What Do You Think About Blog Hops?

Last week, the owner of Self Sagacity invited me to join her for Thursday Two Questions – a themed meme where you post two questions to your blog for your readers to answer, then link up so others can join the fun!
I thought this would be a great way to learn what you think about a variety of topics, so here goes – please jump in and share your thoughts!
My topic for the week is Blog Hops. I am currently considering whether to incorporate these into my blog and I’d love your feedback! My questions are below – but feel free to share any thoughts you have on the topic!
Questions:

1. What types of themed blog hops would you enjoy participating in at Create With Joy?

2. Do you prefer blog hops with text only links or photo links?

I look forward to reading your responses!

Shared With:

Aloha Friday
Thursday Two Questions

72 Responses to “What Do You Think About Blog Hops?”

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  1. Bethe77 says:

    Hmmm… I love your questions. You know Im still learnign so much. And there is so much to learn. Im finding that blog hopes are very good adn very important. I ahvent learned the difference on them yet. Still working on that. I seem to get in troulbe not meaning to as Im not sure Ive learned the corret linking procedures Working on that one. I lvoe photos but I also find I like promts tha challenge me to be crative and write more. or a ombo.Im thinking Im not much helpt to you. Hoping others who ahve been at this longer will be able to give better answers with more clarity than I. I jst know I enjoy visiting and learning. So much fun. So much talent out there. Blessings

  2. The Teacher's Pets says:

    Good questions! I do like the photo links because it is fun to see the followers of the hop but some people have difficulty loading the pics so I've wondered if photo links scare people away especially if bloggers aren't computer savvy.
    Because I am a professional pet sitter I prefer blog hops that focus on pets but I would love to see a blog hop that focuses on books/writers!

  3. Margaret Duarte says:

    1. One blog hop is enough for now. They are a lot of work. That said, they do bring in visitors that wouldn't normally stop by.
    2. The text link is easiest and not as frustrating as the picture link, which sometimes doesn't work right.

  4. Love You Always & Forever says:

    I love blog hopping! Weather it is a Wordless Wednesday hop or a Follow me Friday hop they are all great and achieve the same thing. The thing with blog hops is you have to be pro-active in them. YOU can't be the one that sits back and waits for people to come to your blog you have to make that extra effort and go to their site first. Takes a lot of time and work but in the end totally worth it!

  5. spearmint baby says:

    i am debating these questions too 😉 i actually found you on a blog hop! i'm your newest follower ;)) shari

  6. Mommy LaDy Club says:

    This is my first hop, and yes it is time consuming, but I'm enjoying reading all of the blogs. I think links probably are better and easier, and themed hops would be fun and interesting to find each other.

  7. Lark (SparkyLarky) says:

    Hi! Thanks so much for adding a recipe to my blog!
    http://larkscountryheart.blogspot.com/
    "Made it on Monday" 🙂

    As to your question…OF COURSE I LOVE blog hop parties! The more the merrier I say.

    I am one of your new followers!

  8. Helen says:

    I just discovered blog hops today. What fun! 🙂 I followed you with GFC.

    -Helen at bettencourtchase.blogspot.com

  9. Denise says:

    I used to do blog hops all the time, but now it seems like there are some every single day and usually 4-5 on the weekends. So I usually do them if, 1. I have time, 2. There aren't 20 blogs to go through or 3. I really like the blogs participating or the subject of the hop. For example, Disney or Cricut. It doesn't matter to me whether the links have pictures.

  10. Self Sagacity says:

    Thanks for linking up to Thursday Two Questions. I think the blog hops are great for bloggers. I am not sure where we would be without them. The memes are a lot of fun as well, sometimes a little challenging, but the end result is worth it.
    I prefer text links- if you already have a lot of pics on your blog, it just bogs down the loading speed.

  11. Vicki says:

    I love blog hops, whether taking part showcasing my layouts or visiting blogs for inspiration. I've learned so much just seeing how others do things.

  12. Melissa From Silver Lining Reflections says:

    This my first blog hop week. I am enjoying the different blogs, just as I hope people are enjoying mine. I am loving anything related to crafts and creativity, I like both text links and graphics ones (not really decided that one yet).

