As you may know, I host a regular gratitude linkup on Alphabet Salad. I also hosted a 2015 Word of the Year Linkup back in January (which was a whole lot of fun!), and have participated many times in linkups hosted by other bloggers.
For the most part, my linkup experience (both as host and participant) has been incredibly positive… but since I’ve also seen some rather poor, thoughtless, or simply unaware/uninformed behaviour at play throughout the years, I thought I’d take a few minutes to offer some suggestions on best practices to potential linkup participants. You’re welcome. 🙂

Linkup Etiquette 101
1. Share your post’s permalink, NOT your blog’s main page.
For example, if I wanted to share this particular post in a linkup, I’d use this:
http://www.alphabetsalad.com/microblogmondays-27-linkup-etiquette-101
and NOT this:
Why? Because this post may be at the top of my blog now, but as soon as I post something new it’ll be pushed down the page. If I shared Alphabet Salad’s main page in the linkup, anyone clicking that link would have to scroll down to search for this post – and, if they were at all impatient or annoyed or pressed for time, they probably wouldn’t bother. Missed opportunity!
2. Share posts that are relevant to the linkup.
Chances are pretty good that the linkup host has outlined the linkup theme and the type of posts that should be added. Does the post you’re planning to share fit the guidelines? If not, don’t share it! If you really want to participate in the linkup, use the host’s guidelines as inspiration to write and share a new, on-topic post.
3. Read and comment on the host’s linkup post.
Don’t just drop your link and run! No one likes to feel as though they’re being taken advantage of, so do your host the courtesy of taking the time to read her post and add a comment (even if it’s just a note to say thank you for hosting the linkup).
4. Visit and comment on other posts in the linkup.
You want people to read your post, right? So make it a priority to drop by and read a couple of other posts in the linkup and add a thoughtful comment on each. The Golden Rule – “Doing unto others” – is always a good policy!
I know we’re working hard to build our blog’s readership – and the chance to join a linkup can seem like a quick and easy way to make that happen – but we need to remember that courtesy and respect for our readers’ time should always come first.
Wouldn’t you agree?
→ What is #MicroblogMondays?
→ #MicroblogMondays 27 linkup here!
Any other linkup etiquette suggestions?
Please share!

Twitter: SunbonSmart
March 2, 2015
Hello there, Laurel! What a great post. I learned lots and can see how the finer points of cooperatively working with other bloggers might be missed by those just starting out. Or, in some cases, by those experienced bloggers, who have gotten careless about giving back when they take. Either way, this was a timely post for me and I’m going to Share it. So glad you thought of it. Where DO you get your inspirations? Much Love, Fondly, Robin
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 3, 2015
Thank you so much, Robin! Sometimes we all need a little reminder. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 42
Twitter: vinithadileep
March 2, 2015
Absolutely agree, Laurel. This is really a great post which needs to be pinned at the top of the page. Many times I have clicked on the link and ended up on posts completely out of topic. It just spoils the fun in a link up. 🙂
Vinitha recently posted… #MicroblogMondays – Welcoming the hectic days!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 3, 2015
It does spoil the fun, doesn’t it? I make a point of removing any off-topic links added to my linkups for just that reason.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 42
You are turning me into a blogging debutante. Thanks for the reminder!!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 3, 2015
LOL, you’re welcome!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 42
Twitter: RamblinGarden
March 2, 2015
It’s never a bad idea to remind bloggers of etiquette. I’ve been known to become distracted (that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it) and sometimes I forget to comment on blog posts. Some bloggers, also, don’t realize how much work hosting a link up, or a blogging challenge (for that matter) can be.
Alana recently posted… Sneaking Through the Snow
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 3, 2015
I’m certainly not perfect myself, and have skipped a couple of steps on occasion… I think we all need a reminder now and then. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 42
Twitter: travelcraftjrnl
March 2, 2015
Totally agree!
Also, not an etiquette issue, but some blogs sure make it hard to comment!
Stephanie (Travelcraft Journal) recently posted… Fold a paper boat
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 3, 2015
You’re so right about that! I hope it’s easy on mine! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 42
Twitter: travelcraftjrnl
March 3, 2015
It is! That’s why I keep showing up on Mondays! 😉 Plus, the fact that you took time to return my visit and comment on my blog.
The blogs that require logging in tend to be the most frustrating. There are a whole bunch I was commenting on, and then my comment wouldn’t go through. Blogger blogs are especially tricky, because I can’t figure out how to link my profile to my current information, rather than my old Blogger blog that I don’t want to send people to.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 4, 2015
I’m glad! Some commenting systems can be SO frustrating.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Wildcard Wednesday No. 7
You are very well versed in the art of networking. It is good of you to share with others, what you have found to be tried and true.
Myke Todd recently posted… The Girl in the Swing
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 3, 2015
Thank you! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 42
Twitter: mumbaionahigh
March 2, 2015
Thanks for this post! I finally figured out what a linkup is all about. Even though I’ve been blogging for several years I find that I’ve just kind of jumped into the deep blue sea and needed to read an article like yours that explains link ups and the need to be relevant and follow the rules.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 3, 2015
You’re most welcome. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 42
Twitter: indywrites
March 3, 2015
This is such good advice and you have written it in such a positive tone. Love it and follow it.
Much love and hugs.
Hope this solves your issue too.
Inderpreet Kaur Uppal recently posted… #Adultery Book Review
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 3, 2015
Thank you so much! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 42
Thanks so much for explaining. There’s so much I’m still trying to get the hang of.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 3, 2015
You’re most welcome! There’s always lots to learn when it comes to blogging. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 42
Twitter: vidsps
March 3, 2015
I thank you for sharing this. Such things need to be told as they get pushed to the back of our minds very often. I am going to make a sincere effort in following this 🙂
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 3, 2015
You’re most welcome!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 42
Nicely and shortly written. Great points!
JustHeather recently posted… #MicroblogMonday – Random
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 3, 2015
Thank you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 42
Twitter: camanishpurohit
March 3, 2015
A great piece of advice for sure and given in an absolute positive manner. an informative piece for the ones unclear about linkups and a gentle reminder to those known ones who wish to ignore the same.
God Bless 🙂
Manish Purohit recently posted… Movie Review: Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 3, 2015
Thank you so much!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 42
Sometimes we need such reminders. I have’t blogged in a while, when I do start adding my links again, I shall keep these points in mind. Thank you. 🙂
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 3, 2015
You’re welcome!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 42
This is a great post and I will be bookmarking it for later to share. Blogging has came a long way since I first started in the 90’s and I would think some of these things would be common sense (lol.) This should definitely be part of blogging 101. I look forward to participating in your Gratitude linkup 🙂
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 4, 2015
Thank you, Rose! You’re always welcome. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Wildcard Wednesday No. 7
The permalink one is a HUGE thing for me. I go through the list and fix a handful each week.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 4, 2015
My linkups are much smaller than yours, and this still happens for me – I can only imagine how often it happens for you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Wildcard Wednesday No. 7
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