Wednesday, September 17, 2014

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.

Has this post been helpful?

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?


11 comments:

  1. You've hit on some really great points Joyce. I'll never forget the first time I tried to link up at a blog hop...what a disaster :)

    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I'd love to hear that story, thanks for stopping by Jenn.

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  2. Great post Joyce! I'm still deleting links on RFF with creasent rolls and bisquik! LOL! That's why we have Tuesdays with a Twist (no rules).

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    1. Yes, that is why there are other parties bloggers can link up to. I just don't get what is so hard about following the rules.

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  3. Great advice...great etiquette tips too:) But the links can sometimes be a problem. Spammers like links. I had so much spam comments that I use a plug-in that does not allow html links. Hmmmmm

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    1. I have never had a problem with spam from the parties, I do have an issue at the moment on one particular post. I want to see if I can make that post no comments.

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  4. Good information Joyce, It took me a while to understand what it was all about. I still have to check on some of the hops I link up to make sure I am following the rules since some of them have specific types of posts and it is important to follow them. I also have meet so really nice bloggers on the hops and have read and learned some great stuff.

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    1. You were one of the bloggers I introduced link ups and hops to. We meet on Linkedin and I view you as one of my many blogger friends and online friend, hugs.

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  5. Hi Joyce - I really like the idea of blog hopping and is something I will soon be looking into. Thanks for the tips.
    Lenie

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  6. Thank you Joyce for this! I'm wasn't familiar with blog hops, but apparently I should be so this was really useful!

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  7. I'm going to look into blog hops and link ups. Thanks

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