Why This Blog Hop May Come to an End... (Blog Hop #13)


Why This Blog Hop May Come to an End...


This is a difficult post to write.  I want to say what's on my mind, but I don't want to sound like I'm scolding anyone.

The purpose of a blog hop (or linky party) is to help bring traffic to people's blogs.  Most blog hops require that you visit two or three other posts.  Hopefully, then, we all find some blogs that really appeal to us and we'll keep going back.

The problem with my blog hop, though, is that very few people are visiting other blogs.  That means you all are taking your time to link up your posts and NO ONE is seeing them... except me. 

This is really sad because I'm seeing such great content out there.  Week after week, I see talented writers and photographers with such creativity and I wish my blog hop was actually helping them to get views.

I've noticed a trend since I started the Blog Hop a few months ago and decided to run some numbers.  Last week 30 people linked up posts.  If everyone clicked on 3 posts, there would have been 90 clicks, but there were only 10.  The weeks before had similar numbers of clicks.  I check because when I choose features I like to select a few that are fan favorites, but the last several weeks, there haven't been enough clicks to choose a fan favorite.  (Just in case you're wondering, there is no way for me to tell who clicks and who doesn't, so there is no need for you to fess up or apologize.  The purpose of this post is not to single anyone out, it's just to let you know the state of things.)

I understand that we are all busy, but it doesn't make sense for us to link up to a bunch of parties if no one is stopping by to see our work.

I will probably continue the blog hop for the next month or so, but if the same pattern continues and you find that the blog hop is discontinued, you'll know why.

Maybe the last four months have just been a fluke and life has gotten busy for everyone.  Maybe the pattern will change and people will have time to check out other blogs.  I don't know, but I guess we'll see.

Thanks to those of you who consistently visit a few blogs each week.   I'm glad you've been able to see the talented bloggers we have out there.


Rules:


1.  Before posting up to 3 family-friendly posts, please follow me in at least one of the following ways: My Flagstaff Home blog 
Instagram  
Pinterest 
...Or subscribe to either of my YouTube channels 
     My Flagstaff Home (gardening, cooking, crafting)       
     BusyBeingJen (beauty, product reviews, travel planning)  
2.  No Etsy shops, advertising, or round ups of other people's ideas.  
3.  Be sure to visit at least three of the posts uploaded to the party and and link back to the Weekend Blog Hop somewhere on your blog.   
4.  There will be three features each week.  If you are selected, I'll let you know through a comment on your featured post.  
5.  By linking to this party you are giving My Flagstaff Home permission to feature one photo on my blog or social media, with credit given to you. I am not responsible for stolen or misused images, misused projects, or ideas.






You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Click here to enter

22 comments

  1. Am so sad to learn about your blog hop, hopefully things would change for the coming months and this linky party is going to stay. Lets do our part to make this happen.

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    1. I hope I don't have to end it. But it just doesn't make sense to offer a blog hop, making people think their posts will be seen, when in fact, they won't. From experience, I know that linking up to different parties takes quite a bit time and it's a waste if no one sees the posts.

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  2. I know exactly what you mean Jennifer as I've seen it happen at the parties I host. I have come to find out that there are a lot of bloggers who use VAs to insert their links. There's also a link adding service that some are signed up for. Then there's this one blogger that let's her young granddaughter insert her links!!! Anyway, thanks so much for hosting! I’m linking up with Grandbabies or Grandchildren – What Do You Call Yours? Also my Canvas Factory Review and Giveaway (be sure to enter and enter daily, ends July 30). And I’d like to invite you over to my Short Story Prompt Link Party 7 (no story is too short, join us for fun and creativity, ends July 12), and my UNLIMITED Monthly Link Party 2 (open for 25 days, come and link up with us, ends July 26).

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    1. Thanks, Dee. I really debated with myself about whether I should write something about it. Maybe putting the words out there will make some people think a bit.

