Small websites often struggle to gain visibility on the internet, as they are difficult to find through mainstream channels like Google or Reddit. This lack of traffic leads to a decline in visitors, resulting in a vicious cycle of limited exposure. Blogs rely on RSS and Atom feeds, which can be stifling and homogenizing. While solutions like automatic link feeds work well on platforms like Gemini, they do not translate effectively to HTTP due to issues with astroturfing and low-quality content. Centralized and algorithmic approaches are vulnerable to manipulation. Web rings and curated link directories have their drawbacks as well. Instead, the author proposes a simple solution: federated bookmarking. By creating and sharing lists of bookmarks that link to interesting websites, we can support and promote each other’s work within the small website community.
https://www.marginalia.nu/log/19-website-discoverability-crisis/