It’s not uncommon for me to write up a roundup at Blondish.net. In fact, they can be quite fun to do, and also can bring in traffic, especially if the topic is good.
In the blogosphere, roundup can be entertaining. However, not everyone is publishing a roundup, and not everyone knows the term. In fact, I had a couple readers ask me in my post on Blogging Etiquette: How to Handle Images in Roundups, to explain what a roundup is.
So… you asked, and here it is. 🙂
What is a Roundup?
In blogging, a roundup is a post that has a list of items related to a specific topic. These items could be images, people, ideas, videos, audio or music, and much more. An example of a roundup is that it usually begins with “Top 20 of” or “10 Best”, or something that will a number that you will either be the best, or worst of something.
Roundups can be also be known as lists or mashups. The purpose of a roundup can be entertaining or informative, or even both. One of my favorite sites that is filled with roundups is List25. It’s filled with different types of intriguing lists that have only 25 items in each article!
One of the coolest roundups I like at List25 is the one on martial arts, which is called 25 Best Anime Of All Time That You Will Want To See.
While List25 and other sites may be dedicated to lists, for the everyday blog, a roundup is not something you should be using all the time. It’s usually considered filler content.
Now, just because I said it was filler content, that doesn’t mean the post is worthless. It can actually be a big benefit if you choose your topics right.
How can a roundup post benefit your blog?
You can better connect with your readers. People somehow love or hate lists. They like to check them and compare notes, or somethings learn. Some may criticize your roundup and recommend other, possibly better things.
You can better connect with other people. If your roundup is using content from other places, or it’s about people, you’re building a relationship with others. Sometimes it can make a great door to bringing in people you’ve really wanted to bring into your circle of peers.
You can gain backlinks for a well done roundup. People may quote your list, or they will link to it.
A well done list will attract
Karen Woodham says
I used to do a lot of “round up” posts when I first started my blog, not so much these days, may be it’s time to get back in to doing some from time to time.
Nile Flores says
I have those weekly roundups (when I’m not too busy.) I just started on trying lists for people, which is not easy considering I’m really picky… lol
Siphosith says
This is a simple and clear way of explaining what a roundup is. I have seen a few of these from other bloggers. I like them as they tend to bring one’s attention to a certain topic by different writers but found on the same place. Also the idea of building relationships is beneficial.
Nile Flores says
I do like to read roundups. When it comes to listing people, I usually see a few that probably don’t fit, but that will be natural. We all can’t always agree. 🙂
Ovais Mirza says
Hi Nile! thanks for sharing some insights on Roundup. To be very frankly speaking, I barely had any knowledge about Roundup until I read your post. Also, the benefits of roundup mentioned by you seems to be really helpful and I ll definitely give it a try. Would love to hear more from you. Cheers.
Thyrone Charles says
Hi Nile,
First of all, thanks a very much for this informative post.
As an advantage, I can add one more point. Which is, Roundup is one of the great ways to review products for affiliate marketers. Let’s say a topic like “top 10 books about the relationship”. These kind of round up post reviews attract more people to buy that particular product.
Anyhow thanks again and have a great weekend.
Sneha says
Hi Nile! thanks for sharing some insights on Roundup. To be very frankly speaking, I barely had any knowledge about Roundup until I read your post.I have seen a few of these from other bloggers. I like them as they tend to bring one’s attention to a certain topic by different writers but found on the same place. These kind of round up post reviews attract more people to buy that particular product.Thanks for a great article..:) 🙂
Sue Bride says
I enjoy round up posts relating to my interests. Roundup posts can keep you up to date with what’s new and point you to the best posts on a particular topic. They save you research time.
I always appreciate those you post here. You always manage to find reading material that interests me.
John says
Great post! I’ve never heard the term roundup in blogging until I read this post, but it does sound beneficial. I’ll definitely consider it in the near future! Thanks 🙂
William Earl Amis Jr III says
Nile, this way the easiest topic this week. I love the concept and learn allot from reading them. The vast information being shared, in one article. Helps, many of us find some interesting facts. The one you shared on The 25 Most Lethal Martial Arts Ever Created. Now, this one is amazing!