  13. Mrs. Sherman says:

    I love blog hopping, I like participating in blog hops that have a good turnout. It frustrates me when some post or link up and don't follow the rules, or sign up and walk away.
    I like photo links, makes it fun! …oddly enough, I surfed in from a blog hop! New follower here! http://momsbookshelf.blogspot.com/

  14. Xenia says:

    Thanks so much for joining us for Friendly Friday! Great questions…

    I think if you can find a specific blog hop topic that has a large enough amount of interest (for instance, working out or recipes) then that would be fun to see what other people thought on the same topic. Of course, I'm also partial to the blog hops that are open to everyone and easy to enter!

    Which leads to the second question – I don't like the photo links AT ALL. They take longer to do and take up so much more room on the page and just all-around increase the likelihood of error. Text links are good for me!

    Have a great weekend!

  15. Kailani says:

    The type of blog hops that I prefer are those that do not require too much work to participate. I also prefer text links as opposed to button-type links.

    Kailani
    An Island Life

  16. Traci66 says:

    I enjoy blog hops. I actually host 2 Wordy or not so Wordy Wednesday and Keepin' Company Thursday. I like the picture ones but either is fun. I also like question type hops, helps the creative juices flow.

  17. shah wharton says:

    I host two blog hops at my blog. One on the whole weekend and the other on Monday. They#re still relatively new but hard work. I find I spend the week promoting the weekend and Monday. I told myself that if did a blog hop I'd visit all those who linked up and do a feature on one of them a week to say thank you. That in it self can be time consuming.

    Both are themed – creativity on the weekend and mental health on monday. They're both rewarding in that is has bought two great genre's of bloggers to my blog. It also gives my blog a signature – it tells bloggers what I'm about and stand for. It structured my posts – I have four days of hops, a feature, an awareness day and a random day. I know whats happening each week .Some wouldn't like the structure – I need it.

    In answer then, do it – go for a hop. One to begin with. Then see how it takes off. You have a popular blog so I imagine it'll do well. You could do a crafting hop perhaps? Promote it a little with people who are interested in your hop genre too. Just to get it started – although esp on my Monday Madness one it take daily commitment to bring those with mental health 'out' to link up for obvious reasons.

    Regarding pics or text. I wish I'd just done text on my weekend one after reading your comments here. My other one is text already. I don't see any real difference, personally.

    Anyway – it seems I've done one of my rants! Whoops.

    Have a great weekend and thanks for linking up to my hop this weekend. Always appreciated.

    Shah at wordsinsync.blogspot.com x

  18. I am Harriet says:

    I hate those picture linky's from that one particular linky person because they go bad more than they work. Mr Linky's are so easy to use. I like the blog hops when everyone gets along. There is one Friday hop who will take the time to delete people who post their button in your post with anyone else's.

    Have a great Friday!

  19. Shawn Becker says:

    I have to leave for work, just wanted to let you know I will be back tonight.

  20. Cozy in Texas says:

    Stopping by from the hop. I like getting to know other bloggers through hops though have never done one. I prefer the text, all the pictures are a bit overwhelming and I've often found they don't work.
    Ann

  21. Sandy O says:

    OH, I love blog hops when I have the time. If I don't do it all in one sitting I will forget to finish it! I love what I learn from the blogs, pictures are a must for me :o)

  22. Kim@Chubby Cheeks Thinks says:

    Thanks for linking up for Hop Along Friday! 🙂
    Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

    Kim

    Chubby Cheeks Thinks

  23. Stacy Uncorked says:

    The thing I like about blog hops is that you get to discover new blogs you might not normally run across since there are so many out there. They are a lot of work – but so worth it in the end. 🙂

    Aloha: Swimsuit Shopping

  24. Thrifty and Chic Mom says:

    not sure but I def prefer text link, easier and quicker to use

  25. shopannies says:

    I enjoy blog hops I like blog hops that allow one to share creativity either through sharing their favorite post or something that they have created. Pictures or non pictures do not really seem to matter to me.

  26. Amber says:

    As long as the blog hop is fun and not too difficult to enter, I always enjoy themed hops! I usually come across quite a few blogs that interest me. I think blog hops are important for the blog community and may help you find some good information that you wouldn't have otherwise found, and even make a few friends with common interests.

    I actually think I prefer photo links. A photo can sometimes say it all, and I usually find myself clicking on some because they are vibrant and interest me.

