What is social bookmarking?

Social bookmarking is a great way to follow your niche all over the web while simultaneously allowing others to follow you (representing your web page) all over the web.

Here are some of the most widely known websites conducive to social bookmarking:
• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter
• Plurk
• Blogger
• Digg
• StumbleUpon
• Delicious

Maximizing the reach of online social networks helps your website become more accessible without relying on search engine rankings. Most of these social sites allow free usage, making your brand twice as visible without eating into your marketing budget.

Free or not, it is recommended that you learn more about the opportunities that social bookmarking offers, so that you get the most out of all your online marketing efforts. Below are the 3 fundamentals of using social bookmarks to attract the right people to your website.

1. Find out which social networks and pages your niche frequents

The basics are there to help you build a solid foundation. Go back to knowing your niche well. It would be helpful to figure out a select number of social bookmarking sites to work on instead of spamming the web with your site.

It would work to your advantage if you limit the “appearances” of your website or web page to places where your niche needs you to be—for example, a blog that talks about your category in general or a Facebook Group page of your brand.

2. Comment on entries that are relevant to your web page content

It would also be a wise move to build up your online presence by gradually increasing visibility in content-driven websites like blogs and forums. Pitching in comments that are relevant and informative helps build your credibility, which is very important if you’re a new player in the market.

Make sure you mention specific sections of your website that are closely related to the topic being discussed. If allowed, you can leave links to your webpage, exactly on the content that addresses the issue. If you spread yourself through the correct social bookmarks, your niche will follow you back to your website, and they’ll appreciate all the helpful content that you have to share.

Make use of your website to keep track of visitors’ behavior. Give them the opportunity to type in their own comments and leave their own trail. Follow them all over the web and discover other social bookmarks where you can add yourself.

3. Create an account, add your own content

Having a host of unofficial fan sites dedicated to your brand means that you’ve done well. Do reach that point. It would be a good idea to give your potential fans a little inspiration: create your own social network account. This will give you a chance to introduce your brand image in a way that is far from hard-selling.

Most social sites have fields that allow you to put interests, hobbies, beliefs—all wonderful opportunities to talk about yourself without the risk of being negatively challenged.