As a new blogger you want to to get your blog noticed.  There are millions of blogs out there and trying to break into the blogging world can be tough.  Promoting yourself on social media definitely helps but there is also something else you can do that will drive traffic to your new blog. Link ups are not only a great way to get your blog noticed but they’re also a great way to meet other bloggers and to make connections.

What is a link up?

Essentially a link up is something that a blogger hosts on their blog and you submit a link to your post on that blog.  It’s a way to showcase your post and connect with other bloggers.  Each host of a link up creates rules that you need to follow in order to participate.  These rules often include posting a link up button on your post or linking back to the host’s blog.

How will a link up help me?

As I stated earlier, link ups are a great way to get your blog noticed.  There are so many advantages to participating in them.

Increase in Traffic

New bloggers may not be ready to dive into the world of sponsorships.  Link ups provide you with free promotion.  Oftentimes bloggers linking up will visit other blogs that linked up and comment on that post.  Return the favor, visit as many blogs as you can and comment and introduce yourself.  Some link ups highlight or feature posts each week.  If you get featured this will increase traffic to your blog.

Provides Posting Consistency and Post Ideas

We have all been there.  We sit down at the computer and hope that the words will flow from our brains to our fingertips and a post will be created in no time flat.  That doesn’t happen often.  Using link ups consistently will help you not only post regularly but it will also give you blog post ideas.  Perfect examples: my friend Emily hosts Grateful Heart Monday every Monday.  I know that each Monday I can join this link up and share gratitude I have for something or someone.  Each Friday my friend Meagan hosts Blogger Love where I can share posts that inspired me from other bloggers.  Just like that, my editorial calendar has filled 2 days worth of posts.

Connections

By joining link ups consistently you may find the same bloggers joining regularly. Commenting on each other’s posts leads to making connections and forming friendships.  Blogging in a bubble is no fun….get out there and meet people and find your tribe.

How do I join a link up?

Linking up is simple to do.  Go to the link up and click on the “Add Link” button.

You will then be prompted to add information.  Copy and paste the URL for your post (NOT your blog’s URL) and enter it in the first line.  The second line will give you the option to list what you want the post titled underneath your thumbnail photo.  I often change this to my name and my blog (Anne @ Love the Here and Now).  You will be asked for your email address as well. It will not be made public.

Once you have inserted your post’s URL photos from your blog will automatically populate the bottom section.

Choose the image that best depicts the post you are linking up.  You will be able to crop it and adjust it as well.

 Another option is to upload your button and use that instead.  In order to do that, click on “Upload” and search for your button on your computer and add that.  That’s a great way to provide consistency as well and people will come to recognize your blog each week if you use the same photo.

Once you have selected your image you simply click on “Done!” and you are finished.  Your link has now been added.

Dont’t forget to follow the link up’s rules.  Link back to the blogger hosting and be sure to give them a social media shout out and comment as well.  Show your appreciation!

Some link ups will mention having a co-host.  I recommend taking advantage of this option.

How do I find link ups?

One of the best places to find link ups is on social media. Bloggers promote their posts throughout the day and often mention or link to the blogger hosting the link up.  Take note of which ones are which days and plan ahead.  You can find some great link ups here as well.  If you don’t mind a shameless plug, I would love to have you join either or both of the two link ups I host as well, The Awesome Link Up (first Tuesday of each month share the awesome things going on in your world) and Between the Lines (a book club link up held the third Tuesday of each month).

Are you a fan of link ups?  Do you have a question that wasn’t addressed here?  Comment below and I will get back to you with an answer.

Did you miss the first installment of Blogging Basics?   We shared the 5 Things Every Blog Should Have.  Join Lindsay and I each Wednesday as we share tips on Blogging Basics!