hollywood Walk of Fame

ABC News reports on shocking footage from the Jimmy Kimmel Show in which Chewbacca is arrested by the LAPD in front of tourists on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The LAPD reports that Chewbacca was arrested outside Mann's Chinese Theater after headbutting a tour guide who told him he should not be asking tourists for money.

read more | digg story

Scientology Volunteer Ministers help in Florida Twister Aftermath

I just saw this on Ocala.com -- a Florida e-zine:

Volunteers carry the cross from the rubble of the Lady Lake Church of God in Lady Lake on Saturday.

LADY LAKE - Norma Acabeo looked ashamed as she asked rescue volunteers for a few more blankets and a toothbrush. She looked disoriented and was still in disbelief.

"We've worked so hard for everything. We've never had to ask for anything," Acabeo told a Church of Scientology volunteer minister, her shoulders shivering. Across the street, her son's mobile home in the Spencers Loop neighborhood, lay in shambles.

"He works like a dog for everything he has and look at what he has now," said Acabeo, pointing toward her son Bob Keown's home.

Deadly twisters early Friday morning tore through area neighborhoods and claimed 20 lives. Acabeo and her son were lucky. Instead of worrying about funeral arrangements, they were left picking up the pieces. Just down the street, their 17-year-old neighbor Brittany May wasn't so fortunate - a tree crushed her as she lay in bed.

Emotions ranged from one extreme to another in mobile home parks in Lady Lake and upper-middle-class retirement neighborhoods in The Villages. Storm survivors were upset, but at the same time optimistic.

"Despite our house being destroyed .Ê.Ê. if you look around there are at least eight people, volunteers, friends and neighbors who have come in and helped us with our furniture," said Al Seiden, who lives in The Village of Poinciana. "This has been fantastic. The spirit of community here is unbelievable."

In the background, neighbors - whom Seiden hadn't even met before the storm tore the roof off his house - picked up debris. White insulation inside the home looked like fluffy snow.

Outside, dozens of Community Emergency Response Team volunteers walked the streets, chatting with residents and offering water and hot dogs. Without the torn-up homes, the scene would appear like a casual block party.

A dozen Church of Scientology Disaster Response Team volunteers comforted residents.

"We've been to a lot of disasters," said Judy Fagerman, volunteer minister coordinator of the response team [from the Church of Scientology of Tampa]. "We come out, find out what the needs are and help the residents the best we can.  And sometimes all they need is a shoulder to cry and lean on."

References:

• Scientology Disaster Response Team
• Scientology Volunteer Ministers in Tampa, Florida
• Volunteer Ministers - from presentation by Mr. David Miscavige
• Ocala.com - news in Central Florida
  

technorati tags:scientology, volunteer ministers, tampa, florida, twister

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