If you visit an article submission site, you'll find out right away that most of the content is shallow. The content is designed to "tease" readers into clicking a link in the author's resource box. While it's a good way to get traffic, this process, writing and submitting articles, is more about quantity than quality. In effect, it places little value on the content itself.

Creating great content is, by far, the best way to get qualified traffic. But, creating great content for inclusion on social bookmarking sites is critical. Why? Because you actually have to deliver something worthwhile something readers will value and likely vote for.

Social bookmarking sites naturally appeal to a younger audience. This audience is technically savvy and extremely anti-marketing. If they sense a piece is too commercialized, it will be ignored at best.

Don't confuse the term social bookmarking, or networking, with social marketing. You don't market directly on social media sites unless you're buying advertising directly. What you are doing is establishing yourself as an authority on a subject.

And great content is the key to your authority.

Ideally, you want your content to be submitted to social bookmarking sites by others not yourself. A simple way to make it easy for visitors to submit your content is to include buttons for all the major social websites at the top and bottom of each content page. Readers can submit your contentdirectly from your content.

You should also consider using different media types on your content pages. Adding video and audio gives users more options to both receive and submit your content. Not everyone will take the time to read a 400 word article. But, they may take the time to listen to a 2 minute podcast.

Also, don't be afraid to reference other resources. Contrary to popular thought, referencing other resources will not drive people away from your site. Visitors will appreciate your openness and willingness to share.

There is no "one size fits all" method that will guarantee your success on social networking and bookmarking sites. However, one point is certain; you will not be successful without good content. As a business owner, your job is to inform. No gimmicks. No tricks. Be genuine, give out great information, and you'll be richly rewarded.