How To: Own the Digg Front Page (Sort Of)

Getting to the frontpage of Digg is not rocket science. The algorithm that controls your destiny though likely is. However your success really comes down to is knowing  how to research content, discover sources first, and establish yourself within a specific niche.

Digg isn't a playground for the weak or inexperienced. It's audience can be fickle, extremely judgmental and occasionally close to 4chan in terms of maturity level. The core is solid though and they do love their linkbait. Digg can be a consistent traffic source or put your site on the map (Huffington Post, Cracked.com and XKCD).

So how do you appeal to an audience of random interest and at the same time effectively market yourself and your product?

1. Be Helpful. Comment, digg stories you like, meet other diggers and ask them how best to approach the site and read. Be a genuine human being and don't be a mindless robot who submits content but doesn't interact with anyone on the site. Also, help out newer users and explain best practices and the best way to effectively submit content. (Tip: Picking an easily recognizable avatar is key as well.)

2. Own a Category. Create/Submit Relevant Content. Want to become successful? Own a category on Digg. Find the most badass content for that section and submit it. I'd recommend you choosing a category that includes your niche blog. Then help other bloggers in your RSS/niche out and submit their stuff (if it is worthy of submission) to Digg. This could (and usually does) result in reciprocation. (Tip: Most important? Don't self submit.)

3. Don't Incite. The fastest way to irrelevance on Digg? Game, cheat, antagonize or spam. You will be thrown off the site or effectively neutered by buries. So don't piss anyone off...but stand your ground. You want to be seen as having a spine. (Tip: Don't argue in Digg comments.)

4. Research. What goes popular, what doesn't? If you look at the content that is being submitted you will likely begin to discover a pattern. Certain sites, types of articles and content goes popular for a reason. Discover the why and you can start to submit content that has a better chance to succeed.

5. Network. Network. Network. Like someone's content? Call them. Email them. Or just send them a small thank you. This goes a long way to making your Digg experience more enjoyable and can help you find additional content, lead to additional comments on your submissions and improve your overall Digg life.

The most effective diggers likely only have a success rate of hitting the front page of about 25-30%. Anything higher with this algorthm is likely impossible. Sometimes good content will die. You just have to move on and accept that fact. Not everything is destined for the front page but great content is still Digg's killer app.

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