Last week I shared How to Use Linkys to Gain Readers, Followers, Friends and Fans. This week I want to talk about what goes into hosting a good linky or How to Host a Linky Party. I have hosted and co-hosted several linkys over the past 5+ years and I have linked up with thousands. I have found that there are some things to consider before you decide to host a linky and some things you can do to make your current linky even better.
Things to Think About BEFORE You Host a Linky Party
Do You Have Time?
Hosting a linky party takes time. Hosting a linky party isn’t like writing a regular blog post. You need to write the post in advance, share the post code with your co-hosts (if you have any), choose your features etc. You also need to visit as many of the posts that are linked up as possible and comment on the posts.
When Will You Host It?
What day and time will your linky go live? Can you commit to this day and time every week? IMHO linkys should go live early in the morning, NOT the night before. I have never understood a linky with the word Monday in its name going live at 8pm on Sunday night, that just irritates me. <rant over>
Co-Hosts?
Having co-hosts can be a pro and a con. If you have co-hosts please get the linky code to them at least 48 hours in advance so that they can schedule their posts. Also co-hosts can each be assigned a specific number of entries to comment on so that mare posts get visited. Having too many co-hosts can be a hassle for you and if you require your readers to follow all of the co-hosts they may just leave your site if there are more than 4-5 people to follow.
Theme?
Good linkys have a theme. Is your linky just for recipes? giveaways? healthy living posts? DIY? Crafts? Your theme can be anything goes or only one type of post-just make it clear in the rules and delete entries that don’t belong.
Branding?
Your linky needs a catchy name and a blog badge. Whether a link back is required or suggested is up to you but PLEASE make it easy for your readers to add your linky badge to their linky page. Remember from last week that Google doesn’t like all the links to the linkys at the bottom of the post so help your readers by having a 125×125 or 250×250 badge-nothing larger. Then use a widget generator to create the code. Use your button in the linky each week and have it on a “buttons” page or in your sidebar so you readers can find it.
This week I want you to think about the points I have listed and decide if you are ready to host a linky party. Next Thursday, come back for part 2 and I’ll walk you through the “How-Tos”. Make sure you are subscribed to The Mom Maven so you don’t miss any posts. If you have any specific questions you want answered please leave me a comment. I’m here to help!
I was sharing on triberr and had to come read this one. I think I am doing all of these! I wanted to make sure as I host so many parties. I start all of mine in the morning. I’ve always wondered as so many start the night before, but I don’t like it to start on a different day than it is called either. This week, I deleted 3 on my Tasty Tuesdays. I have co-hosts on all of mine as I want every post to get a comment and pinned, so I def. need help! Now I am not commenting or pinning many, but I try to share some, I feature some, and I have to get the post ready for everyone.
Tammy recently posted..Thoughtful Thursdays, Installment Eleven #linky
Thank you for taking the time to write this post. Pinned to my Blogging Board so I can take the time to read this one and Part 2 thoughtfully (instead of rushing). I do love good Linky parties, they are such wonderful networking tools.
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I just started co-hosting a linky so I’m glad to get some tips. Linky parties do take time, but I also love going through the posts and discovering bloggers I otherwise might not have come across!
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