    Happy Friday!
    http://wellnesswithdiabetes.blogspot.com/

  27. Bianca @ Walnut Avenue says:

    Hi – thanks for linking up to my Foodie Friday linky party!! I am getting hungry just looking at all the fab recipes!

    As for blog hops – I just joined my first one last week and it was pretty cool. I have joined others that don't give you the link to the hop so you can not imbed it in your post which I find to be a little less productive as it kind of defeats the purpose. With the code everyone has the same linky list on their page which means it reaches everyone's followers as well…makes sense to me if you want to really showcase all of the goods!

    As for pictures – a definite yes!!

  28. Shelly says:

    Hey there I am your newest follower from the I love blog hops (I am WAYYY behind LOL) I like just seeing what different peoples blog are like and how creative they are!! I like just the text links so much easier! I hope you will follow me too! 🙂

    http://firebutterflyjewels.blogspot.com/

    http://mommysmenuplanning.blogspot.com/

    http://myowngrocerygame.blogspot.com/

  29. Erika says:

    I like blog hops, but they do take a lot of time. Lately, I've been participating in some 'other' type hops – like twitter, facebook, & the new alexa hop. I do like the picture blog hops the best because they are fun and you can get a sense of the blog even before you click on it.

  30. Deni says:

    I can honestly say that I have never truly participated in a blog hop…they just aren't my thing.

  31. Miranda says:

    If you get good traffic, they are a lot of work if you commit to visiting all of those that link up to you. I think they are a great way to find some new blogs to read and learn things from other blogs.

    It is so interesting to read that most like the text linkys. Makes sense b/c they are so much easier to enter, but for crafty or foodie hops, I like to see the pictures of what is being showcased. Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words!

    Thanks for linking up to Fat Camp Friday today! Have a great weekend!

  32. Lindsey says:

    new follower-love your blog!!

  33. Ashley E says:

    I do have to say that I love a HOP that has a meaning. I like looking at others who have the same interests as I do. I like to steal ideas on DIY stuff mostly. I think thats why I do the Random Makings HOP. I do like to link up to some throughout the week.
    I do like HOPs with photos, but you have to pay for those services. That's why I just do the links on mine. I like seeing the pictures, but I don't like the idea of having to pay for it. There's enough I already have to pay for. Free is great!!!

    I hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend!!!
    and thank for stopping by the Random Making HOP!!!

    Ashley E

  34. KY Klips says:

    I love blog hops! That is the main way I am promoting my new blog. It depends on the hop whether text or photos is best. For a general hop, I think text is fine. If you are looking for a particular item/group to hop or looking for a deals hop, then I would rather see pictures.

    Hope you will drop by and follow me back. Thanks!
    Janet @ KY Klips Blog

  35. Shawn Becker says:

    I enjoy hops and find they are a good way to meet new people. I especially like those that ask questions because you can get a better insight into the bloggers you make friends with and follow. As for the linky, I have not experienced any problems with the picture, or button, linky 's.
    Like Harriet said, I do not care for the hostess that can not get along with others. Who cares if your hop is in the same post as another. Everyone still gets credit.
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Shawn

  36. JamericanSpice says:

    I prefer blog hops that are easy to participate and will be fun. The more rules the less likely I will participate.

  37. Andrea says:

    I don't really know, not huge into blog hops.

    I like text links b/c they are quicker and I don' thave tons of extra time.

  38. Terra H. says:

    Hello! I'm already a follower. I actually host a blog hop on Thursdays. I think they're good, IF people are actually using them to find more blogs to follow and will come back to read other posts and things that blog has to offer. Sometimes it's just a numbers game and I don't care much for that. I prefer hops with pictures, but will participate either way if I have the time or feel it will be worthwhile.

  39. Brenda says:

    I like the idea of blog hops. I just joined my first ones, I like the ones that are themed, recipe ones, because I love finding new recipes! I like the ones where it encourages people to leave comments on articles written on your blog. I don't have the follower buttons yet though and I the hops that I joined I only received a couple comments. I would like to try a few more though. I love visiting all the new blogs! Yours included!

