Blog Hops/Link Ups About & Etiquette

I meet bloggers who are unaware of what a blog hop/link up is. So, this is for them and for those who participate and need some help with etiquette.

A blog hop/link up are the same thing a blogger or bloggers host a party where other bloggers can share their posts. There are RULES and these should be respected. I participate in a Workout Wednesday link up when I have a workout post to add otherwise I don't link up. I host a link up called Real Food Fridays, this is for all posts that are related to organic food, gardening, and other posts that deal with non-GMOS. I can't tell you how many posts I deleted because the rules were not obeyed.

There are blog hops and link ups going on alllllll week long. Just conduct a search "Wednesday link ups" "Wednesday blog hops" and you will find a ton. Also look for a I link up here, or I party here tab on other blogs to find more link up and hops. I have one on my blog and I also have a Pinterest board that includes more.

Now this is a great, fun, easy, and inexpensive way to promote your blog. Some blog hops/link ups suggest you visit two to three other blogs. I participate in a lot of blog hops and link ups and it is time consuming enough to scroll through the posts just to find one I am interested in. So, I made a rule for my self, visit at least one after all the purpose is to meet and interact with other bloggers.

Another rule some bloggers include is to add the link for the blog hop/link up in your post, or grab their button and place it somewhere on your site. The majority of time this is if you want to be featured, but does not guarantee it. Being featured is a great way to get your blog promoted for free. Many blog hops/link ups share posts that have been featured on Twitter, G+, Facebook and Pintrest. Some, such as the Real Food Fridays link up I host, have a special board on Pintrest for posts that have been featured. Being featured also means your post is mentioned at the beginning of the next party where more people will see it and click on it.

The majority of hops and link ups offer for others to be a co-host for a specified time. As a co-host it is our job to make sure the party starts on time, includes all the information about the party, such as rules, hosts, co hosts and how to follow if that applies. The majority of the parties feature posts every week from the previous party. These can include posts that were viewed the most or that the host and co-hosts favored. If you co-host a blog hop/link up be aware if you have to choose features. Choosing features can be very time consuming, so make sure you will have the time. This is especially true for the the parties that attract 100s of bloggers.

I have made a number of friends with other bloggers through blog hops and link ups. We follow each other, share each others post, and associate as friends and not just bloggers. It is also a great way to meet other bloggers of like minds, and network.

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Update: When visiting other blogs from a party I always tell them where I followed them from at the end of my comment.So, if I found them on Real Food Fridays I write followed you here from Real Food Fridays link up. I mean after all don't you want to know how others found you?