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  3. I am glad that you pointed out the way things are. I think since it is prime vacation time, many are away and a lot our busy. I have noticed the numbers of those visiting my posts are down but that usually happens every year. But I will do my part and visit more blogs. After all, that is what I love about blogging...The personal relationships....
    Thanks so much for hosting!! I wish you will continue the party until the Summer is over to see how things go..
    Hugs,
    Deb

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    1. I just wish people would not upload links to parties if they are on vacation. Seems like clicking on a few links isn't a lot to ask, but we'll see what happens in the coming weeks.

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  4. Thank you so much for hosting the party.
    Have a great weekk,
    Kippi

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  5. Jennifer, I understand completely. I don't bother with many link parties any more because there has been such a lack of reciprocity. I don't like to add my link to a party if I don't have time to visit anyone else's link. Don't like to "link and run!"

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    1. I appreciate that, Jean. Those of us who host actually pay money each month to do it. It's not a lot ($7.99/month), but it's a free service being offered to help out bloggers. Let's just hope this is a temporary trend.

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  6. Thank you for hosting! This week I am linking up 10 AMAZING SEASHELL CRAFTS and 4 WAYS TO CLEAN YOUR SHELLS and a GATHERING OF FRIENDS LINK PARTY 2

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  7. Thanks for hosting! It is very appreciated. I do visit at least 1 other....you are so right that's the whole point of the party. xo Lisa S

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  8. Getting people to mingle at a link up as the host is almost impossible, all you can do is encourage. The new inlinkz makes it so much easier to see the numbers of visits doesn't it ? I have the same with the link up I host. All you can do is visit as many as you can and keep on encouraging your linkies. You like to think people don't link and run put I'm afraid a lot of people do. I try not to let it bother me and tweet, fb share and comment on as many as I can. Good luck!

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    1. But I don't see the point. Why would people bother to share their stuff if no one is looking at it?

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  9. Thanks for hosting and I visited four or five others today. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  10. Hi Jenn,
    Thanks for hosting this linky party, we do appreciate it. I think what you are seeing is sort of a new trend, but I do know that every summer the readership goes way down cause of the kids being out
    of school, and Mom's not having the usual time, so hang in there till the kids go back to school and think you will see a difference. I try to always visit 2 or 3 people...today I did 5....
    Blessings sweet friend, but good for you that you let us all know....can't do anything about some
    thing you don't know..........
    Nellie

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  11. If you have observed from other linky parties if people do not adhere to visiting 3 other links after posting there posts can be deleted at the discretion of the hosts. Do not let a few bad apples stop what you are doing if this is truly what you want.

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    1. Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing who visits links and who doesn't. Hopefully, the pattern will change. :)

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  12. Thank you for hosting a GREAT party. Sorry you're experiencing growing pains - I hope it all works out. I hope you’re having a WONDERFUL week.

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  13. Jennifer,
    I want to than you for taking the time to visit!! I visited a few links from this party. I have to say though that I am not a cook so the ones that are recipes do not interest me but I did find some that did interest me and even found a new link party!! I also want to say that I do have a lot of readers that are not bloggers and read my posts through email subscription and not through link parties. But I do agree that link parties does give more exposure. I hope you have a great weekend!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  14. Thank you for the post. I personally try to visit a few of the blogs but I have to admit I normally tend to visit those with a similar interest as to what I blog about, but I think your post has made me rethink that. :) Also, if you ever need a break and want someone to host for you a few weeks, let me know-- I'd love to help because I have found some wonderful blogs through your party.

    Angie {Green Dirt Stories} https://angiebaer.com

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    1. Hi Angie! Please don't feel like you need to visit posts that don't interest you. If you're into crafts, visit those. If you're into food, visit those. And there's only a requirement of 3, so don't feel the need to visit a ton of blogs. I don't really have a hard time hosting the hop at this point. It's still pretty small and I like seeing everyone's stuff. My issue was just a real concern about making people think they were getting exposure when, in fact, they weren't. I think drawing attention to it helped. There were a lot more clicks this past week. Thanks for your offer to help with hosting. I may take you up on that in the future. :)

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