This was truly worth my time!
Zach says
It’s really hard to forget that our readers sometimes don’t understand all the terminology we use on our blogs. This was a good reminder.
Chery Schmidt says
Hello Nile, I love to visit when you do your weekly round ups, this is such a great way to get to know other bloggers and of course to learn from them as well.
Thanks for all you do.
Chery :))
Willena Flewelling says
Roundups are something I’ve never done before. But I like reading them on your blog, and they’re a great way to be introduced to blogs I’ve never visited.
Jay says
Hi Nile,
Roundup is the best way to engage your readers with your blog and articles. I use roundup often on my blog because according to survey people take more interest in such type of post. Such titles attract people more and they will connect with your blog easily.
Anil mishra says
I will also enjoy Roundups so thanks to share it
Priyanka says
@Neil
I cherish the idea and take in distribute from understanding them. The immeasurable data being shared, in one article.. I like them as they tend to convey one’s consideration regarding a certain subject by distinctive essayists yet found on the same spot.
Regards
Priyanka
Tenille says
I never knew or heard of the term “roundup” when it comes to blogging. But then again, i have not yet befriended many other bloggers to use such lingo lol. I am just now starting to search for new tips and ideas when it comes to blog posts. But, i can see how the term makes sense in regards to what it stands for.
This is a simple post, and one Idea that i can easily try.
sneha says
Hey.,Great post! I’ve never heard the term roundup in blogging until I read this post, but it does sound beneficial. I’ll definitely consider it in the near future! Thanks 🙂
Jeanette says
I love Round ups. They are not only awesome for your blog I find all sorts of recipes that I want to try!
Stacie says
This is such a great resource for any beginning blogger. I remember when I started out, and I had NO idea what a roundup was and how to be a part of one.
Robin Rue ( says
This is helpful information for newbies! I love posting roundups on my site because people really seem to like them.
lisa says
Great explanation of a roundup. I like reading roundups on other blogs, but I’ve never done one for myself. I’ll have to come up with a good one.
Megan Elford says
I really enjoy reading round-ups. It’s a great way to see a number of different posts on the same topic or theme. You can really get a broad range of ideas on whatever you’re looking for!
Chubskulit Rose says
I love reading round up posts but never done it myself yet. I’ve seen some bloggers do this once in a while.
Mistee Dawn says
Thanks for explaining this to those who did not know. I always get a lot of people asking me the same questions.
Ourfamilyworld says
I think a round up post is a great idea. This will help your readers catch up on missed posts.
Jesica H says
I have never done this before, but as a reader I would enjoy having all the resources on a topic at my finger tips. I will have to work on putting one together.
Lynndee says
I love reading roundups and I’ve done a few roundups on our blog. I actually did one recently about Halloween treats.
Jennifer says
Great tips! I haven’t made a roundup post on my blog yet, but it sounds like it would be a great idea!
Jennifer Ashley
http://www.prettylittledetails.ca
Jennifer Mercurio says
I haven’t participated in a blog round up in so long. I use to have fun and love them so I’m not really sure why I stopped. Probably got too busy :/
Rosey says
It does seem people love or hate lists. I love them for some things and don’t want to use them at all for others. 😉
Tatanisha Pitts-Worthey says
I enjoy reading roundups even before it became a trend! These are great for generating traffic to your blog as well.
CourtneyLynne says
Ahhhh when I first started blogging I loved roundup a! I feel everyone does them these days & the quality just isn’t there anymore :-/
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says
I’ve never tried a roundup, I will certainly consider it. I will start participating in some as well.
Mark says
You’ve shared some excellent points Nile.
Roundup posts are extremely beneficial on a lot of levels.
And it does seem like they are a staple technique for many of the
most influential bloggers.
Not matter what particular niche they happen to be in.
Thank for sharing another extremely helpful post!