Another Reason SEO is the Way to Go

Over my many years at Wealthy Affiliate I have heard many of our most successful members say that SEO is the way to go when it comes to getting traffic to your websites.

It’s time tested, cheap and long term. Also, there are a lot of different search engines out there that can deliver traffic to your site.

The argument has also been made many times over that you can’t rely on social media alone.

Sadly, both arguments were proven once again by an announcement that was made this weekend.

After being online for more than 16 years, StumbleUpon, also known as the “unsocial” network, has officially closed its doors.

Why is this a big deal?

Well, for starters let’s look at the history of this once behemoth website.

A Brief History of StumbleUpon

StumbleUpon originally launched in 2002. At its’ peak the site was logging more than 1 billion stumbles per month.

Over the years it received numerous other accolades including being named to TIME ’s list of the 50 best websites in 2007.

Change is Inevitable

Yes, since its initial launch in 2002, the Internet has changed a lot. The important thing here is that you realize that even the biggest websites can shut their doors in an instant.

This is why it’s so very important that you build your online business on property that you own…

…with your own domain (not a Facebook Page, Blogger Blog or other rented property)

…with multiple traffic sources (through SEO, paid ads, social platforms on multiple channels)

…and a proven concept (the training here at WA)

Just the Most Recent Closure I’ve Personally Seen

I’ve been at this Internet marketing thing for over a decade now. I’ve seen many sites come and go just like StumbleUpon.

Unfortunately, it happens.

Even worse, I didn’t learn to own my own real estate online early on. Instead, I placed my business on rented property at places like Ezine Articles and Squidoo, just to name a couple.

If I had a do over, I certainly would have started this journey with my own real estate.

The recent closure of this once massive website just goes to show all of us that the training here at Wealthy Affiliate really does work.

Just imagine how many people are feeling this week who were receiving the majority of traffic to their online business from visitors using the StumbleUpon platform.

I've personally never targeted StumbleUpon for traffic, but I have reaped the benefits of getting traffic from the community in the past.

Going viral on the platform was one of my earliest successes in Internet marketing. For that reason, it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Have You Been Hit by Platform Closures?

Have you been hit by platform closure in the past?

What do you think about sites like StumbleUpon shutting down overnight?

Please share your thoughts and comments below. As always, thanks for reading and best of luck as you build out your online business.