Blogger Tip Tuesday is back this week and we’re talking about something I think many of you may be interested in! I wanted to share a few tips on how to host a successful link up. This post is an update of a post I wrote earlier this year. As many of you know, I started a Friday Five linkup awhile ago. When I first started, it was just me and few other folks would link up from time to time. After a few weeks, I thought that the linkup would have much more success if I included a couple others to help me host. I sought co-hosts and the DC Trifecta was born! After months of hosting our the Friday Five, I thought I’d share some tips for those of you who are just starting your own linkups (which is so awesome!) and those of you who are already working out how to host a linkup:
- Choose your title and cohosts with care! I didn’t actually do the first part of this. I came up with Friday Five randomly and just ran with it. It’s worked out well for us, but I probably should’ve spent more time thinking about the topic. Luckily, y’all love the Friday Five and we’ve been able to do a lot with the theme. The second part of this is super important. Having cohosts that have audiences that are a little bit different than yours is a great way to get all cohosts some new readers. Mar and Cynthia have been awesome cohosts and we love doing the Friday Five together. Choose your partners carefully!
- Share your topic proactively. This is something we try hard to do each week. Each of us has a static page that list that week’s theme and links to previous Friday Five topics. You can see what I mean about the page here, here (Mar’s page) and here (Cynthia’s page). In addition to our pages, we all tweet and announce the theme on facebook regularly.
- Give your linkup folks some love. The three of us (Cynthia, Mar and I) try to visit each blog that links up with us. Now that we regularly have 50 or more blogs linking up, it sometimes takes me a full week — but we’re still committed to doing that. This is part of growing a community – and that’s really what my goal was with starting a linkup. I have made some great friends through our linkup and I know others have as well.
- Don’t be afraid to make rules. Inevitably you are going to have folks who aren’t interested in building community. They will drop their link in your linkup and not comment on anyone’s blog, not linkup the proper post (most likely they will just put in a link to their blog, not even a post) and you will be annoyed. Rightfully so. However, if you haven’t taken the time to set out rules, then that was your bad. We now clearly articulate the right way to linkup with us on the Friday Five. And for those who don’t play nicely? We don’t hesitate to delete a link. Actually, first we give folks the benefit of the doubt and send an email asking them to please follow the linkup rules. After repeated violations, though…we will (and have, more than once) delete a link. Don’t be afraid to do that.
- Be patient. Seriously. Don’t expect to have 50 blogs overnight. It has taken months for our linkup to grow to what it is now. But as we’ve grown as bloggers, the linkup has grown and so will yours. Keep at it and keep publicizing it and making a commitment to visit each person who visits your linkup and soon you will wonder why you didn’t do this linkup thing sooner. 🙂
Are you hosting a linkup? Leave a link to it in the comments so we can all check it out!
great tips!
kristin @ W [H] A T C H recently posted…FROM THE WEEKEND: HERMIT CRABS + TREE SWINGS
thank you, kristin!
These are great tips and perfect bc I am starting my Meatless Monday link up next week. I’m really excited about it and it is a natural for me. I’ve loved being part of the Friday Five and have made some great blogging connections.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Southwestern Corn, Jicama & Edamame salad w Cilantro Jalapeno Vinegarette
awesome, Deborah! that sounds like a great linkup with lots of awesome recipes, i’m sure. i will definitely have to check it out 🙂
I LOVE LINK UPS because I get to explore and meet bloggers I may have never seen!!! Everyone is so dang creative, it’s awesome! 🙂
GiGi Eats recently posted…The Fit and Funny Foodies Battle It Out Blender Style
i love that there are different, awesome linkups just about every day of the week!
Thanks for these great tips! I love link ups and yours is so well organized 🙂 The bit about the rules is so important. When I started blogging, I had no idea that there even were rules or what they would be so it’s nice to see them clearly laid out.
Chaitali recently posted…Weekly review
thank you for the compliment – glad that you enjoy the linkup!
Great advice and great theme for your link up! I have thought of starting one but the technical part holds me back. When trying to join others it’s usually tough based on themes and adding links via mobile or multiple badges on my page but I love your universal themes and being able to mention the 3 hosts in your blog post!
Nadeen recently posted…Hiking up the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!
thanks nadeen! i’m glad you have enjoyed the link up – we appreciate you!
this is an awesome post!!! you and Cynthia have been great co-hosts and I’ve loved seeing our linkup grow. I think another tip to add is “know your why”. I say this all the time about blogging in general but I see so many people start linkups b/c they think it’s the thing to do or they see others have success with it but it’s not a bandwagon thing. Your tip #1 supports that knowing what you are talking about and with whom is SO important!!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Week 7: The Struggle is Real
thanks, friend! it is really fun to look back at early linkups and see the growth. and yes, not doing something just because everyone else is doing it is SO important!!
I love your link-up! You run it so well and I’ve discovered fun new blogs to follow from the people who participate.
Coco recently posted…Running Hills For Ragnar Training
thank you! we love hosting the linkup 🙂
Awesome tips, well said. Link ups are super popular so I’m glad you’re helping people out who want to host their own! It can either be super awesomely popular… or totally flop. No one wants the latter to happen to them!
Kamila Gornia | for passion-driven solopreneurs recently posted…How to finally be happy with your business list growth
Thank you! They (like most things) take time and patience to grow!
I’ve been thinking about starting a linkup for a while now, but the right inspiration just hasn’t hit me yet. I’m sure it will on a run, and I’ll just have to remember what it was when I finish my run! 🙂 As always, thanks for your tips!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Rally Pigeon: Making It Happen
Thanks Deb — I bet a linkup you hosted would be awesome!
I love the story behind the Friday Five! I’ve seen many other linkups in my day, but FF is the first one where I really consider all the hosts to be my friends. <3 You guys are awesome!
Lauren recently posted…Pump pump pump it up. {My first BodyPump class!}
awww, thanks friend!! you know we love you too 🙂
aw, we heart you Salt!! er, friend! 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Week 7: The Struggle is Real
Awesome! I have printed it out for future use! Thank you!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…A 12 minute mile is just as far as a 6 minute mile!
glad it’s helpful!
This is great! I just started my own last week, hoping it will take off like yours!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Tuesdays on the Run: Crosstraining!
i have no doubt your linkup is gonna be awesome. i need to make a calendar w/linkups — oooh future blog post idea! 🙂
Your linkup is the first one and only one I do consistently. That’s because its run so well and isn’t overwhelmed.
Chelle @ Blogs Like a Girl recently posted…Book Review: The Night Circus
Thanks Chelle – we love having you link up!
You’re always so helpful :). I’ve been wanting to host my own linkup for a while now, so it’s great to hear these tips. Thanks, girl!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Big News from Sparta! {a Spartan Race GIVEAWAY}
Glad you find the tips helpful, Nicole 🙂
Great tips, Courtney! As you know, I recently started the Weekend Update link-up; it’s been fun, and I appreciate all of your help/guidance through your posts on blogging. Thank you so much for introducing me to my first link-up; I love the Friday Five and the DC Trifecta is awesome!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Marathon Training Week 2
thanks Tara! Your linkup seems to be going very well so far!
Great tips! I love Friday Five and think that you guys are doing such a great job with it. If I ever start my own linkup I’ll have to keep these tips in mind!
Kristen recently posted…It’s PSL Time!