  40. Sally says:

    I think blog hops are ok, but there seems to be more and more of them. Some of the ones I have been on lately have as many as 15 to 20 blogs. I would like to see them with smaller amts of blogs so that I have time to visit each of them and leave a comment. With so many blogs in a hop I usually just have time to just take a look but not leave a comment except on an accasional one or two. That being said.. I love seeing all the wonderful talent and "eye candy" out there:)

  41. www.freehotsamples.com says:

    Hi, thanks for linking up to my Hoppin Weekend Blog Hop. I love your questions! One of my favorite themed hops is at Just Married with Coupons where everyone list in their linky where they are from. Its fun to see where all the blogs are located. Whatever you decide on keep it simple….the more complicated the hop, the less likely blogs will participate. I have 3 hops, Giveaway Gallery, Wednesday Social Bzzz and Hoppin Weekend. There aren't any rules for my Wednesday and Weekend hops. I don't even require anyone to grab a button, but bloggers are great and still grab it! These are both text linkys – it's faster to link up. My Giveaway Gallery is a thumb nail – I prefer thumb nails for giveaways so everyone can actually see the giveaway product.
    Jackie
    http://www.freehotsamples.com

  42. Crystal says:

    I think blog hops are crucial to blogging! I "may" not have found your blog had it not been for the blog hop that you participated in and I'm so happy I did find you! 🙂
    I love to find new and interesting blogs! It's also great networking! For me, blogging is about reaching as many readers as I can and spreading what I have to offer with the world wide web!
    I love to particpate in show and share hops! I get to see everyone's talent!
    thumbnails are preferable but I understand the linky tools are starting to charge and this may be the reason most are switching to the text linky! Good luck and let me know if you're going to be hosting!

  43. Purple Froggie Clay Stuff says:

    Hi, thank you for inviting me to give my opinion.
    Question #1. I love all sorts of blog hops, it doesn't matter to me, I just enjoy meeting new people and viewing their blogs.

    #2. It doesn't matter to me, I'm a very easy going person. I like both photo and text.

    I've decided to participate in Wordless Wednesday this coming Wednesday, it will be my first time.
    So you see.. any blog hop is great with me, I like them all!

    Hope you have a good weekend!
    Cindy

  44. missykade says:

    First, thank you so much for linking up for the Super mega hop again this week : )

    Second,

    Questions:

    1. What types of themed blog hops would you enjoy participating in at Create With Joy?

    I usually like blog hops to be simple. I try to enter a bunch and only have a short time span to enter them so the ones that require a lot of effort sometimes have to wait. By the time I get back to them, they're over.

    2. Do you prefer blog hops with text only links or photo links?

    Both, I like links and pictures.

    Have a happy weekend : )
    Debbie
    Lucas's Journey w/SPD
    http://lucasjourneyspd.blogspot.com

    http://twitter.com/#!/lucasjourneyspd

  45. aquariann says:

    Blog hops are fun! You should totally host one. Thumbnails are pretty, but text links are usually free. And come join my Spring Blog Hop, too. ;D

  46. Karen and Gerard says:

    I like blog hops but only participate in three regularly because there are so many blogs involved: Tuesday Teasers, Friday Fragments and Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop. I tried participating in the Blogger's Over 40 "Meet Me On Monday" but I just don't have time to get a post together late on Sunday night. They are very time consuming!

    I like seeing the picture links but the text ones are okay too.

  47. The Paper Princess says:

    Dear Friends

    I just wanted to thank all of you for taking the time to share your thoughts on Blog Hops this weekend! You've given me a lot to think about. I look forward to posting more on this topic once I've had a chance to digest your comments. Stay tuned – and in the meantime, if you're just joining in, PLEASE, share your thoughts as well!

    The Paper Princess 🙂

  48. Jennifer says:

    I found you through the Alexa hop! Come join mine at
    I would say that Wordless Wednesday and Follow me Friday are good for starters.

  49. Melissa + Tiffany @ Home Grown Families says:

    I have a love/hate relationship with Hops. There is always some jerk who links up something inappropriate. Then, there are the bloggers that come and paste "Following you now form the XYZ blog Hop" on the post that took me a million hours to write and I poured my heart into. (I just delete those comments and don't visit them.) Then there are the new bloggers that have the Capthca codes on their comments- it's not my job, moderate your comments…
    But, they are fun and I learn a lot.
    I don't like the picture ones. They take SOOOOOO much time to link.
    🙂
    A usually positive,
    Tiffany

  50. Danyale N. says:

    I'm from Snack Bar Reviews Lower Your Alexa Blog Hop

    I viewed and following you and hope you check out my blog as well

    Evoluchun's Miscellaneous

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