Just like the books we talk about, our blogs (and posts) often share certain motifs and themes, from certain design/layout elements or common phrases. So while bloghopping these past few weeks, I’ve been keeping a list of things that stood out to me.

And what better way to collect these items than in bingo boards? (Well, this was originally going to be a drinking game. But I’ve already made one of those for ASOUE, adaptable for either the books or the show.)

This post is not meant to mock anyone whose blog/posts contain these things — it’s just for fun and extra motivation to bloghop for those of us who might want/need it. Myself totally included.

Blog Design

• Blog logo or mascot
• WordPress blog
• Blogger name in blog name
• .com URL

Post Types

• Tag/Meme post
• (Book) Review post
• Interview or guest post
• Bujo or planner post

Post Content

• Original photos (taken by the blogger)
• Embedded tweet or insta post
• Book cover image(s)
• Discussion questions (at end of post)

Buzzwords

• #ownvoices
• “If you loved/enjoyed”
• “POC” or “AOC”
• “Backlist”

Sidebar Elements

• WordPress follow button
• Search bar 
• Ko-fi button
• Blogger award badges

Blog Design

• Unique color palette
• Static home page (ie, home page is not just posts feed)
• Blogger blog
• Signoff graphic

Post Types

• Book recs post
• Unboxing or Cover reveal
• Discussion post
• Blog tour post

Post Content

• Strikethrough text
• Pingback to another blog
• Book buy links (Amazon, B&N, etc)
• Spreadsheet screenshot

Buzzwords

• “LGBTQ+” (or some variation)
• “New favorite book/read”
• “Indie”
• “New adult”

Sidebar Elements

• Photo or Picrew avatar
• Post calendar
• Currently reading
• Bloglovin’ widget

Bonus challenges

• Complete a bingo board using as few blogs/posts as possible.
• Complete a bingo board without repeating blogs/posts.
• Complete a bingo board using only your own blog and posts.
• Complete a bingo board using only diverse bloggers.
• Anything else you can think of!

• Are there any major things that I’ve left out?
• Are any of the prompts unclear?
• Which of the elements above do you like to see? Which do you think are overrated/overused?

Feel free to use and repost these bingo boards, as long as you credit me by tagging me (@ninetalevixen on Twitter & Instagram) and/or linking back to this post!