top ten

1. Tumblr

Tumblr is a blogging platform. But it’s also kind of a micro-blog (ie. an expanded Twitter). It’s also kind of a bookmarking site. Well, that’s how I use it anyway.  Whenever I find a good post and I want to remember it, read it or link to it again, I click SHARE ON TUMBLR bookmarklet in my toolbar. Then a little window pops up. I can add a description or leave it blank. Then it posts to my tumblr. I love it.

{Yes, you can follow me on tumblr, but it’s really not THAT interesting because I generally share all the same posts on My New Favorite posts or fyi@iyk posts!}

Yes, I know there are better bookmarking sites (delicious.com, etc.) but for me, Tumblr works.

Some good Tumblrs: Mandi Ehman, 1+1+1=1 and Jessica Now

2. Share the Love

Regardless of what social media site you are on (a blog, twitter, tumblr or facebook) PLEASE let others know about a good site or post. Specifically:

When I see an update from a blog on my Facebook and I know it’s a post they’d love others to read–or its a giveaway or something they just poured their heart into, I LIKE it. Why? It makes all MY friends see it. So, my friends may not LIKE this blog, but they’ll still see it on MY updates.  Which leads to clicks for that blog. And happiness all around.

On twitter a retweet (RT) is the same. When someone tweets something interesting, just RT it! It takes .14 seconds and it’s introducing all of your followers to this person’s site!

On a blog (hint, hint) most people have a slew of buttons on the bottom of each post. Like so:

These are little bookmarks to all your favorite sites–facebook, twitter, stumbleupon and more. If you read something good–click one of those buttons and share it on your favorite network.

When you do this you are creating another live link to their site. You are showcasing it to your entire social network. And who knows what it might do for their traffic, their readership or even their happiness!

3. Skype

I know I’ve mentioned Skype a few times before. Skype is a program you have to download. Once it’s downloaded you can talk for free via your computer. You can literally dial into someone’s phone (even via your iPhone) or {my preferred way} is to old skool chat in a chatroom. You can easily chat with just one person or several. You can create private chat rooms and even if the rest of your chatters aren’t there, you can type and they’ll see it the next time they log on.

Skype makes nailing down details of an event easy. It’s great for bouncing off an idea on someone. And it’s super duper fun.

4. Stars on Google Reader

I am still a newbie on Google Reader. I know I promised a few weeks (months?) ago that I’d figure it out. But really, that’s like 8,353rd on my list. But my one new favorite thing about Google Reader is the STAR option. When I am scrolling through my feed reader and come across a post I like I STAR it.

This essentially bookmarks it and then I can click STARRED ITEMS to see everything I’ve ever starred. It’s a lovely way to save posts that I want to comment on or share with you.

5. Affiliates for e-books

If you have a blog and want to make a little cashola, try searching out some affiliate programs. And not on Land of Nod and Robeez. I’m talking about e-book affiliates. Normal every day bloggers have produced some fantastico e-books and have set up affiliate programs for YOU to make some cash off of them.

For example, I am an affiliate on Kitchen Stewardship’s Healthy Snacks To Go e-book. The thing only costs $6.95. But I get a percentage of that $6.95 if you buy it via a link on MY site. So far, I’ve made more money from that $6.95 ebook than from any other affiliate program I’m involved in–except Amazon.

And becoming an affiliate is usually as easy as plopping in your email address. They aren’t too choosy because you are making them money!

6. Facebook as Phone Book/Google

I don’t really use Facebook to snoop on people and update others on my life. I use it as a personalized search engine. If I need to contact someone (even someone that is not my friend) I can usually find them in three keystrokes on facebook. If I need to find directions, coupons or hours for a store, restaurant or event, I can find that on facebook. If it’s a nation-wide chain, I can even find the local company’s page and can find any info I need in just a click or two.

Whenever I find a small store or cute place I want to remember (but know I never will), I find them on facebook. They’ll update every once in awhile and I’ll remember to go check them out or buy whatever I needed to buy. Definitely my favorite way to use Facebook!

7. Groupon

If you are not Grouponing you are missing out. Groupon is the local-coupon-extravaganza that emails you with daily local deals that are discounted to a ridiculously awesome price. Oh. I just realized I posted about Groupon a few weeks ago. Well, the good news is other companies are jumping on the Groupon band wagon. Today I got FOUR different emails from similar companies {and coincidentally, every single one was about a spa!}

So, if you’d like some good local deals, earn a little bit of cash (or coupon credit) and a great place to score gifts {that’s my favorite use of Groupon} you need to check out Groupon, Mampedia Sweet Deals, Tippr and Living Social to see if they are in your area. And if they are and you sign up via the above links, then I’ll get some credit or somethin’. So. Go forth.

8. Firefox Add-ons

First of all. DOWNLOAD FIREFOX. UNINSTALL INTERNET EXPLORER. Then. I’ve told you about the two greatest Firefox add-ons: Great Reader and Easy Comment. But I’ve found two new ones that I’m playing with right now, too: Morning Coffee {pulls up your favorite sites when you open a window} and Leech-Block {blocks sites that you can’t keep yourself away from…ahem…twitter}.

There are tons of add-ons that can enhance (or clutter up, of course) your Firefox experience. It’s kinda fun searching through all of them.

9. Make Your Readers Happy and Make A Blogger Happy {some bloggy tips from Yours Truly}

10.  What site do you use that makes your life easier? Or more fun? Please share in the comments!

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So, whatcha got? Let’s your Top Ten list! It can be about anything you’d like. Just make sure you WRITE something brilliant. LINK back to me. Then PASTE your url below. If you’ve got the time and the energy, start LOVIN’ on the rest of the participants. That’s the part that makes Top Ten {Tuesday} so fun!

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