Views: Using StumbleUpon to keep up with the latest on the web

For such a long time I used the web in pretty much the same way each day. I would log on to my favourite sites, normally in the same order, carry out my everyday tasks, usually in the same way, then close the browser, usually with the same red cross in the top right hand corner. Ok, so the red cross bit of it's not going to change, but the way in which I now browse the web has... and that's thanks to StumbleUpon.

I've been a web developer for several years now and have often looked at ways in which I can keep up-to-date with the latest new websites out there. Not easy, due to the fact a new website wouldn't fit into my pattern of web usage! The only new websites I used to come across were factual ones when searching for information or code and they were hardly the most inspiring.

Since starting this website, I've tried to look into every avenue of online marketing (for no budget) to try and encourage visits to the site. My primary focus was obviously SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and generating content through this blog. But as any web developer knows, it takes time to make an impact.

That's when I looked into user-generated sites such as Digg, reddit, delicious and finally StumbleUpon. So, initially I looked to these online resources to promote my site, but after installing the StumbleUpon toolbar, I started to view a handful of new sites a day just to see what else is out there.

The good news is, I've come across some really useful sites and some that have inspired me. I've finally found that way of keeping up-to-date with some of the most impressive content on the web. I've quite literally stumbled upon a gem of a site. If you haven't already, I suggest you also give it a go...